On 3rd November, 1896, we received a reply from the Colonial Secretary (marked E in the annexed correspondence) informing us that the Government were unable to accept our proposals but that any memorial we might submit would be duly transmitted to you.
It will be observed as the result of the correspondence that the only real difference between the Government and ourselves is in reference to the term of years for which the proposed new building leases should be granted.
We respectfully submit that the fact of our surrendering (as we are willing to do) to the Government the ground required for the new public roads without compensation is alone an ample reason why the Government should grant us ordinary building leases for the full term of our present lease, but when we are willing to pay the higher Crown rent demanded and to spend a large capital sum ($20,000 at least) in rateable improvements such as dwelling houses, shops, &c., there ought in our opinion to be no question whatever as to our being entitled to leases for 999 years.
All building leases in Victoria are for 999 years and at Kowloon there are also building leases for 999 years, and because the small building lots at Kowloon are now sold for a term of 75 years only is no reason why we should consent to have our existing term of 999 years replaced by a short lease for 75 years, nor in justice to our own interests can we agree to expend large sums of money on such terms.
We therefore respectfully ask that you will be pleased under the above circumstances to authorize His Excellency the Governor of Hongkong to grant us building leases for the remainder of our term of 999 years so that the proposed improvements in roads may be commenced.
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servants.
FARM LOT NO. 1, KOWLOON.-COPY CORRESPONDENCE.
SIR,
A
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS TO E. R. BELILIOS.
PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE, HONGKONG, 6th November, 1895.
Adverting to our conversation of the 30th ultimo, I have the honour to forward you the enclosed tracing shewing a project for the laying out of existing Kowloon Farm Lot No. 1 as building lots.
It will be observed that the project proposes 10 building lots of the following approximate dimensions:
3. 255 ft. by 67 ft. 6 in.
4. 255 ft. by 50 ft. 0 in.
3. 180 ft. by 67 ft. 6 in.
Each of the lots faces a reserve for streets and abuts at the back on Reserves for lanes 15 feet in width.
I am to inform you that His Excellency the Governor is prepared to issue building leases for the 10 lots shewn on the plan, subject to the following conditions, viz. that you surrender your present lease and take out building leases: term of lease 75 years; annual Crown rent at the rate of $100 per acre; you expend within 5 years a sum of $20,000 on rateable improvements.
E. R. BELILIOS,
The Honourable
JNO. D. HUMPHREYS,
E. R. BELILIOS, C.M.G.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
and that
Your obedient servant,
FRANCIS A. COOPER,
Director of Public Works.
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
Secretary of State for the Colonies,
&c.,
&c.
By his Attorney
HENRY HUMPHREYS.
SIR,
B
JOHN D. HUMPHREYS & SON TO DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
38 and 40, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL,
HONGKONG, 2nd September, 1896.
On behalf of the owners, we beg leave to lay before you certain proposals having reference to Kowloon Farm Lot 1.
It is necessary first of all for us to mention that Mr. Noronha and others have a charge upon the property, that they are endeavouring to make the most of their position and to exact terms which the owners are not prepared for a moment to grant and which preclude all possibility of a surrender of the property in the usual way in exchange for building lot leases.
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