CO129-619-8 Wah Yau College- request to extend land grant 16-6-1949 - 1-7-1949 — Page 5

Secretariat file 7/1996/47.

5

No. 113.

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

th

HONG KONG,

16 June, 1949.

END

(2) on '+8. (1) ·

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Sir,

I have the honour to refer to your Savingram

No.529 of 17th June, 1948, in which you approved the proposal in my despatch No.109 of 18th May, 1948, to grant by private treaty an area of about 200,000 square feet to the Jesuit Mission in Hong Kong to enable the Mission to erect a school for 1,000 boys to be called the Wah Yan College.

2.

Since notification of your approval was received the details of the building scheme have been under discussion. The Mission was unable to decide exactly the extent of their project until it was known upon what terms Government would grant the land. The figure of 200,000 square feet was consequently only a tentative one. Originally they contemplated spending about $2,000,000 of which Government would contribute one half. The Mission now find that their project will cost and that they are in a position to expend approximately $5,000,000 although Government's contribution will remain at the original figure i.e. approximately $1,050,000. This permits a much more satisfactory scheme and better development of the area in question, but it also requires a larger site. The Mission now ask that the area granted be increased to 447,800 square feet.

3.

This project will permit the establishment of a large first class non-profit-making school which I consider will be an asset to the Colony. It is most desirable that work on this school be commenced as soon as possible, and in consequence, with the advice of my Executive Council, I have approved that the grant of land by private treaty be extended to about 447,800 square feet.

H. K & PROIFIC

23 JTD 1993 1040

HEGISTRY

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant

Mahara

GOVERINO.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

ARTHUR CREECH JONES, M.P.