No.100
Hongkong.
Government House,
330 C. O. 12504
Hongkong, 11th March, 1904.
My dear Sir,
While engaged in writing my Despatch No. 12494 of the 9th instant, it came to my knowledge that the Military Authorities had recently made enquiries of a local Land Company with a view to purchasing a large area of land at Kowloon having a frontage on the Harbour. I was informed that the value of the land to be purchased was about $240,000.
In view of the approaching close of the Imperial Financial year, I thought it desirable to send you my telegram of the 4th instant. In the meantime, I have made further enquiries and learn that the area of land, the purchase of which is contemplated, comprises about 70,000 Square Feet and the price asked is $3.4 a Square Foot; my previous information appears therefore to have been inaccurate; nevertheless, the payment of the sum of $238,000 by the Colony for the acquisition of this land would, in the present state of the finances, be an impossibility.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient Humble servant,
Francis Henry May
Officer Administering the Government.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ALFRED LYTTELTON, K.C., M.P.,
&c. &c. &c.