CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11] — Page 436

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schemes of improvement that are undoubtedly necessary as

pointed out by Messrs. Chadwick and Simpson,i

if any real

improvement in the Sanitary Condition of the City is to be

effected. I trust, therefore, that you will agree with me

that a Body which shall be specially charged with the work

of improving the City is necessary.

4.

The Engineer whose appointment your prede-

cessor has sanctioned in his Despatch No. 334 of the 7th.

ultimo, would he deputed to act as Engineer to the proposed

Trust. A small special Staff would also be necessary.

5.

As regarAs the financial aspect of the

proposal I am of opinion that no less endowment than what

is proposed would be of any use having regard to the great

value of land in the City which will make resumptions on any-

thing like a large scale very expensive. If the revenue of the

Colony should prove to be insufficient to cover the consider-

able endowment proposed then extra taxation should be resorted

to unless a loan in aid of the improvement fund were authorised.

The Goverment it must be remembered will

obtain a return not only in enhanced Crown Rent but also in

enhanced assessed taxes from the improved buildings erected

in the resumed areas and from the improved value of property contiguous to the improved areas.

There will be some loss of land devoted to

streets and open spaces, but after making due allowance for such loss the Government will in my opinion reap a handsome

return from the enhanced value of property.

6.

If you approve of the general outline of

the scheme a Bill embodying its proposals can be drafted

for