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ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE

To the Editor of the Friend of China,

Victoria, Wednesday, 30th July, 1845. SIR-The perusal of your article headed" Property Tax" In your issue of today afforded me un inconsiderable a. mount of pleasure-pleasure not derived from the fact, that a onun exlated to warrant censure so severe, but that a justifiable cause existing, you came forward in a noble and spirited manner to assert the rights of the Colonist, and to defend him as far as in you lay from petty oppression in forced by a few narrow minded, proud, and unstable men. These accusatione against our relers, Mr. Editor, are not un- founded baseless fancies of the mind, but Sterling Stubborn taots to prove which will be, but the work of a very few

seconds. In truth, Eir, the saying that Little minds are pleased with little things is applicable to our Rulers-Who

would suppose that a body of men, believed to possess talent Legislative capacity concoct such trash as the Ordinance to (but which I fear must be hid in a Napkin would in their tax Snitt-used, I cas afirm, only by about ten rndividuals of the whole community, and from which tax they will derive about as much revenue, ay & hungry soul would derive nourishment from a dreamt of plenty. Thero is also the never to be forgotten Poll tax and other absurdities far, Fan too nu merous to mention, (bul which tend to prove my accusation

of narrow mindedness in our Kulere, I have sinted that they are proud, had they not been, such fearful blinders would not have taken pince: blunders that to a great ex- tent have misrred the prospects of this Colony, tell me au instance in which they have ever councelled the advice of men of experience and ability as to the best method of promoting the welfare of this Colony, and securing a lucra, tive and advantageous Commerce, but I know of instances" in which advice tendered by people of good standing has been treated with the most profund contempt.

Too weak in intellect to act themselves and yet too proud

in spirit to ask or receive help from others,

Need Foccupy your time by proving my assertion that our Governors are unstable ? Look at many Ordinances that have been promulgated, that only fluttered like the day fly for a few short hours, and then sunk into oblivion; others also that havo scarcely been declared Law 'ere they were abrogated. These things ought not to be "

Now to the paint that probes me deeply at the present time, I can swallow many things thongh not able to digest them, but nothing can induce me either to swallow or digess the Property Tas neither Beer, Soda Water nor the new importation of ice will induce it to slip down. Under ordinary circumstances a pinch of Snuff will do good to a choke ing man, but under extraordinary circumstances like the present, it only increases the choking sensation.

Mr. Tarrant and Mr. Pope are the two young men ap. pointed to determine the value of household property, and to ascertain the exact length of our purses (by the by Popes are proverbial for their sqeezing propensities. This is me rely a passing remark and has reference to Genuine ROMAN POPES, and not to any particular family of Popes).

The House I occupy cost in building 81,809, humble in

appearance, and looking rather seedy like its owner, now these very nice and talented young men have taxed my House at 600 a year, they may assess but I'll never pay the assessment that's certain and I sincerely hope my fellow- Colonists have come to the same determination A MODERATE. Tax I bave no objection to pay, but to be taxed upon such an absurd valuation is there comes THE world) iniquons, Let the Colony first be made, then tax it, but in It's infancy fere it has sourcely had time to breathe to burden it with hoqvy taxes is both impolitic and Radically wrong.

Your Obedient Servant,

AMICUS NOTE -Our correspondent has less to complain of than his neighbours, What does he think of a house being actually rented at twelve hundred dol lars a year, and rated by these intelligent youths

Ed, F. of C.

at TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS.

THE FRIEND OF UIBNA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.

The new Deed seems to have been framed for the purpose of placing the Company within the provisions of Act. 7th and 8th, Vic. Chap. 113. in the expectation of a Royal Charter.

The Shares formerly 500 Rs have therefore been raised to Rs.1,000 or £100 St., 10,000 new shares are to be created, and one half the entire number of shares to be convertible, at the option of the Holder into English Shares, traus ferable in London, and the Dividends payable there.

A court of Directors also is appointed in Lon- don, of which we observe from the Bambay pa- pers, that the late-Governor of Bombay, Mr. other Gentlemen well known in Bombay are to Anderson, Colonel Spillar, Dr. Kennedy and

be members, ****

We copy the following paragraph from the Bombay Times of the 21st June.

the numerous rivers which intersect the island. of 5 per cent upon the cost, that is of $200 per may be mainly for selfish purposes, that annum for each of the five houses; then are Holland, France and Great Britain, are alike yon morally bound to assess others at the same desirous of colonising the Indian islands-that | rate. But are you doing this.-No.-Private is they are all desirous to, extend and protect houses that cost from $15,000 to $20,000 are Admitting this, it is still to be assessed on a rental of 86,000 per annum then commerce. evident that the whole civilized world will verily "man is a strange animal. participate in any advantages derived from the formation of the new colonies; but the na- Ives will be the chief gainers, lives themselves ››

Basilan, contigious to Borneo on its north east extremity Banjarmasin on the south east end of the island and Laboan within twenty miles possession of European of the capital of Borneo on the north west powers, be important points from which in side, will all in the posse direct opérations against the pirates, affording protection to the inhabitants of the interior, and drawing forth the resources of the valuable island,

peo

With regrad to the illegality of an arbitrary taxation of private property by a Governor, with, or without, the concurrence of an irresponsible council, we apprehend there can be no doubt, This is a power which the Queen of England does not posses; and one which the constitution blic body, except the representatives of the does not intrust to any individual, or to any pu- ple. A few years ago, we were resident in a neigh- bouring colony, when elective privileges were granted to the inhabitants. The first elective Legislature cut down the pay of officials and reduced the expenditure very considerably. At the same time, the large towns were incorporat- ed previous to this there had been no taxation of private property, the police and other expences being defrayed by Government. So soon as the municipal elections were over, the Gover nor handed over the police establishment to the corporation; saying now Gentlemen, assess yourselves for the support of your police, as government no longer has any control over it. They did assess themselves after the usual way—that is by a per centage on house rent--but if any man was rated beyond his ac- Atual rental, their was a court of Commissioners to whom he could appeal--Commissioners, not of government appointment, but chosen from their own number.-In India, and in other des potic countries, private property may be taxed by the government we admit; but this is for tunately a Chartered Colony, and in no way under the jurisdiction of the Indian govern ment.

"MB. CARGILL, the Manager of the Oriental Bank," took his departure by the Steamer yesterday, Laboan itselt, though small, possesses nume- for the purpose of proceeding to England to complete rous recommendations as a colony. Its geogra the details of the arrangements relative to this Institu. tion. We understand that it is in contemplation to phical position, mid-way between Singapore get Mr. Anderson, our late Governor, to take the Chair and Hongkong, will render it in peace or in war at the London Board, that gentlemen teving become a an acquisition. It will soon draw a considerable shareholder, and being in other respects qualified to commerce to the port, and articles suitable for India, China, and Cochin-China will be act in the capacity of Chairman,”

brought forward in abundance. For a colony | We direct attention to the splendid Engrait possesses the three requisities, of a good har vings for sale at the Commission rooms of Mr. hour, good fresh water, and an abundance of Franklyn. The collection Includes some of fuel to which may be added a fertile soil. the finest historical prints of the day, selected Laboan is rich in coal, and that mineral in from the stock of Mr. Moon of London, Pub the east has hitherto been a desideratum.

new era has dawned upon navigation in the lisher to Her Majesty

eastern, as well as in the western world, the great drawback upon which has been the expense of transporting coal for steam boats from Europe: but it is believed that Lahnan will furnish an abundant supply of good quality. The coal has been tried by the Armorer of one of the vessels of war that recently visited the island, and proves to be of

The monopoly of the retail of opium was sold yesterday to Atti and other well known Chinamen for 81,710 a month. The monoph. lists will make the best of their bargain, though we have great doubts where the profits will pay the rent. This is another blow at the commercial prosperity of Hongkong another evidence of the wretched policy of the Executive another incentive for those who have an interest in the welfare of the co- lony firmly to oppose the measure of those who have no interest, further than that of drawing a salary, which it would be well for us could we convert into a retiring pension,⠀⠀⠀

· The optam refiners are removing to Cumsing

|

a

very superior kind. This mineral alune would render Laboan of great value, if it pos- sessed no other recommendation. The export to India and China will be large, besides that required as a coaling station for H. M. Steam vessels of war, and the Peninsular and Oriental Company's vessels, about to run between Hong- kong and Ceylon, keeping up a monthly com-

JULY.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENJE.

ARRIVED.

;

20, Panel, Rogers, Chusan. 31, James Turcan, Turcan, Whampoa. 31, Harlequin, Morris, Macao. August.

1 Darl, (Am) Kennedy, Macan.

1.

SAILED.

moon; and very shortly the greater portion of mudication with Europe, On the Ganges and its badly of Derry, Were, London.

the lower Bazaar will be to let.

branches their are numerous inland steam-boats which with the depots at Suez, Alen, Bombay, Point de Galle, Madras, Calcatta, Pinang, Sin- nd Hongkong will probably all be supplied with fuel from this island cheaper than it can be procured from Europe. It will offer an additional inducement to advance the embryo scheme of steam navigation on the coast of China. From the Australian colonies, also, there will in all prubability he a steam commu- mication with England via India in a few years. This branch would require depots at Swan River, King George's Sound, and other points, if they take the outer passage and at Port Essington and one of the islands in Torres stracts if the inner passage is preferred.

JULY.

29, Litherland, Free-nan, Cork. 30, Kestrel, Beauvais, Mauik. 30, Anmgmt, Phomis, Whampoa.. 30, Royalist, Lees, Shanghai. 30, Scotia, Strickland, Whanipna. 31, Lady Bute, McKinlay, Shanghi. 34, Pandora, Cuthay, Whampoa. AUGUST.

1 James Turcan, Turcan, London. 1. Alice Brooks, Jackson, Shanghai,.

REPORTS. The Petrel, arrived at this port, put into Haitan on the 12th uk. with loss of sails.

We have more than once expressed our dis approval of ordinance No. 7 of 1844, which esta-gapore, and blishes Consular courts at the free ports of China. in so far as a reference is made, or an appeal e courts, to the Su- from the decision of these perintendent of Trade. If an appeal can be made here, surely it ought to be to the Supreme Court, and not to a person ignorant of law, and already intrusted with greater p

r powers then he To the Editor of the Friend of China.

can very well manage. We observe from a Victoria, let August, 1815 Sin-The attempted lexying of a tax on property is makNotification in the official paper of Thursday, in a pot intend discusing the mitter, which I think you and very lairly in your poper of Wednesday, I merely wish to offer a few suggestions to the inhabitants, mattere having come to a crisis.

Action is now the word and if we do not vigorously and unitedly we will win the day. I propose then, that a public form. The circular of the Supermtendent of that Mr. Brooks-whose long residence in servants to Mrs. Cay Mary White, servant t meeting be convened with as little delay as possible. The meeting after expressing their senumonts, will appoint a committee of a few of our loading men, requesting them to

drawn up a petition to the house of comnions, praying that they will grant us relief from the illegal tax which is forced upon us; they will draw up a second petition to her Majesty in Council, praying that she will recall the Gentleman now at the bend of the Executive. The first petition must neces- more diffuse, and show from the whole of His Excellency's measures, that it is alike to the interest of the frown and the Colonist (and these interests are always identical) that be be transported from this sickly climate to the more salubrious phores of Europe. Fraduan langh at the

I am a quiet easy tempered man; and. antics of a hear as well as my neighbours, but, when the

creature begins to show his teeth, it is time to muzzle him.

Very truly Yours, AN ENGLISHMAN.

ERGLAND

CALCUTTA

BONBAY

SYDNEY

LATEST DATES. May 7: UNITED STATES: April 300

10. June June 28 May May BL AHO June 18

SINGAPORE July

1

MANILA

July CUUSAN SHANGHAI June Foo.cow-roo Juns June

July

6 .2 30.

MADRAS BATAVIA

THE FRIEND OF CHINA, AND HONGKONG GAZETTE. VICTORIA SATURDAY, AUGUST 2ND. 1845.

The Mail publishes the official returns of the trade of Shanghai for the six months ending 30th June 1845. In our present issue we have not space for them, but we will re-print them in Wednesday's paper. The gross amount of imports is in value £444,757 sterling exports £257,339. For the year ending 31st December 1844, the imports were £501,000 sterling; ex- ports £488,000. This shows a satisfactory increase in imports, also a small increase in From January to June, however, the exports are not so large as during the other half of the year, and there is no doubt that the annual return will show a very large addition, to the trade of Shanghai,

exports.

These Consular return are two-fold; first the articles are euumerated with the value of each;

that this ordinance (No. 7) has only partially received the sanction of Her Majesty and that as usued, it has required another ordinance (No.. 1 of 1945) to bring it into a practical working

PASSENGERS.

Per City of Derry:Mrs. Cay, Mrs. Young, Miss Pope and Miss Cobham, P. Young Esq. F. Hyland R. H. Crokenthorp, three Master l'ays and Miss Cay. Jessic Sott and Lucy Allen, Mrs Young. Jessice Hunter steerage passenger

DIED.-A: Whampoa 24th Juty, Louise," the beloved

;

By a late Singapore paper, we are informed Borneo has made him intimate with the com- mercial resources of the country and the des position of the people,--had joined Rear Ad-infant of Captain and Mrs. . Buceros, aged U months, miral Sir Thomas Cochrane at Malacca, and would proced with him and the fleet to Laboan. Capt. Bethune, as is generally known, is now

1ade to Consuls, inforins them that, they are intrasted with the power of deportation, without any reference to him, and calls their attention to the new ordinance on this subject, which was transmitted with the Circular. But why, in the name of all that is reasonable, perintendente not published to use the surfan, and having concluded his mission to tur perintendent of trade intend to pass laws so Sultan, and it is supposed obtained a cession of

the vital interests of British deeply affecting the subjects without giving publicity to them? This must be an over-sight; an omission on the part of his Secretary to send a copy to the press for publication. It is to be expected however, that he will give it publicity with as little delay as possible.

PULO LABOAN. Among our extracts, will be found a very sensible article from the Colonial Gazette of the 5th April, on the colonisation of the islands of the Indian Archipelago by the various maritime powers of Europe. In addition to the Spanish colony on the island of Laconia, the Dutch colonies of Banda and Amboina, their settle

aboan, a ratification of the terms of which may be expected shortly, We think it very probable that before the close of the year the British colours will be hoisted on Laboan, and a forty sixth colony be added to the far spread empire of Great Britain.

THE PROPERTY TAX. As was anticipated, the tax raters are putting a value upon house rent which cannot fail to gratify their employers. T The nominal rental put upon house property is from 25 to 75 per cent per annum upon the cost. We hear a great many complaints of course; and truly it is not unreasonable that parties should complain, not only of being taxed illegally, but at being taxed after this reckless fashion. One house which is rented at $1,200 per annum, is rated at 32,500; others (small tenements) which cost $400 in building are to be taxed at the mode- rate rental of $300 per annum. Somebody remarks that man is a strange animal”—in Hongkong there are certainly some very qucer specimens of the biped class. However, per haps it is as well that they should be outrage ous in this exaction; it will add weight to the stone which may hurl them from their seats. Had we the honour of advising with the

THE

FOR SHANGHAI....

THE fine A.1. Barque "PANDORA," Captain Cothay, will have imme. diate dispatch.

For freight or passage apply to

HOLLIDAY, WISE & Co. Hongkong, 30th July, 1845. NOTICE.

TS hereby given, that the business hitherto con- ducted by THE BANK OF WESTERN ENDEA, will henceforth be carried on, under a new Deed of Settlement, in the name of THE ORIEN. TAL BANK

The new Deed encreases the nominal amount of each share from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1000 or £ 100.

The new Deed also provides for the appoint- ment of a Court of Directors in London, the Mem. bera of which are already nominated and will shortly enter upon the duties of their office,

New Certificates of Shares being prepared for issue, the Proprietors are requested to send in their old Certificates to be exchanged,

By order of the Board.

S. J. D. CAMPBELL. Manager China Branch.

Victoria, Flongkong, 1st August, 1845.

NOTICE

E following Gentlemen are requested to send to the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Naviga- on Company's office, old Dispensary Queen Road, and take away the parcels, of the shipment of which

under date 6th May,--viz: Per Mermaid from Calcutta, they were advisęd

LIBUT. COLLINSON. J. POPE Esa CAPT. EDWARDS. A F. STEELE Esa.. LIEBT. TOMES LEUT COL GREGORY,

ments at Macassar on the Celebes, and on the south east coast of Borneo, the French govern ment are about to colonise the island of Basilan, one of the Sooloo group; and we trust, Great Britain at no distant day will hoist her flag on the island of Laboan. The colonisation of these two islands, with the settlements already formed by the Dutch, and Spaniards will in a few years effectually check the career of the Malay pirates, who for centuries have swept the seas of Sooloo and Celebes, the straits of Macassar, the Malur oa and the various other passages between the

Bomeo has been Executive; we would there are certain islands of this Archipelago.

ment, erected by government, long the chief haunt of hereditary pirates, buildings belonging to whose numerous atrocities have but too often Sir Henry Pottinger for the use of the Clerks gone u unpunished. The late severe lessons, they in the public offices who could not afford to pay received from the Doich, as well as from the high rents, which from the scarcity of our own ships under command of Sir Edward houses, were obtamable in the early days of the Belcher und Captain Keppel, have for a time colony. These houses have not been made awed them into respect for the flag of foreign applicable for the liberal and considerate inter- Mr. Murray, and others who have fallen victims by the heads of departments-Gentleman with to their treachery. The effect of these lessons their salaries of from £800 to £2,000 a year, is is, however, but for a time, and even now, and the poor Clerk with 880 or 970 a month though they may be cautious in avoshing any must find a house where be can. We do not overt act of piracy against the vessels of Chris mean to discuse the merits of the question that

justice, or injustice, of depriving the to sign for our firia by prosuration tian nations, there is every reason to believe that they still exercise their lawless pursuits Clerk of the house intended for him and giving els of these meas. it to the head of his department-but we would against the native trading ves The formation of settend by European say to the Executive; you have laid out 820,000 powers is alike reary for the protection of of the public money on the building, you trade, the extension of civilization, and the ame-ve rented theas to yourselves; you will of cours be taxed for them; then, at whatever fioration of the condition of the abongues

rate you mess yourselves, at that rate assess Borneo, who for centuries have been oppressed by the Malays who command the navigation of the public. If as we are told, you pay a rent

Hongkong, lat August, 1945.

second, the names of the vessels are given with nations, and revenged the melancholy fate of tions of our late Governor; they are occupied in our firm, and Mr. CHARLES RYDER

the grass value of their cargoes. Between the two statements there is a discrepancy which is not explained,but which we presume to arise from the first statement giving the valua tion inclusive of freight and charges the second being the invoice cost at the port of shipment. Even this hypothesis is doubtful, as the second table shows less valge in exports as well as in Imports,

In cur advertising columns is an intimation that in terms of a new Deed of Settlement, the designation of the Bank of Western India has been changed to the "Oriental Bank,"

the

NOTICE

NULICA TR. W. W DALE is this day admitted a partner

to sign per procuration, authorized

DIROM, GREY & Co. Canton, 1st August, 1815,

R. ROBERT POWELL JAUL is authorizat

THOS RIPLEY & Co. Hanghong, Est August, 1815.

NOTICE UR. McSWYNEY, Solicitor, Notary Public, Mdee line removed his questo fio, & Free Buildings, Victoria Wex

Victoria, 31st July, 1345.