THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, JULY 26, 1929.
397
9. Was any and what Government supervision exercised over the Company in the carrying out of the Company's obligations towards the Govern- ment in terms of the Agreement with the Government?
10. Is it not a fact that up to the 31st December, 1924, the following aggre-
gate payments had been made by individual purchasers :-
(a) In respect of Land (b) Buildings-1st Call
2nd Call
3rd Call
8556,925
636,000
127.800
76,400
$1,397,125
representing 18.62%, 21.27%, 4.27% and 2.55%, respectively, of the total cost of $2,990,258 up to date?
11. If the reply to Question 10 be in the affirmative, what reason is there for a sum of over three hundred thousand dollars for land premium remain- ing unpaid to the Government, when the Government had already been informed that $556,925 had been collected from the subscribers? 12. What steps is the Government taking to recover the debt from the Com-
pany?
13. Is the Government aware of the fact that, in respect of land for which the Company contracted to pay the Government about $400,000, the Company is already and had been for several years in receipt from the subscribers of over $500,000 ?
14. Is the Government aware that in the Circular letter referred to in Ques- tion 4 the Kowloon Tong Company has given notice to all subscribers calling for the payment of a further Call to the extent of 9 per cent. of the amount covenanted to be paid by each and every subscriber in respect of each and every House on the Estate" which will make a total of 109% of what the Subscribers covenanted to pay?
15. Has the demand for payment been made with the knowledge and consent of the Government? Did not the Company write in to the Government subsequent to 1924 sending a List of Subscribers who have fully paid up all monies in respect of their property under the scheme and calling upon the Government to issue Crown Leases for same in terms of Clause 7, sub-section (a) of the Agreement?
16. In a letter to the subscriber of House No. 111 of the Kowloon Tong
Estate dated 26th January, 1926, the General Manager stated:-
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“I can now produce the documentary evidence to the Crown Land Agent (sic) and ask that your Crown Lease be made at once. The fees therein will be $30. If you desire the Company to secure this Lease for you, I will make sworn affidavit under the Agreement, aud do so for you."
Will His Excellency the Governor kindly direct that the text of the documentary evidence" referred to above be laid on the table of this Council?
17. Will the Government appoint a Commission of Enquiry to investigate
into and report on the Kowloon Tong Scheme?
The Colonial Secretary-The replies to the honourable member's questions are
not yet ready.
The Hon. Mr. J. P. BRAGA — Arising out of the Colonial Secretary's reply I should like to bring to Your Excellency's notice the urgency of this Kowloon Tong question.
The Colonial Secretary-On a point of order Sir, no speeches can be made. H.E. the Governor-Only supplementary questions can be asked. I may say that the replies to the hon. member's questions will it is hoped be given next week.