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doing much mischief in the New Territory. The respectable people objected to it but they said that it was the business of the Government to suppress the public gambling, as if their objections were publicly put forward it might entail violence to them by the gamblers. I therefore authorized the police to prevent public gambling tables when they came under their observation in the course of their duty. So far I have heard no dissatisfaction on the part of the people.
5. The Merchant Shipping Ordinance was introduced as it was found that if excluded we should lose all control over the extensive junk traffic around the coasts of the Colony, especially in Deep Bay and Mirs Bay, and we cannot afford to relax our vigilance over these vessels.
6. In the consideration of all these matters I was careful to obtain the views of the heads of the different departments and to consult Mr. Goodman whose minute formed the basis of your despatch. It is possible that local considerations were more apparent and pressing than presented themselves in considering the questions in London.
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I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble Servant,
Henry Arthur Blake
GOVERNOR, &C.