Several notifications have been issued on this subject, and though duties have been occasionally paid on Canton on goods shipped to K. Chow, none have ever been paid. Like Lee and You Chan Chow 欽廉 are concerned. These irregularities have been going on for some time, and in the interest of the public, stringent measures must be taken.
The Superintendent of Customs has received a copy of St. E. three hereto's regulations as to the Collection of the "Li-Kin Tax" by officers and Gun-boats stationed near Hongkong and Macao, the Kap Hari Lok and elsewhere 水門急.
He has therefore requested His Excellency to direct these Officers to keep a look out for junks carrying Cotton without a Canton certificate and to seize and take to Canton all such junks. He will also send confidential agents to collect information for the Hor-kong Gunboats, that such Offenders may be arrested.
Merchants and others wishing to send cotton to the ports above named must purchase that in which duty has been already paid, and having had it inspected they will obtain permits for it. If any persons attempt to evade these regulations, both junk and Cargo will be confiscated. The proceeds of the sale of these will be duly divided between the Government and the informers, and the guilty parties will be handed over to the District Magistrate for punishment.
The Revenue is to be protected.
Canton, Nov 25th 1868.