Sessional_Paper_1886-1887 — Page 489

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REPORT FROM THE LAND COMMISSION OF 1886-87.

the Naval and Military Authorities would not oppose themselves to the well being and the interests of the whole community if they were thoroughly satisfied that they were standing in the way of the best interests of the Colony.

Sooner or later, the Commissioners think, that if the population continues to increase, it will be absolutely necessary with the increasing want of space, and value of land, that the space occupied by the Naval and Military Authorities will have to be relinquished in consequence of the pressure of population in the adjoining portions.

Now that the forts are completed they will be worse than useless unless the garrison is largely increased. If the garrison is increased more buildings will have to be erected, and the cost of removal will be very greatly increased. If the best lands of the Colony are occupied for military purposes the Colony is really contributing enormously towards the expenses of the troops, and can hardly be called upon, in justice, to make any further military contribution.

The Commissioners, while attaching the greatest importance to the views of military experts, especially to those of so competent and liberal minded an officer as the present Major-General CAMERON, C.B., are not convinced of the necessity of cutting the City into two parts. They venture to think that other positions might be found, which, with the aid of speedy communication that might be obtained, would be equally advantageous for all military purposes, and for the protection of the City, looking to its peculiar configuration, and would be prepared to suggest what they would consider to be suitable sites for the whole barrack accommodation, inclusive of officers quarters and bungalows for married officers, and parade grounds, if there was the slightest chance of inducing the Military Authorities to consider the advisability of removal.

Whether the Military Authorities can be induced to leave the centre of the City, or to withdraw from the Northern side of Queen's Road as far as they can possibly do so consistently with keeping open their communication with the sea, the Commissioners consider that they should at all events be called upon to determine as to what portion of the 337 acres now in their occupation should be retained by them, and what restrictions it is necessary for them to impose upon land that is required for building purposes.

Great complaints have been made to the Commissioners as to alleged unnecessary restrictions imposed upon building at Kowloon, and also as to building villa residences above Kennedy Road which are greatly required, and as to both of which complaints the Commissioners, as at present advised, believe the restrictions alleged to have been imposed to be unnecessary, either for military purposes in the one case, or with necessary restrictions as a sanitary precaution, in the other.

The Commissioners also strongly recommend the removal of all public buildings, that are not absolutely essential, in the heart of the Town. The Supreme Court House and Offices in consequence of the great value of the site could be removed, without any expense, if a suitable site could be obtained elsewhere.

If the land were reclaimed between the City Hall and Murray Pier the Post Office could be removed to a much better position for it there, where the Post Office Officials could be alone to themselves, have plenty of light, plenty of air, and free communication with the water.

And the Gaol might be removed.

The cost of the new Gaol would be large, and it is considered that the value of the ground would very much less than the cost of the new Gaol, and it is said that a new Gaol is not at present required, and that, if removed, the site would be wanted for Government purposes.

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But if the Gaol were removed, whatever buildings are removed to its site would be removed from the lower parts of the Town, and the Commissioners think that in the valuations which have been made, the