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if the new pier were placed in another position at Marsh Road, Wanchai, for a service to run from there to a pier to be constructed at Gillies Avenue, Hung Hom, This would have the effect of dissipating the traffic. The ferry company prefer their own proposal as they state the other idea would make the service more costly to run seeing that it would involve more ferry boats.
Taking everything into consideration, I am of opinion that it would be more advantageous in the public interest if a new pier for the vehicular ferry service were provided at Marsh Road, together with one on the opposite side of the Harbour at Gillies Avenue, (both of which sites are less exposed to westerly winds) notwith- standing any extra cost of operating the services. The proposed piers are shown on the attached plan.
It has been pointed out to me that objection to a second pier adjoining the present one at Jubilee Street has been made by the owners of Douglas Pier, on the ground that the berthing of their ships would be rendered more difficult. Whatever may be the merits of this complaint, the difficulty would not arise if the suggested position at Marsh Road were adopted for the ferry pier. The difficulty of the Douglas Company in any case would be disposed of if the development recom- mended in paragraph 88 were carried out.
The proposed pier opposite Marsh Road would incidentally have the effect of affording some protection to the western entrance to Causeway Bay from heavy seas caused by westerly gales. The provision of such protection has been under consideration for some years, but before any additional measures in this direction are taken the effect of the pier should be observed.
101. SEWERAGE.—I have refrained from dealing with the general question of sewerage, as it hardly falls within the terms of my reference. In suggesting (paragraph 97 (a)) the filling in of the present Typhoon refuge harbour at Mong Kok Tsui, I am aware that, apart from its other advantages, such reclamation will have the effect of clearing away an area of still water heavily polluted with sewage. There are other places in the Harbour which are similarly affected, and it seems to me that sooner or later the system now in force of discharging crude sewage into the waters of the Harbour will have to be abolished at certain places, and a more modern method substituted. This is a matter relating to the health of the community and forms a big problem to which I have no doubt the Government is fully alive. It is a problem which has arisen in many other Ports of which I have had experience.
102. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS.I would briefly summarize the various recommendations made in this Report :-
(1) That a Body to be called the "Hong Kong Harbour Trust" be established
as soon as possible. (Paragraph 83 (a)).
(2) That the constitution of the Trust be as under :-
Three Government officials of high standing, to be appointed by the
Governor.
Three British subjects connected with the trade of the Port, to be appointed by the Governor on the nomination of the General Chamber of Commerce.
One person interested in the trade of the Port to be appointed by the
Governor on the nomination of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. One independent Chairman, being a person of business experience and, if possible, with a knowledge of Port affairs, to be appointed by the Governor on the nomination of the other members of the Trust at a meeting duly held for the purpose. (Paragraph 83 (b)).
(3) The Harbour Trustees, other than the Chairman, to be unpaid, but the
Chairman to be paid a suitable annual fee. (Paragraph 83 (c)).
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