79
C.A.
Shing Mun Scheme.
37.
-9-
This brings us to the consideration of the scheme
outlined in the report by Mr. Henderson of the 8th April 1924
and his further report of the 31st March 1930 which deals more
particularly with the works of the second instalment of that
scheme.
38.
The works of the first instalment, as set out in
Mr. Henderson's further report have, with the approval of the
Secretary of State, been completed with the exception of the
Public Gardens Service Reservoir (Hong Kong), though, we might
observe in passing, that had we concluded that the Shing Mun
Scheme was not the best solution, then a considerable proportion
of the works of the first instalment might have been of no
value.
39.
40.
After our various inspections of the Valley and the
adjacent country we can, however, say that the scheme in
principle is good, that all the works which have been completed
as the first instalment are necessary and are well laid out, and
that, with the modifications to which we will refer later, it
forms the most economical means of securing the additional
water required to meet, not only the needs of the next fifteen
years, but also of a much longer period.
This source also has the great advantage, and
consequent economy, of giving a large augmentation of
gravitational water when fully developed on the lines we would
recommend.
41.
We examined the site of the Shing Mun Village Dam,
and agree with Mr. Henderson that this is not a favourable site.