CO129-608-7 Future policy- Report on Port Administration by Sir David Owen 24-2-1941 - 24-2-1941 — Page 142

2.

2.

There is also room for improvement in the syste of Immigration. At present considerable time could be saved to vessels either carrying Immigrants to or from the Colony.

I consider that proper wharfage and accommodation facilities should be provided where deck passengers could be taken ashore immediately on a vessel's arrival, and all the necessary immigration formalities be carried out on land thereby allowing the immediate release of the carrying vessel. This method would probably help to check on smuggling as proper searches could be made before the release of the Immigrant.

Likewise the despatch of outward steamers could be speeded up if all dock passengers could be put through the necessary medical and immigration formalities before proceeding on board. This would enable steamers to leave immediately the passengers were allowed on board. I woul suggest the site for the Immigration Centre and piers to be in the Lai Chi Kok area.

(a) I consider the establishment of a Port Trust would be the most effective method of co-ordination between Government and interests concerned.

(e) I think a Port Advisory Committee would be somewha“

unwieldy and the possible cause of waste of time in decisions. On the other hand a Port Trust in most cases would be in a position to act on the spot on any question that may arise.

(f)

No comment.

(g)

As recomended in the late Sir David Owen's Report I do think there will be an increasing demand for additional vehicular ferries. Before probing the question I would suggest that new onquiries be made into the feasibility of constructing a harbour tunnel. If workable this would speed up movement of traffic and would do away with the necessity of the new vehicular ferry project from Marsh Road to Gillies Avenue."

147