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To build, and alternatively if Government intended to utilise the Star Ferry Company they ought to give them notice at once in order that they might build the additional steamers required.
The Chief Resident Engineer was strongly in favour of working the Ferry in conjunction with the Railway so that passengers could book direct from Hongkong, their luggage, &c. being all dealt with by the Railway from Hongkong to destination.
The question was discussed whether the Railway Ferry boats could carry passengers other than those booked by Rail. If they did so, the Hon. Colonial Secretary expressed the opinion that there would be a strong protest against infringement of private rights and encroachment by Government on private commercial enterprise.
In my view, the period assigned for building ferry boats by the Chief Resident Engineer is much too great. They can be easily built in 18 months, and the question is therefore not of pressing urgency except as regards his Estimates.
For these, he should include the construction of a wharf as part of the sea-wall frontage and reclamation work, but he should not include the cost of steamers, or any accessories for a Ferry which is a supplemental and separate scheme.
12th September, 1907.
(sd.) F. D. Lugard.