Sessional_Paper_1884 — Page 202

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Supplementary Minute on the levy of Taxes by the Chinese Authorities on the Fishing

Trade of the Colony—Establishment of a depôt within the Colony.

In 1868 it was brought to the knowledge of the Hongkong Government that two armed Cruisers, called No. 1 and No. 2, and only known by these designations, were in the habit of visiting the ports of the Colony, and collecting a tax for the San-On Salt Farmer. The fishermen of this Colony were called upon to take licences from the Cruisers, and the rate levied was said to be $2.50 for a licence allowing a junk to have on board 100 piculs of salt. The whole facts will be found recorded in C.S.O. 91, C.S.0. 98, Memo. of Governor MACDONNELL, C.S.O. 144, C.S.O. 204A, of 1868, and also in Governor MACDONNELL'S despatches to the Secretary of State, No. 473 of 7th April, 1868, and No. 604 of 28th October, 1868. The Governor protested, through the British Consul at Canton, against the unwarrantable acts of these Cruisers, entering our ports and collecting taxes from the fish-trade, and pointed out in one of his despatches that Mr. Ho A-LOI had attempted to establish a Salt Depôt for the issuing of licences in the Colony, a proceeding which could not be allowed. The Viceroy of Canton, in 1869, issued certain proclamations in reference to illegal Cruisers, and nothing more was heard for a time.

The history of the improper seizure of Hongkong Fishing Junks, for not having proper licences from the Salt Farmer, is part of the history of the Blockade question, and it now appears from reports of the Registrar General of the 26th April, and 9th May, that since the end of last year a branch establishment of the San-On Salt Farm exists on the Praya. It is called the Yan-wo T'ong. There are a couple of Cruisers under its orders, called No. 1 and No. 2, probably the same as levied similar taxes 15 years ago. It will be seen from the Registrar General's Report (See Appendix E.), that a license was bought at the Yan-wo T'ong office in May, for $5. The form of licence is shown in that report. As His Excellency is aware, a reference, through the British Consul at Canton to the Viceroy has been made, calling for explanati ons as to the right of the Salt Farmers to levy taxes in British territory, or to collect taxes from the Hong- kong Salt Fish trade. In all probability the depôt will be disowned, and the Cruisers alleged to be out of the Viceroy's jurisdiction.

There is, however, something to be said about the fishing boats, which salt their fish at sea having permits. If they had 100 piculs of salt they might evade the Salt Commissioners' tax, which is a heavy one. I believe it amounts to $1.50 per 120 catties. That is $1.50 for 14 piculs.

28th August, 1883.

J. RUSSELL.