CO129-447 - Governor Sir May - 1918 [1-3] — Page 497

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In case any falae impression as to the capacity of the

Water Works should be created by what I have already stated,

I would impress upon you that, judging by past experience,

the works as they will exist when the scheme of catchwaters

has been completed will only suffice to meet the ever-growing

demand for water for a period of about 15 years from the present

time. It is therefore obvious that care must continue to be

exercised in the administration of the supply. As regards

future works, it was at one time proposed to construct a large

dam in Taitam Bay but borings taken have shown that the site

would be a very expensive ona to develope. Whether, in view

of the large works already executed, the benefits to be derived

from such a work would justify the great expense which would have

to be incurred in carrying it out can only be determined by

further experience. Failing such a scheme, the only alternative

appears to be to have recourse to the hills in the New Territories.

Any such scheme must likewise entail the expenditure of a very

large sun. I now ask you, Sir, to lay this stone and for this

purpose I have to hand you this trowel, mallet and spirit-level,

which are the gift of the Contractors, Mesere. Sang Lee & Co..

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