73
(2)
hold that the dock would have been completed in Kowloon sooner than it can be completed at the present site on account of the difficult nature of the sea bed, and, as regards expense, the proposal made to the Naval Authorities distinctly showed that the change involved no expense, while the present dockyard could have continued its work until everything was ready at the proposed site. Even now it would not be too late to make a change that would obviate the grave injury that will be inflicted upon the only European residential quarter of Hongkong, in the very heart of which the present Naval Yard is situated, by the establishment of a great dockyard right to windward of the principal residences.
4.
As however it is probable that the Naval Authorities may insist upon proceeding with the new dock, upon which very little work is now being done, I have the honour to request that the Lords of the Admiralty may be approached with a view of an arrangement as to the sum to be paid to this Colony for the lands to be taken over from the Military Authorities.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Stuart, Sir Henry
Governor, &c.,