CO129-592-10 Future Policy in Hong Kong- Port Administration 10-4-1946 - 15-4-1947 — Page 225

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(^)

(vi)

ment:

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The exchange, drafting, publishing and actual distribution to Shipmasters should be the business of the Central Government and not a Port Trust.

The Registration of Launches and Junks.

Safety of life is very much wrapped up in this question, and is likely to become more important as powered junks or lorcha come into service. The many recent accidents in Hong Kong indicate the advisability of incorporating a survey with the actual licens- ing.

These surveys and periodic inspections are the work of the Surveyors under the Head of the Marine Department.

Entering and Clearing.

I cannot see what this has got to do with a Port Trust. The entering and clearing of a vessel would be most suitably effected at the Marine Office where the validity of her papers could be checked by competent surveyors and officers in close contact with Government requirements and international agreements. This particularly refers to the entering and olearing of Junks and other coastal traffic.

Surely a Port Trust with a huge development programme does not want to nibble at duties which no Port Trust in the world performs.

Regulation of Ferry Services.

This should be done by a Marine Department as it concerns the travelling public both from a safety and convenience point of view.

All royalties could go to the Trust, but regulation, fares, requests etc., are matters for Government to decide.

Navigational Aids and Signal Stations.

I see no point in taking these duties away from a technical department, and they are best left to a Marine Department.

The Port Trust is concerned with the Fort of Victoria and not the waters of the Colony.

I have no intention of allowing Hong Kong to become second rate where Aids to Navigation and Signalling are concerned, and I know where to obtain the best advice.

It was I who first raised the question of spring fogs, but it will be vond time before tramp tonnage is fitted with radar and the provision of an over all fadar to con ships into port is nebulous, we may have to turn to the temporary installations of ultra short wave marker beacons.

Harbour mooring buoys and their allocation should be done by the Trust in their capacity of berthage authority.

Licensing of Pilots.

Should be done by the Nautical Surveyors and Pilotage Board.

I feel that the Marine Office should collect Light Dues, Buoyage Dues and Licensing Fees on behalf of the Port Trust, so as to simplify matters for shipmasters and launch, lighter and junk

owners.

The following Fees would, of course, accrue to the Marine Depart-

Registry Fees, The prescribed Survey Fees, Mercantile Marine Office Charges, Emigration Fees where applicable, Examination Fees,