254
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
operates the sole vehicular-ferry service between Jubilee Street and Jordan Road.
During 1957 a record number of passengers and vehicles were carried, being 85,530,000 and 1,387,000 respectively, an increase of 3,780,000 passengers and 136,000 vehicles over the previous year's figures. The Kowloon City/Wan Chai Ferry Service, which commenced operation on 3rd July, 1956, carried 4,610,000 passengers in 1957.
Throughout the year the ferry service to Cheung Chau was well patronized. The summer months saw large numbers of holidaymakers attracted to Silvermine Bay and Peng Chau. During cooler weather, the Hongkong/Tai O service via Kap Sui Mun, Castle Peak and Tung Chung carried many pilgrims and hikers for the monasteries of Lantao. Island. The Tolo Harbour Ferry Service, begun in 1955, carried 68,000 passengers during 1957, providing a link with the outside world for isolated villages along the shores of Tolo Harbour.
New construction during the year consisted of two single- ended steel ferry vessels the 'Man Ching' and the 'Man King'. The dimensions of these ferries are: length, 103 feet 6 inches; breadth, 24 feet; and draught, 9 feet. They are powered by Crossley HRN5 marine diesel-engines. These two ferries were launched from the newly completed building berth at the Company's Tai Kok Tsui Depot where continuous maintenance and repair work was also carried out on the fleet. The Company's three slipways at the depot were continually in use.
PUBLIC WORKS
Port Works. The construction of the new piers for the Star Ferry service was almost completed and one arm on each side of the harbour had come into operation by the end of the year. The piers, which are scheduled for completion by April 1958 and are each capable of berthing four ferries simultaneously, will relieve the present rush-hour congestion.
Page 300Page 301