64
In any case
is a financial
considered, the expense of construction in either case to be borne wholly by Government: and it is to be inferred that sufficient indirect return was anticipated to justify the suggestions. The bridge was early ruled out, but the
tunnel is not yet considered an impossibility.
however, it will be many. years before it possibility by which time it may have become unnecessary or of much reduced importance owing to the growth of Kowloon and the eclipse of Hong Kong Island. (I do not put this change in the Colony's centre of gravity as my own view: I cannot envisage the Island as ever of less importance
than Kowloon).
7.
There still remains a Ferry System: and if
Government could consider a tunnel, giving presumably no return, as justifiable in view of anticipated development but for the immediate capital required, it would be logical for Government to provide a Free Ferry (as a temporary tunnel or bridge) if the cost fell within practical
possibilities.
A free Ferry however has many difficulties of its
own: but that need not hinder the idea of a very cheap one say at one cent being kept constantly in view leading to it through a ferry paying its own way. Any such proposition would necessarily keep clearly in mind the indirect returns
accruing land sales in Kowloon, extra revenue from assessments, relief of overcrowding in Hong Kong with the consequent reduction of sanitary expenditure and perhaps costs of Resumptions: and it could all the time be arranged that the Ferry returns were just above showing a loss on
the Ferry working.
The figures available justify the idea that even
a Government Ferry could be run at a very handsome profit
No private
at existing charges on the Yaumati Ferry.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.