CO129-033 - General Stavely - Lieut. Governor - 1850 [5-8] — Page 292

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say, from a perusal of the Committee's report, that the Members have been unable to come to a unanimous conclusion on the important subject, submitted for its consideration; nevertheless, sufficient will, I think, appear to shew that the grievances complained of are not so obvious as they had been generally represented to be previous to the question having been entered into by the Committee.

3. From Mr. Mercer's Minute, your Lordship will perceive that, notwithstanding the Committee, by advertisement in the Public Papers, and by every other reasonable means, invited the Public to submit to them complaints or representations that they might have to make, either in regard to the subject generally or to their own interests in particular, but eleven individuals, of whom one alone is Chinese, availed themselves of this privilege.

4. In my letter of Instruction to the Committee I requested them to bring to my notice any individual cases coming before them during the progress of their investigation in which the amount of Land Tax might seem extravagant, and worthy of special consideration. They have agreed to submit the cases of six individuals, and suggested that a reduction be made in their respective rents to the amounts of £270 per annum. The items comprised in this sum will be found appended to Mr Surveyor General's Minute.

5. In former Despatches on the subject of landed tenure, I have already expressed my opinion that none of the present holders have any equitable right to demand a reduction, having purchased their lands at public auction, not only at one sale but at successive sales, and having been, therefore, of necessity fully aware of the terms.