2.
23
"Surveyor-General's Office
Victoria,Hong Kong
24th May 1861
Sir, I am in receipt of your letter of the 23rd inst.referring to your proposal submitted for the consideration of His Excellency the Governor for the supply of Victoria with gas, viz., briefly:-
First.-That previous to the 1st of January 1863, the sum of £10,000 shall have been expended, and previous to January 1864, the Gas Works shall be complete.
Second.-That due caution shall be observed in laying down pipes so that all damages to streets shall be as expeditiously as possible made good.
Third.-That the price charged for gas is to be a matter of private agreement.
Fourth.-That the Government shall concede the use of the streets for the purpose of laying down the pipes, and in the event of any failure to comply with the first proposal as above,the Government shall at its option be free from its obligations.
Having submitted your letter containing these proposals for the consideration of His Excellency, I am instructed to inform you His Excellency is of opinion that the proposals are very reasonable, with the exception that in the event of your not carrying out or making any attempt to carry out the proposed service the Government would be precluded from treating with any one else till January 1863.
His Excellency the Governor has accordingly appended an additional condition, viz:- That previous to the 1st January next 1862, you shall have satisfied me there is a bona fide intention on your part of carrying out the project.
With this addition then, to which I presume you will make no objection, I am authorised by His Excellency to agree to the proposals referred to above.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
William Glen, Esq.
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Your obedient servant,
CHAS.ST.GEO.CLEVERLEY
Surveyor-General
We shall be much obliged for any assistance you can give