CO129-033 - General Stavely - Lieut. Governor - 1850 [5-8] — Page 340

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It was clearly this & fault. about the Verandahs; in the Notification granting permission for the erections of Verandahs over the footpaths, &c, parties desirous of doing so were directed to apply for information, &c, at the Office, where the regulations regarding them might be seen.

Inland Lot 219, called the Circular Buildings, is one of the best positions in the neighbourhood, and is equal to a Marine Lot; as no Lots will ever be sold in front of it, high water coming close up to the Road.

But for the excessive competition of a Mr. McSwyney, who afterwards transferred the Lot to Mr. Duddell, the Lot would have been sold to Chinamen, who were much anxious to obtain it; the upset price was L.24-14-1¾, and it was knocked down for L.67.

In palliation of his buying this Lot, Mr. Duddell says he was smarting at an enormous outlay upon another Lot, po.35 and 9:1¼; in he says he knew perfectly, or ought to have known the peculiarities of that lot, its rocky and irregular state, as it was apparent to all, and therefore he must have anticipated that a large expenditure would be necessary, and further, he was warned regarding the Lot, but still, he purchased it: vide his remarks upon the Lot.

I know it has been found difficult for Mr. Duddell to let these houses, and, after the damage they sustained in the Cyphoon, they were surrendered, but finally he took them back upon a petition to that effect: I think this Lot might be reduced to the upset price.

Lot 204, is situated on Hollywood Road, at the commencement of Caipingehand from the Eastward, and in a good locality for Chinese or Indian residents; the rent is nevertheless high.

Lot 291^. This Lot is on the Queen's Road, opposite Messrs. Lindsay's, and its position is no doubt good; it is stated that it was run-up about seventy-five per cent above its upset price, when, of necessity, it was at this time Mr. Duddell had several Lots in his possession, and I imagine could not require any except for speculative purposes.

Lots 292 and 293 are in his occupation, and being all situated together, the whole are rendered available for various purposes; 292 is considerably above the upset price, but I see no cause for advising a reduction.