74
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 9TH MARCH, 1867.
Exports and Imports.
These sheets are forwarded in a blank state as from the absense of a regular Custom House the Returns cannot be collected.
Emigration.
There has been little doing in this branch of the Department for the year 1866. The Emigration to California at one time averaging from seven to nine thousand Chinese per annum has lessened considerably; but there is a probability of its increasing with the advent of the new American Steam line. While Emigration hence to the British West Indies has wholly ceased; the Dutch Government appears desirous of introducing Chinese agricultural laborers from Hongkong into its colonies. The total number of Emigrants returning to their native country is 9253, the greater number being from Singapore, San Francisco, Bangkok, Sydney and Saigon. The arrival of Bullion from Australia is 20,8214 ounces of gold, and 13,445 Sovereigns; and from San Francisco 1,512,901 Dollars.
Registry of Shipping.
Under the Merchant Shipping Act 17 Vessels have received Registers at this Port, but the total remaining tonnage on the Register Book has decreased considerably, for the reasons given in a former part of this report. The amount of Fees received under the same Act is a little in excess of the year 1865.
Seamen.
The number of, shipped and discharged amounts to 7150 and 7197 respectively, this is a decrease and is consequent on the dullness of Trade during the year. The removal of the shipping and discharging branch of this Department to the "Sailors' Home" is found a great convenience to Shipmasters and Seamen, and of course assists materially in the support of that very excellent Institution. By the change, Masters and Seamen are more readily brought into contact, they each enjoy greater freedom of choice and while the former escape the great nuisance of being harassed by Boarding house keepers the latter claim and receive the willing assistance and advice of the able Superintendent of the "Home."
Marine Magistrate's Court.
The number of cases tried is in excess of the number in the previous year, but none of the cases were of a serious nature, and with the exception of two, were dealt with summarily.
Examinations, Ord. 17 of 1860.
Under this Ordinance-27 Masters and Mates have received Certificates of Competency and 10 have been rejected as being unable to pass the required examinations. This is a large proportion of rejections and can be attributed to the want of proper training of young Officers for the Mercantile Marine.
Marine Courts, Ord. 11 of 1860.
These Courts have been held in five instances during the year. The first on the "Pride of the Ganges" to enquire into the circumstances attending the mutiny of Chinese Emigrants and loss of life on board that vessel while pursuing a voyage from Whampoa to Demerara. The other four being to enquire into the causes of the wrecks of the "Fairlight" on the Meiaco Sina group,the "Westminster" on the Pratas Shoal,-the "T. E. Boyd" on the Pescadores Islands, and the "Teen Chang" on Cupchi Point.-I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant,
H. G. THOMSETT,
The Honorable, W. T. MERCER,
Colonial Secretary.
Harbor Master, &c.
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