510
for passing under the Pier at all seasons of the Tide a serious injury will be inflicted upon the public and in particular upon that portion of it owning property at East Point and Wanchai, to say nothing of the danger to life in Typhoon, not an uncommon occurrence, by cutting off the native boats from all chance of making for their usual places of shelter.
As regards ourselves individually the greatest possible injury will be done to us. In case of a sudden ... We have considerable leasehold property at East Point upon which we have expended a large amount of money and we have an extensive establishment in connection with our Mercantile business there.
We also hold leasehold premises at Wanchai Eastward of the proposed Pier, comprising Chinese houses which are occupied mostly by people belonging to or connected with the boating population. And if they are to be shut out by a barrier such as the intended Pier, our property must necessarily become greatly deteriorated in value.
Our Mr James Whittall