71556-1921-Replies-to-questions-asked-by-the-Hon-Mr-H-E-Pollock-K-C- — Page 1

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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, FEBRUARY 4, 1921.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

No. 41.-The Honourable Mr. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C., has given notice of the following questions:--

1. Will the Government state what is the reason for the delay in commen- cing work on the erection of Government houses and flats on the "Homestead" site at the Peak?

2. What steps does the Government propose to take with a view to putting up the Old Post Office site for sale by auction? What is the objection to such site being put up in four or five lots in order to meet the requirements of would-be purchasers?

3. Referring to the recent statement of the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies in the House of Commons (in answer to Colonel John Ward, M.P.) to the effect that the Secretary of State had suggested to H.E. the Governor of Hongkong the formation of a strong local Chinese Committee to look after adopted children and servant girls, will the Colonial Secretary inform the Council what steps the local Government are taking in the matter?

to which the following are the replies:-

1. The site came into the possession of the Government on the 1st April, 1920, and after some discussion it was decided in July to place the whole work of development in the hands of a private firm of architects. Sketch plans were submitted early in September and after amendment were finally approved on the 3rd December. Detailed plans and drawings are in course of preparation and a contract for the erection of the houses will be let shortly. There has been no avoidable delay in the matter having regard to the importance of developing this valuable site to the best advantage.

2. It will probably be decided to put up the land for auction in several lots. The question of the best method of sub-dividing the whole area is at present receiving consideration. At a later stage the Members of the Public Works Committee of this Council will be asked to give their opinion on the proposed laying out.

3. The Government is taking action on the lines suggested by the Secretary of State, but it would be premature to publish any details at present.

COUNCIL CHAMBER,

3rd February, 1921.

S. B. B. McELDERRY,

Clerk of Councils.

APPOINTMENTS, &c.

No. 42. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint Sergeant THOMAS WILLIAM HILL, M.C., to be Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Company, Hongkong Volunteer Defence Corps, with effect from the 2nd February, 1921.

3rd February, 1921.

No. 43. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint Mr. WILLIAM RUSSELL to act as Government Marine Surveyor, Mr. WILLIAM OSBORNE LAMBERT to act as First Assistant Government Marine Surveyor, and Mr. ROBERT HALL to act as Second Assistant Government Marine Surveyor, with effect from the 4th January, 1921.

4th February, 1921.

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