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dispatching mails without expense, the Monsul and also the Packet Agent suggested that the most economical way is to purchase a Boat at Swatow and to employ a crew of 2 men at a cost of Ten Dollars a month; the grounds for this suggestion are that the Consular Boat is always employed on duty connected with the Consulate at the time of the dispatch of mails, and very often upon their arrival, and it constantly happens that Boats cannot be hired for the purposes of the Packet Agency.
The Officers consider the representations of these Officers reasonable, and think it desirable that they should be adopted.
The Swatow Agency does not at present cost the Government of Hongkong anything, except the Gratuities paid to the masters of vessels for Carrying ship Mails, and the Salary of the Packet Agent, being $400 per annum, is paid by the Imperial Post Office. The Revenue which the Colony received in 1861 amounted to $543.08, in 1862 to $910.95, and in 1863 to $1232.16.
I have to...
(signed) F.M. Mitchell,
Post Master General
(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary
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