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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 7(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 foe. (Paragraph 83 (0).)
(4) This Body of Harbour Trustees to remain in being for three years as an experiment. (Paragraph 83 (a).)
(5) The matters over which the Trust would have control to be:
Leasing or letting of piers.
Construction of new piers as and when necessary, and
the charges therefor.
Lights and buoys (Navigational), and the charges therefor. Mooring Buoys, and the charges therefor.
Ferries, and the royalties, eto., therefor.
Dredging the Harbour as required from time to time.
Licensing of Pilots.
Regulation of Harbour traffic and the promulgation of
the necessary by-laws for this purpose.
The general policy of the Harbour.
(Paragraph 83 (e).)
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