CO129-513-6 Hong Kong water supply- schemes for development and improvement 25-1-1929 - 2-8-1929 — Page 78

29on 52819/28

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alw 1.89

found on pages 10 and 12 of Sessional Paper

No.4. of 1928, copies of which were forwarded to the Under Secretary of State with the Colonial

Secretary's letter of 11th August 1928.

The Unofficial orbers of Council,

most of whom had already visited the site with Fr. Southorn before my return, expressed their unanimous approval of the immediate construction of this byewash reservoir. It does not form

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part of the thing un scheme as originally set out, but it is intimately connected therewith und, in view of the urgent need for increased storage on the mainland, I have ventured to anticipate your approval of its construction and have ordered work to commence on this reservoir forthwith. Funds are available out of the Colony's surplus balances to finance this work pending the flotation of a loan at some future date, and I should be glad to receive your approval by telegraph, in order that a formal vote may be taken in the Council to provide funds for the work. I am convinced that there must be no delay in beginning this work and as regards the financial position of the Colony I refer you to my despatch No.48 of even date.

62810/29

Tin eith

4. I further pointed out to the Unofficials that, while the cross harbour pipes offered the quickest available means of increasing the water supply on the island, and while I was in agreement with them as to the necessity for pushing on with that work, I remained as convinced as before of the

necessity for utilising every available moans for

the