XI.
COMMUNICATIONS AND BROADCASTING.
Marine
The Colony possesses one of the most magnificent harbours_in the world, having an area of some 17 square miles. It is surrounded by granite hills which rise to between two and three thousand feet and provide scenery reminiscent of the Western Highlands of Scotland. Its port facilities and handling rate are fully comparable with other first class ports of the world; vessels drawing up to 34 feet can enter by the eastern entrance and up to 24 feet by the western entrance.
During the year ending 31st March 1950 63,287 vessels of 27,350,520 net tons entered and cleared. This was a decrease of 3,528 vessels compared with the previous year but an increase of 4,310,394 net tons, and is explained by the fact that although there was an increase in ocean-going and river steamers there was a large decrease in junk traffic, due to the disturbed conditions in China with the attendant restriction on the free movement of goods. Of the total number of vessels which entered and cleared 35,248, of 26,396,355 net tons, were engaged in international trade and 28,039, of 954,165 net tons, were junks and launches engaged in local trade.
2,060,920 passengers landed or embarked during the year, which was 2,476 less than the previous year. Of these, approximately one half of the total were from international trade vessels and one half. from local trade.
The port is well equipped with aids to navigation and all lights have now been re-established. New modern electrical equipment providing a light visible from 21 miles together with a powerful diaphone fog signal has now been installed at Waglan Ísland, a powerful electric oscillator fog signal at Tathong Point, and an electric light at Green Island.
An experimental radar reflector beacon is fitted to the Lyemun turning lightbuoy and provision is being made to fit a radar reflector beacon on Tai Long Pai in Tathong Channel.
On the Kowloon side of the harbour there are 12 deep water berths with draughts up to 32 feet and adjoining godowns with a storage capacity of over 770.000 tons. The godowns are fitted with modern electric cranes and lifts.
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