8.
(c) To regulate from time to time the wharfage and
other charges for all publicly operated
piers and other berthage.
(d) To be responsible for any dredging and deepening
as may be necessary, of the harbour, fairways and approach channels.
(e) To be responsible for the provision and maintenance of harbour moorings, navigational aids and the regulation of anchorages.
(f) To advise on all matters affecting the regulation
of the port such as labour, conditions of employment, the acquisition of land for the expansion and development of the business of the port, sanitary regulations, etc. etc.
(g) The regulation of ferry services,
(h) The making of surveys and taking of soundings in
the harbour, fairways and approach channels.
(i) The raising and removal of wrecks.
In any case I am strongly of the opinion that there should be a permanent link between the "Direoting Body" and the Governor-in- Council. This officer should be independent of any control by either a Trust or a Commission and, in addition to being Head of a "liarino Department" (as outlined in paragraphs 2 and 3), he would be in a position to advise Government on any points which may be referred to it from the "Directing Body". If it is thought advisable he could undertake similar duties with respect to the Airport, for it must be remembered that Hong Kong will undoubtedly have problems of an international nature which would require co-ordination with the Board of Trade and Air Ministry in the United Kingdom and similar authorities in other countries. I would suggest such an officer be designated Secretary for Marine and Air.
N.B. The Harbour Master, as such, has very limited duties in a port such as Hong Kong and the "Directing Body" would have no difficulty in obtaining an officer capable of meeting their requirements for something like £700 per annum. In fact, the present Chief Boarding Officer could well function as larbour Master.
PART IV
SUGGESTED COURSE OF ACTION
1. (1) (a) Shipping will be controlled for some time after
the cessation of hostilities and that period will probably be unsuitable for any radical changes in the type of administration.
(b) Before we set up any autonomous body having a
mandate to proceed with the development of the port in the form of new works, we should wait indications of their justification.
(2) I suggest our policy should tend towards a responsible directing body where port affairs are concerned, but I advocate progressive stages:
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