30
REVIEW
to improve aids close to the entrances to the port, or within the harbour area, since it was apparent that commercial sky signs and vivid street lamps were affecting the visibility of navigation beacons. As immediate means of improving navigational aids in the approaches to the port, projects are now in hand at Cape Collinson, Tai Long Pai, Green Island lighthouse, Laan Pai and Ha Pang, Ngai Ying Pai, Tathong lighthouse, and Blackhead lighthouse and signal station.
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In recent years tourism has assumed importance in Hong Kong and the liner companies whose vessels regularly call at the Colony are understandably anxious that their passengers should enjoy facilities equal to those provided for air travellers. Private enter- prise, aided by Government, is to provide the most spectacular amenity the port has ever known-an ocean terminal adjoining the Star Ferry concourse in Tsim Sha Tsui. The large capital expenditure is being met by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company, with Government providing a direct grant of 10 per cent up to a maximum of $4,500,000. Government will also provide a loan of 40 per cent of the capital cost up to a maximum of $18 million, on which interest of six per cent a year will be paid. The terminal is estimated to cost $46 million; of this about $25 million will be needed to construct the pier, while the balance will be used for the superstructure. The new terminal pier will be situated near the existing No 1 pier and will be 1,250 feet long and 250 feet wide. The ground floor of the superstructure will be used as a cargo transit shed, while the first and second floors will have facilities for dealing with passengers and their baggage.
The desirability and feasibility of a cross-harbour road link have been topics of discussion ever since Commander Rumsey first raised the question 60, years ago. In 1959 the Victoria City Development Company obtained permission to make a detailed inquiry into the possibilities of such a crossing, and subsequently submitted plans for the construction of a road bridge and tunnel, as alternative projects. At the end of 1962 these proposals were still under consideration by Government.