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Schemes of Development and Extent of Works Recommended for Immediate Construction.
GENERAL.
Whilst, as already stated, it would seem that 17 additional berths might be required for the more economical handling of the import trade of the Port, the programme of Port Development works to be constructed by Government in the near future must necessarily be limited to the amount of berthage which there is no doubt would either become immediately remunerative or the return of the cost be assured by the disposal of land reclaimed in connection with its construction. Otherwise, to secure a return on the capital expense involved in the construction of berthage in excess of that taken up, would necessitate either the levying of higher charges for the use of that portion taken up or increased taxation on shipping. The latter may not only result in driving away existing trade but discourage new trade. The extent of the works recommended for immediate construction is therefore limited by these considerations.
No 3.
The locations of the various Schemes of Development designed to meet the present Drawing and possible future needs of the shipping and trade of the Port are shewn on Drawing No. 3. With regard to the order of precedence of the construction of the individual schemes, the sections shewn coloured light pink cross-hatched darker pink, if required, may be proceeded with at any time. In the individual schemes the construction of the portions shewn coloured yellow should not be proceeded with until the sections shewn coloured pink have been completed, except the reclamation of the area shewn coloured yellow and cross-hatched pink, on Drawings Nos. 3, 8 and 9.
This report does not deal with the actual construction of railways on the wharves, the supply of cargo-handling equipment, electric power and light, or the provision of pipe lines on the wharves for water-supply and oil bunkering, as these items can be dealt with as occasion arises.
Roads.
For economic road transport, serviceable and adequate road communication is essential, and as it is probable that the growth of motor transport will increase very rapidly when new berthage is brought into operation, I therefore recommend that immediate consideration should be given to the strengthening, where necessary, of all roads required to carry heavy traffic. In order that it may not be necessary to close down any section of wharfage for road repairs and to obviate high maintenance costs, the design of the wharf roads will require special consideration. By the completion of works now under construction and those recommended in this report, it is considered that adequate road access will be provided to the new wharfage.
Warehouses.
With the exception of the structures referred to in the Hongkong Central and the Kennedy Town schemes, it is not proposed to make any recommendations with regard to warehouses as the type of each individual building to be erected is a matter which will require to be considered in connection with its particular use.
Description of Scheme.
NORTH POINT.
Nos 3.5
and 11.
As an economic and practical scheme cannot be designed at West Point for the Drawings handling of the trade now carried on there and at the same time relieve congestion on that section of the harbour front, a more suitable location has to be found. On the Island side of the harbour, it is considered that North Point foreshore is the only place where not only suitable berthage can be constructed but also sufficient area of land can be provided at reasonable costs for the carrying on of this trade. With the exception of flour, the commodities handled at West Point are imported principally by coaster, so that the major portions of the works to be constructed at North Point should be design- ed to accommodate this class of vessel: i.e., a depth of 30 feet of water alongside quay walls at L.W.O.S.T. should be provided. As it is also proposed to accommodate the import trade in flour, a section of this scheme should be designed to allow ocean-going