T
COPY.
No. 3886/1912.
Gentlemen,
C.O
29078
165
REG 23 JUN 15
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Hongkong, 8th. March, 1915.
In reply to your letter of the 13th. August, 1912, which gave cover to a petition from persons interested in house property in the Hill District praying that steps may be taken to give to Crom lessees, and section holders, of building lots held under lenses for 75 years, a title to a renewal for a like term of years on the expiration of such leases, I am directed to inform you that the Government is not prepared to entertain the prayer of the petitioners.
2.
In the event, however, of Crown land in the Colony, held under a lease of the nature referred to above, or under any other form of building lease, not being required for public purposes on the expiration of the lease, the lessee will be entitled to a renewal of the lease for 21 years at a fair rent to
be determined, failing agreement, by arbitration.
3.
I am to add that if any Crow land in the Colony held under a building lease is required on the expiration of the lease for public purposes, no compensation for buildings on the
land will be given.
I am etc.,
(Sd.) Claud Severn,
Colonial Secretary.
Hessrs. Dennys and Bowley.