increase of the Actual Police Force on lands and firings. But
we think that other interests at present untaxed ought to contribute to a fund, from the application of which they
ought to derive a common benefit.
In this point of view the actual exemption of all the shipping from contribution towards the support of the Police appears impolitic,
unreasonable and without precedent in Colonial history. From the evidence taken before us,
as well as from our own personal experience of the feeling and wishes of the community,
and note of the visitors to this port, we believe that a fair and moderate tonnage duty upon vessels anchoring here
and receiving an efficient protection in return, would be cheerfully paid. A rate of (say) four cents per ton will probably not be objected to. At all events we think that it ought not to exceed five cents.
Page 251
For the purposes of some of the above recommendations, we advise a careful revision of the