CO129-410 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [3-5] — Page 281

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find itself saddled with a heavier liability than it could meet. Moreover such a vague promise would be of little value to Lessees.

4.

It is necessary to exclude the New Territories from any Notification that may be made, because the Leases there are for the most part for 75 years renewable for 24 years less 3 days; and the method of dealing with Leases of Crown Land for Charitable, Religious or Scholastic purposes has to be considered.

I propose that these Leases shall be excluded also. The Government obtains practically no rent from such Leases, and the class of building which is to be found on land leased for these purposes is of a kind that is useless for ordinary purposes. It might be possible, if you think it desirable, to formulate a modified scheme for dealing with compensation for such buildings, but on the whole I and my advisers have come to the conclusion that these Leases should be excluded.

5.

In view of the remarks made in the preceding paragraphs, I have now to submit for your consideration the drafts of two Notifications dealing with the matters referred to. The draft marked 'A' follows closely the scheme originally proposed by me and approved by you. The draft marked 'B' differs from 'A' in that it throws upon Lessees the onus of obtaining information as to renewal of their leases. It was pointed out to me by the Land Officer that the obligation cast upon the Government by making the Colonial Secretary responsible for notifying Lessees whether or not the Crown will re-enter into possession of the 1 and and buildings, is a very heavy one; and that in the event of delay, through mistake or inadvertence, in giving the notice the Govern- -ment might be mulcted in heavy damages. I have therefore had the Notification re-cast in the shape of draft 'B' which I recommend

for your consideration.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

Borna

Governor,&c..