CO129-533-4 Hong Kong Water Supply Scheme 28-1-1931 - 20-1-1932 — Page 46

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Acting on the advice which was then given a

Contract was let on the 30. 4. 31 for the exploratory work

in order to ascertain the depth of soft material overlying

the rock and the nature of the rock by means of a trench

right across the valley opened along a line selected by

Mr. Gourley as possibly representing the best position for

the Dam, and work has been continued on this Contract up

to the date of writing.

It was arranged with the Crown Agents that

Mr. Binnie should inspect the rock when exposed, before

final approval was given to the selection of this site, as

the Dam would be of such a height as to impose heavy

stresses on the foundation material.

Mr. Binnie accordingly arrived in Hong Kong on the

8th instant and has made four inspections of the rock as

now exposed in the trench and has also examined the adjacent

outcrops and the trenches excavated prior to Mr. Gourley's

visit.

The conclusion at which he has arrived is that the

site is a favourable one for the construction of a dam of

the proposed height and therefore he is able to confirm our

previous report.

The Reservoir when formed would be retained in a

basin the Southern boundary of which, between the site of the

dam and Pineapple Pass, is determined by the Ridge separating the Shing Mun Valley from the Gin Drinkers' Bay drainage area.

If the Dam were of such a height as to impound water

up to 625 0.D. there would not be sufficient freeboard between the Reservoir level and the top of this Ridge at one point, and Mr. Binnie is of opinion that it would not be

advisable