476
7
9
480
1
( 41 )
Q-What could be done to put us ahead of our requirements?
A-Most of the high level sites which give us our gravitation scheme in Hong- kong will be used up when these two reservoirs are completed, and low level reservoirs in Hongkong will have to be made and the aqueduct fed by pumping machinery. There is also the possibility of obtaining water from the New Territory provided all the sites in Hongkong were utilised, and I think I am quite right in saying that these new reservoirs about to be constructed now will use up all the available high level sites. Q-Would these low level reservoirs succeed in placing us ahead of our require-
ments?
A-For the time being, I should say it would. We have an extra site which would yield, I don't know exactly, but I think it would yield 120,000,000 gallons extra. That is down in the Tytam-tuk direction.
years.
Q-That would put us ahead of our requirements, for how long?
A-Going on increasing at the rate we have lately, I should say ten or twelve
Q-When we had exhausted all the possibilities of this side of the Colony, what would happen then?
A-One could get a scheme on to bring water over from the New Territories. There is a fine reservoir site at Taimoshan. I have never taken any levels there, and I can't exactly say how the ground is there.
Q-Do you think it would be costly?
A-It would be costly, and the supply would have to be brought over or under the Harbour.
Q-Do you think there is any other way out of the difficulty?
A-No other
way.
2
Q-You have read the report by Mr. COOPER?
3
4
5
6
A-Yes.
Q--Many of his recommendations have been carried out, have they not? A-Have been or are being.
Q--Will all the recommendations be finally carried out?
A--There was a catch-water spoken of in his report at Pokfulam which, I doubt not, will be carried out. Speaking generally, I think his report will be carried out.
Q-Are you of opinion that his recommendations are being carried out with suf- ficient celerity?
A-I think that some of these reservoirs might have been carried out earlier. I don't know the actual difficulties in the way, but probably it was on account of the in- sufficiency of the staff.
Q-Was any recommendation ever made to the Government to have these reservoirs
built?
A-I know of no such recommendation.
7
By Colonel Brown.-The Tytam reservoir has not overflowed this year
'A-No.
?
8
Q-How can you obtain more water at the bye-wash then?
A-Because this is the first year, for some time, I think, in which Tytam has not overflowed. In ordinary years, it does overflow and a large amount of water goes to
waste.
173