ENG-1961 — Page 287

15

Communications

HONG KONG owes its very existence to its position on the China Coast, where it forms a focus of most of the communication routes in eastern Asia. Although in the course of years its old entrepôt and other commercial activities have been joined by new industries, the Colony is still closely dependent on efficient organization and control of its shipping, aircraft, rail and road transport, posts and telecommunications, and weather services.

MARINE

The Port of Victoria is a natural harbour to which has been added all the facilities required by the modern ship owner. Ships up to 500 feet in length are built and ships of all sizes and types repaired. Adequate berths at Government buoys or at private wharves and piers allow a continual flow of ocean and coastal shipping to pass through the Port unhindered by delays. Adequate lighterage and up-to-date cargo handling equipment ashore ensure the rapid turn round of modern vessels which is vital to their economic operation. Chinese crews with a justifiable reputation for ability and hard work may be engaged for an entire ship or for a particular shipboard department and all forms of ships' stores and provisions are readily obtainable.

The Director of Marine supported by the staff of the Marine Department and with the advice of shipping and commercial interests represented on various advisory committees, is responsible for ensuring that the facilities and services available in the Port of Victoria keep pace with the needs of Hong Kong and of the shipping companies whose services are vital to the well-being of the Colony.

The approaches to the harbour are provided with a compre- hensive system of navigational aids and first contact with the Port can be made by using the radio beacon or the 21 mile light which together with a diaphone fog signal is maintained by the Marine