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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
I should like to ask if any plans have been sent by the consulting engineers with reference to the preliminary work that we could carry out. At present the only new work proposed to be done in connection with the new dam is the making of an approach road.
Now Sir, I do think that after the extraordinary delay which has taken place in getting this second section of the Shing Mun scheme under way, it is very regrettable indeed that we should have such a very small work to be completed before the end of the present year and I do venture to hope that the Government will, by telegram, impress fully upon the consulting engineers the fact that the Colony is very anxious indeed that this work should be proceeded with, with the utmost speed possible.
This second section of the Shing Mun scheme has been constantly pressed by the unofficial members of the Council since 1926 and we do feel that the very greatest pressure should be brought to bear upon the consulting engineers to send out their representative with plans which will enable more than the paltry sum of $75,000 only to be expended in the current year.
I think we have a right to expect that every effort will be made so that a substantial sum of money will be spent during 1932.
HON. MR. KOTEWALL.-As representing the Chinese interests, I should like to support the remarks of the Honourable Senior Unofficial member.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.-Sir, the small figure of $75,000 by no means represents all the progress that it is hoped to make this year with the Gorge Valley Dam but it is the only figure that the Government can place before the Council. The consulting engineers are being pressed to hurry on with the work and it is quite clear that they have a full appreciation of the importance of utilising to the full the opportunity of the coming dry season. They have a free hand in the matter of expenditure and as soon as they advise us as to what they require, this Council will be asked for a vote.
We have not yet been advised of the date of the arrival of the engineer. We still hope he may arrive by October to carry on the work. The plans, to which reference has been made, will no doubt be brought by the engineer upon his arrival here.
HON. SIR HENRY POLLOCK.-I would urge that another telegram be sent stating that this matter has been brought up on behalf of the unofficial members of this Council. I feel very strongly that this engineer should be sent out as soon as possible.
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