N.L.4395.
Sir,
C.O.138 32133
ADMIRALTY 08
14th November 1907.
I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, that they have had under their consideration the question of the upkeep of the Naval Graves in the Public Cemetery (Happy Valley) at Hong Kong, these graves numbering at present about 900.
2. The Cemetery itself is maintained by the Colonial Government, and is in very good order, but the Naval graves are not at all in keeping with their surroundings, the climate and heavy rains having had an injurious influence on the stones and lettering. Efforts have been made to remedy this out of funds raised by voluntary contribution, but the sum thus obtained has proved quite inadequate to allow of the stones being kept in a satisfactory condition, and it is estimated that a first outlay of £90 is required to put the frames in good repair, after which they could be maintained by an annual expenditure of £17.
3. In these circumstances, and in view of the fact that there is no Admiralty Cemetery at Hong Kong, I am to request that you will be so good as to move their Lordships of the Treasury to sanction the expenditure of £30 a year for three years on the work of repair, and thereafter £17 a year on maintenance as a charge to Vote 10, Subhead L., Grants in Aid of Works.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) C.I. THOMAS.
The Secretary,
H.M. Treasury's.W.