Sessional_Paper_1924 — Page 167

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In paragraph No. 72 of their report dated 24th November, 1922, they state

"We have been unable to find that any systematic observations has been made at regular intervals of the depth of water in different parts of the harbour. It is of great importance in every harbour that a proper and complete his- tory of the changes which occur from time to time should be available ".

Whilst I have no hesitation in recommending the dredging of Belcher Ridge down to a depth of 36 feet below L.W.O.S.T. over the area cross-hatched pink on Drawing No. 3 at an estimated cost of $45,000.00-due to the fact that no records exist other than such information as may be deduced from Admiralty Charts and which is by no means sufficient on which to formulate any scheme likely to result in permanent improvement of the har- bour, without large maintenance cost,-I regret that I am unable to make any further recommendation for the improvement of the harbour generally.

Harbour Surveys and Records.

I agree with the Consulting Engineers as to the importance of proper records of surveys, tide and current observations, sea action and other matters which form a complete history of any changes which may occur in the harbour from time to time. Due, however, to the lack of proper and effective centralized control under the conditions now existing, it would be exceedingly difficult to obtain satisfactory and reliable data. I would therefore recommend that the design and control of the construction of new works, dumping on unprotected foreshores or elsewhere in the harbour, the supervision and keeping of the necessary records of existing works, dredging and all matters which may make their influence felt in the waters of the Colony should be centered under one Authority.

Whilst the harbour west of a line north and south through the Observatory could be improved by dredging a deep water channel, the recurrent cost of maintenance might be high. I have therefore deferred making any recommendations in this respect until certain definite information is available. To obtain a portion of the data required, the two self recording tide gauges which have arrived from London should now be erected, one at Lyemun, the other inside Sulphur Channel. When in London, I discussed with the late Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice the necessity for the erection of a third tide gauge at Kowloon Point; he agreed that this might be required.

Drawing

No. 3.