***
A
41676/01.
1518/02.
th
154
ports direct trading with China where they shall load
and discharge under the supervision of the Imperial
Maritime Customs, the offices of the latter to be on
board a hulk, moored within the harbour."
With the detailed proposals for revising the duties we are hardly concerned. But the latter of the two suggestions quoted above is of considerable impor- tance to the Colony. In view of the antecedents of
the question, it is hardly surprising to find that the Chamber of Commerce and the Governor are raising
strenuous objections, on the ground that the measures proposed would be fatal to the freedom of the Port.
Sir Henry Blake has made a further suggestion, viz., that Customs officers should be carried on board
the steamers to examine the cargo en route. But he
appears to favour the idea of making Kongmoon a Treaty port; and this course is being recommended by the Canton Commissioner of Customs, who wishes to have
several ports of call opened.
(After an exhaustive search, I have quite
failed to discover Kongmoon unless it is "Kum Sing Han Harbour - 22922' N., 113°37' E.; see Admiralty chart of the Canton River, herewith).
We shall no doubt hear a good deal more about these proposals later on. In the meantime, I think
there is no need to take action.
A.P.
6.2.