upon their
of
the same character, but of more expensive construction than those
commenced by Captain Meik, the finishing of whose Houses was prevented by the Elopement of the Contractor, whose contract is in my possession
These particulars will, I hope, satisfy His Excellency, that the lots in question
have not reverted to the Crown, but are both legally as well as
equitably the property of myself and Mr. Kinsley; and I beg respectfully to submit to H. E.'s consideration that if a purchase under these circumstances is not to be held valid, but is to bear
along with it a latent Forfeiture to the Crown, it will be difficult indeed for purchasers to devise precautions for retaining
a sound title to their own Lands.
(signed) Robert Webster
Copy.
Secretary,
276 Hong Kong
C.0. No. APR. 15
1843
207
Government House Hong Kong, January 16. 1843.
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your several letters of the 5th and 6th Last, and in
reply thereto, H. E. Sir Henry Pottinger desires me to inform you that he still holds the opinion expressed in my
letter to the address of yourselves and Messrs. Thack
of the 4th instant, namely that Capt. Meik having totally
failed in the fulfilment of the conditions
upon which he was permitted to build upon the premises, the right necessarily reverted to the Crown; and with reference to
your claim as based upon the fact of the purchase having been effected under the sanction of the head of the Govt., he desires me to intimate to you that the confirmation of such a sale
Tapp's kindley and
Webster