i
215
7.
Accordingly I have to ask your sanction to offer
to the Directors of the Y.M.C.A. the site at Kowloon shown
on the enclosed plan having an area of 20,720 square feet which is sufficient for such a building as they contemplate and also
for two Lawn Tennis Courts, an almost necessary adjunct to
such a building, free of premium but at a Crom rent of £286
per annum, calculated at the rate for building land in this
locality. I may mention here that the portion of the Old Post
Office site, mentioned in the letter from the Directors,
comprises an area of 7,200 square feet valued at 8216,000, with
Crow rent in the sum of $132.
8.
It seems hardly necessary for me to dilate upon
the advantages to the community of placing the Y.M.C.A. on a sound and permanent basis. Owing to its constitution the
Association is debarred from deriving any income from the sale
of intoxicating liquors. This fact has resulted, during its
existence before the war, in its experiencing very great difficulty in maintaining itself and an inability to extend its work and sphere of influence. It would be quite impossible
to raise among the small European community of this Colony
in
a sufficient sum to purchase site for the building in a
central position
-
which is essential
--
and I trust you will
concur that it is not unreasonable that the Government which is interested in the welfare of the large and increasing numbers of its European servants should contribute to a project to which the public hes so generously subscribed.
The Association, I may remark, aims at providing
something more than a social club; its objects are to encourage morel and intellectual development and are therefore educational and partly religious in their character.
9.
It is very desirable that the Association should learn your decision on this despatch as soon as possible. I should therefore be much obliged if you would communicate your
wishes