Markets are built were sold for the upset prices, the wait for put up to auction and E for the Central Market would be £293.0.5. Western, Eastern, and Lover Bazaar pays £1100, 1 6 8 « 12u/-, 92a141-, 54.10.0, £608.347-. Gaint which deducted from £1,679, 10.- leaves a Government of £1071, 6.5. In addition to all the stalls in the markets are assessed for Police Rates and the Lease holder of the Central Market, has besides to lodge and board a Policeman.
The 3 first Markets I understand are in a flourishing condition, the 4th is a losing concern, but Government refuse, I believe, to allow the Holder of it to throw it up. All Butchers' meat and fish are by Ordinance to be sold in the Markets, other articles not necessarily so, but a place where there is a great thoroughfare, and where people congregate will naturally be preferred to other places. The buildings or Stalls in the different Markets do not belong to the Government but are purely private speculations.
In Major Malcolm's time $1,500 were laid out on the Central Market, but that sum may be considered long since repaid. The Lease holders, who are the proprietors of the Market for the time being, do not supply the Market themselves, but let the privilege of doing so and the Stalls to others.
In the early part of 1847 Mr R. Strachan purchased the 75 years lease-hold of a Marine Lot upon which he built a Market, and paid Ground Rent. In consequence however of an Ordinance appearing immediately after it was completed, he was compelled, in terms of that ordinance, to apply for a License and to pay $50- (£10) per annum, and the Market became a losing affair. He at last abandoned the whole to Government in consequence.