CO129-589-11 Port of Hong Kong- Report on future control and development 18-7-1941 - 10-10-1944 — Page 120

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one from Great Britain or some other part of

the Empire, but not necessarily if there are

suitable persons in this locality who are

not actively engaged in business connected

with shipping.

(c) The Trustees, other than the Chairman, to be unpaid,

but the Chairman, who would be required to devote

a large portion of his time, though not perhaps

the whole, to his duties, to be paid a

suitable annual fee.

Note. I should think there are sufficient

public-spirited men in Hong Kong who would

undertake the duties of Trustee without any

pecuniary remuneration. There was evidently

no difficulty in getting persons to act on the

Advisory Board and Committee.

(d) This Body of Harbour Trustees to remain in being for

three years, as an experiment.

Note. I make this suggestion, as the idea of a

Port Trust is a new one for Hong Kong, and in

certain quarters might be viewed with

apprehension. A trial period of three years would enable the Trust to justify its

existence, while the experience gained would show in what direction some modifications, if

any, might be necessary.

To put it on a very low level, the Trust

could do no harm in that period.

When established on a permanent basis, I

would suggest that the appointment of Trustees

should be in each case for three years, they

all being eligible for re-appointment

of

course at the discretion of the Governor.

It might, however, be desirable to

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