to be of public utility ought to be carried out by nobody else, and nobody Government, I do not think that Government is entitled to any rent at all, as assumed in the 2nd Question. But if any rent at all is to be charged, it should be at a merely nominal rate. I am speaking in general of lands as already reclaimed, or "lands which Government may reclaim." There are one or two cases which I shall hereafter only think may be viewed as an exception. There are cases where, from the manner in which the reclaimed land has been dealt with, a considerable profit has been derived to holders in the shape of rents. I had rather not specify those cases. Even in these cases I certainly would not propose a high rent; it might be somewhat higher than the nominal rent assessed upon reclaimed lands in general, but low. It should be lower than the rate payable upon ordinary lots sold for building purposes.
The Circumstances mentioned in the third question do not in any way qualify the opinion expressed in my answer to the first. In reply to the fourth question I would say that, as the locality of the "Bowl am Strand" portion is the site of all the Chinese property and Chinese dwellings, it ought to be commenced first, it being the only locality where such work as the Praya might prove useful. I say this, having regard to the nature of the buildings there, and the inhabitants. No advantage, however, would result from the Construction.
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