76
( 62 )
2. FIRST PERIOD, FOLLOWING LIBERATION OF
THE COLONY.
(a) The trade of Hong Kong is essentially an entrepot trade. The Kowloon docks system was not designed for accept- ance and storage of heavy imports. The custom was for ships to discharge and load a few hundred tons, in a turn-round of a few days.
(b) Following liberation of the Colony, shipments for Cranes account of Services were heavy and frequent. were not serviceable and all unloading was done by ships' own gear. Obstructions on the main quay such as pillboxes, air raid shelters, burnt out vehicles and debris, seriously interfered with movement. There was but little clearance ex docks at first, as godowns were used as depots such as for Ordnance and Supplies. So much activity within a restricted area, was not conducive to port efficiency.
(c) As R.A.F. installations developed at Kai Tak, and when they opened their Engineering Depot off Chatham Road, the need for additional lighters and M.T. was quickly felt. (d) Godowns were heavily stocked with Custodian of Property stores, and with heavy incoming cargoes for Services, it became essential for Ordnance and Supplies Depots to move out of the docks area. These moves entailed a heavy additional call on limited transport.
(e) However, by this time considerable work in rehabilitation of the docks area had been done, exits had been improved, traffic control instituted and the shore was, therefore, still able to beat the ship.
(f) Between then and now, only on two occasions did ships nearly have to stop working due to congestion on the wharves, quay and in godowns. Docks Pool transport though never sufficient, always met the strain. The lack of lighters and mobile cranes to unload them, was severe- ly felt, but the position became easier as junks returned to Hong Kong. There was never a shortage of labour, though was slow at first, due to physical weakness of the men, following the Japanese occupation. Clearance by rail at that time was negligible.
( 63 )
3. THE PRESENT POSITION.
(a) Clearance by Road.
(i)
(ii)
Availability of M.T. is now not far short of re- quirements for docks clearance.
Organisation and control of M.T. by the Station Transport Office, Kowloon, is excellent.
(iii) Estimated M.T. requirements for docks clearance is 87 lorries, covering the Kowloon wharves, Holt's Wharf, M.L. 49 and Lai Chi Kok.
(iv)
It is not considered that this number could be usefully increased, owing to restricted area in the docks for operation of M.T.
(V)
Mobile cranes for loading and unloading trans- This slows up porters, are in short supply. clearance but steps have been taken for importa- tion of additional cranes.
(vi) Availability of godown accommodation is a vital factor in docks clearance. The situation is steadily improving with the disposal of Custodian of Property material ex godowns, and vacating of godowns at M.L. 49 by the Royal Navy and the R.A.F.
(vii) The following figures for Feb. 46 are of interest:-
Military stores ONLY. Ships handled. .
..16.
>
Tons. Tonnage imported 27222
Units.
M.T.
"
368 Units.
Craft
7
"
>
?
Tons.
+
Best day's discharge 3226
17
1)
Ships disembarked
Total personnel
27
Ships embarked
Total personnel
+
1886
12
7551
L
1
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