Sessional_Paper_1924 — Page 139

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Extent of Additional Wharfage Required.

PROVISION OF WHARFAGE.

For Ocean-going Steamers and Coasters.

Whilst it is impossible to determine with accuracy the number of vessels requiring wharfage accommodation, it may be safely assumed that of the estimated average daily number of vessels (viz. :-70) which will be in port, the number may be as high as 50% : i.e. berths for 35 vessels, not including for colliers and oil tankers. As far as can be ascertained from analysis of the trade of the port, and provided that too long a period of free occupancy of transit space does not limit the use of berths, at least 15 of these berths would be required to provide for steamers of the coaster class engaged in the rice, sugar and cotton yarn trades; and also to land wheat flour which is imported mostly from America. The remaining number of berths, viz.: 20, would be required to accommodate coasters engaged in other trades and ocean-going steamers as distinct from

coasters.

It would seen, therefore, that 17 additional berths may be required. Of that total 9 might be required for vessels engaged in the rice, sugar, cotton yarn and wheat trades, the remaining number, viz.: S, being required by steamers of the ocean-going and coaster classes. Berths suitable for coaster and ocean-going steamers at present frequent- ing the port should be from 350 feet to 450 feet in length and from 550 feet to 650 feet in length respectively.

For River Steamboats.

With regard to accommodation required for river steamboats, the foregoing table of shipping indicates that the daily average number which entered the port during 1923 was about 11 and that since 1913, there has been a decrease of .65 in the daily average number. Of these 11 vessels, 8 are essentially passenger boats carrying cargo. As these passenger-cargo vessels should clear from their berths within 24 hours, and an application has already been received for a berth to accommodate vessels now being built, it would seem that, to accommodate this class of craft, a total of 9 berths are required. The maximum length of river passenger steamboats is 290 feet.

For Junks and Barges.

As a large proportion of the export trade, as at present carried on, is transported by junks and barges, provision should be made to accommodate such small craft in any scheme, whether it be designed for the accommodation of deep-draughted ocean-going vessels or steamers of the coaster class.

Conditions Affecting the Locations of Wharfage.

CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE LOCATION AND DESIGN OF SCHEMES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PORt,

Harbour Limits.

The official limits of Victoria Harbour are as follows:

On the East:-A line drawn from a pillar marked "Harbour Limits" at North Point on the Island of Hongkong to the most easterly point of Kowloon City Pier.

On the West:-A line drawn from the westernmost point of the Island of Hongkong to the western side of Green Island, continued to the western point of Stonecutters' Island, thence to the north point of Stonecutters' Island and thence to the Harbour Department Station at Shamshuipo.

Scope of Report.

It is not possible to provide within the present "Harbour Limits" satisfactory schemes for the accommodation of the present shipping using the Harbour, having in view the necessity of expansion for a possible increase in trade. The harbour limits