t:
33
expensive and where sites and accommodation are scarce.
The extension of the Colony is now taking place on the Kowloon
side. Land there is practically unlimited and building is
cheaper, as sites are level.
Rents are much lower in Kowloon
and this is tending to bring down the level of rents in the whole
Colony.
As Kowloon extends this will be more and more the case.
Is it not possible then that of all the main items of revenue,
rates will show the smallest proportional increase? Your
opinion would be of value.
(3) We notice that the proposed rateable valuation is not to cover the whole of the Colony but "the most important districts".
I am not quite clear as to this limitation; are you satisfied
that the point may not give rise to controversy as to the area
of assessment?
(4) If a change from the basis of revenue to that of rateable
valuation is made for Hong Kong, will it be followed by a similar
proposal for the other Eastern Colonies, or are the conditions in
Hong Kong so different as to call for such a change there more
strongly than elsewhere?
3 3
Gi
기
(5) Mr. Amery, in alluding to this subject in his letter of
t
29th October to Sir Laming Worthington Evans on the Straits
/Settlements