201!
L
189
Church Missionary Society,
The Hon. The Colonial Secretary,
Hongkong.
sir,
Hongkong, 24th November, 1914,
f
May I be allowed to draw your attention to the dis-
advantage under which St. John's Hall in connection with the
University is placed as compared with University Hall in respect
to payment of rates.
I understand that the University Halls are exompted
by Government from paying rates. On the other hand St. John's
Hall is rated as if it were an ordinary dwelling or lodging
house, and apart from the additions recently completed we are
required to pay $694 per annum in respect of rates. If to this
is to be added an assessment in like proportion for the now
additions, it will be impossible to run the Hall without loss.
May I point out that St. John's Hall was erected for
educational purposes only and it is not occupied for gain or
'pecuniary profit.' The Church Missionary Society has expended
large sums of money to erect these buildings as an accessory to
the University. The Hostel is under the general control of the
University authorities and with the exception of financial lia-
bility is part and parcel of the University.
In addition to the working expenses, the Church Mission-
ary Society maintain two University graduates in charge of the
Hostel. I would ask therefore if the Hostel may not be put