better holdings and to sink wells for watering their 2 animals. If building land is required, the Government grants building land of the full value of the agricultural
land resumed.
13. But the person with the grievance is not the genuine peasant, but the speculator who hoped to find opportunity in the extravagances of the land boom to mulet the Government in fantastic sums for land which must obviously be acquired for purposes of its town-planning scheme. It is at the same time true that the agitation
which has been set on foot by the speculators has occasioned considerable uneasiness among the peasantry of the New Territories generally, who vaguely fear that the Government has in contemplation some scheme of general confiscation. I feel sure that a frank explanation of the Government's policy will satisfy the people that their grievance is
without foundation.
14. I have accordingly to advise you that in my opinion no ground exists for acceding to the prayer of the petitioners.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
7.5.
7. E. Statt
Governor, &c.