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of the Colony by the rent they paid for the mines; but as they have failed to pay their rent, one of the reasons for the reduction has ceased to exist. Certainly as far as we can form an opinion, there would be no injustice in requiring the Company to contribute a larger sum to the maintenance of the police, which is kept up principally for the protection of their property. But in their present condition it would, probably, be undesirable to place any burthen on them that can be avoided. It is, moreover, to be remembered that their rent is suspended only-not remitted- and that if, as they say they expect, the operations now in progress are successful, the Company will, on or before the 24th June, 1874, have to pay four years' rent less the royalty received between June 1870 and that date.
Second, in regard to convict labour, the prices charged have always appeared to us moderate; and Governor Bulwer states that, so far from being too high, the Superintendent of Convicts represents that they are too low in proportion to the expenses of his Department. Under these circumstances, I presume that Lord Kimberley will not sanction any reduction of them.
Third, the rental of the Company's wharf and land is decided by Mr. Holland's letter to the Company of the 31st January last." It is unnecessary, therefore, to reopen that question.
Fourth, the alleged charge for hospital accommodation, Governor Bulwer points out, was a voluntary contribution by the Company (in the same manner as the Civil servants and other residents contribute) of 50 dollars a-month. This the Company have latterly reduced to 30 dollars a-month. Upon this point I would refer to Mr. Hennessy's letter of the 5th October last,† pars. 21-27.
Fifth, Governor Bulwer explains to the same effect as Mr. Hennessy explained in his letter of the 5th October last, the allegation that the Company had been required to make a road to Government House. The allegation has evidently no foundation whatever.
Lastly, in regard to the mismanagement of the mines by Mr. Lumsden, it is unreasonable in the Company to impute blame to Mr. Hennessy. Mr. Lumsden was selected and sent out by them, and at first they expressed, and no doubt felt, great confidence in him. His failure to fulfil their expectations is only a fresh proof how completely the success of an undertaking to be worked at a distance from its directors must depend on the local manager.
I have, &c.
(Signed) T. W. C. MURDOCH.
No. 6.
Sir,
Mr. Holland to the Secretary of the Oriental Coal Company.
Downing Street, March 11, 1873. WITH reference to the last paragraph of the letter of the 3rd of September from this Department to Mr. Lindsay, I am directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, for the information of the Directors of the Oriental Coal Company, a copy of a despatch from Mr. Bulwer, reporting on various questions raised in Mr. Lindsay's letter of the 27th of July.
I am to add that Lord Kimberley thinks it right that this document should be communicated to the Directors, although there is no matter still open for considera- tion or that calls for further correspondence.
I am,
&c.
(Signed)
H. T. HOLLAND.
(B. J.J
• No. 2.
+ Vide Confidential Paper, January 14, 1873, page 40 (No. 38). page 16 (No. 18).
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No. 4.
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Fide Confidential Paper, January 14, 1878, page 12 (No. 14).
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference -
LETTICO.882
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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO
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