No.
486.
Government House,
Hongkong, 26th November, 1901.
571
Sir,
I have the honour to invite your attention to the fact that, in consequence of the recent and prospective additions to the Staffs of the Colonial Secretary's and Public Works Departments, it is necessary to carry out an extension of the building at present occupied by these Departments.
2.
The building, which was erected in 1848, has been occupied for the past 10 years or more exclusively by the Departments mentioned, with the exception of the Council Chamber and two rooms allotted to the Local Auditor, all of which are situated on the upper floor. The ground floor has been entirely occupied by the Public Works Department during the period stated.
3.
It has been decided to make provision for the Local Auditor in the new building to be erected for the Post Office, Treasury, &c., but the Council Chamber and Colonial Secretary's and Public Works Offices will remain where they are at present.
4.
It will thus be seen that two additional rooms will, in course of time, become available for the Colonial Secretary's Staff. At present, however, no proper provision
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
8:0