COPY.
No.906
Sir,
225
Loy 20 SEP "S
"Tamar" at Hongkong.
11th July, 1899.
I have been in communication with the Works and the Honourable Colonial Secretary's Departments on the subject of the acquisition of a small quantity of additional land adjacent to that now held by the Admiralty on Mount Parish where it is proposed to build an Infectious Hospital.
The land is required to make a proper approach and to allow for further building if at any time it should be found necessary. I am informed that the land is valued at $62,475, but that can hardly be meant for the price the Admiralty would be required to pay for it for the following reasons:-
(a) The land is precipitous and could be of no value to anyone, either for residences or for mercantile purposes.
(b) The Admiralty hold the crest of the hill, the only land of any value, at a nominal rent for 999 years, from October 1876.
(c) A licence to erect buildings for use as an infectious hospital has already been granted.
His Excellency Sir Henry A. Blake, G.C.M.G., Governor of Hongkong.
(d)