three years rental in laying out, draining and improving the City it may be safely assumed that
the eventual value of the whole will be vastly increased, exclusive of the hope that may be confidently entertained of the proposed steps ensuing the future salubrity of this quarter of the Colony, and its attendant prosperity, together with the health and comfort of the inhabitants.
On all points adverted to in this despatch I respectfully solicit the early Communication of any instructions that Her Majesty's Government may deem necessary. The influx of strangers to this place is already so rapid, that the erection of Houses can by no means keep pace with the demand for them, and the intended early removal of most of the great mercantile Firms from Macao to Victoria will shortly give a further impetus to the progress of Colonization, both as regards foreigners and Native Settlers.
Meanwhile, best and most devoted energies will be applied with the advice and assistance of my Colleagues in Council, to carrying out what I conceive to be immediately required for the good of the Colony and whilst I shall study the strictest possible economy in every department, I must humbly hope, that Her Majesty's Government, will take due allowance for
the unavoidable delay that must occur in submitting estimates for every item of public expenditure (which shall be prepared and sent home for sanction at the earliest practicable moment) and will be pleased to bear in mind the complicated and multifarious duties that unceasingly press on me, and that call for a degree of laborious exertion to prevent them falling into arrears and confusion, which I may humbly aver few would be able, however willing to undergo