trade with the neighbouring coast towns and villages
entirely paralysed, most of the passage boats have
ceased
those that
and
are here refuse to ship & forward, price goods at any price at which freight may be offered them. It may be mentioned that the
General Chinese Community here, as represented by the Tung Wah, or Kwong Tuk, has petitioned on the subject though their Petition merely reiterated the same facts which I have had the honour to lay before the Government. In the present exceedingly depressed
State of trade the results of these extortions are most disastrous
I have the honour to be
Your
obedient servant
(Sigues) Alfred Lister
Adz: Legt: General
True copy
NDE