Letter from A. J. Learmonth to The Honourable, The Colonial Secretary. Buninyong. 21st July 1852.
Sir, I have the honour to bring to your notice the following circumstances connected with an application for pre-emption of land at Buninyong and Burrumbeet, trusting that their consideration may induce the Board appointed for enquiry into such applications to modify their decision in our case. At Buninyong, we have erected extensive buildings and expended considerable sums in permanent improvements such as water works for irrigation and other purposes. These improvements cannot be protected by a single section but are dispersed through an area of a section and half or more. I have therefore to request that we may be permitted to purchase five hundred and twenty acres in addition to the four hundred and eighty acres granted to us last year. At Burrumbeet the site of our present home station has been found unsuitable and we are therefore desirous of removing it. I have therefore the honour to request that we may be permitted to protect the improvements already made by a small purchase of half a section of three hundred and twenty acres, and that we may be allowed to select the single section granted by the Board on any other part of our run which does not interfere with the localities appropriated by Government for public purposes. I have the honour to inform you that His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor is aware from personal inspection that our improvements at Buninyong are extensive and of a permanent nature and that the buildings upon the run at Burrumbeet are dispersed over three overseen stations, would, if erected upon a single spot, form a large home station. I therefore earnestly trust that our request may be granted. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient servant. A. J. Learmonth.