164
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
for Housing, functioning as the Authority's principal executive officer. The staff was considerably expanded during the year, and now numbers eighty two. One important appointment made was that of a Housing Architect, who has been entrusted with the formation of an architectural section which it is envisaged may eventually carry out the Authority's schemes in their entirety, instead of having the work done by private architects as at present. The salaries of all staff are reimbursed to the Government by the Authority, plus a 30% surcharge to cover the cost of pensions, quarters, passages, office accommodation, printing and other over- heads.
The Authority's first estate, which has been constructed on reclaimed land on the sea front at Java Road, North Point, was completed in November 1957 and is now fully occupied with a total population of over 12,400. The estate occupies a fine site of about 6 acres, and contains 1,955 flats, as well as an 18-classroom primary school for 800 pupils, two health clinics, a post office, an assembly hall to seat 500 people, and 71 shops. A bus terminus has been incorporated within the boundaries, and it is likely that a passenger-ferry terminal, connecting with the mainland at Hung Hom, will be constructed close by in the near future. Although the density of 2,000 persons per acre is undoubtedly high, each flat has through draught and uninterrupted access to light and air; in addition, ample provision has been made for open spaces and playgrounds within the estate. The flats which are all self-contained, are of different sizes, to accommodate from three to eight persons. Rents' vary from $60 to $138 a month, exclusive of rates and water charges. The minimum accommoda- tion provided consists of a living/dining room, lavatory, shower, balcony and facilities for drying clothes. An adequate lift service is provided, and there are refuse chutes at central points in each block. The school, clinics and post office were built at Government expense and are operated by Government departments. This estate, which cost nearly $33,000,000, was designed by Mr. Eric Cumine, F.R.I.B.A.
Overlooking the harbour near Green Island, the Authority's second estate, illustrated elsewhere in this Report, is nearing com- pletion at Sai Wan Tsuen, Kennedy Town. The site, the highest point of which is 285 feet above street level, covers 34 acres, and