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and that the Land allotted to them
be only sufficient for the Buildings
and occupation Grounds and not for purposes of Endowments.
Observing that no particular
duration of the Grant is mentioned in The Return of Bazaar Lots, we would suggest that the attention of the
Governor should be drawn
to this
point, in order that he may fix a
suitable limit,
and may
take the same
opportunity of remarking that in so far as 26 Suburban Lots
may be rated, we do not think it desirable to make their duration 100 years as contemplated by Mr. Johnston, but rather that they should be for the same term as the other classes of Property.
We perceive that lots were granted to Mr. Johnston's and to his successor as Public Offices on condition that Government should have the option of purchasing the Houses built on them: and for the Harbour-master and Land Officer, Houses to have been erected at the
Public Expense. We are not aware of
the arrangements expecting the
construction
may be the arrangements expecting the
of Offices at Hong Kong; but on general principles it is needful
for us to remark that it is considered
very objectionable to allow them a free Grant of Land. The objection rests not merely on the pecuniary Exemption which they obtain, but also
on the Circumstance that since no competition takes place, the Officers may select Lots which
are both to the
ought