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become of us.

I think we should have a fixed number of able bodied men on the Island, and the number should be Twelve myself included, viz 5 boatmen, 2 teamsters, a cook, a man to attend the stock, 2 outpost men and myself. Also an allowance for one or two females to attend the dairy and do house work. We were allowed 22/6 per month for that purpose by former Commissioners and we paid that sum to two different ones who were satisfied with it but both left with the prospect of being married and one of them was married soon after she left here. We have now two girls @ 12/6 each and they appear satisfied but neither of them would be willing to take the whole wages (25/-) and stop here without a companion.

We have a large number of persons on the Island and but few working people among them. When Mrs Jackson got permission to come to the Island she had but one child now she has three. When Mrs. Knock came she had no child she will soon have her second. The old crippled man Hodgson was sent on by Messrs Wallace + Miller and Morash was sent by yourself. I have had nothing to do with the getting of these ^people to the Island and I do not wish to urge their removal. I wish to have a sufficient number to carry on the work, and I think the above number is what is required and there should be a carpenter and a blacksmith among them. I shall object to no number however great provided you send provisions for them and I would advise that men be got from the westward of Halifax if possible to get them.

I hope to see you here next summer and have brought the above matters thus early to your notice that you may be prepared to deal with them at the proper time. Promising not to trouble you with so long a letter again very soon, I am
Dear Sir your Obedient Servant
M.D. McKenna

[address at lower left]
[tattered: Hon?] H. Bell
Chairman Board of Works
Halifax