10. It should not be understood that the Government of Hongkong has altogether rested on its oars in the matter of these Agencies. I enclose a return shewing that whereas in 1867 the salaries at these Ports amounted to £810, which sum was annually charged on the London Office Grants, we are now expending £1697.10. a year upon the same services. The steamer traffic upon the Coast of China, and communication with America and Australia, have increased enormously, and this Government has not, therefore, been able to refuse the applications of the Agents for increase of Salary in certain cases. The Amoy Agency, owing to the increased number of residents in Formosa, and the incessant exchanges of mails with this Port, can no longer be carried on properly without an Assistant; indeed I learnt that one Agent there was privately giving half his salary to the Consular Constable for assistance, and the clerk at Shanghai is pressing for increase of pay on the ground of long and good service - an application which cannot be indefinitely refused. On the whole it is clear...