No. 4.
127
HONGKONG.
No.
21
1917
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
at a Meeting held on the 19th November, 1917.
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, 29th November, 1917.
PRESENT:
The Honourable the Director of Public Works, (WILLIAM CHATHAM, C. M.G.), Chairman.
Mr. PERCY HOBSON HOLYOAK.
}
Mr. ROBERT GORDON SHEWAN.
27
ABSENT:
the Colonial Treasurer, (EDWARD DUDLEY CORSCADEN WOLFE).
""
Scheme for Widening Queen's Road East between Arsenal Street and the Royal Naval Hospital.--(C.S.O. 538/1917).
The Chairman laid before the Committee a plan showing a proposed widening of Queen's Road East between Arsenal Street and the Royal Naval Hospital. The width of the existing road, measured between the fronts of the houses, was approximately 50 feet, but, as there was a 10-foot footpath on each side, the width of the carriage-way was only about 30 feet. It was proposed to widen the road throughout to a minimum width of 60 feet between the fronts of the houses and to throw the whole of the additional 10 feet into the carriage-way, thus increasing it to, at least, 40 feet in width. Owing to some little irregularity in the existing alignment, which it was proposed to eliminate, the width of the carriage-way in certain parts would be somewhat in excess of 40 feet.
The Chairman explained that it was intended to carry out the scheme piecemeal, as opportunity arose through the frontagers, whose property was affected, rebuilding their premises. If carried ont in this manner, the cost of the scheme would probably be under $100,000.
If however it were desired at any time to expedite the completion of the scheme, this could be done by compensating owners for the alterations of their premises in addition to paying compensation for the land to be resumed. The cost of the scheme would, in such case, be greatly increased.
An opportunity of making a commencement with the scheme, owing to the proposed reconstruction of four houses, had arisen, and it was desired to take advantage of it.
Mr. Holyoak suggested that the extent of the widening should be increased, but the Chairman informed him that, in connection with the Praya East Reclamation Scheme, a main thoroughfare, 100 feet in width, would be provided which would be approximately parallel with Queen's Road East. In view of this, Mr. Holyoak agreed that the proposed widening was adequate.
After full discussion, it was agreed to recommend that the widening scheme, as delineated on the plan, should be undertaken.
W. CHATHAM,
Chairman.
Laid before the Legislative Council this 29th day of November, 1917.
E. BULLOCK,
Clerk of Councils.