COPY.
The Honourable
HA1. Naval Yard Extension, Hongkong, 14th November, 1900.
124
R. D. Ormsby,
Director of Public Works.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 12th (No.1022) we think that the upset price you suggest for the lease of the Mataukok quarries is too high. Half the rent of the quarry farm for this very small section seems to us excessive and we should not tender on this basis.
At $5,000 we are prepared to come in. It would be cheaper for us to pay the quarry farmer's usual impost, than $10,000 for our first year's requirements. Our operations there cannot be commenced before March or April next.
Hoping that you may modify the proposed upset price.
We have etc.,
(Sd.) Purnell, Lowther & Co.