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7:
As regards the conditions of lease, there
are three possible courses.
(a) The Government could construct the wharves at its
own expenses and lease them to applicants.
(b) The Government could construct the wharves at the
expenses of the applicant, who would take them over
on completion.
(c) The applicant could construct the wharves under the
supervision of the Government.
I am not in favour of the proposal (a). Persons having vested interests in private wharf and godown companies are jealously watching the Government, prepared to raise the loudest possible outcry at any sign which may be interpreted as the Government going into business on its
own account.
Of proposals (b) and (c) I prefer the second alternative. The Government has already quite as much work in hand and in prospect as it can manage, and the supervision
of the Port Engineer would ensure the proper construction of
the wharves by the private parties concerned. Specifications
and the appointment of contractors would be subject to the
Port Engineer's approval.
8.
I shall be glad if the Hung Hom Bay Scheme,
as designed by Mr. Duncan, may be referred to Messrs. Coode,
Fitzmaurice, Wilson, and Mitchell for their advice, both on
the Scheme generally, and more particularly as to the feasibility of making an early commencement with the first two portions to which I have referred. They should be
informed that the main reason for the divergence from the
design which they put forward is to be found in the urgent demand of shipping companies for the provision of shelter
for large vessels from typhoons. I attach a memorandum by
the Port Engineer in this connection.
9.