231
Government not now why and wherefore. It may be a convenient way of raising a revenue, but the privilege alluded to, might be disposed
are at home, fixing of as turpites
a certain rate of charge, and the Harbour Master might be instructed to send a paper stating the fixed rates and where in case redress would be obtained. The person weighing should also be obliged at all times to produce his license to the Suntimen and the authorized rate of charge. By these precautions, the salt traders would have the means of preventing extortion and they would also see that the Government here was desirous of encouraging and protecting their Trade.
But I consider that it would be still better if Government took the matter into their own hands and appointed a trustworthy person to attend to the weighing of the Salt and to all other matters connected with Sunts coming into the Harbour. Such a person would know what they brought and be able to ascertain what they carried away. He would also be the proper person to assist and advise the Junkmen and might be very instrumental in allaying their present fears and giving them confidence in the Markets.
There are at present four Markets in the Town.
1. The Central Market is granted on a lease of 5 years from July 1844 and pays per month $400 or per year $4,800.
2. Western Market leased for 5 years from March 1844 @ $150 pays $1,800 per year.
3. Eastern Market leased for 5 years from July 1845 @ $50 pays $600 per year.
4. Lower Bazaar under terms of Ordinance No.2 of 1847 pays for Licence $600.
Government revenue: $8,061 = £1,679.10
Suppose the ground upon which the...