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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 22nd MAY, 1875.
4. From the statements made to us by the Marine Lot Holders, it seems extremely doubtful whether, having regard to the natural depreciation in the value of existing Shops and Hongs which would result from building in their front on a fresh reclamation, it would be in any case a profitable investment to enter upon the proposed scheme. But there is no doubt whatever, that other Land Owners in rear of the present Praya buildings would materially suffer by an extension of the Praya, thus throwing business premises built on their property further from the sea, and their interests are entitled to consideration. On the whole, therefore, unless it could be shown that the reclamations referred to are in the nature of a requisite public improvement, which could be carried out without unreasonable cost to the Government, it does not seem advisable that they should be made.
5. On these points, we beg to advise that no reclamations, such as are suggested, should be at present taken in hand, but as they may at some future date be advantageously carried out, the present sea-wall from the Gas works to White's Lane should be repaired, and where necessary rebuilt, in accordance with the plan given in Appendix B. The estimated cost of this work is $55,000.
6. From White's Lane (near the Central Fire Brigade Station,) to Government Wharf, the Praya will have to be wholly rebuilt. It runs along the most valuable property in the Colony, opposite which no reclamations are ever likely to be made. It is the portion which invariably suffers most during Typhoons, and has never yet been built sufficiently strong to withstand the terrible effect of these severe storms.
7. We consider it of the utmost importance, that this work should be undertaken with the full intention of its being, as far as professional skill, experience and foresight can provide, a final work. The whole Colony is interested in a stop being put to the heavy expenditure which is nearly every year incurred in repairing this its most frequented thoroughfare, and all possible means should be adopted in order to make it a truly permanent structure.
8. The foregoing recommendations refer to what we consider a work of absolute necessity, but at the same time, we would urge the advisability of increasing the width of the Praya in this portion of the City so as to allow of a roadway of 60 feet instead of 50 feet, for the unceasing and teeming traffic which takes place along it. The opportunity is now given for this valuable improve- ment, and having regard to the extensive and permanent nature of the undertaking which the Colony has to enter upon, the additional cost of this work, which is estimated at $12,500, cannot be considered unreasonable or excessive.
9. The Surveyor General has submitted to us a plan (vide Appendix A) for the sea-wall in this locality, and having personally inspected the styles of building hitherto adopted in the Colony, and having ascertained, by the light of experience, their faults and deficiencies, we would recommend it as one which is likely to combine durability with great strength.
10. The cost will necessarily be large. It is estimated at $105,400. This will not, however, be excessive if it will obviate what has already been mentioned, viz., the annually incurring large expenditure for repairs. It is from this point of view that the matter should be considered, as being the most economical course to follow.
11. The next proposal relates to the erection of a Praya in front of the Naval Yard and certain Military buildings. It was thought that not only would this be a great public improvement, but would materially benefit, and, so to speak, resuscitate the Eastern portion of the City. Further, the Naval Authorities, who, for many years past had steadily opposed this scheme, have now cordially approved of it under certain conditions which would readily be granted. There seemed, therefore, every prospect of the Colony having at last a continuous roadway along the whole sea-frontage of the City, apparently facilitating its tradal operations and beautifying its appearance.
12. It is, however, with great regret that we find ourselves unable to advise the construction of this work in the present condition of the Colony. We have had the advantage of consultation with those most deeply interested in property in the Eastern portion of Victoria, who possess also an extensive knowledge of the state of trade both in Hongkong and China, and we find that there is a strong and unanimous opinion, that no such result as that specially desired, and which alone would justify the Government in undertaking the work, would accrue.
13. They consider, and we concur with them, that the building of the proposed new Praya would have no appreciable effect upon the value of property along Praya East. If, therefore, this public improvement (and it can only be looked at in such a light), is to be carried out, we think that it should be taken in hand only when the financial condition and prospects of the Colony are sounder and more satisfactory than they are at the present time. The estimated cost of the work is $150,000, which would be an enormous sum for the Colony to expend on an unremunerative improvement. But should the Imperial Government, out of consideration for the great and patent benefits to Imperial property which would result from the proposed reclamation, be willing to give pecuniary assistance towards the attendant expenditure, the question would assume a different position, and should meet with the earnest attention of the Colonial Government.
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