142
discussion the balance of opinion was that the Port Trust could properly undertake the development of port works and that the inclusion of reclamation schemes could probably be made on a mutually satisfactory basis; but that no doubt the Gorormment would desire to give detailed consideration to this problem.
5. Draft Fort Trust Ordinance.
A draft Fort Trust Ordinance dated 8th April 1946, which had been prepared by Mr. Colman and circulated to menkers, was then considered by the Meeting. The Chairmen mentioned that the Harbour Master who had been provided with a copy of the draft ordinance had mentioned to him that he believed the definition of the Eastern boundary of the waters of the colony required amendment, and that the definition of the harbour limits should be framed bearing in mind both the limits of the territorial waters & of the waters of the colony. Commander Jolly had also queried whether it was intended that the Fort Trust should control all Government craft. The Secretary was asked to see that the definitions of the boundaries were checked; and, with regard to the control of Government craft, Mr. Colman explained that it was intended that the Port Trust take over only sufficient craft for its own purposes, but that it could be arranged for the Trust to service other Government oraft if desired, and this would be particularly convenient if the Trust were to take over the Yaumati Slipway as suggested.
The following comments, suggestions and amendments were the outcome of the consideration of the Draft Ordinance by the Keeting.
+
(a) General
It was suggested that, in view of the important financial powers to be given to the Port Trust, consideration should be given to the desirability of giving power of rejection to the Legislative Council rather than to the Governor in Council alone. Sub-Section 10(2) with regard to the approval of by-laws was quoted as an example of a case where the Legislative Council should have such power of rejection.
Subject
Section
Comment, or Amendment.
(b) Constitution 3(1) (a) Agreed that the number of Commissioners
should not exceed tenI.
(c) Constitution 3(1) (a) Delete "and nominated" after "appointed”
Commissioners
(a) Age limit - 3(3)(d)
(e) Acting Chairman 3(4)(b)
•
in the second line.
Delete "concerned with" and insert "likely
to be affected by".
Although at first sight "now (2)" was
considered to provide for the more
desirable me thû of appointment of
nominated members, it was realised that the naming of particular bodies might at some future date involve unsuitable nominations and some lack of flexibility, After discussion the balance of opinion
was that "old (a)" would in practice probably be more satisfactory, but that the phrasing of this paragraph would no doubt be given further careful considera- tion in Hong Kong.
For "sixty-five" substitute "sixty".
The Committee considered alternative methods of appointing an acting Chairman and noted the probability that none of the other Commissioners would be able to
3 D