No. 258.
Hongkong.
C. O.
29937
Government House,
Hongkong, 18th June, 1902.
355
Sir,
Enclosure 1.
(Telegram)
I have the honour to transmit for your information the enclosed transcription of the telegraphic messages which have passed between us on the subject of a Park at Kowloon.
2.
The history of this question is as follows.
In January, 1899, Mr. Ford, Superintendent of the Botanical and Afforestation Department, submitted for the consideration of the Government a scheme for the creation of a new Public Park. He pointed out that no land suitable for the purpose was then obtainable except within an area which had been reserved for Military exercises and Rifle Ranges, but that this area was admirably suited to the purposes of a public recreation ground, owing to its natural conditions and configuration.
Among the advantages which in Mr. Ford's opinion would arise from the creation of the Park were the provision of space for recreation in a portion of the Colony which was rapidly growing and where the European population was largely increasing; the allotment of spaces for soldiers, sailors and civilians to take exercise; the levelling and improved sanitation of a tract
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c. &c.