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GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.

The following Report of the Harbour Master, with Returns annexed for the year 1865, is published for general information.

By Order,

Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 13th February, 1866.

W. H. ALEXANDER, Acting Colonial Secretary.

Xa. 18

Harbor MASTER'S OFFICE, HONOKono, 5th February, 1866.

Sin, I have the honor to forward the annual Returns of Shipping, &c., for the year ending 31st December, 1868. The gross trade of the Colony is still advancing, showing an excess of nearly 50,000 tons; from Great Britain and Australia there is a decline in tonnage; from the former place of 23,321 tons, and the latter of 11,571 tons; there is also a decrease in the direct trade from Japan, amounting to 11,199 tons, as well as a large reduction in the amount of Tonnage from Siam, due to the late prohibition to the export of rice from that Country, a prohibition which led to an extensive introduction of that grain from India. In connection with this I am able to report a very large increase to the trade between Hongkong and India, and Hongkong and Coast of China; between the first named places the gross tonnage entered is 297,288 tons, being an increase of 67,450 tons, and it is satisfactory to know that this excess is due to Ships carrying the British Fing-The trade between the last mentioned places for 1865 exceeds that of 1864 by 64,140 tons, but the increase of tonnage by the British Flag alone amounts to 75,338, the difference being made up by the reduction of the number of foreign Flags in these seas, their tonnage having fallen off 11,198 tons; the entire British tonnage from Indian and Chinese Ports gives the large addition of 142,401 tous on the last year's arrivals, the trade between Jass and this has increased but chiefly in foreign Vessels. The arrivals from South America shew an addition of 12,336 tons also in foreign bottoms, these being the Vessels whose principal employment is the conveyance of Chinese Emigrants from Macsa-The large increase of tonnage under the British Flag is doubtless due to the introduction of steam, and when the coal mines of Laboan and neighbouring Countries shall supply this Colony with regularity, and Steam Vessels can be more cheaply worked, sailing Vessels will find a difficulty in obtaining employment for short voyages.

The great diminution in the number of Junks frequenting the Port is worthy of observation, and is suggestive of the mach greater confidence which Chinese Merchants place in the carriage of their goods ín foreign Vessels than hitherto; if more Ports in the South of China were open the whole of the Junk trade would soon cease, and with it Piracy, for there can be little doubt but that every armed Junk becomes a Pirate when an opportunity offers.

To the Shipping returns the trade between this, Canton and Macao, whether by Steamers or Junks, is not included; but I have taken steps to ensure that, so far as the Steamers are concerned, the report for 1866 shall contain that information; the establishment of a Registry of the Junks frequenting this Port would also add much to our knowledge of the trade done by those Vessels.

Sheets of Exports and Imports remain blank from inability (through absence of a Custom House) to keep those returns. Twenty-nine Vessels were registered during the year, and thirty-one struck off for various reasons as shewn in Return No. 10. The total Emigration hence shews little difference on last year, that to California having since May last wholly ceased, the Chinese returned are also fewer in number and bringing much less Gold than has been usual.

The number of men shipped and discharged amount to 7,802, and 7,000, respectively, showing a decrease on the previous year; this is consequent on the want of employment for sailing ships during the late summer when the average number of Vessels in Port was about 250.

Forty-four Candidates have passed examinations, and eighteen have been rejected, under Ordinance 17 of 1880, The cases tried in the Marine Magistrate's Court amount to 228, being composed principally of refusal of duty, nasuult and disorderly conduct--I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obediant Servant,

FL. G. THOMSETT, Harbor Master, fe.

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No. 1.—Nomana, Toxyaɑn, and Chews of V'ssoula entered at Purte in the Colony of Hongkong from such Country in the Xaar 1988.

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