33054-001898

[top of left margin] 32/2,943 - 12 April 1832

[on right] Comm't Office Sydney 11 April ............... 1832

No. [underlined] (195)

Sir,

A large quantity of Maize sent from Moreton Bay to Port Macquarie being in Store at the latter place & which there was some reason to imagine was rapidly spoiling, it was thought expedient to convene a Board of Survey with a view to enquire into its state, the proceedings of which are herewith enclosed for the information and approval of His Excellency the Governor. - The opinion of the Board being very conclusive, as to the perishable conditions of the Maize it appeared to Dep. Ass't Comm'y General Ackroyd, with reference to the large quantity in Store, about Six hundred bushels, and the small consumption at Port Macquarie, that to prevent

[on right] a

[bottom of left margin]

The Hon'ble

The Colonial Secretary

..... &c. ..... &c. ..... &c.

[written in left margin]

[in pencil]

Mr El'd or Mr J

............. [underlined] (No. 71)

[in another hand, in ink]

Credit in acc't to be [underlined] (allowed)

April 17 1832 ... [initials] RB

_____________

[in pencil, in first marginal writer's hand]

Any orders or papers respt'g this?

Mr Laidley, 27 April 1832

Mr El'd ... [in a third hand] Not with me. -

Mr J ... [in a fourth hand] Nor with me. -

Were any orders given ? - or

asked for ? -

[in first writer's hand]

Capt Cluny was requested on 5 Sept to lend as much Maize on the Isabella as would be required at P Mac'y [sic] until next Harvest ---

31/5797 Enclosed

[diagonal line through the above]

[top left] 2

a total loss of the Grain to the Public, it would be expedient to send as much thereof as possible to Sydney; and the Commandant having concurred in that opinion Mr Ackroyd, despatched by the Cutter "Dart" under his Sanction, 10,604 lbs or about 200 Bushels but that vessel unfortunately on the Evening of the 13th Ultimo was driven on the Rocks in going out of the harbour and totally lost, and notwithstanding ^ [added above] (it appears) Every possible Exertion was made only 69 bushels of Maize were Saved with much difficulty, and even that was So completely Saturated with Salt Water, as to render its disposal by public Auction, the only alternative, which was accordingly done. - Under the circumstances I have detailed, and as the loss of the Maize was wholly unavoidable, I trust His Excellency will approve of my taking credit for it in my accounts.

I have the honor to be

Sir

Your most ob't Serv't

[signed] James Laidley

[on right] D.[C.]G.

[in smudged ink, upside-down, in bottom-left corner] Approved