CO129-287 - Public Offices & Others - 1898 — Page 519

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12. I may perhaps point out that a large economy

will accrue to the W.D. by the early completion of the

approved programme in the saving in hired buildings.

With the proposed increase to the Garrison it will be

absolutely necessary to incur a considerable fresh

expenditure under this head, if the new buildings are

not vigourously pushed on with so as to be ready in

time. Even as things stand at this moment the local

expenditure in hired buildings and lodging list is

£

heavy. It amounted to 7396 for the year ending 31st

August 1897. I submit that we ought to make every

effort to diminish this amount.

13. I am most anxious to push on with the Kowloon

Barracks and finish them off next year, with the

Asiatic Hospital (which as was justly remarked in

paragraph 4 of W.0.letter 9th June 1897 Hong Kong 24/10533/97 is practically part of these Barracks)

They have now been a long time in hand. We cannot re-

move Contractors plant and temporary buildings, and

clear up the ground till the remaining items are

finished. It will I think be discreditable to the W.D.

to let all this stand over for another year, if it

can possibly be avoided.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

(sd) H.Elsdale

Colonel on the Staff,

for G.0.0.the Troops in China (absent on leave,