Sessional_Paper_1932 — Page 93

89

HONG KONG.

No. 3

1932

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO THE WHOLE QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES.

The Committee considered that their terms of reference could be conveniently grouped under three heads as follows:-

1. To advise whether Government launches were being used to the best

advantage,

2. To advise whether the launches were being maintained in the most

economical manner,

3. To advise if any economy could be effected in the numbers or maintenance

of the launches.

Two meetings were held and all the information required from the Harbour Depart- ment or other Departments has been readily placed at our disposal.

We are of the opinion that all the Government launches are usefully employed with the possible exception of those attached to the Government Marine Surveyor's Office. These form the subject of recommendation number 3.

Referring to Head 2 above we consider that the present method of maintaining the launches is satisfactory and calls for no comment.

With reference to Head 3, should the Government adopt the suggestions made in our recommendations numbered 3 and 4 it is anticipated that a saving will be effected.

The following recommendations and comments are submitted for the consideration of the Government :-

1. We recommend that items 21 to 26 of Head 13A of the Estimates for 1932

be retained in the Estimates and the work carried out.

2. We recommend that when a Police Department launch is replaced-pro- bably No. 7 or No. 9-the question of providing a stand-by launch having internal combustion engines be considered, on account of the economy in fuel.

3. We recommend that the number of launches allowed for the use of the Government Marine Surveyor's Office-excluding the launch of the Assistant Government Marine Surveyor, Yaumati-be reduced from four to three. The remaining launch to be considered as a reserve launch, and used only in the case of breakdown or refit of one of the other three.

Also that a Conveyance Allowance (not necessarily a Motor Allow- ance) be given to each Surveyor actually employed on ship survey duties up to a maximum of ten allowances.

This arrangement to be regarded as experimental for a period of twelve months.

4. We recommend that the second or Night Boat crew of the M/L Lila be

abolished.