- 3-
23
END
such cases.
The principal reasons are:-
(a) boundaries can be clearly delineated, whereas
the original 999 years leases have in many cases
no plans and are frequently inaccurate in the
description of the premises.
(b) private streets and lanes can be taken over and
maintained by the Government, the Crown Rent of
the premises abutting on them being adjusted to
cover the cost of upkeep.
(c) privity of contract is ensured between the Crown
and the owners of individual tenements and the
7.
collection of Crown Rent is facilitated.
It would appear equitable that leases so
granted should be for the same term of years as the original lease. Doubt has been expressed however as
to whether, in view of the restriction on the grant of
999 years leases contained in the despatch referred to
above, it is competent for me to grant to those who
formerly held their premises under an original lease for
999 years new leases of their individual holdings for
the unexpired portion of the original term of 999 years. I would therefore ask Your Lordship's sanction for so doing, not only in cases in which the original term has been terminated by re-entry, but also in all cases in
which it is considered to be in the interests of the Government to accept surrenders and grant separate
leases of premises held now for a like term.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,
سلة
Governor, &c.