HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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The construction of the first section of the Saikung Road was considered in the draft Estimates but this work, like many others, had to give way to more pressing needs.
Suitable sites for a new Typhoon Signal Station to be visible from the Northern portion of the peninsula are being investigated, and in due course proposals will be submitted. It is hoped that the Kowloon Residents' Association may assist in this matter.
Government is fully alive to the necessity for expedition in all matters appertaining to the new Shing Mun second Section works, and is doing all in its power to push matters forward.
On the 27th September a telegram was despatched to the Secretary of State for the Colonies requesting an assurance that the work was being expedited in view of the approaching dry season and asking for the date of the arrival of Messrs. Sir Alexander Binnie Son & Deacon's engineer.
I have just been informed that a reply telegram has been received and that His Excellency will communicate the contents to Council this afternoon.
The position with regard to the Shing Mun Valley Gorge Dam is as follows:-
The world-wide known firm of Consulting Engineers Messrs. Sir Alexander Binnie Son & Deacon were engaged by the Secretary of State to visit Hong Kong and report on the proposed Shing Mun Extensions. Two of the partners of this firm, Mr. Binnie and Mr. Gourley, visited the Colony and examined the scheme and local conditions affecting construction. The Crown Agents for the Colonies advised that the works were too large to be undertaken by the present staff of the Public Works Department and Messrs. Sir Alexander Binnie Son & Deacon have since undertaken to carry out the scheme on agreed terms. They will be entirely responsible for carrying out the whole work, both design and construction, for a fixed fee, which the Governinent considers reasonable; the Colony to pay all costs including staff, the engagement of which is limited by agreed conditions.
The final agreement with the Consulting Engineers, containing the full conditions, is awaited from England.
Government is fully satisfied, after the most careful consideration, that the arrangements made are in the best interests of the Colony, both in the matter of the costs of the works and their early completion, and these arrangements have met with the approval of the Secretary of State.
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