67
154
8. The Hong Kong Government shall pass such
legislation as may be necessary to give effeat to the
above provisions.
The above-numbered paragraphs are put forward
merely to represent what I consider it proper should be
done at Hong Kong to meet Chinese revenue requirements.
I may, however, express the opinion that the system it
provides for, and more especially the recognized
presence of a fully authorized Chinese Customs at llong
Kong, gives promise of enabling measures to be taken
which will make the working of the West River trade,
especially at those places of call to seawards of the
first port (namshui) considerably easier than at present;
also, of securing arrangements which might facilitate
the trade anticipated to grow up under the new inland
steam navigation rules. In both respects anything
which may be possible and without a custom-house I
do not see that much will be possible
is sure to
redound to the commercial advantage of the Colony as
well as of the Chinese trade. On this point, however,
the occasion does not call upon me to say more at
present.
I have, etc.,
*
(Signed)
ROBERT HART,
Inspector-General of Customs.