For this reason I am against self government in a small
colony like Hong Kong.
There exists, I believe, great contention in Hong Kong between
the Government and Land Owners. The government contends that the
recurrence of plague and the presence of other diseases in Hong Kong
are caused by the great overcrowding, while the Land Owners persist
that all these evils arise from the bad state of the drains or a
faulty drainage system.
Under these circumstances, I would for the welfare of an
island in which I have spent fourteen or fifteen years and which I
still regard with much interest, ask permission to submit that all
the sanitary matters should be taken over by the government, to be managed by government Officials and that the government make a vigorous effort to remove the evil of overcrowding by opening up new sites and providing accommodation for the working classes at a moderate
- a small rent cost. Government would have no ground rent to pay
plus the taxes would recoup their outlay.
With the opening up of the West River, I foresee a great future for Hong Kong and a great expansion of commerce and this must
necessarily bring an increased population.
It is therefore imperative that the town be so extended as to provide sufficient building room for the new comers.
I think I am right in saying that all those who have bought land from government and developed it have made money. If Government would take the housing difficulty
into its own hands I feel confident a similar success would attend its efforts. For all these reasons I have ventured to address
you on these important points, feeling sure from the interest
you take in the welfare of the Colony and sanitation, that you will kindly excuse the liberty I have taken.
It is of the utmost importance that the plague should be stamped out
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Paw. J Ackroys