QUADS AND RECLAMATIONS,
Senior Unofficial Member on the sound
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 1923.
been investigating the available sources | The answer to this is the impossibility and securing data in this connection, and, of designing economical works which as a result of his labours, I feel able to would meet all variations of rainfall. pronouse with confidence that the future Should the rains come all together in the supply of the Colony can be placed on a early months of the wet season, reser permanent basis by tapping the enormous voirs of enormous storage capacity would gathering grounds lying around the hills, be required to contain the water avail which form part of the range of which abfe,, but such an occurrence is unusual Tai Mo Shan is the highest Peak, and by and the cost of providing for it would conveying the water impounded in the Reservoirs to be constructed across the be almost prohibitive.” harbour by flexible mains.
COST OF BUILDING.
With regard to the cost of building
I fully agree with you, Sir, and the
policy of forming new roads and making new reclamations to open up fresh dia-) tricts, far it is only in this manser that we can spread out our ever growing population. It has been amply proved that wherever new roads have been built the available lots have been readily applied" for and, when developed, have been hought and sold, thereby bringing revenue to the Colony. Where the new road and the new reclamation is, there will the property-brokers he gathered together." and new comers will continue of the Colony, but the Shing Mun Valley the Hop. Colonial Secretary will prob, en the Southern slopes thereof, through ably be speaking with regard to this which the largest stream is the Colony later. I would, however, state that there finds its way to Shatin, provides magni is little indication in the near future of leent sites for reservoirs, for impound-
Any reduction in the cost of building. ing the water of the streami 1 just. ferred to, at sarh a height as will permit The very desirable suppression of child of (its contents) being conveyed to, and labour, the increasing strength of trades incorporated with, the existing Kowloon unions, the shortage of labour and other at such a preaure as will admit of the direction. lower portion of the city being supplied) direct therefrom by gravitation.
The Tui Mo Shan area comprises net only the most extensive Catchment Aren
KOWLOON HOSPITAL. The estimate of $360,000 was baseil on the original designa prepared for it. The Government invitad representatives of the Medical Profession and the Kow- loon Residents Association to express their views on such designs and, as a result thereof, the Public Works Com mittee recommended certain alterations and extensions which were adopted Combined with the decision then arrived at to further lower the level of the site, this resulted in the increase in the estimate to the 8534,000 alluded to.
REVISED ESTIMATES, AND THE ELABOSS TÁIRZFOR.
The original estimate of 821,000 s ferred to, was prepared prior to the pre paration of the detailed plans and was, therefore, to a great extent, only, an #pproximation That of $18,000, now in- quantities. The latter, moreover, in- cluded, is based on detailed plans and
which was found to be essential in the light of more precise information.
to be, attracted to the Colony so long as the Government can offer them security of life and property. In this connection, I endorse all that has been said by my colleagues of "the arcessity for "an efficient l'olice Force
The Praya Fast Reclamation striking answer to the pessimists. Land; is now being sold there at such a price that, if the interest on the parchase / Supply and delivered across the Harbour Hactors preclude any possibility in this ludes covering over a portion of it moner be added, by the time the land can be built on it will be worth $10 per feet.
-
WATERWORKS SCHEMES.-
די
for.
NOZIC
the annual
The price of bricks is undoubtedly a Gaug great factor in the cost of building.
The demand Was
Dring to the increased cost of building time ings taken in this stream, after five dry
than the manufacturers could since the original estimate was framed, months of the season 1920-1921. showed a greater
was informed on reliable the lowest teader received for the accom dry weather flow of 1.3 million gallons, meet, but I
Canton, modation required was just below 835,000. while those taken after dry months of authority, when recently in
DOW ob The proposed building will be of the the succeeding season, during which that large quantities are period only 215 inches of rain fell, show-tainable but only at a price. It is pos-usual standard of Government buildings, a flow of 2.58 million gallons per day sible that the price may be reduced but designed to cost a minimum in upkeep, Chinese interested in these ample, can hardly be described as extra- The stream I am alluding to, with its not, I am afraid, to any appreciable but the accommodation provided, though nous drainage area is, however, not stunt. the only one which can be drained into matters have been approached with a vagaat. I would point out in this con-i storage at Shing Mun, for the proposalsview to inducing them to start brick action, but solely for the sake of com- contemplated embrace the diversion of acids in British Territory, more parti parison, that, the mates in the drainage of the large gathering cularly near the Railway at Lo Fu, and building contracts in the New Territories ground which at present feeds the stream I am hopeful that negotiations now in are 100 per cent. in excess of those in
of auch wurks.
will be able to state by whom the Guild- that discharges itself in the bay at Tsun Progress may result in the establishment Hongkong. The Hon. Lolonial Secretary
The question as to whether the Geying is to be occupied. ernment should manufacture "its own! The Shek-O Road is estimated to cost bricks for the many public works is also $102,000; this includes cost of metalling incidental thereto. 1 am not, however, and tar painting, prepared to recommend such on ender taking, for in spite of the reference to the Quarry, which the hon, member. Mr. Parr, has been pleased to make as being operated successfully, it has proved an object lesson as to the difficulties to be encountered in running concerns of that osture by direct labour, and these diBculties would be magnified if the works were at a distance from head-
Wan.
17
As to the Peik Motor Road; the con- tract for that portion of the Peak Motor Road between Magazine Gap and “The Homesteadsite was let on the 8th April, 1991, the date for completion set out in the contract being April 4th, 1999. The contractors for the work pho obtain- ed the contract for the erection of the houses on the Homesteach site, under which contruct they had "to remove a very considerable count of excavation. As this excavation was required for fill- ing on the section of the road between the Homestead" site and the Peak Tram- way they were awarded the contract for that length also, as an extension of the section just referred to, the date for the expiry of both contracts being extended to the sith August, 1022. The first sec- tion up to the Homestend"" site should Le completed by the end of the year. I am, however, unable to state when it will be finished up to the Peak Traraway,
Honestend site. The contractors are
HON. MR. NG HON-TZE. Hon. Mr. Na Hox-rze: In dorsing the views is expressed by my senior Chinese colleague, I desire to mid a few remarks in regard to thn Folice Force and water supply. I beg to suggest for the consideration of the Government that more Palice should is placed on point and patrol duty, especially in the busi- ness part of the town. I have often heard of complaints that ne policeman could be found after the alarm has been raised. "No one realises more than 1'de the diff culties the police have to contend with,
Assuming for the moment that this! and I ni Aurs that if the Force is aug district and the scheme as contemplated mented the Captain Superintendent could with all its future possibilities for exter improve the existing system. I not only sion should fall short of meeting the agree with the recommendations of my future demands, there is no other district senior Chinese colleague, in regard to within British territory that could do to wells, but I also urge the Government to From the very rough surveys available proceed without delay with the construcat present, it seems probable that storage tion of works for increasing our water reservoirs of an aggregate capacity of supply, so as to prevent the recurrence 3,000 million gallons can be provided in of the hardships which the recent shortage? the Shing Mun Valley, with a minimum has entailed upon the poor, I know for of masonry work in the shape of das sa fact that at the height of the shortage. On the other hand, it is estimated that
some families with an income of only 1,300 lineal yards of open conduit and quarters. I am disposed to think that $30 or 240 a month had to pay out of 1100 lineal yards of tunnel will have to Government might assist matters of pur- this su er for having water carried be formed to carry the supply to the pro- chasing large quantities of standard- to their fats, which was an expenditure pored Filter Beds near the Kowloon Resized bricks to be delivered over con- they could ill afford. Therefor I ven servoir From this point one main would siderable periods, storing them in bulk ture to express, the hope that nowork of branch off to the Kowloon Supply, and at certain convenient points, and de- construction which the Government has the other, by a route not yet decided, to livering them by lorry to the works. It now in view for aiding to our water Kowloon Point, from which place, it is is possible that where transport and supply · will have priority over other anticipated, it would, cross the Harbour storage were co-ordinated, a better and public works in contemplation,
and deliver the supply to a Service Tank cheaper brick might be obtained. probably formed in, but below the surface This increasing upward tendency of THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS. of, the Public Gardens which would, the cost of labour renders it necessary to after the completion of the works." reconsider whether fornier axioms that main as we see them at presentes
native labour was cheaper than machi There is much to be done in obtaining nery holds good, to-day. It is probable the rate of progress depending so much The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKs said: and collating the nece sary data for the that a check can only be placed on such on the progress of excavation at the Sir, I will endeavour to furnish informa proparution of the detailed survey and rising prices by installing labour saving under a penalty of $100 per week, since tion on the points raised by hon. members in deciding upon the most economic and machinery and lay inaking the best use the date just mentioned, and I am exert affecting the Public Works Department, advantageous sites, before a definite and of mechanical transport wherever pos and I will take first the question of water complete scheme can be submitted, but a sible. An economy could probably being the utmost pressure in endeavours to shortage and supply. Although the rain Survey Staff are already located on the effected by Government providing the expedite the work. Labour troubles and difficulties have undoubtedly been the fall for 1021-07.31 inches-was high, site, and every endeavour is being made necessary machinery, locomotives, trucks, principal factor in the delay. being about 12 inches above the average, by Mr. Henderson to bring the scheme, and service trucks required for carrying its incidence was prez. in May of that should it be approved, into use at the out the larger works. The cost of such year over 3 inches fell, and all the earliest possible moment. Even with th plant must be a very expensive item to Reservoirs were practically overflowing greatest expedition, it is scarcely possible contractors, particularly so when its use copiously during June July and August that a supply would be available in may have to be confined to one contract during which period, there was only an Hongkong from this source within the only, and this risk has not only to be paid
for but the cost involved must often The increase in the cost of gas-lighting average rainfall. The dry wson, how next, three years.
4 In the meantime the immediate need deter contractors from tendering. The for the City and Hill Districts is due ta ever, et in exceptionally carly, (the last useful rain occurring in the beginning is being met by the construction of the Government could make more or less the new type of burner and aunties being af Sept.uber) and extended over a period Catchwaters referred to in the estimates continuous use of plant by lending it out installed. The decrease in the cost of of between 8 to 9 months, until the wet aow under acussion. Work has already from contractor to contractor and thus electric-lighting for the City and Hill one of them, the spread such cost over a longer period Districts is due to lower rates to be paid season of this year, which started un-been commenced on usually inte in July. This reulted in Stanley Mount East, which will be 12,140 This matter is at present under con-under the proposed lighting agreement. The Government has the question sof the reservoirs being left in a very defect in length with sectional capacity Bideration,
Another factor with which contractors improving the lighting of the City under pleted condition at the commencement equal to carrying off one inch of the
In collectable rainfall per hour from a have to contend here is the lack of consideration, and, until the effect of this of the wet season of the current year. 1991, there was in storage in Hongkong drainage area of 100 acres. It will come waterside facilities, there is little quay new burners and mantles now being in- at the corresponding period 2,102 million into use gradually as ench length is storage space for either receiving or stalled to the gas-lamps has been seen, a gallons as compared with 473 millions completed, and should be finished and transporting building materials, earth, definite, reply cannot be given. The gallons this year. The wet morths, in full use within 12 mouths from now. etc., this question is also at present re Government has had under consideration. July, August and September, only proved If it had been in operation since Taitam ceiving the serious consideration of the for some time rast, the Series to he months of average rainfall and the ceased to overflow in July, 1921, and Town Planning Committee. deficiency was consequently not balanced under the weather conditions which pre- The conditions prevailing yesterday the water supply would, taking a con- vailed subacquently, it is estimated that
With regard to the annual
THE SUB-CONTRACTUE QUESTION, expected from the Water-Boat Dock at
In regard to Mr. Bird's suggestion for Hongkong-1,4327 million gallons: servative basis, have been augmented by Lai-chi-kok, it is estimated that the gross doing away with the sub-contractors, sub-
304 million gallons. Consumption 8.1 coillion gallons The particulars of the other catch receipts from the Lai-chi-kok supply this letting, in the sense of carrying out work per day. Kowloon.-370.4 million gallons: Con-waters, for the construction of which pro-year will be $65,000. It is further anti- by a body of men under piece work con vision is made in the Estimates are as cipated that this amount will continue to ditions is a practice which, I am afraid, sumption about 1.75 gallons, per follows:--
increase in the increasing ratio now. a. never, likely to be entirely eradicated Stanley und West, 8,000 feet long. obtaining Hon. members should bear in, in China: it it so happens it will be 100 acres, cost $93,000. Date of mind that the existing supply station is, from action within the men's own ranks and always has been, of a very temporary-by their own guilds and not by any character and certainty no credit to the pressure which can be brought to bear on Colony. A new Dock of some kind was the contractora I am not even certain a case of Hobson's choice, because, the that it would be wise to attempt to land, or rather water, on which the pre introduce to them a new economy: lit sent station functions has been sold to be would certainly increase the already very reclaimed in accordance with the laying high cost of things without any apparent out scheme for that district. The new compensating advantage. Dock will be designed and equipped to permit of the water boats taking their loads aboard in a minimum of time.
\werë
day.
The continuous increase in the rate of consumption of water in Hongkong and Kowloon during the last few years has rendered the development of additional sources of supply a matter of the racist Turgent importance.
The percentage of increase in 1921, as compared with 1912, is 72.8 in respect of "the City and Hill District and 89.00 in Kowloon; whereas the percentage in 1921 as compared with 1018 shows 29.00 for the sformer and 36.9 for the latter. “If the rate of consumption continues only at the same and not at an increasing rate, the daily consumption in 1924 would be as follows:-10.38 million gallons for the City and Hill District and 2.90 millions gallons for Kowloon.
completion -1.0.224;
Violet Hill, 1,400 feet long, 92 acres. Jardine's Look Out, 6,200 feet long,
75 acres, tost: 220,000.
Date of completion, 1.6.21.
In Kowloon, the works projected to meet the more immediate demand are: (a) the extension of the existing Kow loon Catebivater, for a length of 10,800 feet, which will drain an additional area of 345 acres of catchment area, at an estimated" cost of $170,000.-
(b) the construction of a small Reser
WATER-BOAT DOCK.
revenue
4
For Magazine Gap to Victoria Gap, 1.53 miles,, the original contract was 109,000; the revised estimate is $200,000
"LIGHTING CY' PUBLIC RIGHWAYS, CITY AND
HILL DISTRICTS.
·BJ" BLÆKO
of electric lighting for the City and Kow loon districts.
GREATER FACILITIES FOR BUILDING VIRUS.
The Town Planning Committee have recommended to the Government that TITAM TUK PUMPINO PLANT,
certain areas shall be set naide for the Full particulars of the requirements of erection of sar mills, and storage" af voir at Shek Lai Pui-a valley the Tytan Tuk pumping plant were sent timber, and.. other building materials, close to, but at a higher level than home to the Crown Agents for submission and further areas will be allotted, for this the existing Reservoir. By the to their Consulting Engineer to report on purpose as the work of the Committed It may be that, when a system of
erection," of two comparatively the respective merits of steam and electri- proceeds. The only restrictions on any universal meterage under consideration small came a Reservoir of about cal pumping. This report, which advised method of construction are those in force Fis, introduced and put in fore, the in- 120 million gallons capacity can be the adoption of steam plant, was received in London or any of the larger American eresso may to some extent be checked, but formed, the Catchment Ares of in July, and, after full consideration cities, and every encouragement is, and the abnormal development, now taking which, however, will be compara- from all points of view, it has been will be, given to the adoption of any type -place does not justify any calculation. tively small. It, however, appears decided to follow the Consulting Engi of constraction which will tend to reduca being based on this assumption. The to be the best possible solution for neer's advice. The comparative costs are cost. I understand that a Constructional maximum unpolluted water capacity of quickly augmenting the existing based on igures taken from the Consult Company has been registered in Hong- the Island during our driest season can-
ing Engineer's (Mr. Fairley's) letter, kong, within the last few days, composed supply. not be put higher than 11 million gallons It will deliver the impounded water into dated 1st June, 1022, and data locally of an influential combination of Direc per day and this only after the comple the existing one so that no Filter Bedr or supplied for revised cost of electrical tors, with the object of erecting buildings tion of the Catchwaters, now projected, long lengths of pipe lines will be required pumps-
of the most modern type of construction, has developed the Catchment Areas to to complete it. In fact, it is simply an Electrical pumps, two ezta, £20,950. and with the most up-to-date machinery. their fullest extent
extension of the latter. The capacity of Steam pumpa, one set, £29,100... The advent of such a Company" is wel It is obvious therefore that, in addi-the existing works is 1.76 million gallons Costs of pumping as stated by Mr. domed, and I trust that the venture will tion to developing the resources of the per day which will be increased to 24 Fairley
attain mich a measure of success a will| Island to the utmost, the Colony must, million gallops daily by these proposals.
ensure ita up to date methods being if it growth continues and there is Before leaving this subject, I will just
adopted on all hande: "Experientia docet. every indication that it will-neek and refer to a point I have heard raised, to greatly augment its supply elsewhere, in the effect that Taitam Tak already over- order to meet the demand of the future.flows in flood time involving a certain Mr. Hendermon, the Engineer under whose amount of waste which by the addition charge the Water Supply of the Colony of the proposed catchwaters, will be in- in placed, han, for the past two years, creased,
Electrical current, 9,4 cents per 1,000
galis." pamped, po
Steam fuel, 4.5 cent per 1,000 galla
pumped.
For a quantity of 3,000,000 gallons per
day for 6 months, Electrical current, £7,147. 08. 04. Eteam fuel, £3,421, 178 Gl
SION OF BYPLAWS PERIODICALLY. These are being continually modified and aro now suficiently.clasts to permit of the erection of all buildings of a sound: type of construction.
(Continued on page 72
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