Copies have been adopted by his Merry Pattinage for the above-mentioned Services.
With regard to the former, their Lordships have only to remark that it would have been more satisfactory to them if they had been furnished with a plan and estimate of the additional Commissariat buildings before they were requested to give their sanction thereto.
And with regard to the expensive Establishment, an establishment besides consisting of four Officers and subordinate persons, has been formed for the purpose of surveying the Island off Hong Kong. Their Lordships trust that this work will be completed without unnecessary delay, and they suggest that his Excellency Major-General Pattinage should be instructed to discontinue the employment of the additional Officers.
Upon the subject, adverting to the great deficiency which appears to exist for the sale of Land in the Islands of Hongkong, and to the remarks of the Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioner on this subject, my Lords think it right to observe that unless peculiar circumstances exist, which would render it manifestly unadvisable to do so, land should be disposed of in the open Market to furnish the highest bidder who can offer the requisite security for the payment of the annual rent or other consideration for which the land will be transferred.
I am, Your obedient Servant