Sessional_Paper_1946 — Page 44

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APPENDIX 11.

REPORT ON GODOWN ACCOMMODATION.

This survey of Godowns has been restricted to "Public Warehouses" and does not take into consideration the numerous small private warehouses belonging to Chinese firms, nor specialist godowns such as B.A.T., I.C.I., Shell Co., and so on.

2. The total pre-war Godown Accommodation for normal port working appears to have been about 400,000 tons, of which approx. 95,000 tons (24%) has been destroyed. Accommodation exists for obout 305,000 tons.

3. Of this, the Custodian of Property controls or occupies about 115,000 tons, chiefly on the Island, and the Services and Administration another 45,000 tons. Commercial storage is about 20,000 tons, and vacant space exists for another 125,000 tons.

The occupation is, however, changing continuously and the above figures only hold true for the date of survey. The Custodian of Property is now releasing cargo for sale by auction and this will progressively reduce his holdings. The Services also are gradually transferring their stores to other locations. The attached appendices show the location of the various main Godown areas.

4. It is estimated that the Port Working necessitates the accommodation, at present of some 3,000 tons per day, which is expected to rise to 6,000 tons per day.

As the pre- war lighter fleet is gradually replaced, so will the need for godown space increase. Within 12 months, the volume should rise to 12,000 tons per day.

As

5. The time that cargoes remain in public warehouses varies very considerably. a guide, it is estimated that one third is cleared within seven days, and the balance within three weeks. This implies that accommodation is required for about 16 days supply; this at present is 48,000 tons, within six months 96,000 and within twelve months 200,000 tons. If these forecasts, which cannot be checked, are accurate, it would appear that there is sufficient godown space for present needs.

6. It should, however, be noted that much of the available space is Storage space on upper floors, and that only 60,000 tons of transit space exists with reasonable wharf facilities. Lack of such facilities materially reduces the speed (and increases the cost) of discharge of ships.

7. There is likely to be an increased demand for storage space in future, and the 95,000 tons of destroyed accommodation will require rebuilding. The cost of new godown accommodation in 1940-41 was about $80-$110 per ton. If this rebuilding occurs in 1947-1948, the cost is estimated at about $20,000,000.

(Signed) S. ERIK FABER,

W/Cdr.

S.O. I C.A. (Wks.) P.A.T.

26. 3. 46.