28
live than $14,000 on Tenders received
20
I caused a thorough investigation to be undertaken as to the finances
of the Colony and learnt from the Colonial Treasurer that there would be
a balance of from £20,000 to £25,000 at least applicable to Public works
when all those Legislatred for had been completed and that this sum was
lying at interest in the Oriental Bank, waiting for appropriation
2/
f
In this satisfactory state of things
I called upon the Acting Attorney General
to advise me as to the most prudent and conciliatory mode of proceeding
303
Consistent with the instructions from Home and with the due maintenance
of the rights of the Crown. After much consideration and, as I have reason to
know, consultation with other and non-Official Members of the Legislative Council, he advised
me to introduce an Ordinance: which he assured me would pass the Legislature, as by it he would secure compensation to all parties who might possibly be injured by the measure and
moreover provide for the surrender of that right belonging to the Crown, of arbitrarily fixing the rental of any Lessees or the amount of damages suffered, by allowing a reference to