An attempt made to levy Light dues here, and that they will rather be regarded as a free gift by whomever erected and maintained to promote the safety of navigation and the general interests of commerce in this part of the world. I may add that my tax on foreign shipping in this port would be in the last degree injurious to the interests of the Colony and be entirely contrary to the spirit of its previous Legislation.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) Richard Graves Macdonnell,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
(True Copy.)
Colonial Secretary
Page 221
Report on the most desirable situations for erecting Lights, Beacons, Buoys, &c., in the neighbourhood of Hong Kong, by I. W. Reed, Esq. Master, R. N., commanding H. M. Surveying Vessel "Rifleman" and in charge of China Sea Survey.