Original Correspondence.

New Zealander, Volume 4, Issue 210, 3 June 1848, Page 2

Original Correspondence.

Ma. Ex-Mercator, Sir,— l should like to know to what quarter of the globe you refer, for in no British port does a master of a vessel swear to the manifeit ; and supposing your scheme applicable to Auckland, I should be glad to see an estimate of the expenses likely to be incurred by keeping Nos. 1 , 2, and S guards, &c , with the boat's crews necessary to take them to and from the different vessels ; also an estimate of the cost of a wharf and buildings where goods could be landed and ex. amincd and valued. I imagine that the expenditure of sucli an establishment would exceed the sum total of the levenue. If, however, lam in error, and such an establishment could be kept up with advantage at Auckland, Wellington, &c, I hope thac a dozen or two of well paid and smart revenue cruizers might be added for the protection of our extensive coast, for on the coast I am pretty sure the smugglers do best. And as regards New Plymouth, a couple or so of steam lim ought to be kept in readiness to tow to sea " tiped and scaled hatched vessels," for otherwise the wax and tape might sustain damage, and the unfortunate master be mulct. With respect to the clandestine impoitation of fire arms, there does not as yet exist sufficient inducement, as all those who unfortunately have them on hand cm attest ; besides, should they ever become valuable, I do not think any person would be foolhaidy enough to sell any under the existing laws. It appears to me that the amount of duties now collected aie very satisfactory, and that the present economical custom house establishment is too well managed to admit of such exlensive fiaud as you seem to dread. Your obedient servant, MISRCATOR. Auckland, Ist June, 1818.