CO129-534-3 Report of Retrenchment Commission 4-5-1931 - 19-2-1932 — Page 192

192

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The Committee in its recommendations, more ospecially as regards its indication of the Shatin Valley, was far sooing,

But the Commissioners are of the opinion that the Committee, in paying attention to the terms of its reference, neglected in some cases other considerations of greater importance.

Thoy refer to the large aroas- soven in number end totalling

nearly 3 million sq.ft. in Kowloon and New Kowloon

*****

which

the Committee ro commended should be set aside as playing grounds.

Most of these are in the heart of the areas already oar-marked by the Town Planning Committee and the Public Works Department

for building dovolopment. The estimated value of the so

'playing fields' is about $6,000,000 (to which should also

be addod a considerable annual revenue in Crown Ront and

Rates). The Commissioners realize to the full the

dosirability of 'lungs' in modem cities, but there is King's

Tart right in the middle of the poninsula south of the Kowloon

Hills.

In England it is not regarded as a hardship to travol

somo distanco to roach a football or cricket ground. Shatin

is within easy access of Kowloon by railway

simple matter to run a speedy and frequent service between

Kowloon and Shatin during the recreation hours. The Commissioners consider that the proposals of the Playing Fields Committee are based on too generous a scale, and

consequently likely soriously to interfore with building

development in Kowloon and Now Kowloon,

would be a

therofore

recommend that, boforo effect is given to these proposals, the resultant position be carefully considered so as to avoid future regret. In this rogard the assistance of the

Zoning Committoo might be helpful.

30.

AREA OF VACANT LAND OUTSIDE OLD POSTION WESTERN MARKET.

At the south end of the old portion of the Western Market at

tho