No. 27

Referring to my Despatch No 15 of 18th February and Your
Lordship's Circular of 4th January, I have the honor to forward
copy of a Letter from the Collector of Customs on the subject of
the Rules for collecting Tonnage dues on Foreign Vessels.

2. Mr Hamley points out, what had been overlooked and not
previously brought to my notice, that the local Act of which I
annex a copy, imposes the duty per ton register; and as American
Registers do not exclude Crew Space and Engine Room, the terms
of the Law in the opinion of the Attorney General would require
tonnage to be collected on the gross registered Tonnage.

3. Amendment of the Act would therefore be necessary to carry
out the directions of the Board of Trade. But as this Colony
will soon be united to the Dominion of Canada, and all matters
relating to Navigation and Shipping will be transferred to the
jurisdiction of the Legislature of the Dominion, I think Your
Lordship will agree with me in considering it inexpedient to
pass a local Act now which would have but very temporary effect.