XX YH 195 



degree of power inconsistent with the improvement of the country. 

 In reality, as the exercise of Police functions seems to have been a 

 part of the tenure, the whole authority over the country rested with 

 a few Chinese contractors. In order to open to Government the 

 means of direct management of the lands with a view of encour- 

 aging and extending cultivation, as well as maintaining due con- 

 trol over the inhabitants, the redemption of the Government right 

 to the tenth from the persons called proprietors presented itself 

 as a most desirable measure. The collections having been rented, 

 and the renters supposed to gain considerably, it was calculated 

 that, by agreeing to pay to the proprietors a sum, even a little ex- 

 ceeding that received by them at present, little, if any, immediate 

 loss would be sustained, and the Government would, besides the 

 levy of the tenth on the lands actually occupied, be entitled to dis- 

 pose of the waste and derive a growing revenue from the gradual 

 extension of cultivation and increase of produce, to a portion of 

 which they would be entitled. A settlement was accordingly 

 made with the proprietors, whereby Government agree to pay an- 

 nually according to the list. In consideration of which, the pro- 

 prietors agreed to make over to Government all right derived from 

 previous grants given by the preceding Government, surrendering 

 all such as were in their possession. More than a year having ex- 

 pired, the following is the result ; — 



The total amount to be charged against the land. 

 First, payable to former Proprietors, ...16,270 

 Second, Contingencies, ... ... 145 5 9 



Third, Establishment, ... ... 4,560 



20,975 5 9 

 Collection, ...15,400 12 1 



Difference, ... 5,574 9 8 



E. FULLERTON. 



Statement of Lands lately taken by Government. 



J. B. de Wind, ' ... ...4,500 00 



Heirs of A. Koek, ... ... 2,000 00 



A. A. Velge,... ... ... 500 00 



Mrs. Westerhotjt, ... ...2,500 00 



Heirs of De Costa, ... ... 700 00 



Carried forward, . . . 10,200 00 



