C.O. 237/32
Hack
513
No 4 CEP 19
ko. 203.
Government House,
Hong Kong, 3rd July, 1899.
Enclosures
Sir,
I have the honour to forward for your information a copy of a memorandum by the Director of Public Works on the subject of the main road from British Kowloon to Tai-po-hü in the New Territory, which immediately on taking over the leased area I authorised Mr. Ormsby to commence.
2. The only means of communication with that district hitherto have been (a) by sea, which in heavy weather is impracticable, or (b) by a rough foot path over a pass about 1000 feet high from Kowloon to Sha-tia on an arm of Mirs Bay. For strategical and administrative reasons and for the development of the newly acquired territory this main road is a work of absolutely necessity, and I have directed that it shall be completed with the utmost despatch.
3. I now have to request authority for the expenditure on account of it already incurred up to the 30th June last viz. $17,200, and for a further expenditure of $50,000 during the remainder of the year. It is hoped that it will be possible to meet the expenditure for this year out...
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c. &c.