2
57
than coal and firewood.
Firewood supply is critical. Contracts
have been made for supply from the New Territories of about 3,700 tons in October and another 1000 tons may be expected from an area in the region of Repulse Bay. Lt. Col. Bass has been in Borneo arranging cutting and supply, but it will be necessary to arrange transport from there. Firewood has been used in place of coal to keep the China Light and Power Company going. The Chinese have looted large quantities of wood from private houses and other places.
Shortage of transport has been a great handicap. When British Units landed they commandeered all the vehicles which they regarded as necessary for their work. This may have bean necessary at the time but it has created a situation which will1 take time to straighten out.
The Civil Affairs transport provided for in the War Establishment has not yet arrived. Meantime, however, a certain Pool has been formed and requirements are met, according to the degree of urgency.
The Harbour Master also comes within the orbit of this Department. He has located, arranged for the repair and con- missioning of certain ex. Japanese vessels. The ships are being used to bring essential foodstuffs into Hong Kong, though questions relating to their ownership and nationality are out- standing.
One vessel, the s.s. "Rose" has been detained in
Kwang Chow Wan by the Chinese Authori ti es there.
Main navigational lights and buoys are being re-established, though Cape Collinson Lighthouse and Gap Rock Lighthouse will require major construction. The Junks Registration Office has been re-established. The Yaumati Government Slipway and Repair Yard are in oporation. The records relating to the Hong Kong Shipping Registry have been destroyed, and these will have to be replaced from London together with all stationery necessary for new regis- trations and the usual shipping office activities.
In the Industry Section Mr. Colledge has visited local manufacturing companies and reports that local manufacturing has largely ceased. The dockyards, sugar refinery, cement works and
In the cotton engineering works will require extensive repair. industry, however, the looms and knitting machines were found to be in good condition. The rubber canvas shoe factories are in a position to produce 20% of their former output, whilst the safety match, felt hat, peanut oil, electric-torch and leather shoe industries are ready to commence work as soon as raw materials in
Financial assistance has reasonablo quantities are available.
been requested by the Managers of the last named group in order to bring back skilled staffs to Hong Kong.
scale.
Certain utility companies have commenced work on a reduced
The China Light & Power Co. Ltd. The Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd. The Hong Kong Telephone Co. Ltd.
The Hong Kong Tramway Co. Ltd.
The Hong Kong & Yaumati Ferry Co. Ltd.
The China Motor Bus Co.
The Kowloon Motor Bus Co.
The ferries and public land vehicles require early repairs.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.