Colonial Funds
I trust the measured hind
reported will receive your approval and sanction.
I have the honor to be,
with the highest respect,
Sir,
Your most Obedient, Humble Servant,
200
Mr. .... The first impression
on refund a large
sum of money on the erection of another public work in Hong Kong is that Sir F. Bouring did not take great care, exceeding the terms of his means. And in such opinion the Treasury is disposed.
I have begged Mr Labouchere to caution the Governor accordingly – which has been done.
Where a Colony is prosperous, and its commerce increasing, with growing wealth and population, the demand for further public expenditure must be correspondingly made. Nor do I clearly see how the Govt can interpose unless on the unmistakeable ground that the projected works involve an expenditure exceeding the resources of the Colony. This is a point which I think it is the duty of the Governor clearly to put before you before sanction is given to his applications.
Apprising that the proposed Magistracy is a necessary and indispensable work, I remind you that the Governor has on hand the erection of Police Stations at a cost of £4,494; that there are certain walls, roads, and bridges going on in the Wongmachung Valley – which are to cost £5,589; the Praya Reclamation, or £12,000; & besides these, the two last of which you must notice, are reported to pay for themselves in consequence of rents to be derived from adjoining Crown Land rendered more valuable by these improvements.
The Gov... is trying to get his own salary increased by £1000 per annum, & recommendations occasionally arrive from him on behalf of many Officers whose salaries he thinks ought to be improved as well.