MEMORANDUM.
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Mechanization of the Hong Kong Fishing Fleet.
At the end of 1948 a Colonial Development and Welfare grant (Scheme N.D 998) for the mechanization of the Hong Kong Fishing Fleet was approved, £10,000 of which was to be in the form of a grant and £40,000 as a loan.
2. After further consideration and discussion, it was decided that certain modifications were necessary in the scheme as originally proposed, and a fresh memorandum is therefore submitted.
3. It was originally proposed that the mechanization should develop along the lines of motorizing Chinese fishing junks, but the conclusion has now been reached that the junk is essentially a sailing vessel, unsuitable in design or form for self-propulsion. In order to produce
a speed of eight knots, which is considered essential, it would be necessary to instal extravagantly large power units. It is, therefore, proposed to adapt Chinese methods of construction with a view to evolving a self-propelled fishing vessel which would be suitable for local conditions and mechanically efficient and sea-worthy.
4. The fishermen themselves realise that a self-propelled fishing vessel has many advantages. Vessels operating from here are liable to loss from typhoons and piracy, and it is important to reduce the time spent in moving to and from the fishing grounds in order that vessels may land more catches annually, and thus be more productive and profitable. This will be of great importance to Hong Kong in regularizing the supply of fresh fish, prices of which, due to the uncertainty of supply, are at the moment at a scarcity level. The scheme would also undoubtedly improve the lot of the fishing community.
5. It is proposed, therefore, to set up a committee of local naval architects and shipbuilders, on which both Europeans and Chinese would be represented, whose task it would be to work out the design of a vessel suitable for local conditions and incorporating the necessary accommodation for the fisherman and his family; the design should also conform as far as possible with Chinese methods of construction. Upon such a craft being designed and tested at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, it is proposed to build two experimental vessels in accordance with the approved design, but probably differing in certain details. These, when constructed, would be operated by the Fisheries Department, for demonstration purposes. This would complete the first stage of the scheme.
6. It is estimated that the cost of the two vessels would be in the region of £17,500. It would be necessary to engage a first class draughtsman to prepare the designs, and his salary, together with the cost of constructing models and testing them at Teddington, is estimated to total £2,500. A free grant of £20,000 is therefore requested.
7. The second stage of the scheme, about which it is proposed to subnit another memorandum when the worth of the experimental vessels has been properly demonstrated, will consist of selling the two vessels to cover part of the cost of their construction, and to establish a revolving fund out of which to supply loans to fishermen to assist them in recovering the cost of building boats of the new type for their own use.
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8. The scheme has the full approval of the Director of Marine and the Acting Director of Fisheries.
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