ENG-1963 — Page 34

REVIEW

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was sold by tender during 1962 for an amusement park, the tenderer being required to submit a scheme as well as a price. The District Commissioner is also following this procedure at the present time in disposing of boatyard and sawmill sites in the New Territories since the Government wishes to ensure, so far as possible, that only persons already engaged in such business, or those interested in entering the trade, are granted the land. Two lots, comprising some 13 acres in Central Victoria on Hong Kong Island, previously part of the Naval Dockyard, are also to be sold in this way, tenderers having the option of submitting a bid on the basis of the Town Planning Board's scheme or alternatively submitting a revised development plan of their own, together with a price.

Acquisition of private land

While Government land transactions have been mainly con- cerned with transferring land from the public to the private sector, it is necessary on occasion to acquire private leased land for public purposes. Street widening schemes, the provision of land for community buildings, particularly Government-aided housing and associated schools, clinics etc, and the implementation of town planning and large scale development proposals, are the main classes which have arisen in recent times. The method of acquisi- tion has not changed greatly over the years. Where possible land is acquired by negotiation. On occasion, however, compulsory powers have to be used; this has been particularly the case in post-war years when development has extended to much agricul- tural land where individual holdings were small, of irregular pattern and wholly unsuitable to urban development. One notable example of land acquisition concerns the old Kai Tak airport. During the military occupation this airport was extended over a large number of private lots by the Japanese authorities; after the liberation a special ordinance was passed providing for compensa- tion for the properties affected.

The standard form of Crown lease provides for resumption of the lot and any buildings thereon at three months notice if required for the improvement of the Colony or any other public purpose. There is also provision for full and fair compensation. In addition the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance, which first became law