47
No. 1916
12
HONGKONG.
CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION SCHEME.
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor, October 5th, 1916.
Confidential.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 18th November, 1915.
SIR,-I have the honour to inform you that some years ago the late Sir Ka Ho-kai submitted proposals to the Government for developing the head of Kowloon Bay near Kowloon City, but the matter could not be proceeded with at the time as His Majesty's Government had under consideration the erection of a Wireless Telegraphic Station and one of the suggested sites included the area, which it was intended to utilize for the scheme.
2. In paragraph 5 of my Confidential Despatch of the 13th February, 1914, I referred to this question, and on receipt of Mr. HARCOURT's telegram of the 15th May, 1914, I caused Sir KAI HO-KAI to be informed that the Government would be prepared to consider any proposals he might wish to put forward. His death shortly afterwards Enclosure 1. caused some delay, but on the 20th November, 1914, a letter was received from Mr. S. W. Tsó, a Solicitor in Hongkong, (copy enclosed), in which on behalf of the promoters he submitted definite proposals.
Plan not printed.
3. These proposals have received careful consideration, but I do not propose to Enclosure 2. trouble you with a detailed account of the negotiations, which have proceeded ever since. I enclose a copy of the terms finally settled, with a plan showing how it is proposed to lay out the area, and a copy of a letter from Mr. Ts in which he states that the promoters agree to them. I regard the conditions as most satisfactory both from the point of view of the Government and of the promoters. The carrying into effect of the scheme will effect an immense improvement in what is now an undeveloped and somewhat insanitary locality.
Enclosure 3.
4. In the event of your approving of the scheme I should be glad to receive your decision by telegraph.
The Right Honourable
ANDREW BONAR LAW, M.P.,
&&
&c.,
&c.
I have, &c.,
F. H. MAY,
Governor, die.
Telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governor, Hongkong.
30th December, 1915.
Your despatch of 18th November confidential. Proposals approved.
BONAR LAW.