CO129-412 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [7-8] — Page 79

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convinced that it would be a short sighted policy not to acquire

the whole block. The matter has been carefully considered and

the following is the opinion of the Director of Public Works:-

"If only the western half were acquired, a block

"of Chinese houses would be left practically within the Central

"Police Station Compound. If only the eastern half were acquir-

"ad, then the Government would lose the frontage on Old Bailey.

"The houses are old and it is a difficult and often dangerous

"business to cut such a block in half. The party walls are

"usually so badly built that they would not stand if part of

"the main walls were removed and would either collapse or

"require special supports. Apart from this, if Government only

"acquired one half now, the price of the other half would rise

"immediately in view of possible future acquisition and it is

"more than likely that the existing buildings on it would be

"demolished and modern dwelling houses erected upon it.

There is another point the "would raise the price still more.

"existing parade ground at the Station is too small for the

"requirements of the Police Force quartered there".

This

-

I strongly recommend therefore that the whole

block be resumed now and that the existing houses on it be

demolished. Such area as is not required for immediate extension

can be reserved for future requirements.

In this connection

the fact has not been lost sight of that the new Magistracy

contains certain accommodation for Police.

3.

The property is valued by the Land Officer at $178,000 and I would ask your authority to provide $200,000 for the resumption and commencement of the work in the Estimates for

1915.

The estimated cost of the new building is $340,000 but I am confident that thes estimate can be reduced by a considerable sum, Detailed plans will be sent for your

approval before any work, if sanctioned, is begun.

4.