CO129-608-7 Future policy- Report on Port Administration by Sir David Owen 24-2-1941 - 24-2-1941 — Page 199

Of the Yaumati Typhoon Shelter Mr. Colman said that there should be a broad quay right round the full extent of the Shelter, and that the second essential was constant dredging. He believed that a small suction dredger and two hopper barges would pay for themselves very quickly in conjunction with reclaiming programmes, and that reclamations which today take years might be finished in six months.

Mr. Colması said he knew that to fill in the Yaumati Shelter was one of the reclamation schemes and that a new Typhoon Shelter was to be made at Shamshuipo. He thought the present site was ideal from all points of view and he believed that the proposed site was a soubtful proposition, and that the great advantage of the scheme to reclaim Yaumati Typhoon Shelter was that it would be economical because there was already a sea wall and the Shelter was shallow, but he said that the present expensive sea wall would not make a quay wall and he was afraid that the ultimate result would be to double in extent the large slum area which already existed in the heart of Kowloon.

To remedy the defects resulting from a lack of co-operation in the past a permanent reponsible staff would be required to see the programme of improvements was carried out, and not a Committee without responsibility which would be constantly affected by changes in its membership.

Selection of a Port Director.

Mr. Colman said that this system should ensure co-ordination in all matters concerning the Port if it were allowed to work freely, but the efficiency of the organization would largely depend on the personality of the Port Director and if one were to be appointed he would suggest that the following points be considered:

E

b.

C.

a.

He should be between 40 and 45 years of age and have

had experience of administration and a general business knowledge of accountancy. Mr. Colman said that he did not regard previous port experience as essential and that too much technical knowledge might be a disadvantage.

The post should carry a salary higher than that paid to the Chief Engineer and Senior Marine Officer who would be responsible to him, and his salary should be on a scale providing for ten annual increments and provident fund benefits, but the appointment should be for a probationary period of three or six months in the first instance.

The post might be advertised in Hong Kong, United

Kingdom, ustralia, Canada, South Africa and India.

The Port Director should be directly responsible to the

Secretary for Transportation.

Conclusion.

Mr. Colman said that he did not suggest that this alternative method of control was an improvement on a Port Trust because it would not eliminate the possibility of outside influence being brought to bear on Port affairs, but he thought that it would be definitely better than the present arrangements and another standing Advisory Committee.