THE NEW BEOLAMAZO
SCHEME.
We have received for publication copies of the correspondence between the Hongkong Government and the Hon. C. P. Chater, C.1.0.
'letter:-
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1901.
fect, or 18.35 acres. Inland Lot 86, the pro- perty of the Admiralty, covers 303,014 square fect, ar 6.95 acres, and the balance 468,472 square feet, ar 10.75 acres is still untiisposed of pad is the property of the Government, but is, in its present state, unsaleable.
the estimated profit to the Government already recouped in the end, without interfering with
referred to.
scheme.
The Goverment entrusted me, in connection with the existing Reclamation, with the negotia tion, and arrangement with the landowners affected, and with all of the details of the scheme. I place myself again entirely at the disposal of the Government to carry out I believe that I will have no difficulty in all negotiations and arrangements with the on the subject of the proposed Praya East Re-arranging, if authorized to do so, with Messrs. Marine Lot holders and others in Wanchai clamation. The following is Mr. Chater's first Jardine, Matheson & Co. for the surrender by whose assent may be required for the present them of the whole of their land on condition that they receive back on the sage terms, and I suggest further for the Government, that at the same rent as at present, about 521,800 | all resumptions of land, and all compensations square feet of building lend, or 11.98 acres, out to be paid landholders in connection with the of the improved area.
present scheme should be borne and paid by of the scheme, all land resumed being sold for the Marine Lot holders as part of the expenses the benefit of the fund. Any little friction that has arisen in connection with the existing Relcamation will thereby be obviater with the present proposals,
I would only submit, in conclusion; for the consideration of the Government that, if the Public Works Department with the enormous tasks on its hands at the present moment--the existing Reclamation, the Water Supply, the proposed New Public Buildings-is not in 2. position to undertake another Reclamation, that there will be no difficulty in having the work done by Engineers and Contractors em ployed directly by the Marine Lot holders, it plans must be submitted to and approved by being, of course, thoroughly understood that all
the Director of Public Works and that the works would have to be carried out in accord- ance with such plans and to his complete satisfaction.-1 bare the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and humble Servant,
The Honourable
(Signed) C. P. CHATER.
THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY,
Hongkong.
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, HONGKONG, 13th, Sept., 1900. Governor has bad under consideration your Sir, am directed to inform you that the letter of the 12th of June in which you propose between Arsenal Street and East Point and for a scheme for a large reclamation from the sea the utilisation of Morrison Hill and Mount Shadwell in conocetion with the reclamation.
His Excellency is prepared to view favour ably your suggestion that the reclamation should be carried out on behalf of the Marine Lot holders by the Government, rather than that the Government should exercise its un- doubted right to make the reclamation on its own account.
HONGKONG, June 12th, 1970, Sir-In the month of July, 1887, I submit- ted for the consideration of His Excellency Major-General Cameron, then Administering acquisition of this involves rather more diffi
As to the Royal Naval Hospital ground, the the Government, a project for the, reclamation culty and entails a considerable expenditure of the foreshore of the Colony from the Western by the Colonial Government in the first in boundary of the Military Cantonments west-stance-an' expenditure, however, to be fully ward in the Gas Works. The project was proved and accepted by the Goremminent and by the land owners concerned, was sanctioned The Naval Authorities want a new and in- by the Secretary of State, and has been, to a proved hospital with more accommodation. very great extant, carried out and completed in hey would prefer a site more directly acces accordance with my original proposals, at an
sible from the water, and further removed from the Chinese quarter of the City, Flagstaff Hill expense to the Colony not exceeding my esti at Kowloon, now the property of the War De- mates and with greater pecumiary profit and ad- partment, would afford simple space for a hos- vantage to the Government and to the Colony pital double the size of the present building, than even I ventured to anticipate. in puly freshest breezes at all seasons, and casy with extensive grounds, the purest air, the one respect has that project failed to accomplish accessibility. estimate that a suitable hes- all that was expected from it. My principalpital could be constructed on Flagstaff Hill object in suggesting it was to relieve the over-
with every possible convenience for $100,000. crowding is the older portions of the City nud
This money the Colonial Treasury would have so improve the general sanitary condition of easily be procured locally at 5 per cent. if the to provide in the first instance, but it could the Colony, then greatly in need of improve Government so wished. As for the ground, ment. The length of time the Praya Keelama. the Military have no use for it, and they would tion has been in hand and the steady growth of gladly exchange. it for an equal area more the population during the twelve years that have alapsed since first moated the scheme. have prevented the Colony from obtaining any adequate relief of that kind in spite of the very considerable area of now land added to the Colony, and, it will have, I am afraid, to be ad- mitted that in the central districts the over- crowding is now as great, if not greater, dian in 1887.
I have now to submit for the consideration of His Excellency Major-General Gascoigne, C.M.G the Officer at present Administering the Government of the Colony, another scheme of the same class and character but more exten- sive, having the same object in view-tie im. provement of the sanitary condition of the Colony by the creation of additional building land sufficient for the erection of 2413 Chinese houses of the most improved construction, well lighted and ventilated, and capable of accom. modating an adult population of about 150,000 people, allowing thirty square feet of floor space and four hundred and fifty cubic feet of air space for each adult, 'propose to increase the practically available area of the Colony by 4,227,400 square feet, or 97.03 acres. Of this arex 2,065,30 square feet, or 61.18 acres, will be an actual addition to the size of the island by reclamation from the sea, and 1,562,100 square feet, or 55.85 acres, will be made avail. able by the cutting down, levelling and laying out of ground now practically useless. Of the 4,227,400 square feet thus added to the Colony, 3,486,780 square feet, or $7.08 acres, will be building land, and 1,740,000 square feet, or 39.95 acres, will be added to the area already covered by public roads and streets. My pre- posals, if successfully carried out, will put into the Treasury a lump sum of at least 5657,050, will improve the revenue from Crown Lands by the sum of $33,9to per annuus and from laxes by the sum of $150,571 per annum, and all this will be accomplished without any ex- pense whatever to the Government.
All this I propose should be done within five years from the date when the work is sanction- ed by the Secretary of State, provided due diligence is used. The work, although more extensive, is of a much easier and less costly character than that connected with the reclam ation now in progress. If my calculations are correct, this project, if carried out, will do for the Eastern portion of the Colony all and more than all that the Sanitary Board hoped to be able to accomplish, if their proposals for a Sanitary Trust had met with the approval of the Government.
I propose that the reclamation of the fore- shore of the Wanchai district from Arsenal Street to the East Point Refinery should be undertaken and carried out at the expense of the Marine Lot Holders on the same lines as those
which the present reclamation is being carried out, and under a similar,, but slightly amended, Ordinance. This reclamation will involve the construction of a sea-wall 5,180 feet in length, starting. from the Eastern extremity of the proposed extension of the Naval Yard and Arsenal, and continuous with the outer face of such extension, following on an easy curve the line of the Eastern Praya at a distance from it of about 445 feet and terininating at the Western extremity of the East Point Sugar Refinery premises, and in line with its porthern face. It is calculated that the seawall will give an average depth of 164 feet at low water spring tides along its entire face. The land to he reclaimed within the new sea-wall will be laid out as follows:-
The present praya will be widened to 65 feet; A strip of building land 120 feet in width, specially designed to take two rows of Chinese houses, four stories in height, not exceeding 60 feet in extreme depth and having 15 feet backyards, will be laid out next to the old praya along the entire Jength of the reclamation. Outside of thar will come a thoroughfare 75 feet wide, beyond that another strip of building land 150 feet wide to allow of the construction of Kodowns, and then the New Praya, 75 feet wide. Ten streets, 50-feet-in, width, will traverse the reclamation from the Old to the New Panya. Plan herewith. For the purpose of filling in the land to be reclaimed from the sea, the hills on which the Royal Naval Hospital and Morrison Hillhouses sland-Inland Lots S4 and 36-will have to be acquired from their owners (acquisitions which can, I believe, be easily obtained on favourable terms hereinafter detailed), and cut down to the level of Queen's Road by the Eastern Market. This cutting down will not only supply all the stone and earth required for the sea wall and reclamation, but will give the Colony an additional area of level ground of 1,562,100 square feet, or 35.85 acres, and will open out the whole of the Wanchai district, now shut in on the east, to the easterly and south-. easterly winds; a further benefit will be cnri- ferred on the Colony by the levelling of the roads leading from the City to the Happy Valley. The plan seat herewith shows clearly the area proposed to be levelled both north and south of the Queen's Road and also the method in which the new ground is proposed to be laid out. The project includes the widening of the Queen's Road to a breadth of 75 feet from the Eastern Market to the Race Course and Cause. way Bay (an immense benefit in itself) and the piercing of the district by 6 other streets, each 50 feet wide, 3 running parallel to the Queen's Road and 3 at right angles to it, divid- ing the land into blocks of such size and shape that only the approved style of Chinese houses can be built on them.
The land to be dealt with by this portion of my scheme covers, as already stated, 1,562,100 square feet, or 35.85 acres. Of this, Inland Lot 84 Morrison Hill, the property of Messrs. Jar dina, Matheson & Co, includes 790,614 square
towards the centre of Kowloon. This would entail the resumption of certain lands there which there would be no difficulty in acquiring as the power of the Crown to resume is clear, if resumption was effected at once. and the cost would, I think, not exceed $200,000
The total cost of the improvements proposed to be effected is estimated (not including the cost of the new Naval Hospital) at $1,100,000, which is made up as follows:-
For the Pierre Perda
8 33,630. Seawall, incurling Reauna and Wing Wall.... Filling in, including Cutting down," Levelling
a taying on of Morrison Hill Naval Hospital HH.......................
Sewers, &e.....
Curbing and Channelling of Streets, &c......... Contingencies 5%
247,000
140,000 B1,500
49,5
$1,947,385
Say, $1,100,000. All these items are worked out at the present high rates of labour and material,
The whole of this will be borne by the
existing Marine Lot holders in the Wanchai district, who will receive an augmentation to their holdings of 1,492,080 square feet divided Talcably among them in proportion to their froutages, the Government, in respect of No. Police Station, being numbered amongst the Marine Lot hokiers and receiving 71,400 square feet of the above. The cost works out about 70 cents per square foot of avaiable building land reclaimed.
In addition, to, the building land added to the Colony by the reclamation, which is calculated to afford accommodation for 1,331 four-storied houses, there will, by the cutting down of Morrison and Naval Hospi- tai Hills and the hills adjoining on the south, as shown in the plan, be added to the available building land in the Colony, levelled and ready for building 994,700 square feet, or 22.83 acres, affording accommodation for 1082 three-storied houses. Of this, 521,000 square feet, or 11.98 acres, will go to Measts, Jardine, Matheson & Cut, in compensation for the land surrendered by them; 472,000 square fect, or 10.83 acres, will be handed over to the Government free of all cost.
The Colony will, in addition to the building land thus added to it's resources have acquired, if the scheme is carried out, new streets, &c. covering an area of 1.740,500 square feet, or 39.95 acres, of which two-thirds, or 26.93 acres, will be included in the reclamation.
The value of the land thus placed at the disposal of the Government is estimated at $1,137,050, namely:--` ` Front Lo: opposite Nu, a
Police Station Back .it
Police Stution.
Royal Naval Hill 101,
15,900
25,500 square ft. Ct $3.00 76,500 2.50m 114,750 ES .com 945.
„85,137,950
& n. 473,000
Total Value.
$700,000
From which must be dedicted cost of New New Site for Military ... 100,000
Royal Naval Hospital...... Compration to Leaseholders for Reimp
to......
Italance in favour of Governmeat
100,000
wwwwwww..co
5447,000
..$37,550
Tha Annual Crown Rents for the New Building areas are estimated as follows:- Royal Naval 433 Acres ton per Acre - Prays East
5
τει ένα 67
** 0,310
9
The annual rateable value of the houses when built is estimated at $1,158,240, and is made up as follows:-
9,413 House at 449 per Bounessa Gross
Ancust Rental of $1,138,ale at 13 per cent, $51,371 liave ground to dispose of, of the value of The Government would, therefore, not only 3037,000, but would have an annual revenue of $184,481, which, capitalized at 5%, would amount in $3,689.520.
1 respectfully submit this scheme for the approval of the Government and of the Secres tary of State. The proposals have been care fully thought out, and the calculations are fair- ly accurate. Our experience with the Praya Reclamation Scheme now in process of execu tion, enables me to judge with certainty as to the character of the work to be done, the cost. to be incurred and the time to be taken, and also as to the benefits to the Colony from the works proposed.
But His Excellency is not prepared to con- cede the terms, unduly favourable to the Marine Lot holders, which are proposed in your letter. The value of the Iafd which will be con- prised in this new Reclamation is and must be a matter of opinion, and since it cannot be determined now, His Excellency is prepared to recommend to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whose sanction must be obtained before any reclamation is made, the following principle for ensuring that the Government on with the Marine Lot holders in the profits of the behalf of the whole Colony obtains a fair share reclamation, namely that the expense of the re- clamation be provided in the same way as was the expense of the Praya Reclamation, and that when the new reclamation is finished the land so reclamation being deducted, the sum remain reclaimed shall be valued, and the expense of ing divided equally between the Marine Lot holders and the Government as premium, the Crown rent to be the same as on the Wester Praya, but neither premium nor Crown rent to be payable for the land required for streets and lane.
!!
In my letter of the 29th September, I pointed this proposat if the Government consented to out that there could be no serious objection to include in the cost of the Restination the com pensation that would undoubtedly be claimed by the Marine nt Holders for their loss of rental, &c., on their existing lots during the pro- greas of the reclamation and for the diminished value of these lots on conversion into Inland Lots. I also suggested for the consideration of compensation arose there might be very little the Government, that if any questions as to profit to divide.
tenement houses be provided with a scavenging "K" That all blocks laid out for Chinese lane to feet wide opening to a public street at both ends, and in addition with open back yartis in the rear of each house open to the said scale-Houses not exceeding 40 feet in depth, scavenging lane in accordance with following for each foot of width-s square feet.
5. If His Excellency will amend his proposal and the Government, the Govement accept--Grown Rent to be fixed by the Governor for by including in the expense of the reclamationing their hall of the profit by way of premium the time being for one further terms of 99 years: the amount of the fair and reasonable compen on the land reclaimed and leased to the Marine "That the cost of all resumptions of land sation (to be assessed under Ordinance 23 of Lot Holders. 1859, or some similar Ordinance) payable to
and all compensation to be paid to the land- holders in connection with the scheme be bome existing Lot Holders in the Wanchai District. for loss of rents and business, during the pro-
and paid by the Marine Lot holders as part of gress of the works and for the diminished value
the expenses of the scheme, the estate or inter est of the lessee so resumed being sold for the of their lands when converted from Marine into
benefit of the fund, unless, the Government. Inland Lots, then, possibly, the principle of
elects to resume and pay the cost of resumption division of profits might be acceptable; but even then the profits to the derived by the
or compensation: Government from the carrying out of the Sche. me, as put forward by me, would be immea Holders. The Government would get what surably greater than thoss derived by the Lot would practically be a gift-something for nothing. The Marine Lot Holders would get only'a fair return on their investment,
6. The Central and Western Praya, at the commencement of the Reclamation of 1889, was, with one or two wholly unimportant cx ceptions, all shops, stores and residences. The principal part of the trade of the Colony, was carried on along it. The whole coasting trade of the Colony centred there. The reclamations in their progress, although causing consider able inconvenience, dil not seriously inter fere with business along the praya nor in its neighbourhood, and did not interfere with the values of the properties nor with
the rentals derived from them. The resid ents could not move elsewhere to carry on their business, so they had, perforce, to remain where they were and make the best of it. The Marine Lot Holders, therefore, suffered no diminution of their rentals during the progress of the reclamation-the tenants Bearing what ever losses or inconveniences there were and now that the reclamation is finished and their former Marine Lots have become inland lots, the lapse of time and the steady increase in the Population and in the trade and shipping of the Colony has made them as valuable for purposes
the value of the new made land. of sale as the old Marine Lots ever were. They have, therefore, all the profits derivable from
in
At the interview with which I was honoured by the Governor it appeared that it was for many reasons undersirable that any proposals for the reclamation of the eastern district should be formulated which should give rise to any complications in connection with questions of compensation, but that the Government, nevertheless, felt bound to insist upon the payment to the Treasury of something in the shape of premiuat on the land reclaimed for building purposes and of which feasts wouhi have to be granted. I suggested therefore the following modification of my original proposals, and as it appeared to be acceptable I have now the honour to embody it in writing.
The proposed reclamation extending from the Arsenal eastwaid to jardine's premises in- cluded the widening of the present praya cast to a width of 75 feet, the formation of sites for the construction of Chinese houses outside of that of the depth of 120 feet, the construction of a road 75 feet wide beyond that; then a further strip of land for godowns of 130 feet in depth and outside of all a praya 75 feet wide. His Excellency will consent to a further ex- tension of this reclamation by another 75 fret to be added to the strip of land reserved for godowns, making the depth of the proposed reclamation 520 feet instead of 445 feet las originally proposed, I think I can persuade the Treasury a premium of 25 cents a font on every Marine Loi obfers to consent to pay to Ric font of building land to be leased to them. This will give the Government a premium in- come of $500,000 or thereabouts which it would not receive under the scheme as originally frumed and a considerable addition to the rental derivable from the land, which will be increased by about one-seventh.
May I ask for the favourable consideration of the Government for this mndlified proposal
sooner the work can be commenced the better obtain the consent of the Lot Holders and the and for an early reply, as the sooner I can
Your miast obedient, humble servant. for all parties ?-I have the honour to be, Sir,
(Signed) C. P. CHATER
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
different. It never has been and never will be 7. In Wanchai the state of affairs is wholly
Junks anchor there. No Chinese Merchants of an important business quarter. No Trading
their work there; only the poorer classes fre Traders of any position reside and carry on quent that neighbourhood. It is only within a comparatively recent period that there has been any business there at all even for the godowns. The division of the City caused by
This proposal while increasing the area of the interposition of the Naval and Military
new land to be obtained by the undertakers, and establishments has prevented the Chinese from giving an increased depths of water along the settling there, and the immense expansion new sea wall, will add considerably to the cost now seaward will only emphasize the separa-Holders. It will, however, give a definite sum progress of the Naval Yard of the work, to be horne by the Marine Lot tion. The whole length of the Wanchai praya is and always has been occupied almost
to the Government without involving the Gov ernment in any risk of loss should any unfore entirely by godowns, and they are mainly used seen change in the position or prospects of the for the storage of coal and of the heavier and Colony render the undertaking unprofitable to less expensive kinds of merchandise. The the owners of Marine Luts at Wanchai. business of those godowns will be at once affected by the commencement of praya recla mation works. The goods stored in them can- when their access to the sea is impeded. Now not stand the additional expense of carriage
Then they will be 350 feet. They will have the godowns are 50 feet from the sea wall, all of them to be pulled down, and the space they now occupy covered with Chinese houses. any fall in prices), it will cost at the rate of $4 At present rates (and there is no prospect of a foot to clear the present Marine Lots and cover them with Chinese houses equal to pre- sent sanitary requirements. The Marine Lot Holdiers assenting to the proposed praya recla mation at Wanchai will lose the profits of their If you accept this principle, which in the them for three years and to enable them to godown business for varying periods--some of able one, His Excellency will take steps to buildings at the rate of $4 a square foot. If Governor's opinion is a reasonable and equit-tilize their lots will have to expand on new give the details of your scheme early and care the Government undertook this reclamation it ful cofideration.I have the honour to be; self, as it undoubtedly has the power to du, it -Sir, Yourmast obedient servant, ``
could only do it by paying to the Marine Tot Holders A full and fair compensation. When this compensation was paid and the net cost added to the cost of reclamation, the profit to Government on the entire rack mation would be small, especially as the Government would have to borrow money for the work and probably to remain paying interest out of it, for sone considerable time. In any case it would realization. have to take the risk of all delays and losses in
The Honourable
(Sd.) F. H. MAY. Acting Colonial Secretary.
C. P. CHATER, C.M.G,
HONGKONG, 20th September, 1900. SIR,I have the honour, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1711 of the 13th in which you inform me that His Excellency instant (in reply to nine of the 12th June last)
the Governor has had under consideration mỹ proposals for a large reclamation from the sea between Arsenal Street and East Point; that he is prepared to view favourably my sugges on that the Reclamation in question should be carried out on behalf of the Marine Lot Holders by the Government, but that His Excellency is not prepared to accede to the terms embodied in my letter, as he deems them unduly favorable to the Marine Lot Holders.
2. His Excellency's suggestion is, that the expenses of the Reclamation be provided for in the same way as was the expense of the Praya Reclamation now in progress; thai, when the reclamation is finished, the land so reclaimed be valued; that the expenses be deducted from such valuation and that the balance be equally divided between the Marine Lot Holders and the Government. You further inform me that if I am prepared to accept this proposal as the Excellency is prepared to take steps for a de- basis of any arrangement to be come to, His tailed examination of the scheme.
I
8. The Marine Lot Holder who agrees to the Praya Reclamation on my scheme has, in addi- tion to anding the money for carrying it out to (4) stand the loss of his present godown business during the progress of the work, to () spend 54 a foot at the least in pulling down his godowns and putting up Chinere houses in their place, to (c) spend much more in building on his reclaimed land, either godowns or dwelling houses, and lastly, to take all the risk of finding himself unable to let his new godowns and buildings at remunerative figures as speedily as he could wish. The value of the newly reclaimed land will hardly repay him for all this. The Governor's proposal would leave him out of pocket.
9. His Excellency will understand that in writing this I am expressing my own views and opinions only. I have not consulted and am not now speaking as the representative of the the result of my own careful study of the ques.. Marine Lot Holders. Iam giving His Excellency tion, with the experience of many years and an 3. I have given to His Excellency's proposals intimate knowledge of the Colony and its busi very full and very careful consideration. have gone into the figures again, so far as it is
ness to justify me. The reclamation of the possible to estimate them, and have obtained and Morrison Hills are works that in the interest Eastern praya and the removal of the Hospital professional advice and assistance in working of the Colony must be done sooner or later. investigation, and after a detailed examination business demands it. Now is the time. The out results. I regret to say that after this fresh. The rapid expansion of the Colony and of its and comparison of the two Reclamation Sche- Colony is prosperous-money is plentiful. The mes--the Praya Reclamation now in progress Naval Yard Extrusion alinosi renders im cept His Excellency's suggestion as to the coinpleted without the reclamation being taken and the present scheme-I am unable to neperative the doing of the work now. If it is principle to be applied in working out the in hand, Wanchai will be placed at a still mend it for the arceptance of the Marine Lot less than ever a part of the City, to the injury scheme, and I could not conscientiously recom- greater disadvantage than ever and become Holders in Wanchai, ite position ofthe Marine of property and property owners there. As Lot Holders and the nature of their property for the Colonial Government undertaking being so totally different along the Eastern and the task on its own account and risk. I see to do so; so many public works of pressing Western Prayas.
no possibility of its ever being in a position importance are crying out for funds for their coinmencement or compiction.have the honour to be, Sir, Your mast obedient, humble
(Signed) C. P. CHATER.
Servant,
The Honourable.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,
The Honourable
A
Houses over 40 feet but not exceeding so. feet in depth, for each feat of width-6 square feet.
feet in depth, for each fapt of width-3 square. Houses over go feet, but not exceeding 60 feet.
without he permission of the Governor in Natenement house to exceed 6 feet in depth,
Concil.
3. His Excellency accepts the modification of your original proposal, contained in your tier of the 15th November, namely that the reclamation should extend 5 feet further into the harbour,
4. His Excellency is of opinion that a pre- mom should be paid to Government by the Marine Lot holders far every fist of building land reclaimed and handed over to them, and that such premium should be at least 25 cents fer square foot.
5. In conclusion, I am to add that the prin ciple of reclamation in sections as adopted in the Western Praya reclamation scheme will be followed if the proposed reclamation is carried. out, and that the expenses of a preliminary survey and estimate must be borne by the Marine Lot Holders, have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,
(Sd.) J. 11. STEWART LOCKHART,
Colonial Secretary.
The Honourable,
G: P. CHATER, C.M.Ş.
Shipping.
Arrivals, PARRAMATTA, British steamer, 2,696, R. T Denny, R.N.R., 28th Feb.,-Shanghai 26th Feb, Mails and General P. & O. S.-N. › Co. Honow, British steamer, Eao, L. Dawson, 1st Mar, Canton 28th Feb, General- Butrerfield & Swire. LOONGMOON, German steamer,
1,245, T Knoop, 1st Mar, Canton 28th February, General-E. A. Trading Co. KINGSIND, British steamer, 1,223, W. O. H.
Young, 1st Mar,--Canton, 28th Feb, General Jardine, Matheson & Co. BOMBAY, British steamer, 2,047, G. M. Mont- ford, 1st Mar,-Singapore 22nd February, General-P. & O. S, N. Co.
THALES, British steamer, 820, A. Robson, 1st Mar Swatow 6th February, General-- Douglas, Lapraik & Co.
i
VICTORIA, American steamer, 2,112, J. Panton, 1st Mar, Tacoma via Japan Ports and Woasung 2nd Feb., General-Dodwell & HAINAN, German steamer, 648, Clausen, 1st MORAVIA, Austrian steamer, 2,268, A. Calo- Mar-Chefon 24th February, General,- Siemssen & Co.
brese, 1st Mar,-Kobe 22nd Feb, General. -Sander,Wieler & Co.
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, HONGKONG, 12th Feb, 1gor Sir,-1. Referring to your letters of the 12th June, 20th September and 15th November, lay ing before Government a scheme for the
as intermediary between the Government and reclamation of the foreshore from Arsenal Street to East Point, and offering your service Marine Lot-owners, and my reply of the 13th September, to your first letter, I have the hon- Chowhai, German str., for Bangkok.
Clearances at the Harbour Ofic. nur to inform you that your proposals have Tsingtau, German sir, for Bangkok. been fully considered in Executive Council.
Esmeralda, British sr., for Manila. to avail himself of your offer to act as an
2. lis Excellency the Governor will be glad Mercur, German schooner, for Ponape.
Tacoma, American str., for Moji.' intermediary, and is prepared (provided your Saining British str., for Wachow negotiations with the owners of the existing Hothow, British str., for Shanghai. Marine Lots are satisfactory and lead to their Kingsing, British str, for Swatow. Secretary of State the general acceptance of Elsa, Geiinan str., for Haiphong. assent to your proposals) to recommend to the fichnet Jebsen, German str, for Haiphong. the scheme, subject to the following conditionsKongnam, British str, for Canton. and to any modification the Secretary of State may deem necessary:-
A."That the part of your scheme which involved the cutting down of Morrison and Mount Shadwell to the level of Queen's Road having been abandoned in view of the representations adverse to that proposal which have been put forward, it shall be left to the Government to decide where the materials for the reclamation work are to be obtained," Leighton Hill and Mount Caroline being pas sibly utilized, unless any unforeseen difficulty should arise:
L
Dopartures,
Mar. 1, Chamtai, German str., for Bangkok. Mar. 1, aithing, British str., for Swatow. Mar. 1, Hosang, British str., for Shanghai. Mar.. 1, Tyr, Norwegian str, for Kobe, Mar. 1, foihao, French str., for Haihow. Mar, 1, Tacoma, American str., for Tacoma.
Frecengers--Arrived
son, and 41. Chinese.
Per Thales, from Swatow-Mr. Frewin and
Fer Parramatta, for Hongkong from Shang- ing the extension of streets and a new Praya Witmass, Bract, Hugo Schwer, Or Ellis, W. H
"B" That the proposed reclamation, includ-hai-Miss G. Logan, Messi, C. M. Adamson, roadway, he carried out in accordance with a Boyd, Standley and Chinese Assistant, and general plan to be drawn up, shewing the land 21 Indians. For London from Shanghai-Mr. to be reclaimed delineated thereon in such divisions as are proportionate to the frontages Mr. H. Knickestocker, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, F. M. Gratton, Mr. and Mrs. Knickestocker, of the existing Alarine Lots, and the land when Mr. Leight, Mr. and Mrs. Brock and 2 children, reclaimed shall be allotted according to such Mr. J. R. Solomon, L.-Com Luke, R.M.H.L, divisions:
Lieut.Comdr. E. Aldridge, R.N., Private J. Lewis, Messrs. J. McDonald and A. ] Welch. For Marseilles--Messrs. A. J. H. Moule, W. A. 4. Moule, Miss Riddall, Br. F. W. Callson, and Dr. J. D. Thomson. for Brindisi-Mr. J. W. Grisar. London-Mr. A. J. Ingham. From Yokohama From Kobe for
"C" That the whole of the works, including the removal and re-erection of piers, and the ex tension, formation, sewering and channelling of the proposed new streets and new Praya wall fareshore as are situated in front of the Govern- and roadway, except on such portions of the ment properties, be carried out by the Public Lot owners Works D'partment at the cost of the Marine
D." That the Government shall not, be called upon to incur any expense whatever, connected with the scheme other than the for drainage or sewage works or any matter expenditure on account of the wall and reclama- tion in front of Government properties:
Alwander, Tyler, and zo Chinese:
Per Tacoma, from Tacoina, &c.Messa Per Bombay for Hongkong from Malia Mr. J. C. Gray. Emaon. From London for Shanghai-Comdr. From Singapore-Mr. T
and amah. Dauttrie. For Kobe-Mr. Abbott, child, infant
The Wanchai district will be laid open to ventilation and improvement in a wain which
except as aforesaid, be defrayed from a general borker, Mr. Knickbocker, Jr, Mr. and Mrs.
To Depart "E" That the cost of the proposed works, Mr. F. M. Gratto, M. and Mrs. Knick- Per Parramatta, from Shanghai for London it could not possibly be dealt with before. The
fand to be constituted by the Marine Lot owners Robinson, Mr. Laigin, Mr. and Mrs. Brock and removal of the two hills to the Eastward alt
for the purpose, and that before the commence- add immensely to the area of the district and to the easy accessibility of the districts to the 4. I admit that, as events have turned det,
enter into a written contract with the Govern ment of the works, each Marine Lnt owner
3 children, Mr. L. P. Solomon, Lieut-Col cast of it. The reclamation will add further it would not have been unreasonable or in
ment binding himself to take up such allotment A. J. Weich. For Marseilles-Messrs: A. J. Luke, R.M.L., Sub-Lieut. E. Aldridge, R.N., to its area. The proposed new roads and equitable if some such principle had been
of the general feclamation as may be appor H. Moule, W. A. H, Moule, Misa Riddall, Private J. Lewis. Messrs. Wi J.Macdonald and praya will facilitate the erection of healthful applied to the Prava Reclamation now in pro
tioned him by the Government, and that each Mr. F. W. Callsen, and Dr. J. D: Thomson.. buildings and the improved sanitation of the gress, the. Marine Lot Holders and the occu- neighbourhood. The erection of all new houses will be brought under the strictest sanitary
pants of premises there suffering little or no
Marine Lot owner deposit at the Bank 25% of From Kobe for London-Mr. A. J. Ingham. loss, either in the value of their holdings or in
the total value of the contribution to the General From Yokohama for Brindisi--Mr. G. W. rules. Their number and character will com pel landlords to improve and rebuild in the of the Reclamation works, or in consequence the profits of their business, during the progress
Fund by way of guarantee of his bona-fides, Grisar. From Hongkong for London. such deposit of 25% to be forfeited to the Crown Mr. Ram; Mr. and Mrs. Lawle, Lieut. area nor under occupation. This immense thereof, and, therefore, benefiting to the full
in the event of the Marine Lot owner sub Webb, R.A., Messt. H. M. C. Elliott, R.N., addition will be made to the area of the district, extent of the value of the reclaimed land or
HONGKONG, 15th November, 1950. sequently failing to take up his allotment for P. H. Holyoak, Mrs. Howell and family, Sergt. and to the income to be derived from it by the thereabouts; but the position in the Wanchai submitting certain proposals for the reclama-these deposits to the handed over by Govern R.M.L., Leadg Seaman W. Wilson, Sicker Sir-Referring to my letter of the 12th June, the reclamation. The interest accruing on Cook, Mr. W. E. Cullign, Private W. Taylor, Colony at a minimum of expense, and with a District is totally different: The Marine Lottion of a large tract of foreshore in the Wanchai minimum of disturbance of existing interests..... Holders there must necessarily suffer enorm
ment to the 'Marine Lot owners: But-and I beg most respectfully to callously during the progress of the works and will my rejoinder of the 29th of the same month all calls of money for works that may be made Me and Mrs. Stewart. For Brindisi Mr. E.
District, to your reply of the 13th September, attention to it-if the benefits indicated are to
F. That during the progress of the works Gunner Crapnell RM.A. For Marseilles
Chas. Hayes, Lance Corp. Laraping, and be derived from this project, it must be pro-
the Governor favoured me on the 22nd of Oct. owners shall be duly honoured by the latter, Bonbay--Mr. A. Abedin For Singapore and to ab interview with which ilis Excellency by the Goverment upon the Marine Lot O. Ballin For Colombo-Capt. E. Burder. ceeded with at once, and vigorously. It mast
last, I have now the honour to submit for the provided that the amount of such calls does. fr. G. Bowick, Dr. V. D. Feruandes, and Dr. be finished within five years, and with proper
consideration of the Government an amend not exceed the value of the works actually Felix Marfory, measures it can be done easily in that time. It is a much simpler undertaking than the Wes
of the 12th June last which will, if accepted, "G." That immediately upon the completion, ment to the proposals contained in my letter done in their respective allotments: tern Reclamation, but if it is to draw the popu
enable the Marine Lot Holders in whose of the reclamation of his allotment, including lation from the central part of the City, and
interests the reclamation will be carried out, to the construction of new streets and of the new be accompanied by some intelligent scheme of case the pressure of population there, it must
acquiesce in the suggestion contained in your Praya as aforesaid, each Marine Lot owner tramway comntioication between the heart and
Treasury should derive some more direct bens paying an Annual Crown Rent for the same at letter of the 13th September, that the Colonial take out Crown Lease for said allotment, and attractive Use extremities of the City, which will be cheap
fit from the carrying out of the works in ques- the rate of $200 per quarter acre Of all things speed is the most important, or
land reclaimed from the sea should be valued Rent shall be claimed by the Marine Lot WONDR otherwise, the steady increase in the population
and that the difference between auch valuation owners for their present holdings
from Swalow, reposts Fresh N.E, monsoon of tlie Colony will overtake the provision to be
and the cost of the reclamation when finished. That the leases for the reclaimed lots and dull doudy weather. Vessels in Swatow made for their accommodation, moot
should be divided between the Lot Holders be for 99 year, with the option oftestinal Figume SuSUP
make their properties pay again as Inland Lots. be put to very great expense before they can They will barely be repaid their losses and necessary expenditure by the value of the reclaimed land coming to them, while the Governinent, on behalf of the Colony, will, without running any risk or incurring any ex penditure, derive from the scheme the enormous will pocket, from land sales alone, a lump sum profits set forth in my first letter-the Treasury of at least $637,950, and will derive an additional annual revenue of $150,571 from Crown Rents have added to it, free of expense, an immense and Taxes, and the Colony, as a whole, will additional area, laid out a streets and roads of ample width and with the very latest improve
SIPPING REPORTS,
Hazy weather from Woosing to Turnabout," from Tacoma, via Japan ports, reports-Thick Capt. J. Panton, of the steamship Victoria,
thenon to arrival strong monsoon.
tion. Your, próposal was that the building WE." That no rebatement of Annual Crown at Robson, of the steamship Thales, from