James Stirling was so good and his cooperation was much to collect the needful information and to cause it to be communicated to ... But his removal from ... may probably have interfered with his intention.
The increasing Trade and circumstances which have lately occurred in the Colony have again called my attention specially to the object. I am desirous of obtaining the most accurate information with respect to the construction and constitution of such establishments in England and the arrangements which experience has sanctioned for giving them practical efficiency.
We have in the Colony revenue derived from the Shipment of opium created by Ordinance No. 5 of 1852 and its yearly produce has been (for the four years ending) as follows:
1852 - £113.2.6
1853 - £641.13.4
1854 - £924.5.4
1855 - £1049.1.8
These funds were, according to the terms of that Ordinance, intended to be appropriated as follows: in making the Water Police of the Harbour of Hong Kong a more numerous and effective body.