Sessional_Paper_1900 — Page 132

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If there is any unsettled dispute about property, the name of the person in actual possession will be registered, and he must pay the Crown Rent, but an extract of an entry in the Register will not be issued until the Squatters' Board has ascertained that the person in possession is the legal owner and the Board's decision has been approved by me. In that case an extract will be issued to him, and he will be permitted to remain in possession. But should the Board decide that the property is really not his property, the Crown Rent paid by him will be refunded, and the person who is adjudged by the Board to be the person who should pay the rent and who is approved as such by me, must forthwith pay the rent due. All you owners of land must report all the land in your possession. Should it be found at any time that any land owned by any person has not been reported, it will be treated as Government land. A survey will shortly be made of the whole of the Leased Territory, so that the boundaries of the various hold- ings may be clearly known; and any cases of neglect to report on the part of owners of land will be easily discovered, and will involve forfeiture of the property to Government. Do not say that I have not warned you. The Crown Rent including all charges fixed for the present is given below. You must all without exception obey. Do not be disobedient. A special proclamation.

(i.) For land draining in a Southerly direction to the sea between Lyemun Point on the East and the l'ier in the bay West of Lai Chi Kok on the West per half mau or portion thereof as follows:-

(a.) For First class land 25 cents, or at the rate of $3.30

per acre per annum.

(b.) For Second class land 20 cents, or at the rate of $2.64

per acre per annum.

(c.) For Third class land 10 cents, or at the rate of $1.32 per

acre per annum.

(ii.) For all land (except land draining in a Southerly direction to the sea between Lyemun Point on the East and the Pier in the bay West of Lai Chi Kok on the West) per half mau or portion there- of as follows :—

(a.) First class land 15 cents, or at the rate of $1.98 per

acre per annum.

(b.) Second class land 10 cents, or at the rate of $1.32 per

acre per annum.

(c.) Third class land 5 cents, or at the rate of 66 cents per

acre per annum.

The above scale of Crown Rent may be altered.

When the survey has been completed permanent certificates of titles will be issued. If anyone has been forcibly deprived of his land or been fraudulently induced to sell land at a low price, he may present a petition to the District Officer if he lives North of the Kowloon range of hills, or if he lives South of it to the Registrar General or the Visiting Officer, to be forwarded to the Squatters' Board for enquiry.

Dated 12th day of July, 1899.