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Another matter of urgent importance is the
provision of a cross-harbour ferry capable of carrying
lorries and other wheeled traffic. At present the ferries
carry passengers only, and motor vehicles are transported by
a most cumbersome method of lighter towed by steam-launch.
Mr. Duncan has proposed a scheme at pages 37 to 40 of his
report which, on the Hongkong side, includes the ferry pier
and approach in a reclamation of very considerable size
along the water front. It is the intention to proceed with
the ferry pier and approach in the first instance and to let
the larger scheme stand over for further consideration. The
Port Engineer advises me that there are no particular
grounds for referring the matter to the Consulting Engineers.
10. On the plan which forms the first enclosure
in this despatch there is marked in red a proposed
reclamation at Kennedy Town, at the extreme western end of
the City. This project has been under contemplation for a
long time past, and it is the intention to use the land
when reclaimed for purposes of cattle housing sheds,
slaughter houses, and similar Government undertakings.
calculations given at pages 40 to 42 of Mr. Duncan's report
the cost of the reclamation is estimated at $1,626,000,
against which the land which will be made available for disposal is valued at $3,503,000. Mr. Duncan has estimated
the cost of reprovisioning on the reclamation at nearly $4,000,000, a figure which is very much too high. The Scheme should pay for itself, and should at the same time provide the Government with much improved cattle and other accommodation. It is hoped to start work shortly on this Scheme. It presents no special difficulties and it does not appear to be necessary to refer it to the Consulting
Engineers.
11.
It is unnecessary at present to deal with
Mr. Duncan's further proposals. I may however state that
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