CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG PORT ADMINISTRATION INQUIRY COMMITTEE
Representations received in response
to an invitation addressed to cortain persons by the Chairman on 23.9.46.
No.25- From:
Mr. J. Petrie,
Messrs. W. R. Loxley & Oo. (China) Ltd.
Dated: 19th October, 1946.
With reference to your invitation to submit representations for consideration by your Committee, I feel that I have not been back in the Colony long enough to gain sufficient experience of the changed conditions to give me confidence in views I might express. Nevertheless I would, with that reservation, submit the following views for what they are worth.
2.
The Owen Report was prepared before the outbreak of war with Japan and could not envisage the disruption that has been caused. A new situation has arisen which must be considered in relation to the Owen Report.
3.
Speaking as Agent for a British Shipping Company whose ships have used this Port for many years, it can be said that the control, operation and facilities of the Port in pre-war days were such that ship-owners were completely satisfied with the service given.
4. Local private enterprise has been alive to the needs of shipowners in their growing needs for larger berthing space, better godowns, and larger dry-docks. At the same time, the facilities for general repairs and building of new ships up to 10,000 tons attracted shipowners, not only because of low costs, but also because of excellent workmanship.
5.
Without the aid of a Harbour Trust, Hong Kong has by its own efforts met all physical demands made upon it by shipping interests, and as shipping is the life-blood of the Colony it can reasonably be said that private enterprise has made Hong Kong.
6. With the rising cost of living, the revenue of the Colony secured from shipping sources has not correspondingly increased owing to low rates of pier leases, but it was generally expected that, an expiry of these loases in 1949, rates must be brought into line with modern conditions. Private shipping and allied enterprise would recognize that need so long as an equitable balance were preserved in that rentals were not imposed detrimental to shipping, but boneficial to other sources of revenue.
7.
I find in the foregoing nothing that would justify, in pre-war days, any particular need for the establishment of a Port Trust and it is of interest to consider whether that establishment is now necessary.
(Continued)