3
31
Tunnels. (contd.)
In regard to the situation at present regarding tunnols,
ton sites have been selected accommodating 30,800 people.
Last week, progress in tunnelling was at the rate of 800 feet
por wook, and this will increase weekly. The cost per head
is at present $18.70.
In regard to future policy, I have suggested that a
further sum of $2,524,500 should be allocated, which will
give protection to 165,800 people. I am of opinion that it
is well worth while completing the present tunnols in toto,
as the cost per hoad will be reduced as the work extends,
thus spreading preliminary expenses over a greater frontage.
I suggest that southern Wanchai can be profitably
developed by the construction of further tunnels.
central area is more difficult as soon as the level of Queen's
Road is loft.
The
There are still some sites in the central district
that can be investigated, but the present plant and personnel are fully occupied on existing workings, although additional
plant and persomul could be obtained from Manila.
It is important that bomb-proof protection should be
given to the personnel working at Headquarters, c.g. C.S.O.,
etc. and work is now proccoding.
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Remembering that Chungking has achieved its prosent
position almost entirely by tunnels that they are the only
complete protection that we have our plant, engineers etc.
I on the spot, and that they are the best morale raisers.
suggest it would be a pity to abandon tunnels altogether. On
the other hand we must put a limit to monoy and offort.
expended on them. It would be bost to arrive at a policy which envisages a steady progress of work on a limited number of carefully selected tunnels on a basis of $140,250 por
mensom after present $576,000 has been expended.