CO129-627-2 Fertilizer factory new territories- contains drawings 1-12-1950 - 31-1-1952 — Page 75

H452

the file is sath to Hullet this

We

1

Public Works Department, Lower Albert Road,

Hongkong.

75-31

11th August, 1951.

Dear Hall,

I refer to your personal and confidential letter 54403/15/51 on the subject of the appointment of Mr. L. P. Brunt.

My department has not been consulted on the project for establishing a fertilizer factory in the New Territo- ries, and was brought into the picture only in connection with the reclamation of land for this purpose and the construction of berthing facilities at Tsun Wan.

The departments concerned are the Urban Council and Agriculture. The former wish to get rid of the city refuse and nightsoil, and the latter to obtain a cheap fertilizer to assist the farmers.

It is a pity that I did not meet Brunt when he visited Hongkong but Littlejohn, my Assistant Director (Engineering), who attended a meeting in the Colonial Secretary's office at which Brunt was present, was not favourably impressed, and formed the opinion that he did not know his job.

The preliminary report referred to in para.3 of your letter is in general terms only, and gives no indication of the plant required or the cost of the scheme.

Enclosed is a copy of a minute which I have addressed to the Colonial Secretary, together with a copy of the letter from Brunt to Strangeways.

Kind regards.

gps sacely,

Haledon C. Bauh.

H. P. Hall, Esq., M.B.E.,

Colonial office,

The Church House,

Great Smith Street, London. S.W.1.