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HONGKONG'S
PACIOSED LAYOUT 10%. Working Class Flats, Kings B HONG KONG
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MODEL HOUSING SCHEME
We have continually deplored in these pages the fact that in spite of the enormous amount of construction work being carried out in Hong Kong none of it included provisions for the housing of workers at rates they could afford to pay.
The project described on this page is unique, in that it represents the fruits of the combined efforts of a few public minded citizens and the Hongkong Government. Should this first concerted effort prove successful, as we have no doubt
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it will, it is to be hoped that it will point the way to a definite long term policy designed to make up the tremendous lack of decent living accommodation for the hard working artisans and labourers, who have proved their value to the Colony's economy and whose well-being may become the stabilizing factor to its future existence.
The formation was recently announced of the Hongkong Model Housing Society, an association formed for the purpose of providing housing accommodation and associated amenities for workers and other persons of limited means, on an entirely non-profit-making basis.
The Society has the support both of the Hongkong Government and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Cor- poration and both Government and Bank are represented on the Committee.
The Society administering the project is constituted as a company limited by guarantee. The Board of Directors con- sists of Mr. J. H. Ruttonjee, C.B.E., Chairman, Dr. the Hon. S. N. Chau, B.E.C., Vice-Chairman, the Hon. R. R. Todd and Mr. W. W. C. Shewan, A.R.I.B.A., nominated by the Governor of Hongkong, Mr. A. S. Adamson and Mr. J. R. Jones, M.C., nominated by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corpora- tion, and Mr. John Finnie, appointed by the Board.
The Society's spokesman, in making the announcement of its constitution and its objects, observed that the housing situation in Hongkokng has steadily improved since the re- occupation for those who could afford to pay the high rents resulting from a combination of excessive building costs and a demand which is always ahead of supply. The Hongkong Government, leading industrialists, and social welfare organi- sations had, however, long been seriously concerned because of the persistent lack of accommodation for persons of small means at anything like reasonable rents. Several schemes for providing self-contained flats ensuring privacy and comfort, at rents within the means of such persons, have been under consideration for some months.
Plans are now being prepared and building is expected to commence in the near future of 40 houses of 10 flats each or 400 flats in all-to accommodate an estimated total of 2.000 persons.
These flats are to be erected on a large area, valued at $1,250,000, on the south side of King's Road, which the Government is providing on nominal terms to the Society. Each flat will consist of a living room, bedroom, kitchen and lavatory with shower.
The cost of construction of these 400 flats-estimated at about $3,000,000-is being financed by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation at a specially favourable rate of interest.
Special recreational facilities for the tenants would be incorporated in the scheme. There would be large recreation ground, which would include a basket ball area, and ten garden lots, some of which could, if required, be made avail- able as additional recreation grounds.
The Architects are Messrs. Chau and Lee.
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