CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG PORT ADMINISTRATION INQUIRY COMMITTEE
No.22
From:
Representations received in response to an invitation addressed to certain pensons by the Chairman on 23.9.46.
(Continued)
Mr. R. W. Aitken-Quack,
Director,
Messrs. A. E. Gerondal & Co. Ltd.
Dated: 17th October, 1946.
I have carefully studied the report of the late Sir David J. Owen and agree with his recommendation that a Hong Kong Harbour Trust be established with constitution and powers of control as outlined by him. However, apart from the three high Government officials to be appointed by the Governor, I should like to suggest that, in view of their commitments and official duties, no member of the Legislative, Executive or proposed Municipal Councils be asked to serve on the Trust, but that the three British subjects to be nominated by the General Chamber of Commerce and one person to be nominated by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce should be taken from merchants and others connected with shipping who would be free, apart from their business, to devote a fair proportion, of their time to their work as Harbour Trustees.
The prosperity of Hong Kong is dependent on the Harbour and its facilities and any reconstruction work connected with the improvement of the port facilities should be given "top priority".
I think that two projects from those recommended by Sir David J. Owen could be immediately undertaken which would result in a big step towards improving present facilities:
(a) The R. N. Depot at Kowloon be taken over and
three new piers erected.
(b) The present typhoon anchorage at Mong Kok Tsui
be filled in and wharves erected for river traffic.
Colonial Secretariat,
Hong Kong.
October 17, 1946.
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