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Secretariat file 2/1996/47.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
/ End
HONG KONG.
No. 98
d.
18
May,
1949.
Sir,
I have the honour to address you on the subject of an application by the Rt. Rev. Henry Valtorta, Bishop of Hong Kong, for the grant of two areas of land near Fanling in the New Territories. A Chinese benefactor who insists on anonymity has offered to provide $1,000,000 for the erection of a vocational training school to be built and run by the Society of the Divine Word, if Government is prepared to provide the land on suitable terms. It is proposed that the school shall provide facilities for boys between 8 and 18 years of age. It is hoped to accommodate about 200 to 250 boys, some as boarders, some as day students. Some of the pupils would be free orphan scholars, the rest would pay according to their means. The cost of running the school would be borne by the Society of the Divine Word and no contribution would be paid by Government.
a
2.
While, in accordance with the benefactor's wishes, some emphasis would be placed on training in agriculture, sound general education together with instruction in various trades would be provided. It is proposed to provide that a proportion of the vacancies in the school should be filled, on nomination by Government, by boys from the New Territories and that, in filling remaining vacancies, priority should be given to students whose home is in Hong Kong.
3.
One of the areas required measures about 11.45 acres of hilly ground on which would be erected the school buildings, workshops, etc., and where a playground, orchard, and vegetable gardens would be sited. The second area comprises about 12.42 acres of steep hillside and would be used as garden and agricultural land.
4.
I consider that this is a most desirable project and that it should be of great benefit to the Colony and I recommend for your approval that the land required be granted without premium and at nominal rents of $50 per annum for each area, with a clause restricting user to the purpose for which the grant is made. A building covenant of $400,000 would be attached to the first area. As it is desired to return a very early answer to the benefactor, I should be grateful if your reply could be sent to me by telegram.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
H. K. & PACIFIC
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ARTHUR CREECH JONES, M.P.
GOVERNOR.