General.
2.
The scheme for the establishment of a Public Botanical Garden in Hongkong was first sanctioned by the Secretary of State as far back as the year 1856, upon condition that there should remain sufficient funds for the purpose after defraying the expense requisite for Sanitary and other objects of urgent internal improvement.
3.
The proposal was in consequence suspended until 1862 when an Estimate for the formation of a Public Garden amounting to $20,981.40 (£4,371.2.6) was submitted in my despatch No. 171 of 12th April 1862, and approved of by your Grace in Despatch No. 190 of 4th July 1862.
Lord Panmure (for Mr Labouchere) to Sir John Bowring, 31 January 1851.
4.
The amount so sanctioned has been expended, and a further sum of $15,643 (£3,258.19.2) is now required to complete this very desirable public undertaking.
5.
This sum is made up, as will be seen by a reference to the accompanying Estimate, of two items, (1) Excess on the original Estimate, and (2) Works not before estimated for, but now necessary for the final completion.