7.09. The Division made 125 assessments of Incremental Value under the provisions of the Demolished Buildings (Redevelopment of Sites) Ordinance, completed the Regrant or Renewal of 93 leases and made valuations of property for Estate Duty purposes to a total of $247 million.
7.10. Owing to staff shortage, the lease enforcement section of the Division was almost entirely inoperative during the year; checking of lease conditions being restricted solely to those essential for certifying compliance with these conditions. It is hoped that the recruitment position will improve which would enable this serious weakness to be overcome and thus avoid a long period of inoperation which could have adverse financial and social consequences.
7.11. Statistical details concerning land transactions are given at Appendix T.
SURVEY BRANCH
Government Land Surveyor:
J. T. COOPER, F.R.I.C.S., F.R.G.S.
7.12. The Survey Branch consists of two Divisions, Hong Kong and Islands Survey and Mainland Survey. Functionally, the work of the Branch is divided into four main categories:
(a) Control Survey-The provision and maintenance of the rigid framework of fixed points, on both horizontal and vertical planes, on which all surveys are based, viz.: triangulation stations, traverse stations and level datum bench marks.
(b) Mapping Survey Surveys for the preparation of plans and maps of the whole Colony at different scales and their subsequent revision at regular intervals.
(c) Title Survey-The delineation and recording of all property boundaries in the urban areas (and in planned areas of the New Territories); the implementation of all town planning layouts; surveys for surrenders, grants, sales, exchanges, Crown Leases, etc.
(d) Cartography-The production of plans and maps at different scales for both 'Mapping' and 'Title' purposes. The main cartographic sections and their supporting photo-reproduction section are in Murray Building and form part of the Hong Kong and Islands Division.
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