Sessional_Paper_1927 — Page 130

126

The Consultative Branch consists of 32 Principals, Surveyors and Examiners, also a number of clerks, typists and messengers.

This Branch also deals with the general procedure of the Marine Survey Branch, examines plans showing the arrangements and details of ship construction and machinery, checks and completes all important calculations, such as those relating to the subdivision and measurement of ships, advises Shipowners, Builders, and the Survey Staffs at the various outports on points of doubt or difficulty, and on technical matters generally. The principal Regulations and Instructions relating to Survey work are also initiated in this Branch.

In conclusion I would venture to suggest that the fees charged for survey work in this Port require re-adjustment, but this question might be dealt with to better advantage after the organization of the Survey Staff is settled.

Subject to your approval I propose to forward a copy of this report to my Department.

I ain

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

W. J. WILTON.

GOVT. MARINE SURVEYOR'S OFFICE,

HONG KONG, 6th August, 1927.

Harbour Master

Attached is a statement of survey fees under the principal heads of charge, includ- ing those proposed for Hong Kong. There are numerous small services for which nominal fees are laid down in the Board of Trade Fees Circular but careful investigation is necessary to ascertain to what extent similar fees should be embodied in the Hong Kong Regulations. These will not however affect the question at issue as they are of comparatively small value from a revenue point of view.

It will be observed that the proposed fees compare more closely with those of the Board of Trade than with the Singapore figures and this, I suggest is good policy as the Singapore charges appear generally excessive. The aim is to obtain a reason- able return for services rendered and preserve a good balance between revenue and expenditure.

A rough estimate of revenue for 1928 is appended. This is based on the income for 1926 and the proposed fees. As it would take too long to sort out from the Office records details of anounts received in respect of tonnage measurement, emigration etc. these items are included under the head of other services.

W. J. WILTON.