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Acting on the advice which was then given a
Contract was let on the 30. 4. 31 for the exploratory work
in order to ascertain the depth of soft material overlying
the rock and the nature of the rock by means of a trench
right across the valley opened along a line selected by
Mr. Gourley as possibly representing the best position for
the Dam, and work has been continued on this Contract up
to the date of writing.
It was arranged with the Crown Agents that
Mr. Binnie should inspect the rock when exposed, before
final approval was given to the selection of this site, as
the Dam would be of such a height as to impose heavy
stresses on the foundation material.
Mr. Binnie accordingly arrived in Hong Kong on the
8th instant and has made four inspections of the rock as
now exposed in the trench and has also examined the adjacent
outcrops and the trenches excavated prior to Mr. Gourley's
visit.
The conclusion at which he has arrived is that the
site is a favourable one for the construction of a dam of
the proposed height and therefore he is able to confirm our
previous report.
The Reservoir when formed would be retained in a
basin the Southern boundary of which, between the site of the
dam and Pineapple Pass, is determined by the Ridge separating the Shing Mun Valley from the Gin Drinkers' Bay drainage area.
If the Dam were of such a height as to impound water
up to 625 0.D. there would not be sufficient freeboard between the Reservoir level and the top of this Ridge at one point, and Mr. Binnie is of opinion that it would not be
advisable