A
„Ese („dotali dƒOS
PAP¦ V (ted prostanol erd met JonIJKE
Enclosure 3.
Extract from the Hongkong Daily Press
-
30th March, 1923.
:
THOSE MILILARY LANDS.
I was disappointed that there was no reference made from the Chair to what has become a question of over increasing urgency, I refer to the removal of the Military Establishments from the centre of Victoria. Although at the Bank Meet- ing held recently, the Chairman spoke in no uncertain manner on this matter, I think that at every meating of business men held in Hongkong, the opportunity should be taken of protesting against the continuance of the present state of affairs. The large reclamation now in progress in the Eastern side of the town, and the removal of Morrison Hill, will make that district of ever increasing importance. An evidence of this is to be seen in the prices now being paid for land at Quarry Bay. between the Eastern and the Central 'Se tions of the town, the Military lands thrust in a wedge which will prove an increasing inconvenience to communication and the proper development of the Citr. WAR
OFFICE AUTHORITIES ARE THE ONLY
OBSTACLE.
It is not easy to understand an official attitude which has persisted for over twenty years in keeping the garrison in its present cramped and insanitary sur- roundings when there are so many sites available. far more suitable from a
point of view, and on which the troops would enjoy those facilities for recreation which are denied them at present. No doubt at the beginning of the Colony's history, the present location of the garrison was quite appropriate, but with the making of roads and the development of motor transport, its use- ' fulness for military purposes has long gone out of date. I understand that the War Office authorities are the only obstacle to a satisfactory exchange of sitas being arranged. We contribute 20 per cent, of our revenue to the Imperial ¡Exchequer, but the extraordinary obstinacy of the War Office, costs the trade of the Colony a vastly larger sum!
than that.
Owing to the impossibility of expansion in the natural direction land in the central district has risen from $8.00 to 1850 per
square foot during the last :ifteen years, and route have ingesamod 50 per cent. during the same period. Without exception, every Foreign business Company and firm and every Foreign shopkeeper is affected by this, and consequently the whole community.
Had the Military lands been available, these enormous increases would not have taken place, and the high cost of living, which is so detrimental to the Colony have been in part avoided. I hope the Chamber will endorse the remarks you, Sir, made recently on this subject in your capacity of Chairman of the Hongkong Fand Shanghai Bank, and will send a strong representation to the Government on this vitally important matter,
(367578) WL 20119/36 Gp. 140 60,000 11-29 W&S Ltd.
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