3. As regards the proposed Survey, I have to refer you to my Confidential Despatch of the 28th April last. I am glad to learn that I shall be informed in due course of the answer to the application which you made to the Indian government on this subject.
4. I am of opinion that the Scheme for the construction of roads, described in para 6, should be carried out more gradually than you contemplate. It might perhaps be sufficient for the present to begin with the bridle-roads, and not to take roadmaking in hand on any large scale until the financial outlook is clearer. Moreover, it might save expense to make some progress in land settlement before the roads are finally laid out, so as to avoid possible claims for compensation from persons who may build on land before the roads are laid out.
Similarly, I think that we should not at present build the public buildings proposed, i.e., the Goal, the school, and the Hospital, though ultimately desirable, they are not immediately necessary. The same remark seems to apply to the appointment of a medical officer for the new territory. The upper part of the area is obviously valuable for farming, and it is essential to estimate its value. I am of opinion that such an estimate should be made immediately.
In my earlier letter, it was your intention that Dr. Thompson shall or shall not be permanently attached in connexion with the Tung Wah hospital before he is removed from his present post. I should be glad to learn what arrangements you propose to make for filling his place.
5. I approve the concept of...