Hongkong is open to serious objection. The idea of extending the present Gaol on the existing site is impracticable. The present Gaol is built in the centre of the Town of Victoria on a site that does not admit sufficient extension. Fortunately, whilst it is a bad site for a Gaol, it is a very valuable site for shops and residences, and when sold will fetch a good sum that ought to go towards paying for the building of a new Gaol. His plan of building a Gaol at the Bowrington end of the Wong-Nei-Chong valley is open to the objection that it is one of the most unhealthy spots adjoining in the colony, and the canal that drains the European and Mahomedan Cemeteries.
Furthermore, I have appropriated a part of it for tree-planting purposes. His proposed site at Lap-sap-Chong is also unhealthy. The surface drainage from Sah-Wan flows into it, and the large Chinese cemetery above it flows into it too. I do not know what he loves about this site. Mr. Price's suggestion is to resume and absorb for the purposes of a public building a Chinese cemetery, which is characteristic of the way in which I found the Survey Department treat the Chinese. It would be difficult to conceive any proceeding of a Government Department that would be less agreeable to the Chinese community. It would not only be a painful act of desecration but a breach of faith. The Chinese have received the express condition...