دالسلا
Sect. File 1/501/48.
No.
105.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
HONG KONG.
7
6
(4).
Sir,
54297/4/48
IJK May, 1948.
کچا پیر
I have the honour to refer to my despatch No.51 of the 11th March, 1948, on the subject of a fire on the River Steamer s. s. "Kwongtung", and to inform you that the proposals outlined in the Director of Marine's letter of the 6th March, 1948, a copy of which was sent to you with my despatch under reference, have been put into operation, with some slight modifications, with effect from the 10th April.
2.
As a result of three weeks' operation of the scheme the Director of Marine reports that it is an undoubted success, and though no system of control can give complete security against fire or other hazards, the introduction of it has gone far to reduce these risks. He attributes its initial success to the energetic co-operation of the Police Water Front Searching Unit and of the shipping companies and wharf authorities con- cerned.
3.
Representatives of various Government departments concerned have indicated that the scheme has simplified their duties and has expedited the embarkation of passengers by approximately thirty per cent. Wharf authorities and ship owners who initially expressed some doubts as to the practicability of the proposals are now strong supporters of them and ship omers are appreciative of the greater measure of safety for their vessels.
Passengers still however continue to queue up outside the wharf gates for many hours before the vessel's departure thus causing traffic congestion. While passengers in possession of tickets are now assured of berths, this habit will die hard as the first passengers on board obtain the best choice of berths.
5.
Representatives of the press have been afforded an opportunity of seeing the scheme in operation and there has been an appreciative comment in the South China Morning Post.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ARTHUR CREECH JONES, M.P,
WED
2 1 MAY 1948
* A
GY.
Mhanthan
overnor.