The land has been prohibited, and which has been measured by an Officer of the Land Office — ground so paid for to become the property of the British Government in perpetuity.
In the event of this proposal not meeting with the approval of Government, the Committee respectfully suggest that an allowance of $1½ per mow per annum be granted to owners of Land where paddy cultivation has been prohibited, or where it has become necessary to use part of the paddy land or ditches in draining Lands or for cutting ditches in the Valleys.
Much Paddy Land having been built upon and a considerable quantity taken in by Public Roads, the Committee beg to submit to His Excellency that all such claims should be brought under the head of their first proposal of being purchased in perpetuity.
(Signed) W. Laine,
Chief Magistrate
(Signed) Charles Gutzlaff,
Chinese Secretary.
(True Copy)
Indirect M. & Assoc.