88
Appendix "F."
Mr. R. Sutherland said :---Mr. Southorn and Gentlemen, I desire in the first place to voice the appreciation of the Sub-Committee for the acquiescence of the Government to their suggestion that a small executive body be formed. This move has been of consider- able help in dealing with the many matters engaging the attention of Mr. Williamson who- will later speak on the general work of the Central Control Office. With regard to the re- marks of the Hon. Director of Public Works regarding Tankers, I would say for the in- formation of the Meeting that the figures quoted were prepared in consultation with a Member of this Sub-Committee who has had many years' experience of management of such craft. It will be remembered that at our last Sub-Committee Meeting it was arrang- ed that a visit should be made by a few Members of our Committee to Wangmoon. The position at that time was that the Government were considering an important scheme for conveyance of the major portion of supplies from the Wangmoon River. The Party left. for the West River by the "Kau Sing" on the morning of the 26th June, returning the same evening. Amongst others we took with us Captain Thomas, who has had many years' experience in navigating these waters and has actually run occasional trips with lighters to the West River. As a result of our general survey of the conditions it became unplea- santly obvious that the navigational difficulties, to say nothing of the risks during typhoon weather, were such that it was decided to recommend the Government to seek supplies of water from other sources. This opinion has been justified by recent difficulties with the tanker "Fu Kwang" which was recently ashore in the vicinity of Wangmoon for over 48 hours. We had to consider also the difficulty of looking after so many lighters at both ends of the Service during threatening typhoon weather and during actual storms. As an alternative we are now engaged in formulating a scheme for the employment of handy sized coasters, which would be able to carry over 2,000 tons of water on a draught of 15 to 17′′. As regards Wangmoon these craft owing to restricted draught at the Bar would only be able to carry some 600 to 800 tons so that a new source of supply in the Canton River, where there is sufficient depth of water for a deep loading. has been in- vestigated and from preliminary tests it would seem that the water is in every respect as satisfactory as that obtained inside Wangmoon. In consultation with the Government, therefore, it may be possible to place alongside a pipe line at Tytam Tuk water which could be delivered by coasters as quickly as the Government can cope with it with their pumps. This amount I am given to understand would be about 5,000 tons per diem. The great advantage of substituting coasters for lighters is of course that they are self- contained units, can look after themselves in typhoon weather, and operate on many days when lighters would require to remain in shelter. Such steamers as are taken up would require to be sub-divided in their lower holders and injection valves fitted, and this matter is now engaging the attention of the Government Marine Surveyors and the owners of certain craft with which we have already obtained firm offers. I would also like to mention that we have received offers of contracts from the Netherlands Harbour Works in connection with supplies of water by tugs and lighters and this is at present being in- vestigated by the Executive Committee. I trust that my remarks may be helpful to you to grasp what we have in mind for the future and would mention that we have not been able to advance further than we have done pending a definite decision from the Govern- ment as to how they will relieve us of the water which we bring to the Colony. Tentative arrangements, however, are well-advanced and completion of Government schemes should with luck coincide with the time when further floating craft will be ready for service. In conclusion it is important to mention that by using coasters as indicated the cost of conveyance of water either to the Harbour or to the Taitam Pumps will be very moder- ate. Should there be any questions which Members would like to ask, Mr. Williamson or myself will deal with same to the best of our ability.
HONG KONG, 8TH JULY, 1929.