CO129-468 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [6-8] — Page 442

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not take the hints which I had given them that unless they

confined their exactions within reasonable limits steps

would have to be taken to compel them to do so, and I came

to the conclusion that some action was imperatively

demanded.

3.

The course which has been adopted as a result of the report of a strong and representative Committee of the Legislative Council is by no means ideal but it appeared, after very full discussion, to be the beet practical solution of the difficulty that could be found.

I trust that the Ordinance will not be required after the expiration of the year for which it has been enacted. A considerable amount of building is now taking place and I am making enquiries with a view to seeing whether we can stimulate the erection of new houses by any changes in our system of land sales. It is also to be hoped that the neighbouring provinces of China will settle down to more peaceful conditions during the course of the year so that we may not be troubled with continuous

influxes of refugees.

The question of housing will, however, always be a difficulty in Hongkong owing to the smallness of the area available for building and the heavy cost of preparing sites on the side of granite mountains. It is therefore essential that we should be able to make the best use possible of such suitable building ground as exists and I desire to take the opportunity of urging once more that the Army Council should be pressed to expedite the settle- ment of the question of the Military Lands in Victoria and Kowloon in order that the valuable sites now in Military occupation may be put to a beneficial use.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient humble servant,

B. C. Stat

C. Stable

Governor, &c.