LIST OF PAPERS.
Sir John Davis to Viscount Palmerston
Inclosures
1. Observations on Report of Committee of House of Commons in 1847, on Commercial Relations with China
2. Return of Ships arrived at Hong Kong in 1847
3. Imports into Hong Kong in Chinese vessels, 1846, 1847..
4. Export of sugar from Hong Kong during 1847
Page
January 21, 1848
1
1
2
3
3
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197
Papers respecting Commercial Relations between Great Britain and China.
Sir John Davis to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received March 25.)
My Lord,
Victoria, Hong Kong, January 21, 1848. HAVING been directed by your Lordship's despatch of October 14, to furnish any observations that might suggest themselves on an inspection of the report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons appointed in the session of 1847 to consider the present state of the commercial relations between Great Britain and China, I have the honour to furnish the paper transmitted herewith.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
J. F. DAVIS.
Inclosure 1.
Observations on the Report of a Committee of the House of Commons in 1847, on the Commercial Relations with China.
(Extract.)
THE Committee suggest that a regular Post Office communication by steam-boats from Hong Kong both to Canton and the northern ports, would add much to the security and activity of our commerce. I have lately, in consideration of the advantages likely to accrue to Hong Kong as a colony, as well as to the general trade, granted a piece of land rent free (subject to the approval of Her Majesty's Government), for buildings required by a company lately established for the above purpose, and who have ordered two suitable steam-vessels from England.
I am happy to state that the Committee have formed a very inadequate notion of the state and prospects of Hong Kong. The population, exclusive of troops, has gradually increased from less than 5000 on its first occupation in 1842, to 23,872, the amount for the past year 1847. This population, instead of consisting of mere vagabonds, comprises in its number contractors for expensive works, executed (by the testimony of the engineer officers) as well as they could be in England, and of numerous owners of respectable shops, where almost any of the productions of China can be obtained. Life and property are now acknowledged to be secure.
The revenue, without a single tax upon commerce, has progressively increased since my arrival, from £9,534 to £31,078 in 1847; and the civil expenditure diminished from £66,000 to £50,959 in the same year; of this £15,169 has been for public works incidental to a new colony, which being
[107]
LIST OF PAPERS.
Sir John Davis to Viscount Palmerston
Inclosures
1. Observations on Report of Committee of House of
Commons in 1847, on Commercial Relations with China
2. Return of Ships arrived at Hong Kong in 1847
3. Imports into Hong Kong in Chinese vessels, 1846, 1847..
4. Export of sugar from Hong Kong during 1847
Page
January 21, 1848
1
1
2
3
3
...
197
Papers respecting Commercial Relations between Great Britain and China.
Sir John Davis to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received March 25.)
My Lord,
Victoria, Hong Kong, January 21, 1848. HAVING been directed by your Lordship's despatch of October 14, to furnish any observations that might suggest themselves on an inspection of the report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons appointed in the session of 1847 to consider the present state of the commercial rela- tions between Great Britain and China, I have the honour to furnish the paper transmitted herewith.
I have, &c.
Inclosure 1.
(Signed)
J. F. DAVIS.
Observations on the Report of a Committee of the House of Commons in 1847, on the Commercial Relations with China.
(Extract.)
THE Committee suggest that a regular Post Office communication by steam-boats from Hong Kong both to Canton and the northern ports, would add much to the security and activity of our commerce. I have lately, in con- sideration of the advantages likely to accrue to Hong Kong as a colony, as well as to the general trade, granted a piece of land rent free (subject to the approval of Her Majesty's Government), for buildings required by a company lately established for the above purpose, and who have ordered two suitable steam-vessels from England.
I am happy to state that the Committee have formed a very inadequate notion of the state and prospects of Hong Kong. The population, exclusive of troops, has gradually increased from less than 5000 on its first occupation in 1842, to 23,872, the amount for the past year 1847. This population, instead of consisting of mere vagabonds, comprises in its number contractors for expensive works, executed (by the testimony of the engineer officers) as well as they could be in England, and of numerous owners of respectable shops, where almost any of the productions of China can be obtained. Life and property are now acknowledged to be secure.
The revenue, without a single tax upon commerce, has progressively in- creased since my arrival, from 9,5347. to 31,078. in 1847; and the civil expenditure diminished from 66,000l. to 50,9591. in the same year; of this 15,1697. has been for public works incidental to a new colony, which being
[107]
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