1841-1886
STATE OF HER MAJESTY'S COLONIAL POSSESSIONS. 237
This monthly report I propose should include the state of repair of all the public buildings, and estimates be submitted at the same time of the cost of any services that may be necessary for the improvement or repair of them, the same to be done with regard to roads, &c.; this plan, I think, would answer better than the present one, and would be more satisfactory, as showing at a glance the estimated repairs on all Public Works for the month.
On forwarding the Report for the information of his Excellency the Governor, I further propose that the usual requisitions in detail for each item of expenditure that I may consider necessary with reference to the Report, should be prepared by me and submitted for approval in the ordinary manner.
During the year, the number of leases executed has been 203, the number of lots or parts of lots absolutely resold, 71; the number of mortgages on lots, besides sundry assignments, &c. &c. registered in the office amounts to 25, in all 96; of which number 50 have been executed by Chinese, the assignment and memorial of which have been entirely prepared by Mr. Terrant, assisted by the Chinese clerk Kuoukitch, in the mode sanctioned by his Excellency the Governor.
I have much satisfaction in stating that the tedious and responsible duty of the preparation of the leases is now nearly brought to a conclusion. This duty was necessarily entailed upon the department in the earlier stages of the colony, but it was a service, properly speaking, belonging to the Crown Solicitor; apparently I have been very slow in completing them, but as the whole work came upon me at once, before my surveys were finished, the Surveyor-General left on sick certificate, and the department was further reduced by the resignation of the draughtsman, this, together with the extensive works which were being executed by us, occupied so much of my time it was impossible for me to proceed with more rapidity; however I trust they have been satisfactorily executed, and with but one or two exceptions I am not aware that I have made any mistake.
One of the clerks, Mr. Harrison, having been appointed Police Rate Assessor and Collector, his attendance at office on Saturdays has been dispensed with, according to the orders of His Excellency the Governor; this occasionally is an inconvenience, but he is in general very attentive, and although rather slow, executes his work quite to my satisfaction.
Mr. Power, the book keeper, is particularly attentive to his duties, which, under the supervision of Mr. Pope, he executes in a very perfect and satisfactory manner.
Honourable Major Caine,
I have, &c.
(Signed)
CHARLES ST. George Cleverly, Surveyor-General.
Colonial Secretary.
(True Copy.)
(Signed) W. CAINE, Colonial Secretary.
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