under such circumstances, it would be becoming or proper for the Legislative Council of this Colony to repeal the Ordinance referred to, though, under ordinary circumstances, I should not hesitate to bring the subject before it, and recommend the Ordinance being annulled.
The Ordinance in question appears to have been passed under the supposition that a Revenue would be derived from the exclusive manufacture and sale of spirits.
At present we have a monopoly of this description from which a Revenue is derived, and as spirits of every description are allowed to be imported from all parts of the world, the prohibition contained in the Ordinance is not only unnecessary and useless, but would be mischievous, supposing Mr. Stephenson or any one else should succeed in establishing a distillery.
The Revenue at present obtained from the sale of spirituous liquors, is derived under the provisions of Ordinance No 14 of 1844 for licensing public houses, and, for "regulating the retail of fermented and spirituous liquors within the Colony of Hongkong, and ways connected with the import and export of spirituous liquors, or with their distillation within the Colony.
Under these circumstances, I beg to request Your Lordship's instructions on this subject, and whether, under the explanation now afforded, there appears any objection to the Legislative Council rescinding or modifying this Ordinance, as it may be advisable, with reference to the present state of the Colony.
I have the honor to be,
With the highest respect,
Your Lordships,
Most Obedient,
Humble Servant,