275
From this statement it appears that "the Estimate for this Church was framed by Mr. Gordon, the late Surveyor General, but the " prices for most of the items therein were fixed " much too low ; however the plan was approved of " by "Sir John Davis," and under his authority the Contracts, under which the work has hitherto been carried on, were made before the Trustees were appointed.
Mr. Cleverly from indefatigable perseverance and careful attention to the minutiae of the work, has succeeded in pushing the edifice to its present advanced state, with the Funds already furnished, and now nearly exhausted;
And in order to provide for the above deficiency, viz. £1041. 17.4, we have only the alternative to apply to H. M. Government for 1/3rd. of the amount, leaving 2/3rds of the amount to be raised by subscription, and to be paid into the Colonial Treasury, as was done in the first instance.
We feel that in the present advanced state of the building, and with the view of consulting economy, as the scaffolding is erected, we should be wanting in our duty were we not to make this appeal to H. M. Government, and at the same time to request His Excellency to recommend it to their early and favorable consideration. Fortunately the amount is not large, which encourages hope that the desired aid will be granted.
We have, &c.
Hongkong, 23rd May, 1848.
Signed
True Copy.
Vincent Stanton, Colonial Chaplain and Chairman.
A. R. Johnston
George Phillpotts, G. Col. Cary Albany
WJ Mercer.
Chas. St Ges. Cleverly
Wilkinson Dent
The. D. Neave.
Main(e) Colonial Secretary.