CO129-513-6 Hong Kong water supply- schemes for development and improvement 25-1-1929 - 2-8-1929 — Page 57

E.254/12

COPY OF LETTER FROM MR. Wm. FAIRLEY TO CROWN

MAA VA

Gentlemen,

AGENTS.

Parliament Mansions,

Victoria Street,

52

Westminster,

S.W.

17th May 1929.

HONG KONG, HARBOUR CROSSING

E.254/12.

In reply to yours of the 27th March 1929, enclosing

documents regarding the cross harbour pipe lines at Hong

Kong, also copy of report on the scheme by Mr. Henderson.

Since Mr. Henderson's arrival in this country, I have

had several interviews with him and discussed his proposals

in detail. Generally speaking, the scheme embodies the

suggestions contained in my letter dated 4th August 1926

with a proposal for a cheaper scheme than that tendered for

in this country orginally in 1925. Copy of my letter

enclosed.

The scheme cannot very well be compared with the

first scheme, as the quantity of water to be brought to

Hong Kong is much smaller than that originally required.

It being understood that this scheme is to be viewed

as a temporary measure to enable the Government to make

available the Kowloon supply of water in Hong Kong at the

earliest possible date.

In that case, the risk must still be taken of

damage to the pipe line by shipping. This, in connection

with the cables, I am informed, has only occurred in the

past at long intervals, and the pipe having a life of

approximately only ten years, the expenditure would be a

reasonable