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{
37.
If the claim of the back section holders is allowed, then logically all the lessees of Yaumati would be entitled in a greater or less degree to compensation because the reclamation will increase the distance between their lots and the sea.
38.
The back sections of these lots as a matter of fact front on Shanghai Street, the principal thorough-fare of Yaumati, and are all occupied by shops opening on to that street Yaumati Market is just across the street, and further inland are Temple Street, crowded with tenement houses, and the new 100 feet main road, factories, schools and a Theatre: so that it is absurd
Shanghai to say that the shop keepers of Station,Street depend on the boat people for their business.
The back Sections are also divided from the front sections by a 10 feet private lane running the whole length of each lot parallel to the sea front, and the buildings are all entire- ly separate from the front Sections both in construction and occupation.
39. The question of the rights of back section holders of Marine Lots in Victoria was the subject of dispute and corres- pondence from 1889 when the Praya Reclamation Ordinance was passed until 1910 the different Section holders of Marine Lot 53A being unable to agree as to the proportion of the reclam- ation opposite their lot to which each was entitled.
With regard to that dispute the Government maintained the position that the Section holders must fight it out between themselves, and in consequence of that attitude the Colonial Secretary on 6th December 1889 wrote the letter referred to in paragraph 7(h) of Messrs. Deacon, Looker & Deacon's letter suggesting that the claimant in that case should guarantee either to assign an equitable proportion or pay an equivalent in money to a back section holder: that is to say the Government
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