620283-1931-Minutes-No-14 — Page 2

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, DECEMBER 11, 1931. 813

PAPER.

3. The following paper was laid on the table:-

Regulation made by the Governor in Council under section 29 of the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance, 1896, Ordinance No. 7 of 1896, on 30th September,

1.

QUESTIONS.

4. The Hon. Mr. Ts'o SEEN-WAN, U. B.E., LL.D. in the absence of the Hon. Mr.

W. E. L. SHENTON, asked the foliowing questions:----

1. How many craft were during the 2nd September last towed to safety by

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Kau Sing " from :-

(a) West end of Harbour?

(b) East end of Harbour?

2. How far west did the "Kau Sing" patrol?

3. How many requests were received by Harbour Office for assistance ?

Were they passed on to the "Kau Sing"?

If so, is there any record of action taken? Can the log be produced ?·

4. Details of craft refusing assistance?

5. Is it a fact that the "Kau Sing" was anchored in Kowloon Bay during the afternoon of 2nd September when craft were sunk in various parts of the Harbour?

If so, between what hours and why?

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6. Much as Naval assistance is appreciated, was it necessary for H.M.S. 'Stormcloud" to carry out the rescues of fisherfolk on Lamma Island, after the typhoon?

Could not this have been done by the "Kau Sing"?

7. What are the duties of the "Kau Sing" during the presence of a typhoon

in the Colony?

8. Is the "Kau Sing" worked under the instructions of the Harbour Master

or does the Master act on his initiative?

9. Is the "Kau Sing" only intended to help large vessels or any size of craft

requiring assistance?

10. What acts of assistance did the "Kau Sing" perform during the typhoon

of the 2nd September?

The Harbour Master replied as follows:---

1.--(a) Two Trading Junks. A third was towed some distance but the tow line either parted or was cut. The latter is suspected because the "Kau Sing" cannot steer at very low speeds and the junk people com- plain that she tows too fast. A line was thrown to a fourth junk but although caught was not made fast.

(b) None. No junks or cargo boats, approachable by "Kau Sing", were

found in need of assistance.

2. Past Green Island where two small sampans were offered assistance at

10.30 a.m.

This assistance was refused and the sampans reached shelter under their own oars,

3.—(a) A request was received from the Kowloon Godown Company for the Kau Sing" to tow some lighters from off Kowloon Wharf to Yaumati Shelter. This was passed to "Kau Sing" but no action was taken as there appeared to be no danger to life.--The Wharfage Co. having their own launches available.