CO129-518-8 Colonial Development Fund- requests and recommendations for monetary assistance for various projects 30-8-1929 - 28-2-1930 — Page 7

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a loan free of interest from the Development Fund

in these circumstances, and I should rule out that

application without reference to the Committee.

The Cross Harbour Pipe line application

is a very minor one, but the work is the first stage

inan extensive and costly programme of essential

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importance in the water supply of Hong Kong. It

would be a welcome gesture on the part of the

Committee if they agreed to recommend the loan of

this sum for a short term of years at a low rate

of interest.

The Third scheme put forward by the

Governor is the aerodrome at Kai Tak. This no doubt

includes the cost of the proposed hangar. Briefly

the position on that subject is that the Treasury

agreed to provide a grant of £100,000 towards the

cost of the area immediately required for the

aerodrome. The total cost was then (in 1927)

estimated at about £200,000, the Colony to pay tre

balance. There was certain extra land which the

Colony was asked not to alienate or permit to be

for a purpose,

developed in a manner which would prejudice its

incorporation in the aerodrome later on if

circumstances required.it. The position about the

hangar is that the Air Ministry have now obtained

Treasury consent to the provisión of half the cost

(about £16,000)

000) the Colony paying the other half.

The aerodrome and hangar are for the joint purposes

of Service

ervice and Civil Aviation.

The Governor and the Air Ministry attach

importance to the development of civil aviation at

Hong Kong, and the Air Ministry are holding a

conference