ENG-1951 — Page 116

XI

COMMUNICATIONS AND BROADCASTING

Marine

The Port of Victoria is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. The beauty of its scenery in fine weather, with granite hills rising above blue water, is almost invariably a subject of favourable comment by visitors, and its 17 square miles of water are virtually free from hidden dangers. Vessels drawing up to 36 feet can enter the port by the eastern entrance and vessels drawing up to 24 feet can use the Sulphur Channel entrance on the West. The Standard Oil Company's installation at Laichikok can be reached from the West by vessels drawing up to 29 feet by way of a channel north of Stonecutters' Island.

During the year ending 31st March 1951, 80,792 vessels of 26,844,346 net tons entered and cleared. This was an increase of 17,505 vessels compared with the previous year but a decrease of 506,174 net tons. Of the total number of vessels which entered and cleared 42,464 vessels, of 25,455,127 net tons, were engaged in international trade and 38,328 vessels, of 1,389,219 net tons, were junks and launches engaged in local trade. 2,320,679 passengers landed or embarked during the year, which was 259,759 more than the previous year. Of these, approximately one half of the total were from international trade vessels and one half from local trade.

Cargo is normally handled by the ship's own gear and the handling rate compares favourably with that in most other large ports in the world. Labour troubles affecting the loading and discharge of ships' cargoes have been virtually unknown for many years and the port takes pride in the rapidity with which ships are discharged, loaded and dispatched. On the Kowloon side of the harbour there are 12 deep- water berths accommodating ships 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. On the island of Hong Kong there is a deep-water berth 1,223 feet in length capable of accommodating vessels with up to 30 feet draught. Storage

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