CO129-449 - Governor Sir May & Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [7-9] — Page 308

:

Sonslosure 1.

Hon. Colonial Secretary,

CO 52022

357

20 OCT 12

It has come to my knowledge that Messrs. Macdonald & Co. are desirous of selling their property at Hunghom. The property in question comprises K.X.L. 83 and K.1.1. 1178 vide areas cross hatched in red and blue pencil

respectively on the enclosed plan. It will be seen that

these areas are situated at the northern end of the area

reclaimed with the material from the Hunghom Railway cutting

and are opposite the China Light & Power Co's Station, for

the resumption of which negotiations are in progress.

2.

Having regard to future shipping facilities in conjunction with railway requirements, I am of opinion that

it is desirable that the lots in question should be acquired

by Government. It is extremely probable that shipping and railway developments, which will have to be provided by

Government as soon as railway communication with the interior

of China has been established, will interfere with the

frontage of Kowloon Marine Lot 83, in respect of which marine

rights exist. As there are no buildings of any value on the

lots and as there is at present no strong demand for land in

this vicinity, conditions are favourable for obtaining posses-

-sion of the property.

3.

Kowloon Marine Lot 83 was sold by public auction

on the 16th. May, 1904, on a 75 years' (renewable) lease at a

premium of 30 per square foot and Crown rent of $400 per acre.

The area of the lot is 139,800 square feet, the Crown rent

amounting to $1,284. The lot has been reclaimed since the

date of sale.

Kowloon Inland Lot 1178 was sold by public

auction on the 8th. October, 1906, on a 75 years' (renewable)

lease, but, as the area was intended to be occupied as an

extension of Kowloon Marine Lot 83, it was stipulated that the

lease