440
( 40 )
8. We would add that we believe a sense of justice would induce the majority of Marine Lot-holders to approve of compensation to Wharf-owners being charged to the general cost of Reclamation, and under present arrangements it seems that Marine Lot-holders are the parties chiefly interested.
9. There is another point we would bring to His Excellency's notice. We are given to understand that almost all the moorings now laid in the Harbour will have to be moved some 250 feet from South to North. The expense of this to indi- viduals will not be heavy, but the aggregate will amount to an appreciable sum, as the cost of shifting each mooring will average $200 to $250.
Should not the ex- peuse of this also be included in the general estimate of cost of the Reclamation?
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servants,
THOS. ARNOLD,
Secretary,
Hongkong, Canton & Macao Steam-bout Company. Limited.
p.p. DOUGLAS LAPRAIK & Co..
T. E. DAVIES, General Managers, Douglas S.S. Coy., Ld. BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE,
Agents, China Navigation Coy., Ld.
The Honourable F. STEWART, M.A., LL.D.,
Colonial Secretary.
SIR,
( 41 )
(Pier Owners to Colonial Secretary.)
HONGKONG, 17th July, 1888.
We have the honour to own receipt of your letter, No. 956, of the 14th instant, in which you inform us that His Excellency the Governor has promised to give that consideration to the question of our respective Wharves, now fronting the Praya-should their removal become necessary owing to the adoption of the con- templated reclamation scheme-which the importance of the case demands.
You desire to be informed as to the cost of our respective Wharves, which we have much pleasure in giving below. In connection" therewith, we venture to remind His Excellency that the cost of our Wharves does not represent the loss we should sustain if it be decided to remove, and not reinstate them on completion of the Praya extension. The absence of these special Wharfage facilities would mean almost annihilation of our respective trades.
As to the cost of re-building these Wharves on completion of the new Sea Wall, it is not easy to furnish an estimate unless we are provided with details shewing the soundings, and nature of the bottom; but we think a fair estimate would be that they would cost double the amount of the present erections.
First cost of the following Wharves :--
Hongkong, Canton & Macao Steam-boat Company, Limited,...$20,000.00 Douglas Steam-ship Company, Limited,
China Navigation Company, Limited,
20,000.00
26,824.94
No. 956.
(Colonial Secretary to Pier Owners.)
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
GENTLEMEN,
HONGKONG, 13th July, 1888.
With reference to your letter of the 5th instant, on the question of private wharves in connection with the proposed Praya Reclamation, I am directed by the Governor to inform you that your letter deserves, aud will receive, His Excellency's careful consideration.
I am to add that in order to know what is involved in this question His Excellency would like to know the original cost and to have an estimate of the present value of your respective wharves, and also an estimate of the cost of building new ones.
I have, &c.,
FREDERICK STEWART,
Colonial Secretary.
:
THOS. ARNOLD, Esq.,
Secretary,
Hongkong, Canton & Macan Steam-boat Coy., Ld.
Messrs. DOUGLAS LAPRAIK. & Co.,
General Managers,
Douglas Steam-ship Coy., Ld,
Messrs. BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE.
Agents,
China Navigation Coy., Ld.
મે
The present value of the respective Wharves, we consider, is not less than their first cost, for the stuctures have been, and are, thoroughly kept up, at a con- siderable annual outlay.
We have the honour to be.
Sir.
Your most obedient Servants,
THOS. ARNOLD,
Secretary,
Hongkong, Canton & Macao Stenn-boat
Company, Limited. -
p.p. DOUGLAS LAPRAIK & Co.,
T. E. DAVIES,
The Honourable F. STEWART, M.A., LL.D.,
General Managers,
Douglas Steam-ship Company, Limited,
BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE,
Agents,
China Navigation Company, Limited.
Colonial Secretary.
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