that declaration involves the penalties of the Bond which accompanies the Register, it was hardly deemed necessary to specify any geographical boundaries.
It will be observed that the utmost care was taken not to interfere with any provisions of the Imperial Act, trusting long established practices, & as the property in this Colonial Registered vessels is vested almost entirely, in Chinese, (whose affairs, made complex by the various complications of their peculiar partnerships, & use of several names for the same individual, it would be almost impossible to subject to the Imperial provisions for registry as regards title to ships) - the attention of the Colonial Legislature was not directed to this branch of the ownership of ships; for the more our Chinese residents are left to their own management of their Commercial matters, the more they appear to prosper.
This Ordinance has now been in force for several months, with the most beneficial effects; & I most earnestly and respectfully deprecate any alteration of it, as it is only those actually residing in this Colony, & practically acquainted with its most peculiar population, & their mode of Conducting business, who can be aware of its adaptation for existing exigencies.
Finally I would again distinctly point out that this Ordinance in no way interferes with the Imperial Act, but is a local application.
I have, Sir,
Solely
True Copy
(Signed) W. J. Bridges, Colonial Secretary.