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annual rent itself the subject of competition, instead of fixing and having the rent bonus; and we only notice the point specially, because Sir Henry Pottinger expresses some anxiety to know that his view of it may meet with approval.
It also appears to us that the Board of Officers, whose labors we observe that Sir Henry Pottinger promised to bring to the notice of Government, discharged their duties in a clear and satisfactory manner.
Turning now to the manner in which the Lands have been assigned on lease to their holders instead of being granted in perpetuity, we may observe that the subject does not admit of any claim or right. Neither Captain Elliott nor Mr. Johnston were armed with authority to dispose of the public Lands, and it was expressly announced by the former officer, under whom the principal Sales took place, that they must be subject to Her Majesty's Pleasure. But it has of course been left to Her Majesty's Government to deal equitably with the holders of Land; and to the disposition which has taken place on the limited period for which