Sessional_Paper_1898 — Page 167

HONGKONG.

163

No. 12

98

MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF THE PIERS COMMITTEE.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

Minutes of meetings of Piers Committee held at the Office of the Director of Public Works at 11 a.m. on the

7th December.

PRESENT.

The Chairman, Director of Public Works.

The Honourable The Harbour Master,

N. J. EDE, Esq.

D. GILLIES, Esq.

The Chairman explained the circumstances which led up to the appointment of this Committee, and informed the Committee of the expenditure to date on the New Pedder Street pier and on Pottinger Street pier. He also laid on the table plans of these piers, as designed and approved, showing the amount of work completed to date.

The Committee were unanimously of opinion that the Pedder Street Wharf should be constructed with a solid base, as wide as in the original design for double piers, projecting about 40 feet from the line of the Praya Wall, and with steps at cach side for the use of small launches, boats and sampans.

That from this an open pier of a design to be approved hereafter should be constructed, 200 feet long and 40 feet wide.

A proposal to use concrete cylinders with iron and timber platform in the construction of this pier was brought before the meeting by the Director of Public Works, but its further consideration postponed until plans and particulars of cost could be prepared and submitted.

.

POTTINGER STREET PIER.

The Committee were unanimous in the opinion that, in view of the advanced state of this work in accordance with the original design for a solid pier, the cost to date ($17,397), the expense that would be incurred in removing the concrete blocks and granite masonry already in position, and that since the petition to His Excellency regarding Murray Pier, it has been decided that the New Pedder Street pier, and other piers in proximity to this one, will be open and accessible to launches and boats during gales, that Government should be recommended to authorize the completion of the Pottinger Street pier in accordance with original design.

ICE HOUSE STREET PIER.

The Committee agree that no permanent pier is required on the position of the present temporary one, but when, on the completion of the New Pedder Street pier, this one can be removed, an open pier be constructed 120 feet long and 25 feet wide opposite the road leading from the Queen's Statue, to be known as "The Queen's Pier."

Passed as correct.

R. D. ORMSBY,

Chairman.

Meeting held at the Office of the Director of Public Works on Thursday, the 20th January, at 11 a.m.

All members present except the Honourable The Harbour Master. Read and passed minutes of last meeting held on 7th December.

PEDDER STREET PIER.

The Chairman informed the Committee that the expenditure to date on this pier, in accordance with the original design for a solid pier, was $28,090.

In view of the expense already incurred and the advanced state of the masonry work, the Committee consider it would be advisable to maintain the width of base already laid down, namely, about 128 feet. A plan of the proposed pier, in accordance with this recommendation and that contained in the previous minutes, was laid on the table and approved.

A letter to the Honourable The Colonial Secretary, embodying the recommendations of the Committee on this point and forwarding copy of annexed resolution, proposed by the Director of Public Works on the subject, was submitted and approved as an interim report.

If it is contemplated to remove the present Clock Tower, the Committee recommend that it be re-built of a suitable design on the base of this pier, and further recommend the erection of permanent shelters of suitable design on this pier.