Copy.
516
MEMORANDUM FROM THE BRITISH SHIPPING LINES TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE re LIGHT DUES.
Typhoon Shelter. If the Government has not definitely decided to build the new Harbour of Refuge at Mongkoktsui there are various reasons against the site:-
1. Too big. Contemplated size not required at present-unwise to build as intended
when the necessity is not apparent.
2. Cost.—Prohibitive in Colony's present financial condition.
3. Accessibility.-It is no more accessible than the present refuge.
These reasons are all in favour of first improving the present site at Causeway Bay (which is in a disgraceful state), and watching the result. In favour of this it is contended that:
1. Cost of dredging is not excessive.
2. Accessibility is equal to new site proposed.
3. Area is large enough for all practical purposes. Lighters and large junks can ride at anchor as they have always done, and small craft can be well accommodated at Causeway Bay in ordinary typhoons.
4. Safety of Craft. For a typhoon unsignalled, as in 1996,
description or situation would be of any avail,
norefuge of any size or
Mongkokisui Shelter.--Suggested method of meeting Cost.--If the Government is definite- ly committed to the Mongkoktsui scheme there is nothing further to be said except for the shipping to present their views as to financing the work. They would repeat that this should be arranged to extend over a longer period than that proposed by the Government and that the extra tax on shipping should not exceed cent per ton net register. The financial arrangements should be separate and distinct from the General Finances of the Colony. This can be done if necessary without the Government contracting a special loan. Any of the local Banks will be glad to lend the money as an ordinary overdraft at 6 cent if guaranteed by the Government, the Shipping Companies guaranteeing to pay the extra cent per net register ton until the cost is finally paid off, the account to be reduced by the payment monthly into the Bank providing the moncy, of the total realised by the extra cent, together with an equal amount representing the Government's half share of the cost. By this means the urgency of the work suffers no delay.
per
REFERS TO GOVERNMENT MEMORANDUM.
a.-Owing to the increased size of steamers heavier dues have to be paid than heretofore. In most instances steamers have not brought or taken away more cargo than formerly, but the cost of calling has been increased. The Colony has consequently
benefited.
b., d. and h.-In reply to the petition in 1897, Mr. CHAMBERLAIN also stated:-"] concur in your views that moderate dues may probably be levied in Hongkong provided the proceeds do not in ordinary times exceed the total expenditure of the Harbour Department including Light Houses, Water Police, &c."
Lord Selbourne at the same time and with the same proviso regarding the expenditure of the Habour Department wrote that Mr. Chamberlain had under his consideration to adopt one of the two following alternatives, viz., "(1) a uniform charge of two cents (instead of 2 cents) per ton on all shipping or (2) a charge on a graduated scale such as is levied at Gibraltar beginning at 24 cents per ton on smaller vessels and rising to a maximum charge. of (say) $30 to $40 on ships of (say) 1,800 tons and over".