of their lots. In consequence, there was a reduction in the number of properties under management from 240 to 215. In addition, eight commercial piers and seventeen ferry piers were managed and various wayleaves, licences, etc. issued. Close co-operation is maintained with the Registrar General's Department, which advises on the legal aspects of the Division's work and with the Buildings Ordinance Office, which supervises maintenance of reverted properties.
Valuation Division
7.11. The Valuation Division is concerned with a wide variety of functions including acquisition of land for public purposes, the enforcement and modification of existing leases, the regrant and renewal of expired leases and the valuations required in connection with these as well as for Estate Duty, Statutory Assessments, Sales and Private Treaty Grants of land. It is currently acquiring property by negotiation in the Urban Renewal District and where essential in areas affected by Mass Transport Proposals in order that these proposals will not be frustrated if and when a decision to implement them is taken. The Division also provides expert witnesses to appear for the Crown before Arbitration Boards and Appeal Tribunals.
7.12. The Division made 124 assessments of Incremental Value under the provisions of the Demolished Buildings (Redevelopment of Sites) Ordinance, completed the Regrant or Renewal of 60 leases and made valuations of property for Estate Duty purposes to a total of $108 million.
7.13. Owing to staff shortage, the lease enforcement section of the Division no longer exists as a viable unit; checking of lease conditions being restricted solely to those essential for certifying compliance with conditions. It is to be hoped that this serious weakness in capability will be overcome since a long period of in-operation could have financial and social consequences.
SURVEY BRANCH
Government Land Surveyor:
J. T. COOPER, F.R.I.C.S., F.R.G.S.
G. J. BENTLEY, M.I.S. (Aust.) (Acting 2nd June to 30th October, 1969)
7.14 As the mapping of the Colony by aerial survey, both for large-scale plans and topographic maps, approaches completion, the amount of effort involved in this work has begun to decrease. For the
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