Sessional_Paper_1902 — Page 448

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10. The question of cost must, of course, as in most matters, be a considerable factor in the choice of a road pavement, but the old saying that "a bad article is dear at any price" holds good.

For the purpose of comparing the annual cost of hardwood paving and of macadam it will be expedient to take the first cost of the former and that of a properly laid macadam roadway, viz., a roadway with a good foundation covered with durable metal. The subjoined table gives the comparison in respect of Queen's Road from the Civil Hospital to Wanchai Market and Des Voeux Road from the Harbour Office to the City Hall.

11. Through the courtesy of Mr. Henry Blake, son of Sir Henry Blake, G.c.M.G., I obtained the price of Australian hardwood (Jarrah or Karri) direct from Australia, since I was before the Commission. It is more than I anticipated, so that the cost of paving formed of these timbers would be $9.50 per square yard instead of $6.00 as I stated in evidence, thus the first cost of such pavement would be very expensive, but I am convinced, and Mr. Blake, who knows the timber well, agrees with me, that it would be practically indestructible under ricksha traffic. The figures in the table show that this paving, over the area suggested to be paved, would cost about $1,000 per annum more than what a good macadam road would cost, but for general superior qualities there would be no comparison, and it should not be lost sight of that the tendency is for the traffic to increase in Hongkong and for prices to go up, so much so that I would not be surprised if the cost of maintaining main macadamised roads here went up to $1.00 per square yard in a few years.

12. However the high price of Australian hardwood induced me to enquire if one of the many excellent Borneo hardwoods would not suit our purpose equally as well at a much less cost, and I believe that Borneo camphor would fulfil the requirements. It is a good sound hardwood and seems in every way suited for street paving, and of a very reasonable cost. The table shows that its annual cost including interest on original outlay, would be much less than the cost of a good macadam road, of course the use of this wood for street paving would be quite a new departure, but I would strongly recommend that a small portion be laid down in Queen's Road, say, opposite the Post Office, as an experiment, as soon as possible.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obe-lient Servant,

The Honourable J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.,

Chairman, Public Works Commission.

H. P. TOOKER.