CO129-526-7 Proposed vehicle & passenger ferry for Hong Kong Harbour- plans of the development of the... 22-4-1930 - 22-4-1930 — Page 45

45

500

- 12 -

sum of $1,300,000 would be required for the piers and of

So probably $750,000 for the boats.

20. I submit that the circumstances set out in this

despatch would justify the Colony on embarking on the running of the vehicles and passenger ferry service as a Government concern, which could be expected not only to be self- supporting, but also revenue-producing.

I am, however,

doubtful whether the running of a ferry could not be more

satisfactorily managed by a public company than by a

Government Department, and as soon as the question of the

building of the piers is settled it will be for the Government

to consider which of the three possible courses it will adopt,

viz:-

To invite tenders for running the ferry service -the

tenderers to supply their own ferry boats,

(a)

(b)

To invite tenders for running the ferry services

Government supplying the ferry boats,

(c)

To run the ferry service as a Government undertaking

This question will be laid before Sir William Peel

for his consideration on his arrival. The total amount to

be included in the new loan for ferry services will depend on

the decision arrived at on this question.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,

to. d. Southor.

Officer Administering the Government.