CO129-485 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1924 [8-12] — Page 15

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

(b) Twenty-four months. (c) Yes, $100 a week.

as

(d) It is anticipated that the school will be opened in April, 1926. The work has been accelerated much as possible, but there has been unavoidable delay owing to the reason already stated.

Harbour Moorings

HON. MR. HOLYOAK asked-

2. Will the Government state

(a) How many of the new first class Typhoon Harbour Moorings are now available for service? (b) When does the Government ex- pect that the whole number will be placed and ready for use in the Harbour?

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied- (a) None of these moorings are avail- able for service yet. The first set was laid on the 3rd July, but it is necessary to allow a month for the concrete block to settle. The second set was laid on the 16th July and the third set on the 24th July.

(b) It is hoped that all the sixteen moorings will be laid and ready for use by June, 1925.

I would add that the chain cables were ordered from England on the 20th October, 1923, and arrived in the Colony on the 11th April last. The concrete blocks take a month to harden before they are placed in the harbour and a month after laying they will be examined by a diver to ensure that they are sufficiently em- bedded to stand

stand the strain of typhoon weather.

Queen's Pier

HON. MR. HOLYOAK asked-

<<

3. When does the Government expect

to open

Statue Pier" and Landing Stage to public service, and what is the reason for the prolonged delay in the completion of this very neces- sary work?

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THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied-

The contract for the entrance por- tion, the last section of the work, was signed in March, 1923. Owing to a slight settlement of the sea-wall on which it was to be erected the com- mencement of this portion was post- poned until December last, pending tests and further work on the founda- tions.

Difficulties are being experienced with the contractors and it is not anticipated that the work will be completed until late in the year.

I take this opportunity of stating that it is proposed to name the pier "Queen's Pier."

Fire Station Building

HON. MR. HOLYOAK asked-

4. When does the Government antici- pate the completion of the new

Fire Brigade" Station, upon which work appears to have come to a standstill for a considerable time past, and what is the reason for this ?

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5. Will the Government lay upon the table Monthly Progress Reports in connection with all the above Public Works?

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied- 4. The Fire Station accommodation comprises a portion of the building only. Owing to pressure of work in the Architectural Office and the dif- ficulty of obtaining sufficient staff, it was not possible to complete the drawings and prepare the contract for the superstructure as early as anticipated. A short interval has thus occurred between the erection of the steelwork and the commence- ment of the superstructure. Tenders for this contract were submitted on Monday last, the contract time being 18 months. The building should thus be completed in February, 1926.

5. It is not considered necessary to lay such progress reports, which will not have the effect of expediting the works, but if honourable members wish, quarterly reports will be furnished.