Goverment House,
Hongkong, 3rd June, 1901.
C.C
23451
260
I have the honour to report that on 29th November, 1900, I opened a new pier bearing the name Blake Pier.
I agree with In Fiddian that this should be considered when dealing with Estimates as a whole.
Referring to your despatch No. 201 of July or August, I propose to insert a vote for demolishing but to defer expenditure until I charge income for next year? In 1902, apparently, C.P.L. Sir M. ommauney on 9 July said to proceed. But I should be glad when they have their Clock Tower, when their Sphinxes do come forward.
10/7 alouu, Pier.
2. In the course of my speech on that occasion, I expressed a hope that I should be able to insert in the Estimates for 1902 a sum to cover the cost of demolishing the present Clock Tower and constructing a new Clock Tower with conveniences in the shape of shelters and lavatories.
3. In furtherance of the hope thus expressed, I caused particulars and conditions of competition (of which a copy is enclosed) for designs for a new Clock Tower at the entrance to Blake Pier to be drawn up and published.
As a result, three designs were sent in, and I invited the Gentlemen who formed the Public Works Committee of the Legislative Council to inspect and report on those designs. A copy of that report is transmitted herewith.
4. I agree with the recommendations of that report and propose to provisionally insert in the 1902 Estimates a sum of $50,000 to provide for a commencement on this much needed improvement being made next year.
5. From the enclosed copy of a report by the competitor 'Bon Accord', who is Mr. H. G. C. Fisher of the Public Works Department, dated April, 1901.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&C...
8cc.