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The second essential is dredging and constant dredging. I believe that a small suction äredger and two hopper barges would pay for themselves very quickly in conjunction with reclaiming programmes. Reclamations which today take years might be finished in six months the Whampoa Conservancy Board have amassed large sums in profit on such schemes.
With co-operation there should be no difficulty with regard to the quay road. Legally the Resumption of Lands Ordinance and the leases appear to me to take good care of the situation. It will not be necessary to interfere with any substantial buildings of consequence. The traffic advantages to be gained are considerable, but apart from that point of view, at the back and for the full length of this area are the worst slums in Hong Kong. The inhabitants of this area are entitled to light and air, and incidentally they will enjoy one of the finest evening views in the Colony right over the Kowloon hills.
I know that to fill in the Taumati Typhoon Shelter is one of the new reclamation schemos and that a new Typhoon Shelter is to be made at Shamshuipo. The present site at Yaumati is ideal from all points of view and I also believe that the proposed site is a doubtful proposition. The great advantage of reclaiming the Yaumati Typhoon Shelter seems to be mainly economical it already has a sea wall and it is shallow, but that expensive sea wall will not make a quay wall and I am afraid that the ultimate result will be to double in extent the large slum area which already exists in the heart of Kowloon.
I am afraid that you will feel that I have gone outside my terms of reference, and I admit that latterly I have done so, but I have taken this opportunity because if I can persuade just a few of you here to take a lasting interest on this particular point I shall not have entirely wasted my time in Hong Kong.
Colonial Secretariat, Hong Kong.
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