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consisting of diversion dams and channels for irrigation purposes were completed in 1959; and contracts were let for the construc- tion of a further three dams which between them will impound 130 million gallons of water.
The deep well drilling programme which had been in progress for the previous two years was completed. The results of the investigations confirmed that no large underground sources of water exist in the New Territories.
Equipment for the fluoridation of Hong Kong's water supply arrived and a start was made on its installation at the various treatment works sited on Hong Kong Island and the Mainland.
Electricity. A Commission was appointed in July to inquire into the question of control over the two main electricity supply companies. The Hongkong Electric Company, Limited and China Light and Power Company, Limited. The terms of reference of the Commission were as follows:
'Whereas it appears to Government undesirable that the opera- tions of the electricity supply companies in Hong Kong should remain entirely free from any statutory control; to advise in the light of—
(a) the past record of The Hongkong Electric Co., Ltd. and
China Light & Power Co., Ltd.,
(b) the control now exercised over other public utilities in
Hong Kong, and
(c) any other relevant circumstances, on the form and extent of the control which Government should impose, and on the method of assessment of any compensation which may become payable in the event of any such control being imposed.'
The Chairman of the Commission was Mr. John Mould, O.B.E., A.M.I.E.E. who recently retired from the Chairmanship of the East Midlands Electricity Board in the United Kingdom, and the other members were Mr. C. J. M. Bennett, F.C.A., a partner in the firm of Barton, Mayhew & Co., and the Hon. Dhun Ruttonjee.
The Commission held a series of public hearings, between 28th September and 17th November 1959 at which a number of organizations and individuals expressed their views. The Chair- man of the Commission returned to the United Kingdom on 23rd