Sir,
C.0
Magistracy,
10293
204
Hongkong, February 9th, 1904.
$
I have the honour to submit the following
report of work done by the Land Court in 1903.
During the field season which ended about
the middle of the year the demarcation of the New Territory was
completed. The last districts done were Lamma Island and the
Coast Strip between Tai Lam Chung and Lai Chi Kok including
Psing I Island.
2.
This work which has occupied nearly three
years has been carried on to a great extent under the immediate
control of Mr. J. R. Wood who has been in charge of the branch
office at Tai Po, and who has done uniformly good work. I am
greatly indebted to Mr. W. J. Newland of the Indian Survey
Department for his ready co-operation throughout. The total
number of claims demarcated is 334,862. Full particulars of
every Lot are contained in the field books compiled by the
demarcators.
3.
Of this large number of Lots 277,109 have
been formally laid claim to by the holders; leaving a balance
of about 15% unclaimed. Under the provisions of the Ordinance
it was necessary to receive every claim that was duly laid.
The Honourable
A large proportion of the claims however have really no basis
of title at all and it will have to be determined by Govern-
ment as a question of policy what length and quality of occupa-
tion will entitle the holders to the rights of ownership. Not
more
The Acting Colonial Secretary.