The Ground rent seems to be $400 not #40⋅ = Send copy to the OAG with reference". the former correspondence of hill reference to our recent despatch as to the num I grants of land dark in the three is for reduction. am cam M- Tell M・ Allen that we will consult the OnG Iub referever to the part correspondence beems to show that they were houses with the last lituality as the circusan Seemed to justify C.P.d 23 at once
Telegraphic Address: "ALLENTHESE, LONDON." C.O. 45889 26, EDITH ROAD, W WEST KENSINGTON: 22 DEC 03 622 LONDON, W. December 16ti., 1903 WESLEYAN MY AND NAVY BOARD.
Sir:
The Rev. Charles Bone, the Senior Wesleyan Minister resident at Hong Kong, has forwarded to me the enclosed Memorandum relating to the Wesleyan Soldiers' & Sailors' Hostel establishment at that Station.
Mr Bone and the Committee of the Home are exceedingly anxious that the Ground Rent which is now paid for the site on which the Home is erected may at least be very considerably reduced, and I am directed by the Army & Navy Board to submit Mr Bone's suggestion for the very favourable consideration of the Secretary of State.
In doing so I venture to point out :-
(1) That the Home has been provided at great cost, and is used exclusively for the benefit of Eli, soldiers and sailors; its advantages being extended, so far as is expedient by the Manager of the Home, to the Mariners of the British Mercantile Marine.
(2) That a heavy debt still remains on the building Account.
I would also call attention to the most laudable desire on the part of the Committee of the Home to meet the necessities at Wei Hai Wei by establishing a Home at that Station.
I am sure that the whole case will receive the most favourable consideration of the Secretary of State,
But 26295 27 of State for the Colonies.
VHIT CHALL, Your obedient servant,
Momum.