CO129-625-2 Finance- revenue equalization fund 1-1-1951 - 31-12-1951 — Page 16

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We also recommend that sono effort should be made to build a General Post Office and main sorting office in Kowloon. The cost of such a building will be high and a nominal figure of 5 million has on inserted. The Director of Public Works does not consider that a start can be made until 1956/57, but we feel that if at all possible, an earlier date should be aimed at. We understand that the question of the site has not yet boon properly investigated.

Police.

The first three of the items under this head appear in the existing programme. It will be noticed that the first estimate of $5 million for Police Headquarters, has be on increased to $10 millions. We were somewhat concerned at this increase but after discussion with the Commissioner of Police and the Director of Public Works we believe that the amount is not excessive, having regard to the size of the scheme contemplated. We understand that the Police are anxious to evacuate Oriental Building as quickly as possible, and we support therefore the recommendation that this project should be pushed forward with all speed.

The two final items under this head are now. We fool that the provision of traffic lights and traffic islands should be on a programme basis, and wo have inserted therefore a nominal figure of $100,000, all to be spent in 1952/53, and/ that further expenditure should be subject to a proper programme being submitted and approved.

recommend

At the earnest request of the Commissioner of Police wo have inserted a token figure of 23 millions for Polico Headquarters in Western District on which we trust that work might start in 1952/53. We understand that when Police Headquarters is completed there will be a large number of quarters incorporated therein.

Public Buildings.

Under this head the only item is what appears in the existing programme as the City Hall, which we consider might possibly be changed to "Civic Contro" as a more appropriate title. The latest estimate for this building is $16 million as against the original $10 million.

Reclamation.

The two itens under this head appear in the existing programme, but the cost of the Causeway Bay schore, for the provision of 55 acres of land for recreational purposes, is now estimated at $16 million and that of the Central Reclamation schoro, w ich will provide a site for the Civic Centro. and space for mw ferry piers, has increased by $400,000.

Roads, Drainage and Bridges.

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The first three of the items under this head appear in the existing programme. The programme for New Territories bridges comprises two bridges, one of which is in hand at the moment.'

A how item appears for nullah decking. We feel that this project should be carried on on a logical programme basis, and we have provided $150,000 each year from 1952/53 onwards.