**
146
7.
33. The Report made certain recommendations in accordance with this policy, it being emphasized that these recommendations were made on the clear understanding "that the Government would exercise its rights in 1949 and take possession of all existing pier sites", the leasing of which might hinder such policy of Harbour frontage develop- ment as might be dec.ded upon, and it was suggested that the Government should notify all lessees of such piers and pier sites that their leases would not be renewed after 1949.
34. The Report gave some arguments, in support of the recommenda- tions, apparent to the effect that private enterprise was in the least favourable position to meet the needs of a growing Port while the Government with its own system of administration would be in the best position with a free hand to develop the frontage on systematic lines.
35. Thatever may be said on the merits or demerits of the se arguments, a definite line of policy was suggested but I cannot find that the pier lessees were notified. It was naturally a difficult question with which the Government was faced. It is a fact, however, that the Government did in one case at least, refuse an extension of lease pending a general investigation into the question of policy in relation to the Harbor, and many of the leaseholders are under the impression that the Government does not intend to renew the leases.
36. It may be mentioned that the average total annual rentals paid to the Government during the past three years for the permanent and temporary piers amounts to $43,600.
37. VAREHOUSES OR GODOWNS. Having regard to the nature of the trade of Hong Kong there is need for a good deal of warehousing or godown accommodation and this also has been provided by private enter- prise.
The godowns are all privately owned, some of them, particularly those of the Hong Kong & Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company Limited, and Messrs. Alfred Holt & Company, (Messrs. Butterfield & Siro, Agents), being most up-to-date and excellent for their purpose.
38. It is estimated that there is a total storage capacity in the Port for about 1,000,000 tons of goods. The three largest Godown Companies have a storage capacity of roughly 100,000 on the Hong Kong side and 400,000 on the Kowloon side, the balance being divided up between numerous native-owned premises of smaller capacity in both places.
39. The godowns are constructed on land leased from the Government mostly for periods of 75 years with the option of renewal for another 75 years, while the piers in front of the godowns are under the leases already referred to, which expire at the end of 1949. As the godowns are not of much us without the piers, the difficulty of the pier problem will be appreciated.
40. The Jarge godown companies act as public warehouse-keepers and accommodate at their piers any vessels that elect to go there. In the case of Messrs. Alfred Holt & Company, their piers and godowns are primarily for the use of their own vessels and those of their associated companies. There are also several other piers and godowns which have been provided by the lessees for their own vessels and the goods there- from.
41. MOORING BUOYS. There are 48 mcoring buoys in the Harbour 17 for Class "A" ships of from 450 to 600 feet in length, 27 for Class "B"hips of from 300 to 450 feet in length and 4 for Class "C" ships of less than 300 feet in lengti. These buoys are owned by the Government who charge for their use 816, $12 and $8 per day respectively. Certain firms own buoys for their om use and these, 58 in number, are held, by permission, at a charge of $5 per month. Apart from these, there are 30 buoys belonging to the Admiralty and 5 owned by the Royal Air Force.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.