Harbour Dues, the charge of 2½ cents per ton at present levied on all shipping at Hongkong.
Mr Chamberlain concurs in Sir W. Robinson's view that it is not unreasonable to levy moderate harbour dues in Hongkong, provided that the proceeds shall not exceed the total expenditure of the Harbour Department, including Lighthouses, Water Police, etc.; and he has at present under his consideration two alternatives: viz. (1) a uniform charge of 2 cents per ton (instead of 2½ cents) on all shipping, or (2) a graduated scale, such as is levied at Gibraltar, beginning at 2½ cents per ton for smaller vessels, rising to a maximum of (say) 40 cents for larger vessels.
I shall be glad to be informed by telegraph of Mr Chamberlain's decision on the question, but I am to ask that you may make any representations you wish to offer at your earliest convenience.
...
Selborne