the trade going elsewhere.
On these grounds my Committee thinks it would be impolitic to run counter to public feel- ing in a question where there is so little to be gained in comparison with what would be, almost certainly, lost to the Colony.
The possibility has even been suggested that what would at first be simply a means for obtain- ing statistics might hereafter develop into an ostablishment for the collection of revenue. Although there is not at present any special in- dication that such would be the case, yet the mere suspicion of such a contingency, even al- though groundless; could not but have au adverse iutluence on the progress and development of the Colony and of its trade and shipping.
These observations apply with special force as regards the Chiness. nambers of whom have been attracted to the colony by the promise and under the belief that their trade would be from from troublesome restrictions, and who cau with greater facility than Europeans transfor their business to the adjacent Chinese territory or to neighbouring places, if they think that vexatious legislation is likely to be adopted in this port.
Such an Ordinance is further objected to on the ground that it would impose an additional burden on the revenue.
My Committee cannot pretend to form any accurate estimate of what this would be, but looking at the nature of the returns indicated in the Report of the home Committee appointed to inquire into the compilation of Import and Export Statistics in the Colonies, dated 23rd June, 1891, it seems very probable that the amount would not fall very far short of that re- quired to carry on a fully equipped Custom- house. In any case, my Committee is no- animously of opinion that an increased expendi- ture is not justitied either by the financial coudi- tion of the Colony or the object to be attained.
In addition to the charge on the general re- venue, account must be taken of the inevitable delays and the increased labour and expeuse which would be entailed on every firm aud in- [dividual engaged in business, and these in some
instances would be very considerable.
It has already been pointed out that Hong- kong occupies a very different position from that of other ports and it is therefore much to be feared that any returns compiled in the mannər proposed would lead to quite fallacious conolu- sions as to the real trade of the place.
In conclusion, and looking at the question from a general point of view, my Committee considers that it would be au unwise experiment, merely for statistical purposes, to endanger in any way the prosperity and well-being of the Colony. and this opinion, it believes, is fully sbarod by tho whole of the trading population of this port, both European and na- tive, as well as by the public generally.--I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
ADAM LIND. Acting Secretary. The Hon. G. T. M. O'Brien, C.M.G., Colonial
Secretary.
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