-3-
21
4.
5.
6.
(h) Surveys.
a
It is considered that a topographical survey, land utilization survey and an economic minerals survey are required in order to supply the fundamental knowledge necessary for the full development of the natural resources of the Colony.
(1) Planned Villages.
It is believed that, once an improvement of the status of the New Territories farmer has commenced, it will be desirable to plan and build new villages. For this development, reclamation of land from tidal swamp may be necessary in one or two instances.
(a)
ROADS.
The construction of roads is an essential preliminary to development. Because of the mountainous nature of the New Territories and the lack of roads in the valleys, much of the land suitable for cultivation is not used to the fullest advantage. Though it is possible to carry paddy in baskets slung from poles on men's shoulders some consider- able distance down the valley to the main road, it is not practicable thus to carry perishable vegetables, nor is it possible to carry bulky fertilizers, or other heavy goods, up to the remote villages.
The late Sir Cecil Clementi planned a road from Kowloon to Sai Kung and thence around the foot of Ma On Shan to Sha Tin. A part of this road has already been constructed by the Japanese. It is desirable that the next section, of approximately 5 miles from Sai Kung to Kei Ling Ha on Three Fathoms Cove, should be undertaken as soon as possible. It is, however, appreciated that the cost would be more than the sum suggested from the allocation and so this project must be postponed.
Short lengths of feeder roads, totalling about 24 miles, are needed to serve the valleys. The approximate position of these is indicated on the accompanying map. It is agreed that one of the first feeder roads should be built from Tung Chung on Lan Tau island to the foothills to the south. The order in which the other roads should be built can be decided later in view of the fact that the suggested sum
will only cover a part of the programme.
Recommendation No. 1
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£100,000
£5000/mile.