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Circular; Ordinance. It elucidates very clearly the use made of the Special Permits to which you referred and I think there is no reason to consider the working of the system defective. In fact, it has stood the test of radical operation far better than could have been expected and its results are of the highest importance.
The number of Documents issued already amounted on the 10th instant to 7,445; the receipts to 87,262; whilst the Boarding Officers since the 10th of January have boarded and examined the same different vessels in more than 5,000 cases.
It is therefore evident that the Department has been very actively employed. I am only sorry that the Harbor Master should have expressed his regret at not having a more efficient cruiser than the "Proserpine" which, nevertheless, does a great deal of work very usefully as she does, and he must only manage as best he can till the Colony can afford a more suitable craft. As it is, no duty under the Ordinance has been neglected through want of a more efficient cruiser, and that is all which can be expected.
Though the Hover to be,
· Your Ladships' Most obedient Servant,
ROBERT W. FRANKS
Governor