20
Report of D.P.W. 14.3.28.
3.
The Aberdeen and Shing Mun (first section)
statement 17.9.28.
schemes would, therefore, bring the total supply of the Colony (Hong Kong and Kowloon) up to the estimated peace
time requirements for 1932.
On the other hand, the full peace time requirements
both of Hong Kong and Kowloon could also be met
by completing the first and second sections of the Shing
Mun Scheme, and abandoning the Aberdeen Scheme.
Also, even if the Aberdeen shem were completed,
it appears fairly certain that after 1932 the second section of the Shing Mun scheme would have to be undertaken
to provide for the growing population of Kowloon.
Governor's 4. Shing Mun is, however, outside the defence area,
and in the absence of the Aberdeen scheme Hong Kong
Island would, if invested, be limited to 7.25 million
gallons per day, while the leased territory might be
deprived of the whole of the Shing Mun system and have
available a maximum of 2.5 million gallons per day.
5. In a telegram dated 25th September, 1928, the
Secretary of State for the Colonies authorised the Colony
to proceed at once with the Aberdeen scheme, and to
complete the first section of the Shing Mun scheme.
Officer Administering the Government, however, telegraphed
on 6.10.28 that the Unofficial Members were much opposed
to the Aberdeen scheme and favoured proceeding with the
two sections of the Shing Mun scheme. It was pointed
out that supplies would be available from Kowloon 'by
the Shing Mun scheme) before the Aberdeen scheme could be
finished, and that the Aberdeen scheme could only be
carried in the Legislative Council by the Official vote
-4-
The