TC. 103, 10.
SAVINGRAM
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date
..........
No...
June, 1951.
(Page 2)
28
54402/16/5,
The
with the promoters of the Society, more particularly Dr. S.N. Chau and Messrs. J.H. Ruttonjee and J.R. Jones, and with the Bank. Bank has agreed to advance the full cost of the buildings, which is a most exceptional step for it to take, and I consider that it is justified in protecting itself in the manner suggested, in which opinion the Finance Committee of Legislative Council concurs.
5.
Negotiations with the Society began in 1949, many months before the proposals set out in my despatch No. 14 of the 10th February, 1951 were conceived, but I do not consider that the present proposals conflict with those put forward in that despatch. Indeed, any project which will contribute to the housing of lower paid workers in the Colony is to be encouraged, and there are obvious advantages in gaining a diversity of experience by two simultaneous approaches to the same problem. I should perhaps explain that the Hong Kong Model Housing Society is an entirely different body from the Hong Kong Housing Society referred to in my despatch No. 14 quoted above.
6.
Executive Council has been consulted and supports these recommendations. Early approval by telegram would be appreciated as the Society is anxious to start construction as soon as possible.
I
Encls. 3