154
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.12
J
From:
(Continued)
Mr. J. R. Collis,
The Bank Line (China) Ltd.
Dated: 11th October, 1946.
"I have to acknowledge receipt of communication dated 23rd September addressed to me by the Chairman of the Port Administration Inquiry Committee and at the outset must apologise, that owing to pressure of other business I have not replied earlier. I would however at this time thank the Chairman for the opportunity of expressing my views on the question of port administration on behalf of my Principals.
"I have given very careful consideration to the report of the late Sir David Owen and note the terms of reference of your Committee.
"My chief, Mr. A. H. Penn, who is at present absent from the Colony, was privileged to express his view on this matter during the stay of the late Sir David Owen in the Colony and I feel I am only confirming his views when I say that generally speaking I do not favour the introduction of a Port Trust in Hong Kong. The formation of such a body, would in my opinion involve enormous overhead which would result in heavy increase in cargo handling charges at this port. This has proved to be the case in Singapore where charges are far in excess of those ruling in Hong Kong.
"I consider the best interests of the merchant and shipowner and in turn the general public would be served by continuing to allow commercial interests to control the wharves, berthing facilities and godowns, particularly in view of their past excellent record of efficiency and cheapness.
"I appreciate that there are many aspects of this problem apart from the mere handling of commodities. In the past Harbour Department have administered the Harbour in a satisfactory manner and I consider that the affairs of the Harbour could continue to be left safely in the hands of the Harbour Master. Likewise I am of the opinion that Ferry Wharves and port development generally could still come under the care of the Public Works Department.
"Since the cessation of hostilities the Port Executive Committee has come into being which I feel is serving a very useful purpose. Perhaps the scope of this Committee could be broadened so as to become a link between Government and private interests to the betterment of Harbour administration generally.