The state of the case is fully or more explained in the accompanying Report from the Surveyor General, Mr Cleverly, but to render the question comprehensible, I would beg that in April 1849, while Mr Cleverly was temporarily absent at Shaughne, Mr. Napier waited on me and informed me it was very desirable for the health and recreation of the European inhabitants that a path winding round Causeway Bay or Sookunpoo Valley should be widened to render it available for carriages; and being of the same opinion, I authorised the work to be completed at an expense not exceeding £75. After this work was finished, it was found to be beneficial that I was further informed by Mr. Napier that some of the gentry were very desirous that the road should be continued for about a mile further, and that the inhabitants would subscribe for the purpose generally, and he estimated that he should be able to collect from them on this account £250, whereupon I agreed to contribute on the part of the Government £100 more. It appears, however, Mr Napier was only able to collect from the inhabitants £115, upon which, that Mr Napier might not be a loser by the transaction, I authorised further payment on account of Government of £70, making £245 in all. This was a sum considerably larger than I at first contemplated, but under all the circumstances of the case, as the road was much approved of by the inhabitants generally, I thought myself on the whole warranted in sanctioning the outlay, especially as during the year...