occupation of a small portion of the ground for Artillery practice, little practical use has apparently been made for Military purpose.
The Superial Government Building, too, erected on the site, having first fallen into decay, have been destroyed by Typhoons, and as far as Government can learn there is no intention of re-erecting there.
As General Colbourne is doubtless aware a considerable part of the Reserve is under cultivation by Chinese. But as the land is not under the control of the Civil Authorities the Rent due for which should properly be paid to the Colonial Treasury is lost.
Nevertheless, it is important for the well-being of the Colony that all land available for cultivation - and the total amount is small - which is in the neighbourhood of the villages, should be open to the Chinese to be leased, and His Excellency apprehends that it is not the policy of Her Majesty's Government to alienate from this purpose more of such land than is absolutely required for Imperial purposes.
The Administrator would therefore feel obliged by information whether it is still necessary to maintain a Military Reserve at Stanley, and if it is, whether so large an extent is required.
I enclose a tracing of the village