CO129-540-5 Water supply- Shing Mun Valley Waterworks scheme 11-5-1932 - 7-12-1932 — Page 112

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community. A certain number of the people who have

been accustomed in times of plenty to a free supply from

rider mains will no doubt resist the abolition of their

privilege. Sir Cecil Clementi gave an undertaking in

Council in 1929 that the Council would be given an

opportunity to debate the matter before the rider mains

were abolished, and I propose to afford this opportunity

as soon as the Gorge Valley dam has been sanctioned.

The abolition of the rider main privilege is a necessary

step towards gaining complete control over water

consumption, as it will be impossible to check waste

until every consumer is faced with the alternative of a

the

metered supply in his house, or necessity of drawing

his supplies from a street fountain. An announcement

that the Gorge Valley dam had been sanctioned would

create a more favourable atmosphere in which to seek

the approval of the Council for the abolition of the

Rider Main system.

8. Despatches that have already been received by

you will have made clear Sir William Peel's attitude to

the water supply question; and I will only add that the

experiences of the last few weeks bring home more closely

than ever the urgent necessity of proceeding at once with

the Gorge Valley dam.

P.S.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

lo.D. Southon

Officer Administering the Government.

Four photographs, received since this despatch was completed, are enclosed as perhaps assisting to explain the text.