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I waited on His Excellency myself. I had interview with him in presence of Mr. D. L. Burn, and as nearly as I can recollect, his own words were "I am most willing to grant you land for the purpose you required it, inasmuch as I consider your object will be a benefit to the Colony. You can go to Mr. Or Johnston, who will give you an order to Captain Mylius to register it in the Land Office."
Sir Henry went on to say that, like other grants, the Land would be subject to all future rules and regulations of H. M. Government.
I have seen the copy of Land Office entry in Blue Book regarding this piece of ground. "Loan to Dr. Young for a Dispensary", and "granted by Land Committee" - both these entries are inconsistent with the truth, besides the words "Loan" and Land Committee in such a case are nonsense. The Land Committee was not in existence at the time of the grant, which can scarcely be called a Loan, as it was intended and made for building immoveable property thereon.
I have to add that, in accordance with Sir Henry's directions, the piece of ground was measured off by Mr Sargent immediately after the grant, in presence of Mr Pedder and Mr. Lena, also that I had a contract entered into forthwith for clearing the ground and building a wall, and that money was paid for retaining work completed previous to the formation of the Committee, by whom I now find it said that the Lot was granted.
As appears in Mr. Scott's statement, this Committee did grant a small addition of 10 feet to the lot, but this can scarcely account for the entry.
(Signed) Peter Young
Victoria, Hongkong, 10th November, 1849.
Free Copy
Colonial Secretary