On minute inquiry, entitled to it, since Government have been informed that many of the applicants not only fixed themselves in their present locations without any sufficient authority, but that a large proportion of them are keepers of Brothels, Gambling Houses and other similar places, can have no public claim and whom it is probably desirable to take the opportunity of getting rid of altogether.
Even with respect to the respectable Shopkeepers and others, His Excellency in Council (with every disposition favourably) cannot consider their cases without overlooking that their settlement here was perfectly voluntary, that they have all enjoyed the profits of their respective callings without contributing one penny towards the expenses of the Colony, that their removal is now imperative under the Instructions received from Her Majesty's Government, being for the general interests of Society, and that the long period which you propose that they should hold their locations free of ground Rent is itself a very considerable sacrifice of Colonial Revenue.
His Excellency in Council now requests that you will submit a Return of those Persons who have been registered by, or who hold Certificates from, former Land Officers in order that the amount of pecuniary Compensation may be finally arranged.
It is necessary at the same time that the occupants should be again explicitly warned to remove, as they have sent in a second Petition to Government since the date of your letter now under reply, and the consideration of...