CO129-285 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [9-10] — Page 367

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4. We have in the present instance only a repe-

tition of history. The Government in 1843 11kewise nursed the

intention of granting leases for only 75 years. and this af-

forded cause for real grievance which was ultimately brought

before Parliament in 1847.

5. If at that period a 75 year lease did not

seem acceptable, it is much less so at the present time. Busi-

ness has assumed such enormous proportions in this great EuApot

Mintexport of trade, that larger and larger buildings are being

/k

erected to meet all the requirements of a daily growing trade,

and these extensive buildings mean increased assessment which

forms, I believe, the surest and the largest source of the Co-

lony's revenue. Any other form of lease would tend, in my opi-

nion, to resist it.

veritable

6. Therefore, a city which has grown into a

Carthage of the Eastern Hemisphere" under this

most acceptable form of land tenure should not be allowed to

leave its progress checked by any tentative effort at inaugu-

rating a change, the result of which may be doubtful of success.

7. Liberal provisions should be made in the in-

terests of tenants at the expiration of leases, in the event of the proposed change becoming an accomplished fact.

I have, &c.,

(sa.) J.A.CARVALHO.