1848-04-13 — Page 1

13th April, 1848.

Present:

His Excellency The Governor,

The Honorable The Attorney General,

The Honorable W. T. Mercer, Esquire.

The Minutes of the last Council were read and approved.

Application having been made at the Colonial Secretary's Office on the 8th Instant, for a Certificate of Registry de novo to the British Barque "Isabella Robertson", or for an Endorsement on the old Registry, showing that this vessel had been sold to A. David Sasoon, resident at Canton, the matter was referred to Attorney General Sterling, and this Gentleman having expressed doubts of the Registry Act 8 and 9, Victoria, Chapter 89, authorizing the Governor of Hongkong to grant Certificates of Registry, or sanctioning the required endorsement, the subject was brought by His Excellency The Governor before The Council. And His Excellency then observed that the practice at present in force should continue uninterrupted, as it appears to be generally sanctioned by Lord Grey's Despatch No. 19 of 8th September 1846. With regard to the Attorney General's remark that some doubts exist as to the opinion of the Commissioners of Customs having been formed with a full knowledge of all the facts before them, it was resolved that Mr. Sterling should submit his opinions thereon with such further observations as may appear requisite for the full consideration of the case, and for the purpose of being forwarded to the decision of the Home authorities.

The principal Collector Mr. Mercer, the Gentleman heretofore associated with the Governor for the purposes of carrying out the Provisions of the abovementioned Act, undertook to supply the Attorney General with the particulars of the Duties and revenue which he receives on account of the Government.

(Signed) S. G. Bonham

Read and approved this 20th day of April, 1848.

(Signed) L. d'Almada e Castro,

Clerk of Councils.