Hongkong, 26th October, 1906
Sir,
In reply to your letter dated 23rd instant, I would beg respectfully to point out to you that this wall has been rebuilt three times and cost me in all as large a sum as fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) and that when the original plans were passed for the house no retaining wall was required by the Government, the authorities responsible being apparently of the opinion that the bank was sufficiently solid to support itself. This proved to be not the case as the bank collapsed. I erected a wall to the approval of the Public Works Department.
The next wet season showed that this wall was of insufficient strength as portion of it collapsed owing to Crown Land above slipping. The third time the wall collapsed I engaged Architects to prepare plans for the rebuilding, they informed me that they wished to concrete the whole of the bank with Cement Concrete. Would this not have prevented any further collapse?
I appeal to the generosity of the Government to aid me in some manner as I have now no further means of rebuilding this wall. Should they favourably consider my appeal I shall always appreciate their goodness as an act of grace for which I can never be sufficiently grateful.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) Wong Yuk Hing.
To The Hon. The Director of Public Works.
"Braeside" Inland Lot 1523.