complainants including one Chinese, appeared. After delay they reported on the 5th of May last jointly on certain points and separately on others. On the 18th of May some of them appeared before the Committee. In their joint report they recorded the following opinions; -
Firstly, that it would be impolitic to supply by fresh sources any deficiency of revenue resulting from alteration in the Land Revenue taxation.
Secondly - That under existing circumstances it would not be advantageous to adopt the suggestion (which emanated from this Board) that in future the competition on the Sale of Leases should turn not, as at present, on the amount of Rent to be reserved, but on the premium to be paid for the Lease.
Thirdly- that with reference to the 11 complaints brought before them reductions of rent should be made to the extent of £270. 10, the rental of the Colony being in the aggregate, nearly £11,400.
Lastly- that facilities should be given for alienations, and subdividing existing Holdings.
3. On the above points which it will be observed include the important one of adjusting