157
to report on that and the other Despatches referred to in our Report of the 28th Ultimo. We now propose therefore to report on the following Despatches:
89. 15 November 1848
93. 24 November 1848
98. 30 November 1848
99. 13 December 1848
105. 28 December 1848.
In these Despatches, Nos 89-98 and 99 refer to the general question of the rate at which Lands should be disposed of in the Colony.
In No 89 is also forwarded an application from Mr Stephenson to purchase a plot of Land. In Nos 93 and 105 are forwarded similar applications from Mr Braine and Mr Scott respectively.
In this Report we shall proceed - first to state the facts bearing on the general question and on the particular applications for Land now forwarded, which are somewhat illustrative of the larger question; and afterwards to add such observations as we have to make on each of these subjects.
In the year 1843 it was determined that the Land in Hong Kong, which was expected to become a great Commercial entrepot, should not be sold outright, but leased at