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would not produce evidence to support an assessment.
This
was very unfortunate and had not been helped by misunderstanding, possibly deliberate, of what payment on account meant. Mr Parry pointed out that those cleared in Shatin had been offered alternative shop space but no such offer had been made to the Tai On tenants. II.E. replied that Shatin was a new town and compensation alone would not help the shopkeepers since there was no other accommodation they could rent except in the Government's new housing estate - hence a special arrangement had been made. But there were at least 20 vacant shops available for rent within a 2-300 yard radius of Tai On Mansion. Mr Parry accepted this and said that what had perhaps upset him most was the fact that the tenants had not been told the hour at which eviction would start. It had begun at 7.30, the doors had been ripped open, and the goods just dumped in the street. D.H.A. said that he did not think that there was really any misunderstanding on the part of the tenants that eviction action would be taken first thing on 13 September. They were simply waiting to see what would happen if they did not
H.E. noted Mr Parry's point and subsequently informed Mr Parry that while no time of day had been given to the tenants he did not believe this a material point. Though 3 of the locks had to be cut the other 4 tenants opened their shops. The removal and storage of goods had been disciplined and without breakage, and he could not accept Mr Purry's implication of malicious and
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disorderly action. Mr Parry then withdrew his accusation.]
14. D.k.A. added that although agreement had not yet been reached on final payment it was expected that all the shopkeepers would agree within 2 or 3 days and that then every assistance would be provided to them and the final award would be subject to review by an independent tribunal. D.H.A. also pointed out that before eviction the tenants had already moved out most of their things, and that 5 of the 7 had immediately moved into shops they had already rented in the area.
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/15.