:46
CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG PORT ADMINISTRATION INQUIRY COMMITTEE
Representations received in response to an invitation addressed to certain persons by the Chairman on 23.9.46.
No.4
From:
(Continued)
Mr. E. L. Groome,
Gibb, Livingston & Co. Ltd.
"In reply to your letter of 23rd instant, I would like to put forward my response to your invitation of expressing my views concerning the future administration of the Port of Hong Kong.
(a)
(1)
(c)
I consider the pre-war method of port control was very excellent and the Government must be con- gratulated on the smooth manner in which the port
was run.
However with changed conditions I do think it is now time that the Government were relieved to some extent of port control and consider it is now a good opportunity to establish some form of Port Trust as recommended in the Report of the late Sir David Owen.
The advantage of a Port Trust as against direct Government control are:
1.
2.
Direct representation to one body in all matters dealing with the Port and everything appertaining thereto.
The absence of Government ramifications.
Very few deficiencies exist at the present time but
I do think the following systems could be improved
upon:
1. 2.
Pilotage. Immigration.
There is considerable room for improvement in the present system of Pilotage. I consider the hiring of pilots be removed from the control of a firm of Chinese stevedores who at present maintain the pilotage service. For example it is somewhat irksome when ordering a pilot outside office hours to be met by an illiterate Chinese which is often the case.
Pilotage for ocean going vessels is very necessary and I consider the service should be placed on a proper basis preferably in charge of a European Marine Officer.
(Continued)