CO129-513-6 Hong Kong water supply- schemes for development and improvement 25-1-1929 - 2-8-1929 — Page 28

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having water on their premises at all times, when these mains are open, I propose to introduce legislation imposing a surcharge on the present charges for such supplies. What is commonly, but erroneously, called the "free allowance" (being really the quantity estimated to be paid for in normal times by part of the assessed rates of the premises) will during the continuation of the emergency be subject to an additional cash charge, while the charge for consumption in excess of this "allowance" will be substantially increased These surcharges, as emergency measures only, have the approval of the Water Emergency Committee and of the

Executive Council.

7.

I regret that it is at present impossible to arrive at any estimate of the cost to the Colony of the various works, undertaken or contemplated, for dealing with this crisis. So many schemes and portions of schemes are still in the tentative stage that even a rough guess is hardly practicable. I can only state that the vote of $300,000 reported in my last despatch has all been spent or allocated and that it will probably be necessary to apply

for a further vote at no distant date.

8.

To-day, I am deeply thankful to say, heavy rain has fallen over all parts of the Colony. It is not possible at the moment to calculate the exact effect on our supplies; but, although our water storage may have been appreciably increased, we cannot at present allow any relaxation of our emergency measures.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant,

lements O Governox

Governor, &c.