Squatters' License, [appearing in the Estimates under head "Lands not leased"] is from $176,000 to $9,000.
Estimated for the Restoration...
I cannot estimate what would be the rateable value of such property at Catong in 1895 at $6,000.
Such rateable value is presumably less than $1,000 a year. The arrears previous to 1890 were considered irrecoverable in 1893. Lovener has wiped off those since the beginning of 1890, and it is proposed to exempt altogether in the future.
It will be seen that there are doubts about the expediency of granting this small exemption, as it puts difficulties in the way of getting the present Squatter-Licensees to accept similar terms to those in existing Squatter Leases. Would not the difficulty be met by the form of annual License, modifying and inserting words in it (as in the form of Lease) to make the rates payable along with the License fee?
I suggest that to Government, 28 Jan.
No. 265, 657, Ref. 12 WCC 436
Government House, Hongkong
My Lord Marquess,
8th December:
I have the honour to request Your Lordship's approval for writing off the sum of $2,967.38 in respect of...
The Right Honourable H. The Marquess of Ripon, KG,
I should leave the matter to the Governor's discretion, asking only if it is in accordance with the letter of the law.
CPL-28, 29.1.