588
Lots, valued the property in three different ways, affirming their Valuation and Report under Statutory Declaration, and gave the value as a Marine Lot at $282,000 in the year 1895, and as an Inland Lot at $86,202 in the year 1899.
11. We were, however, fortunate enough to sell the property for the purpose of a Soda Water Manufactory at $110,000 which being deducted from $282,000 leaves $172,000 as depreciation.
12. But the true test of depreciation is the actual sales of the new and old Marine Lots, and, as already stated, the New Lot, with an area of 15,200 feet sold for $133,500 and at this rate the old Lot with an area of 32,481 feet would have a value of $285,277 were it still a Marine Lot, to which add $55,000 the estimated value of the buildings thereon before depreciation, and we have a total value of $340,277, froin which deduct the sale price of $110,000 and the result is a deficiency of $230,277 as against $24,367 found by the Hongkong Governinent.
13. From the above it will be seen that the Hongkong Government has sig nally failed in its investigation as to depreciation and therefore, I would, with due submission, suggest that the practicable way pointed out by Her late Majesty's Government in 1857 to appoint assessors on the part of the Crown and the pro- prietors of the Marine Lot to assess the damage done to the original Marine Lot by the creation of a new Marine Lot in front of it be adopted. ·
14. But, with the documents in my possession, I think the matter could be settled in London if such a course would be approved by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
15. Should it be deemed necessary to see me before taking a decision on the method to be adopted to arrive at a correct adjustment, I will attend any appoint- ment, that may be made but, if not necessary, I shall be glad to be informed of the course to be adopted.
*
I have, etc.,
(Sd.) THOMAS HOWARD.
A 3.
[9573/04.]
T. HOWARD, Esq.
DOWNING STREET,
21st March, 1904.
SIR, In reply to your letter of the 16th instant, I am directed by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton to inform you that he has not yet received any communica- tion from the Officer Administering the Government of Hongkong on the subject of Marine Lot No. 184 and that it is impossible for him to discuss the matter until such a communication is received.
A 4.
I am, &c.,
(Sd). C. P. LUCAS.
7 CASTLE TERRACE, COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT, 6th July, 1904.
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE,
COLONIAL OFFICE.
SIR, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, No. 23085 of 1904, informing me that Mr. Secretary Lyttelton has now received the Report of the Acting Governor of Hongkong with regard to our claim for further compensation in respect of Hongkong Marine Lot No. 184 and that, after full consideration he regrets that he cannot interfere further in the
matter.