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disposal of the existing sites.
Luckily Government House
grounds though only about 3 acres in extent should realise more
than the cost of a new official residence for the Governor
provided with modern amenities and spacious grounds as well as
the cost of the necessary approach roads.
5.
The site the Commissioners would recommend for the
purpose is that chosen in 1913 for the Portuguese Garden City.
It would require an approach road from the new Broadwood motor
road and an alternative route could be provided by "motorising"
Sir Cecil Clementi Path, and could be reached by motor car from
the centre of the city in 20 minutes by either route.
Preparing the site should not present much difficulty and
spacious grounds could be laid out without much levelling or
terraceing. The aspect too is in the opinion of the
Commissioners a commanding one especially from the Harbour.
Though the site is not on the South side of the island it has
the benefit of the prevailing breezes in Summer through Lai Mun
and Wanchai Gap. Ample space for expansion of the grounds
is available on the Eastern side; and when all the necessary
reservations are made the area further East might be opened
up for residential development if the growth of the community
justifies it.
6. The Commissioners would advise a similar policy in
respect of Mountain Lodge i.e. that when it becomes uneconomic
to maintain it be sold and a more accessible site selected for
the Governor's Peak residence near a motor road or a road that
can be "motorised". Should the site eventually selected for
Government House be on the Middle Level a separate Establishment
on the Peak might not be required.
15th July, 1931.
(Sd.) J.M. Breen, Chairman.
J.J. Paterson.
W.N.T. Tam.