HONG KONG
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264
Explosives Magazines on One
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Nobel's Explosives Company secure free Island in 1888 for ten years and incurred expenditure of £1,112 in the erection of magazines, roads, and planting of trees from 1888 to 1891. In September/October 1898 the Hong Kong granted a renewal of the lease for 3 years with an extension to ten years, so that it expires in September of the present year. The annual rent paid is $60.
Our Hong Kong representatives, Messrs Jardine & Company approached the Local Colonial Secretary regarding further renewal of the lease in May last, and received the following reply on 4th July:
"In reply to your letter of the 12th of last May, "I am directed to inform you that His Excellency, "The Governor, has decided not to renew the lease "of One Tree Island, both because the Military "Authorities consider it preferable that explosives "should be stored within the Harbour Defences, and "because the Government Depot, which was completed "in February 1906, affords adequate storage"
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The reason that the renewal of the lease is refused on account of One Tree Island being outside the Harbour Defences seems to us to be altogether insufficient, because, during the 20 years which we have occupied One Tree Island, Government Regulations have been strictly complied with, and the Local Authorities have never had any reason to complain, either in regard to the condition of our magazines or stocks. We maintained experienced watchmen on the Island, and whilst present arrangements have proved sufficient to prevent even an attempt at pilferage.
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