Closure Z
360
Tract of land hitherto undrained and waterlogged and swampy in all seasons. The area was in close proximity to the densely populated suburb of Hunghom and to the Kowloon Military Barracks, and it was obviously desirable, whether a park were created or not, to improve the drainage of a piece of land which must be in its present condition a menace to health.
A map is attached which will show approximately the area which Mr. Ford proposed to appropriate for the purposes of a park. At its fullest extent it included the portions marked I, F, and 'C'. Recognising that Military rights and other considerations might prevent the realisation of the entire scheme, he suggested that I, at least, might be converted into a small park or recreation ground if no larger space could be obtained. This small area extends to about 11 acres, and Mr. Ford pointed out that its conversion would probably not interfere with any of the objects of the Military Reservation of which it formed a part. The area marked 'B' is of about 52 acres in extent, and includes, with 'A' and 'C' the whole of the Military Reservation in this part of Kowloon, and the Rifle Ranges formerly used by the Military and Naval Authorities, the Police, the Volunteers and the Hongkong Rifle Association. At the present time only 1 Range, the most easterly and a short length (200 yards) of the one immediately to the West of it is in use. The others have been closed as unsafe for use of the Lee Metford Rifle. It was obvious, of course, that this area could not be converted into a park without the sanction of the Military Authorities; for even in the event of the Rifle Ranges being condemned, owing -----