The congestion within the Settlement and the Concession, South of the Soochow Creek, and the appalling state of affairs in the Western Extra-Settlement area could undoubtedly be ameliorated if the Northern and Eastern Districts of the International Settlement were opened up. This matter, together with that of the lack of transportation facilities, is, as you are all aware, receiving the constant attention of the authorities and public utilities companies concerned, but until both these problems are solved to the satisfaction of all parties concerned, it is useless to anticipate any general return of former residents and proprietors of small industries to their homes and places of business in the area North of the Soochow Creek. There has, I understand, been an increase in the number of Municipal Police in the area, which has done something to restore confidence, but it is unfortunate that the problem of transport is still unsolved, In conclusion I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my sincere thanks to all those gentlemen who have served on the Committee during the year and on the various subcommittees, whose valuable as ance has been greatly appreciated and to whom your thanks are also due.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.