128. Only 354 new permits were issued; these either superseded current permits cancelled for the purpose of regularizing title or were for essential purposes such as utilities. 624 permits were cancelled, mainly to make way for permanent development. The number of permits in force is gradually decreasing, though on the revenue side, a slight increase is shown.
Details of these permits are as follows:
Description of Permits No. of Permits issued No. of Permits cancelled No. of Permits in Force No. of Permits amended during the year From 1946 to 31.3.59 Financial Year 1958/59 From 1946 to 31.3.59 Financial Year 1958/59 During the year issued during the year During the General Permits... 11,704 351 5,947 610 5,757 521 Pier Permits 99 3 64 14 35 0 Total 11,803 354 6,011 624 5,792 521 Description of Permits No. of Demand Notes Permit Fees Actual Amount collected for both Old and New Permits Annual Fees derived from New Permits only General Permits... 6,636 $2,941,806.14 (excluding refunds $16,227.76) $52,009.37 Pier Permits 50 $89,641.74 (excluding refunds $275.77) $1,093.44 Total 6,686 $3,031,447.88 $53,102.81Note: (1) Free permits are no longer issued to public utility companies and all existing ones have been cancelled. Master Plans are maintained; showing all cable routes and poles of the public utility companies, and are amended as and when required.
(2) The actual amount collected for both old and new general permits includes $10.00 as rent for Sai Wan Cemetery and $50.00 as rent for Naval Stations.
129. Valuations were made for the following purposes:
Resumptions under the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance (Cap. 124); Surrenders for street and other improvements;
Renewal of Crown Leases;
Sale and purchase of land and buildings by Government;
Town Planning;
Extensions to existing lots;
Removal of restrictive covenants, etc.
130. In addition, all hereditaments falling to be assessed for Estate Duty purposes were valued by this section at a total of $28,788,268.50, and assistance in valuation matters was given to other Government Departments.
131. Negotiations for surrenders for such purposes as road improvements and the implementation of planning layouts continued. The case
25