CO882-(1-2) — Page 386

31

FALKLAND ISLANDS.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

חה

Reference :-

C.O. 882

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

1ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE

BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

THE first Governor was sent to this place in 1841. It seems to have been settled by the British Government principally for the sake of affording a haven and place of refreshment to shipping: and it is by no means useless in that respect. A company, which was formed some few years ago, has taken a lease of the wild cattle on the islands, for which they pay to the Government an annual revenue of £2,000, ter- minating in 1856. From this source, and from a few local taxes added to the Parliamentary Vote of £2,807, the expenses of the local government, amounting to £4,208, are defrayed.

The population in 1853 was 540 persons, in which year the exports exceeded those of 1852 by 75 per cent., and the imports 20 per cent.

A light-house having lately been erected, which has long been represented as necessary, there is reason to believe that shipping will now frequent the settlement in greater numbers.

The government is conducted by the means of a Governor and Council-the means being insufficient to constitute an Assembly.