+4
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423
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of imposing a tax on shipping for the purpose, on the ground that it would injuriously affect the freedom of the port.
5.
On the receipt of this letter I directed the matter to be laid before the Executive Council, and I concurred in their opinion that in spite of the opinion of the Chamber of Commerce the question was one of such grave importance that it should not be altogether set aside; and that a report should be obtained from the Harbour Master as to the present capacity and depth and probable future requirements of the harbour, with a view to the whole question being laid before you.
6.
I attach a copy of the Report which was shortly afterwards furnished by the Harbour Master in accordance with the wishes of the Council. In this Report the Harbour Master emphatically states his opinion that before many years the water space of the harbour will be found quite inadequate to accommodate the shipping which in all probability will continue to frequent this port; and he furnishes a table to show how largely the size of steamers visiting this harbour has increased during the last 20 years.
7.
Captain Ramsay's Report was considered by the Executive Council on the 13th instant and it was advised that you should be furnished with a copy of the Report accompanied by a statement of the history of the question with which it deals. I concur in the opinion unanimously expressed by the Members of Executive Council that in the near future more room will have to be made in the harbour by means of dredging; and that deepening will also have to be resorted to.