4000. Per annum.
The high rents demanded (and obtained in some cases) amounted to about 25 per cent on probable original Cost of Construction.
The War Department has "Outlying Government property" (hired personnel) in different parts of Town, and which require protection from Guards, Police re-arranged with economy.
4. Concentration of Government Stores to render precautionary arrangements against Fire, theft, and disease or other evils more simple and economises. Garrison duties (to the benefit of the health of the Soldier) by reducing scattered property.
Such scattered property is more liable to Danger from fires, owing to the nature of neighbouring properties in some cases, and from the proverbial Carelessness of the China Servants, Coolies employed thereon. Within the last 6 months we have had large fires by which Government property has been seriously endangered.
I consider much, if not all, of the outlying property I refer to should be disposed of advantageously, and other storage re-created on more favourable sites. This would allow for diminishing Guards, as it is easier watched. In addition to this, the various departments are closer to their own works and other offices of reference, resulting in the saving of time and transport.
5. Facilities are yet afforded for obtaining excellent (probably the best and most valuable) sites for building to meet the wants of the various departments, and this can be done simply by making use of the privilege of reclaiming from the sea or harbour a considerable area which admits arrangement with ease.
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