Sessional_Paper_1915 — Page 37

No. 1.

33

No. 1915

8

HONGKONG.

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

at a Meeting held on the 26th February, 1915.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor, March 11th, 1915.

PRESENT:

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

the Colonial Treasurer, (ALEXANDER MACDONALD THOMSON).

11

+

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Mr. EDBERT ANSGAR HEWETT, C.M.G.

Mr. WEI YUK, C.M.G.

"}

Mr. EDWARD SHELLIM.

1

(1.)-Paving of Main Roads in Hongkong (C.S.O. 403/1914).

The Chairman submitted a proposal to substitute asphaltic concrete surfacing for the compressed asphalte surfacing originally proposed to be laid on certain main roads in the City where paving of a high-class description was considered desirable. He men- tioned that the Standard Oil Company had tendered to lay asphaltic concrete surfacing and to maintain it for a period of 3 years and that, as it appeared to be a very durable material and as the cost of it would amount to about $4.55 per sq. yard compared with $8.25 for compressed asphalte, great economy would result from its use.

For the pre- paration and use of the material, which, like compressed asphalte, had to be laid hot, certain plant, including a motor-wagon to ensure rapid delivery at the point where it was to be laid, would be required. The estimated outlay on such plant was $10,000.

•

After full discussion, the Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that that portion of Des Voeux Road, extending from Pedder Street to Jubilee Street, should be laid with asphaltic concrete surfacing and that the requisite plant should be purchased.

(2.)—Typhoon Refuge, Mongkoktsui—Coping of outer slope of breakwater. (C.S.O. 4 in 9647/1903.)

The Chairman submitted a proposal to substitute a coping of mass concrete, which would form a low parapet along the top of the outer slope of the breakwater, for the coping shown on the Contract drawings. The proposed coping would, if adopted, add 2 feet to the effective height of the breakwater and would tend to deflect and break up any waves which might run up the outer face during typhoons. The estimated additional cost of the proposal was $6,500. Funds were available to cover the additional cost.

The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the proposal be adopted.