65.
companies operating under the Ferries Ordinance; but that it was to be understood that the official view was that agreement to renew the lease, possibly on a royalty basis did not preclude the Government from adding to the cross-harbour transportation facilities or arranging for an alternative method of transport such as a tunnel. Str Mark Young concurred in this view and remarked that he did not share Kr. Lang's opinion as to the political consequences of the linking of Hong Kong to the mainland by the construption of a turmel.
4. Conditions in Hong Kong at present and policy to be followed in
the immediate future.
The Chairman invited Kr. Alan Roid who had recently returned from Hong Kong to give an account of conditions in Hong Kong at the present tire insofar as they concerned the operation of the port.
Mr. Reid said that in general the wharves in Hong Kong and Kowloon were in satisfactory condition, that the obstructions in the harbour did not seriously impede traffic, but that the West Point piered deteriorated further owing to neglect and increasing age from their pre- war poor condition. So far light and busy duos, and wharfage charges, had not been collected, but preparations were well advanced to commerice collection, The port operated under the direction of a Port Executive Committee, presided over by the Commodore and consisting of representa- tives of the Services with the Oivil Affaire Administration, and Mr.Reid as the Ministry of War Transport Representative. A subordinate Port Working Committee also hold daily neotings to facilitate the routine working of the port. Mr. Reid said that these arrangement; had worked wall but the need had toen felt for a senior official to Elve executive effect to the decisions of the Port Executive Committeo.
Hr. Hoid gave it as his opinion that it would be desirable, when the period of Militory Administration ended to continue to control tho operation of the port by a Port, Executive Committee, modified in its constitution by the substitution of a Government Chairman and by the inclusion of representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Shipping interests as members besides representatives of the Servigos; and that during that time, the appointment of a Port Director would be desirable.
It was pointed out that legislation would be required to authori se such a bódy to work thon a civil dóministration was restored and Mr. Reid was questioned as to why it was necessary to peke these arrange ments, which necessitated participation by the Services in the control o the Port, instead of the resumption by the Harbour Master's Department of its pro-var duties and powers pending the setting up of the Port. Frun Mr. Lang omphasised that in his opinion development in the initial stag should be under the control of the Government, advised the sho interests, and that nothing should be done to prejudice the planzed setting up of the Port Trust.
Mr. Reid said that the present pressure on the facilities of the port which was likely to continue for sóme time; the increased use of the port by the Servicos; the fact that the Services were the only people with facilities for continuing the rehabilitation work which they had begun; and the fact that it was not possible yet for corhercial interests to resume oporations on a pro-mar scale, were factors which warranted (a) the appointment of a Port Director and (2) thé continution in a modified fora of a Fort Executive Committee, which he regarded as a desirable intermediate step towards the setting up of the Port Inst.
dr. Rold was asked how far the duties of much a bozt Director would fit in with those of the, Bocrotary depigrate of the Fort Trust, and said that he regarded then as neparate appointments; the Port Director would. be concerned with the operation of the ports facilities, including the decision of priorities regarding thing, use of Fighters and recone struction; while the secretary would be concerned with the general administration.
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