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22. Some building owners and others may possibly think that the type of house, sketched out herein, is too good, and too expensive for the poorer classes of Chinese; if they go thoroughly into the question, however, I feel sure that they cannot but think $23.50 per adult is a very reasonable, if not cheap rate, for such a class of house as now proposed, and it will bear favourable comparison with the cost of the ordinary low, ill ventilated, ill lighted, dark and dirty type of existing Chinese houses, especially when consideration is given to the superior accommoda- tion provided in the new houses, in the matter of open yard, light, air, latrines, ablution rooms, good cook houses, verandahs and a good, safe, and well lighted general staircase. The occupants can secure more privacy, the sexes and married people can easily be kept separate, and in a much better manner than in the exist- ing houses. The concierge, living as he would be, in the Entrance Lobby would have a greater control over the inmates in every respect, he would be able to pre- vent tenants leaving without paying their rent, or removing their belongings un- known to the landlord. He would be able to supervise the general cleanliness and sanitary condition of the premises, and be in fact, the residential agent of the

owner.

23. It is generally understood that new, or amended Building Regulations are about to be introduced. This is an unusually favourable opportunity for the Gov- ernment to take a new departure in the matter of the erection of healthy houses for the poorer classes of Chinese, it would be a measure in which the Govern- ment would have the support of the whole of the community. I have, therefore, ventured to address your Committee on the subject, being one in which I have always taken a great interest, and the importance of which has been forced on the attention of the Government and community lately in a very strong and emphatic

manner.

24. With a view, therefore, of furthering this project, I would very respect- fully suggest that the Government be asked to erect one or more Blocks of houses such as are referred to herein, as an experiment. I feel sure, however, from my experience on the subject, that with proper management they will always be sought after and that the Government (or owner) will always cominand good tenants, and will eventually be able to dispose of the property at a reasonable profit.

25. This locality (viz., the west end of the City) is a far more popular district with the Chinese, than the east end, viz., Causeway Bay: they will not go so far east. especially when the bulk of the Chinese hongs and shipping offices are in the central and western portions of the City; this City is like most of the large towns and cities of Europe and America, which have almost invariably extended (and are still extending) westwards (this applies both to ancient and modern cities) the reasons for which, although so universal, has never, in all cases, been satisfac- torily explained.

26. I have not gone into the question of the cost of the ground, comprising Inland Lots Nos. 953, 954 and 906, as I understand information on this subject has already been laid before you.

Yours truly.

WM. DANBY, M. INST. C.E.

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