Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 348

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7, GAGE STREET,

Hongkong, 19th May, 1908.

SIR,--With reference to the proposed public latrine to be erected in Chuk Hing Lane I have the honour to inform you that I object to the erection thereof on the following grounds:-

At the entrance to Gough Street nearest to Chuk Hing Lane there already exists a public latrine which is scarcely 600 feet distant from the proposed site. I submit it is unnecessary and undesirable to have two public latrines in such close proximity to each other.

Public latrines are specially good breeding places for rats and rats are largely respons- ible for the spreading of the plague. The foul gases generated in a public latrine are also liable to cause disease in the neighbourhood.

The inhabitants round about Chuk Hing Lane have privies of their own and for them a public latrine would not be a necessity. The vicinity of Chuk Hing Lane is not a place of public resort such as the Public Gardens and the Chinese Recreation Ground where people would loiter about and find it necessary at times to go to a latrine near by.

I am the owner of House No. 7 Gage Street which is quite close to the site of the proposed latrine and the erection of same will have the effect of impairing the sanitary condition and lowering the monetary value of my property.

For the above reasons I have the honour to request that another site may be chosen for the proposed latrine where its desirability may be more apparent and the public convenience better served.

Hon. Mr. F. H. MAY, C.M.G., Colonial Secretary.

I have, &c.,

TSE CHING-FONG.

28A, DES Vœux ROAD CENTRAL, Hongkong, 22nd May, 1908.

RE NO. I CHUK HING LANE.

SIR-I have the honour to forward you herewith on behalf of the owners and occupiers of houses in the immediate vicinity of No. 1 Chuk Hing Lane, the enclosed letter addressed to you, together with two sketch plans, setting out their views and objections as to the proposed Public Latrine to be erected on the above site.

I shall be glad if you will kindly submit the same to His Excellency The Governor for his kind consideration.

To The Honourable F. H. MAY, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

I have, &c.,

S. W. Tsó.