28.
might
mischief
cause much misconception and mischief. With a population such as that which Hongkong has made, may not be a may be now focussing on domiciliary visits, Collector, as at present made, little useful in checking Prince). The apportionment of the first payment of a portion of the whole Revenue among the numerous small tenants of a proprietor, instead of levying the sum total from the proprietor himself, may be considered less burdensome, or at least less liable to create dissatisfaction. Wrath, whether just or unjust, is always to be avoided if possible. And in any municipal arrangements hereafter to be made, the amount of tax paid by each householder would form a useful standard by which to regulate voters or electors. No further list of assessment is needed for the Collection of both taxes separately than now exists for the collection of the Police rates.
"Simply
41129.
The losses that Macao has recently sustained, calculated to render it a less favourite place of residence than formerly, the establishment of safe communication with that place, with Fuhkien, Hum-king-foo, and, it is hoped, with the East Coast of China; the destruction of most of the piratical fleets, now drawn into formidable combinations, and the attention of England to the anomalous state of our Colonies; all render the present time propitious for an attempt at improvement. In the hope that so good an opportunity may not be lost, I leave, &c.
C. B. Hillier.
Signed) 6.13.
Colonial Secretary