I caused Commander Hastings to be informed - that to act as he desired would be neither in accordance with what I understood to be Your Lordship's instructions, nor fair towards the Legislative Council who had increased his salary on the distinct understanding that the fees alluded to would be paid into the Treasury.
I may mention to Your Lordship that the salary of $2,640 now paid to the Assistant Harbour Master is more than equivalent to what was actually drawn by the holder of that office before - when he was permitted to retain the fees; the former salary was $1,920, to this was added $480 as Collector of Light dues, while the average fees for examining Masters and Mates for the last five years amounted to $200 a year.