A
to take steps for the payment of the yearly sum of $40,000 for the privilege of having the right to open gambling houses vested in them, said sum to be paid by monthly instalments in advance at the beginning of each month, and prior to the opening of establishments.
Should this their petition be favourably received "Your petitioners beg that you will summon them to your Office to determine upon the conditions, and that you will grant them an authority in writing, thus the people generally, would be gratified and the public revenue have a permanent source of increase.
Translated by
I. Mongan,
Assistant Chinese Secretary
8th February, 1859.
(True Copy)
Colonial Secretary...