4
benefit just at this crisis to the Colony- whilst at any time it would be a matter of importance to secure so important a Company's fixing their principal establishment in Hong Kong.
5. Captain Shelley's draft in the premium, $86,300, on the following morning, and I immediately paid off $55,000, the balance due from the Colony to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, for which this Government was paying heavy interest of 8 per cent. I also directed £2000 to be sent to the Crown Agents on account of the miscellaneous expenditure of the Colony, and these two payments with Auctioneer's fees, &c, dispose of the amount received.
Vide Secretary's letter to Governor, 20th February 1867.
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I enclose the Conditions of Sale notified in the Gazette with result of Sale.
I have the honor to be, My Lord Duke,
Your Grace's most obedient,
Humble Servant,
Richard MacDonnell
Governor