I think it is desirable that there should be in the Colony a redistribution of duty and revision of Salaries and that the recommendations of the Colonial Secretary are entitled to much consideration, but the enquiries and investigations must naturally take a more distinct and specific shape. It would however be useful to know that Her Majesty's Government looks favourably on proposals for a readjustment of functions and their appropriate recompense.
8. I see no adequate cause for anticipating any such defalcation of the revenue as will be incompatible with the proper payment of officials and the progress and management of multifarious public works.
9. I would not venture, even if there were a chance of the proposal being entertained by Her Majesty's Government, to support the recommendation from the Colonial Secretary of a differential Duty in favour of Teas shipped to England from Hong Kong. In my view the whole system of differential duties is obnoxious.
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