CO129-275 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [1-5] — Page 52

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49

of such harbour dues.

With regard to the

tax

on

argument advanced by the petitioners that any shipping will be an in- fringement of the freedom

11 of the port. I do not think

they

Can

be

aware

of the

fact that there are many free ports where the tax on shipping is very heavy,

and

I agree with those members

of the Legislative Council who

consider a free port to be one

where

喔

where

no

charged.

customs duties are

8. With respect to the

fear expressed by petitioners that ships will be deterred from coming to Hong Kong

if a charge of 21⁄2 cents a ton is imposed the following figures show that the

entry

of European shipping into ~ Hongkong has steadly in- creased since light dues ~

were

first levied. In 1875

when the dues were

first

levied