requested the Govt of Hong Kong to publish in that Colony an offer for the occupation free of rent of pasture land for use by graziers from Australia.
Such an arrangement was, you state, suggested to you whether an offer actually made in Hongkong.
The plan is described in such general terms that it is impossible to form any opinion as to its practicability. I do not understand in what way the claims of competing applicants for an advantage for which no payment is made could be decided - nor does it appear whether each party is to have a separate allotment of ground, or whether anything in the nature of rights of common is contemplated. On these and many points it would obviously be indispensable that the Governor of Hongkong should be able to give precise information to any who might desire to take advantage of the offer made through him.
I have no doubt, therefore, that the necessity of being in more particular communication with Sir G. Grey has not escaped you.
At the same time, I should wish to receive a further report...
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