P.W.E. Kowloon
86
147. Typhoon Refuge, Mongkoktsui.—This work was completed in August and, on the 16th December, a stone commemorating the event was laid by His Excellency Sir F. H. May, K.C.M.G., LL.D. The works were completed in two months under the Contract time of five years.
The following is a brief history of the inception and execution of this important public work.
The Refuge at Causeway Bay, which was constructed in 1883 at a cost of $96,500, had become inadequate and, unless small craft sought shelter within it as soon as the approach of a storm was heralded, they were unlikely to gain admission. Similarly, having gained admission, they were unable to escape from it again until a general exodus set in, which did not usually occur until all signs of broken weather had disappeared, the result being that shipping firms complained that their operations in loading and unloading vessels were unduly interfered with owing to the prolonged absence of the junks and cargo boats.
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In December, 1903, the following resolution was brought before the Legislative Council by Mr. Gershom Stewart and was passed unanimously :-"That, in the opinion of the Council, it is advisable to increase if possible the means of shelter for cargo boats and sampans during the typhoon season." It was explained, on behalf of the Government, that the only obstacle to giving effect to the resolution was the lack of funds, other public works of pressing importance,--notably waterworks,--absorbing the surplus revenues of the Colony. It was not until 1908 that it became possible to make provision for commencing the work.
Towards the end of 1906 and during 1907, much discussion took place regarding the selection of a site for the new Harbour of Refuge, those considered being Mongkoktsui Bay, Cheungshawan Bay, an area on the east side of Stonecutters Island, Kellett's Bank (refuge to be entirely artificial) and the indentation in the Praya Wall near Kennedy Town. Finally, on the 4th January, 1908, the Public Works Committee, to whom the question had been referred, agreed unanimously to recommend that the Mongkoktsui Bay site be adopted.
The necessary preliminary plans and estimates were prepared and, on the 7th March, 1908, a despatch submitting the scheme for the approval of the Secretary of State for the Colonies was forwarded to London, a reply by cable being asked for. The scheme was referred by the Secretary of State to Messrs. Coode, Son & Matthews, Consulting Engineers, and on the 15th July, 1908, a telegram was received stating that, whilst approving generally of the proposals, the Consulting Engineers considered some modifications in the design necessary and thought them of sufficient importance to justify a consultation with the officer who had prepared the scheme. After further telegraphic correspondence, Mr. Boulton, Executive Engineer, left for London on the 15th August, returning to the Colony on the 9th November.
P.W.E. Kowloon
86
147. Typhoon Refuge, Mongkoktsui.—This work was completed in August and, on the 16th December, a stone commemorating the event was laid by His Excellency Sir F. H. May, K.C.M.G., LL.D. The works were completed in two months under the Contract time of five years.
The following is a brief history of the inception and execution of this important public work.
The Refuge at Causeway Bay, which was constructed in 1883 at a cost of $96,500, had become inadequate and, unless small craft sought shelter within it as soon as the approach of a storm was heralded, they were unlikely to gain admission. Similarly, having gained admission, they were unable to escape from it again until a general exodus set in, which did not usually occur until all signs of broken weather had disappeared, the result being that shipping firms complained that their operations in loading and unloading vessels were unduly interfered with owing to the prolonged absence of the junks and cargo boats.
C
(
In December, 1903, the following resolution was brought before the Legislative Council by Mr. Gershom Stewart and was passed unanimously :-"That. in the opinion of the Council, it is advisable to increase if possible the means of shelter for cargo boats and sampans during the typhoon season." It was explained, on behalf of the Government, that the only obstacle to giving effect to the resolution was the lack of funds, other public works of pressing importance,--notably waterworks,-absorbing the surplus revenues of the Colony. It was not until 1908 that it became possible to make provision for commencing the work.
Towards the end of 1906 and during 1907, much discussion took place regarding the selection of a site for the new Harbour of Refuge, those considered being Mongkoktsui Bay, Cheungshawan Bay, an area on the east side of Stonecutters Island, Kellett's Bank (refuge to be entirely artificial) and the indentation in the Praya Wall near Kennedy Town. Finally, on the 4th January, 1908, the Public Works Committee, to whom the question had been referred, agreed unanimously to recommend that the Mongkoktsui Bay site be adopted.
The necessary preliminary plans and estimates were prepared and, on the 7th March, 1908, a despatch submitting the scheme for the approval of the Secretary of State for the Colonies was forwarded to London, a reply by cable being asked for. The scheme was referred by the Secretary of State to Messrs. Coode, Son & Matthews, Consulting Engineers, and on the 15th July, 1908, a telegram was received stating that, whilst approving generally of the proposals, the Consulting Engineers considered some modifications in the design necessary and thought them of sufficient importance to justify a consultation with the officer who had prepared the scheme. After further telegraphic correspondence, Mr. Boulton, Executive Engineer, left for London on the 15th August, returning to the Colony on the 9th November.
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