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In July 1923, when the suggestion was first mooted, it was in connection with the Fitzmaurice Report on Hart our Improvements which was being considered by the Chamber of Commerce that I wrote as follows:-
"I have for some time past been considering putting forward a proposal in connection with improved control of that vast volume of trade between Hong Kong and the Canton Delta, namely, the Chinese passenger traffic. I understand that, some years ago when the Piracy Ordinance was under discussion, a somewhat similar scheme was mooted, but in the then existing difficulties nothing came of it. The following suggestion, however, i make with the utmost reserve, knowing full well that it calls for very careful consideration and may be prohibitive for reasons unknown to me. That, however, it would be of inestimable advantage to the Colony as a whole I feel fully confident. In short, it is a proposal for centralising the native passenger business of river steamers-now scattered indiscriminately along the West End of the Praya. I do not know whether you have ever had a bird's eye view of the praya in the vicinity of West Point and Kennedy Town, when it is de- serted by steamers, and native craft, which are in typhoon anchorage. If so, you will perhaps agree that the antiquated and delapidated structures jutting out irregularly into the Harbour at all angles, which are called wharves are a standing or "tottering" might suit the case better-disgrace to a Colony which is regarded as one of the first shipping centres of the world. The following suggestion therefore will help in a long wanted scheme of improvement, but in addition it is hoped it may be possible to generally modernize the West End of the Harbour in the way of facilities for handling cargo. It is found from particulars given, that some thirty river steamers leave and arrive in the course of the day. When it is considered that each of these steamers on arrival and departure at all hours, have to be examined by the Police and Excise Officers, as well as by various detectives on the look-out for bad characters, the difficulties of the Government in supervising the passenger traffic are well understood, and my idea is that on a portion of the Praya offering the least number of difficulties both from a financial and an engineering point of view a large native passenger depot be established. This could be done by building out into the Harbour on concrete piles, and at such a depot, each and every river steamer would be obliged to arrive and leave. The depot would be enclosed on the land side by high railings, and be only accessible through gates, on the water side a prohibited area would be buoyed and patrolled. The depot would contain searching and waiting rooms, latrines, offices for the police and excise, and all the arrangements usually necessary for handling the extensive traffic which would only arrive in the Colony through that channel. When I say 'only arrive' I quite appreciate that passengers can land from junks anywhere they like, but to my mind, this scheme would be of material benefit and would go a long way to combat smuggling, piracy, the landing of arms and ammunition, banishees, etc., etc., on account of which the Colony is now experiencing a very serious crime wave. With the development, such as we are contemplating, it seems to me there is no reason why the abuses and outrages may not keep abreast of the increase in population, unless preventative schemes such as I have very crudely outlined are put into force. I think I am correct in saying the Police would welcome the scheme and consider it would allow of more efficient and economical working. All undertakings of this nature will naturally raise an outcry by those with vested interests, but that is a matter, to my mind, entirely outside the province of this Committee whose functions are merely to recommend and suggest, leaving the Government to deal with the matter as best they are able. It is to be hoped however, that in this and other matters the Authorities will fully recognise the claims of those who over a long period have been the pioneers in establishing the general business of the Colony as it exists to-day and where circumstances justify it preferential treatment will be accorded”.
This was generally approved of by the Committee of the Chamber and forwarded to the Government for consideration.
Early in the following year, at a meeting of a Special Committee of the Chamber, when Mr. Fletcher was present, he indicated that it was necessary for the Government to consider proceeding, without delay, with Harbour Improvements which were thought to be essential, which pronouncement led to my again bringing the Depot Scheme, in more detail, before the Chamber. I therefore had sketch plans prepared, which are sent herewith, and in putting the scheme forward said:-.
*not attached.