9.
Another matter of urgent importance is the 518 provision of a cross-harbour ferry capable of carrying lorries and other wheeled traffic. At present the ferries carry passengers only, and motor vehicles are transpor- ted by a most cumbersome method of lighter towed by steam-launch. Mr.Duncan has proposed a scheme at pages 37 to 40 of his report which, on the Hong Kong side, includes the ferry pier and approach in a reclamation of very considerable size along the water front. It is the intention to proceed with the ferry pier and approach in the first instance and to let the larger scheme stand over for further consideration. The Port Engineer advises me that there are no particular grounds for referring the matter to the Consulting Engineers.
10. On the plan which forms the first enclosure in this despatch there is marked in red a proposed reclamation at Kennedy Town, at the extreme western end of the City. This project has been under contemplation for a long time past, and it is the intention to use the land when reclaimed for purposes of cattle housing sheds, slaughter houses, and similar Government under- takings. In calculations given at pages 40 to 42 of Mr.Duncan's report the cost of the reclamation is estima- ted at 1,626,000, against which the land which will be made available for disposal is valued at £3,503,000. Mr.Duncan has estimated the cost of reprovisioning on the reclamation at nearly 84,000,000, a figure which is very much too high. The Scheme should pay for itself, and should at the same time provide the Government with much improved cattle and other accommodation. It is hoped to start work shortly on this Scheme. It presents no special difficulties and it does not appear to be necessary to refer it to the Consulting Engineers.
11.
It is unnecessary at present to deal with Mr.Duncan's further proposals. I may however state that
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