No_1_1956 — Page 9

THE CROSS-HARBOUR

to "adjust" itself to the antiquated and inadequate ferry system, how much better can it be expected to do.

TUNNEL OR

OR BRIDGE on the basis of normal growth and

For many years Government has been investigating the question of a cross-harbour tunnel, and during the past few months public interest has been stimulated by a scheme put forward by a local company advocating the construction of bridge rather than a tunnel.

a

On the 11th July. 1956, the Hong

Government Kong

published its decision not to undertake. in the present circumstances, the con- struction of the cross-harbour tun- nel and stated that the findings of the Inter-Departmental Working Party on the proposed tunnel scheme applied with equal force to a cross-harbour bridge. It had decided. therefore, to examine im- mediately, possible arrangements for the provision of a second cross- harbour vehicular ferry service.

Government also stated. how- ever, that it would be prepared to consider any schemes that might be submitted to it by commercial in- terests for the construction of a tunnel or bridge project. provided that the interests of the travelling public were safeguarded and that the existing franchise holders should not suffer financially by fulfilling their obligations under the franchises.

We do not propose to examine in detail the facts upon which the Working Party based their conclu- slons, but the following statements made in the report are significant:

"That very considerable advantages would arise from the construction of a tunnel is obvious. One need only con- sider the traffic in goods and population which would cross the border daily be tween Hong Kong Island and Kowloon if these were contiguous instead of sepa- rated by over a mile of water. The two communities have, however, grown up in a way that is largely adjusted to the present methods of communication, and our task is to consider whether the con- struction of a tunnel would bring such advantages in practice as to justify the

cost.

"The relationship between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon differs from that between the majority of other geogra- phical regions which have been linked by bridge or tunnel, in two principal particulars:

area of Cheshire and N. Wales: and in San Francisco, which is one of the closest parallels to Hong Kong, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges join the city of San Francisco and its rapidly growing southern suburbs with the import- ant centres of Oakland. Berkeley and beyond.

2. The harbour of Hong Kong pro- vides adequate cargo facilities on both side of the water, so that goods may be discharged or load- ed in such a way as to minimise cross-harbour goods traffic, and a considerable tonnage is in practice loaded or discharged in mid-har- bour: whereas, for historical physical reasons, many other ports have their facilities largely con- centrated on one side. In Liver pool, for example, the extensive system of watdocks linked with individual shipping lines involves considerable cross-river transport after discharge.

or

expansion, if it can be assisted by modern and efficient link between the two communities?

Mr. Lawrence Kadoorie has out- lined quite a number of advantages to the Colony if a tunnel is built. but we will just mention a few.

"Shopping districts would be less con- centrated, promoting competition and an increased turnover.

"Land values would tend to equalise. and wealth would be spread with the de- velopment of new areas.

The congestion of Wanchai and West Point would gradually give way to subur-

living. ban

Direct road communication with the Island would promote more rapid development of satellite Tong, Shatin, Tai Po and other points in the New Territories.''

towns at Kun

Summarizing the advantages, he says: "I endeavoured to show how such a project would affect the lives of the vast majority of our population, how rapid road transport between Hong Kong and Kow- "Our conclusion is that a tunnel is loon would integrate the amenities offered not of any outstanding economic or commercial importance in relation to goods traffic and that it is unlikely that the existence of a tunnel would affect the present pattern or volume of cross-harbour goods traffic very signi- ficantly.

to the public, how new areas would be opened up for development with a conse- quent tendency to equalise land values, and how business would benefit material- ly from the avoidance of costly delays in cartage and transportation charges.'

"It is possible that our estimates are over-pessimistic, and we are conscious that a great many projects of this sort. although by no means all, have been successful beyond all forecasts. As we have said, however, we consider that the balance of advantage is not so clear as to justify throwing the weight of મ some importance and a convenient Government guarantee behind the pro- ject. The disadvantages are, on the other hand, not so great as to preclude the possibility of commercial interests being permitted to promote the project on a risk basis.

It really boils down to one point

do we belteve in the future of the Colony? Have we any confidence in its economical and political prospects; that it will continue to maintain its present independent entity as a fin- ancial centre. an industrial area of

In other words, the scheme has definite possibilities. but not good enough for Government to act upon. Extending the vehicular ferry services is the immediate solution.

But let us say that in ten to fifteen years time the population of the Colony has grown to four or five mil- lon what then: Would vehicular ferry services serve our needs and adequately maintain the rapid and continuous communications then re- quired? The answer is an unequivoc-

al NO.

1. Hong Kong Island is itself a cul- de-sac. The population is compara- tively evenly distributed over both sides of the harbour so that neither is to an overwhelming extent a suburb of the other, and there are few activities which require the physical movement of large quan- tities of goods in either direction OL the other hand the Mersey Tunnel links the industrial area If the Colony has done so well in of Lancashire with the industrial spite of the disadvantages of having

One point the Working Party brings out is that, while the Colony Is handicapped by being divided in- to two parts by over a mile of water. the two communities have largely ad- justed themselves to the present methods of communication.

trading depot for this part of the Far East?

The answer must be in the affirma- tive, otherwise Government and com- mercial interests are gambling with thousands of millions of dollars on long term capital commitments that might be better reserved to cover unforeseen eventualities. If we have faith in the future of the Colony, then we must realise the necessity for a cross-harbour tunnel or bridge, whichever is found to be the most suitable for the Colony's purpose.

Lawrence

Again we quote Mr. Kadoorie: "Let us have courage. Let us realise Hong Kong is developing into what may well become one of the largest cities in the world. Let us preserve those attributes of sound finance that have been the basis of our success in the past, but let us also realise we are growing up.

"Our vision must not be clouded by a fear of world-shattering events over which we have no control and which will probably never take place. Let us have vision to see. faith to believe, and courage to do!"

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