CO129-614-2 Visit of Sir Patrick Abercrombie to advise on town planning 28-11-1946 - 5-12-1947 — Page 119

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IMPORTANT No. 433

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

119

TO HONG KONG (Sir M. Young)

FROM S. OF S. COLONIES.

·

Sent 17th March, 1947.

13.30 hrs.

1

Your telegram No. 1561 of 1946.

Town Planning Officer,

Ministry of Town and Country Planning advise visit of Consultant to spend a few weeks in Colony and advise on what is involved in preparing a plan, kind of planning organisation most suitable and give an

indication of general lines. Visit would be followed by appointment of a Planning Officer for 2 or 3 years to work out detailed plan.

2. →

Sir Patrick Abercrombie is at present on short visit to Cyprus. I do not know whether he would be prepared to take on Hong Kong enquiry. Cyprus fee is 500 guineas (repeat 500) plus travelling expenses,

3. No other expert of comparable status now available, but Ministry of Town and Country Planning have suggested name of James A. Stewart, M.I.C.E., M.I.M.Cy.E., as suitable consultant, From 1916 to 1941 he was Deputy Chief and later Chief, Engineer to Calcutta Improvement Trust where he did a considerable amount of Town Planning, and has lately acted as an Adviser to the Ministry of Town and Country Planning. He has now retired, and might be willing to undertake this work.

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Please telegraph whether you wish approach to be made first to Abercromble and falling him Stewart and an application made for grant from Colonial Development and Welfare Funds to cover total cost of consultant's visit.