Sessional_Paper_1928 — Page 68

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It should be borne in mind that only in a few unavoidable circumstances is water from the mains at present used for flushing purposes; in the majority of cases this water is obtained from independent sources such as wells, etc. Mr. Newhouse in his Report deals with the proposal to utilize water from the various nullahs now running to waste for flushing purposes, but this scheme though desirable, does not in any way assist in conserving the existing water supply. It, however, makes the introduction of the water carriage sewage system possible to a small area in the mid levels of the City.

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6. The scheme for obtaining fresh water by the Distillation of Salt Water has been enquired and fully reported upon by Mr. Jackman, A.D.P.W. but the excess of cost of this process as compared with the cost of augmenting the existing water supply does not admit of its further consideration.

7. The question of the utilization of power obtainable from refuse destruction for the pumping of salt water for flushing purposes has also been considered. Mr. Jackman, during his absence on leave, made careful investigations and examined the different types of Refuse destructors in use in various towns in England, India and The Straits Settle- ments with a view of ascertaining what power was obtainable from such processes.

The report on this subject although it shews the unlikelihood of any such economical use being made out of refuse destruction in Hong Kong, suggests the desirability of in- troducing an up to date unit of one of the most successful plants described as a nucleus of a Refuse destructor installation. Only after experiments and experience with such a plant can the utility of the by-products or power obtained by refuse destruction be ascertained, as the calorific value of the matter to be dealt with varies considerably in different cities.

8. After having examined and again considered the various suggestions and proposals put forward from time to time for conserving and augmenting the water supply of the Island, it is proved that the most feasible method of obtaining an increased water supply is by completing the 1st Section of the Shing Mun Scheme on the mainland and by developing the Aberdeen Scheme on the Island. The first section of the Shing Mun Scheme has already obtained the sanction of the Secretary of State and though its com- pletion has been delayed for various reasons it is hoped that the necessary funds will be made available early this year so that it may not be further postponed.

The sanction of the Secretary of State for an early commencement to be made with the Aberdeen Scheme has already been sought so that this scheme also may be undertaken and proceeded with as soon as possible.

14th March, 1928.

HAROLD T. CREASY,

Director of Public Works.

Hon. D. P. W.,

At a meeting held at Government House on 18th January last, when the general water supply of the Colony was discussed, I was instructed by H. E. The Governor to submit to you a report on the water supply of the Colony generally.

To deal in detail with all phases of the water supply of the Colony would involve very considerable delay and would appear unnecessary at the present time, as I have already submitted reports covering many individual schemes and proposals.

In this report I propose to give a short non-technical resume of existing supplies and works, estimated requirements, possibilities of extension, and pro- posals or recommendations for a programme of work for the next five years.