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have developed their frontages should be able to look
forward to assured possession and control of their own
activities. The Hong Kong Government has made it clear
that it cannot sacept any suggestion that past expenditure
by existing private enterprises gives the latter any claim
to the perpetuation of their present rights of user.
5. In a Esport recently preparod by kr. Nicol, the
present Fort îngineer, reference is made to the feet that
certain pier owners exploit shipping and that large rentals
are paid for very indifferent berthage. He has also pointed
out that there is an outory from time to time for the
construction of berthage that would give some protection to
shipping during the approach of typhoon storms, but that the
construction of such works, if desirable, would seem to be
beyond the means of private enterprise.
6.
The fundamental issue or the problem may be
summarised in the questions- By which of the following
methods has the future development of the port to be
undertaken?
(a) By Government?
(b) By an independent corporation such as a Fort Trust or
Harbour board (such as
the Colombo Port Trust or the
Singapore Harbour Board)?
(0)
By private enterprise on its own?
(a) By private enterprise under some form of Government
supervision and direction?
7. Until the existing wharf companies know definitely
by which of these methoda the future development of the port
is to be undertaken, they will naturally be reluctant to
spend anything more than is necessary for the maintenance of
their