38
Crowded
item, however, might deserve some allusion, viz., Proceeds from Convict Labor, particularly since the facts are to commend "And the maintenance of these idle prisoners is too expensive, _ where formerly the monthly cost of provisions for Prisoners
was
12-
about £50, it is now
~ about £100.
64. A Treadwheel has been erected at considerable cost to Government, which I believe is not at all used, and it would seem none or only a few of the Convicts are employed on the Roads.
65. On the whole I think it must
3 be admitted.
1. That the Revenue is in a most prosperous and sound state.
2. That it is sufficient to defray the ordinary expenditure of the Colony, apart from any unforeseen works of magnitude which might be undertaken.
323 39
3. That it has increased, and is increasing, particularly so for the most important item, viz., Revenue from Land.
4. No other colony in this part of the world, belonging either to Great Britain or any other power, is so free from Monopolies, obnoxious taxes, and regulations, as the Colony of Hongkong.
66. The only improvements or alterations in Revenue that I can suggest are, 1. To the Market system, such as His Excellency, the Governor, and the members of the Legislative Council may see fit, and the requirements of the Colony demand.
2. The management of the Police by a corporation in connection with the Police management of the Public Free, and what belongs to it.