CO129-538-3 Development of Government sites and rebuilding of Government buildings 17-12-1931 - 22-10-1932 — Page 16

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considerable owing to climatic conditions, will

become increasingly heavy as the fabric deteriorates.

3. In a Colony which permits of so little

change of "atmosphere" as Hong Kong it is essential

that the Governor should have some alternative

residence to which he can at times retire from the

more formal life of Government House.

It was

therefore suggested that instead of a second

residence on the Peak, there should be provided a

country residence in the completely different

surroundings of Fanling.

4. On Sir William Peel's instructions I

consulted the Finance Committee, which comprises all

the unofficial members of Legislative Council,

confidentially on a proposal to erect an unpretentious

country residence at Fanling at a cost of $55,000

exclusive of furniture as a substitute for Mountain

Lodge, which would be given up on the completion of

the new Government House at Magazine Gap. The

Finance Committee unanimously approved the proposal

for a residence at Fanling but desired to dissociate

themselves from any suggestion that the provision of

the new residence should be made conditional on the

abandonment of Mountain Lodge. They wished the

future of Mountain Lodge to be left over for

subsequent consideration if and when the Governor

should desire to abandon it.

5. The Committee wish to go further than Sir

William Peel intended and raised the objection that

the

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