490
In case any falae impression as to the capacity of the
Water Works should be created by what I have already stated,
I would impress upon you that, judging by past experience,
the works as they will exist when the scheme of catchwaters
has been completed will only suffice to meet the ever-growing
demand for water for a period of about 15 years from the present
time. It is therefore obvious that care must continue to be
exercised in the administration of the supply. As regards
future works, it was at one time proposed to construct a large
dam in Taitam Bay but borings taken have shown that the site
would be a very expensive ona to develope. Whether, in view
of the large works already executed, the benefits to be derived
from such a work would justify the great expense which would have
to be incurred in carrying it out can only be determined by
further experience. Failing such a scheme, the only alternative
appears to be to have recourse to the hills in the New Territories.
Any such scheme must likewise entail the expenditure of a very
large sun. I now ask you, Sir, to lay this stone and for this
purpose I have to hand you this trowel, mallet and spirit-level,
which are the gift of the Contractors, Mesere. Sang Lee & Co..
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