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-tion for the construction of a new pier; and, as only half the Murray Pier will be blocked by the Naval Yard Extension works, I am of opinion that this sum is reasonable.
The matter is urgent because the Contractors for the Naval Yard Extension are anxious to commence work on the Murray Pier in accordance with the approved scheme,
and, since the work could no longer be postponed, with a view to obviating any claim of the Contractors for delay, has arranged that the work should be completed with a break in the continuous line of extension, leaving the Western landing place open to the public. But until the question of compensation has been definitely settled no work can commence on the pier itself.
In the next place the very greatest misapprehension appears to exist with regard to what is referred to in your Despatch No.197 of the 22nd. of last June as "the existing Victoria Yacht Club". No such Club exists. A suggestion has, however, been mooted between the Committee of the Victoria Recreation Club, which Club is to be provided with a site by the Admiralty, and the Committee of the Royal Hongkong Yacht Club to the effect that, if the Victoria Recreation Club scheme in its present form is approved, and if the members of the Yacht Club are willing to become members of the Victoria Recreation Club, accommodation in the Victoria Recreation Club premises should be allotted to the Members of the Yacht Club.
I will address you later on regarding