of this long praying reconsideration of the decision announced by Lord Kimberley's
Despatch of 12th July 1881, that the system of grants for Ecclesiastical purposes in this
Colony should be discontinued as the offices of the present recipients become vacant.
2. In illustration of their Memorialists state that
the decision of the Papal Government to withdraw similar grants in the Straits
Settlements has been revoked; and the Memorialists consider that the arguments for cancelling the decision as regards the Straits
apply with equal force to the Church in this Colony.
3. I may call Your Lordship's attention to the fact that according
to the last Census, the number of Members
of the Church had increased to 278 against 192
in 1876. Besides the necessity of providing
for the spiritual wants of the Gaol
Hospital, there are 47 Members of the Police
Force belonging to the Church of England
who are not in a position to contribute
towards the expense of an Ecclesiastical Establishment.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's very obedient
humble Servant,
Administering the Government