Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 95

No. 1.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

at a Meeting held on the 4th January, 1908.

PRESENT:

The Honourable the Director of Public Works (WILLIAM CHATHAM, C.M.G.), Chairman.

Mr. EDWARD OSBORNE.

"J

Mr. HENRY KESWICK.

17

ABSENT:

17

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON). Mr. EDBERT ANSGAR HEWETT.

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Harbour of Refuge for Small Craft. (C.S.O. 9647/1903.)

The Chairman read the report of the last meeting (held on the 19th December, 1907,) and a minute by His Excellency the Governor, dated the 20th November, 1907, with reference to the question of dredging or partly dredging and partly reclaiming Causeway Bay. In accordance with the decision come to at the last meeting, the following papers had been circulated to Members :-

(2.) Mr. BOULTON's report of 28th September, 1907, on the Mongkoktsui Scheme (i.) Comparative Statement of Areas, Cost, &c., of Mongkoktsui and Kennedy

Town Schemes.

iii.) Estimated cost of Dredging Causeway Bay.

(iv.) Plan accompanying Mr. BoULTON's report.

(v.) Chart No. 3280 with Mongkoktsui and Kennedy Town Schemes shown on it

The minutes by Members on the general question of improving the existing Harbour of Refuge and providing a new one were then read. The following is a brief abstract of

them:

Mr. KESWICK.

Existing Harbour. Causeway Bay should be immediately deepened. A depth of 9 feet all over, as proposed in the Public Works Department estimate, would be superfluous and it would suffice if the entire area were divided into three equal parts having depths of 9, 6 and 3 feet respectively.

New Harbour. A harbour at Cheung Sha Wan would be preferable to one opposite Mongkoktsui on the grounds of economy. The Kennedy Town proposal would be a luxury and the minor Mongkoktsui Scheme an absolute waste of money.

Mr. OSBORNE.

Existing Harbour. Causeway Bay should be deepened so as to afford 10 feet depth along the North side, diminishing to 2 feet along the South side, but, as the area of the bay is insufficient, additional accommodation must be provided.

New Harbour. A sheltered area of 100 acres is required. The Kennedy Town Scheme would be too costly and too small and, in a strong North-East wind, boats would be driven past it or wrecked on the break water. A break water at Cheung Sha Wan would be more sheltered than one at Mongkoktsui and would therefore be less costly and for that and other minor reasons it was to be preferred.