ENG-1962 — Page 297

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Communications

HONG KONG owes its existence to its position on the China Coast, where it is a focus for most of the communications routes of eastern Asia. Since the Second World War the traditional entrepôt trade has been superseded by industry and the Colony is now more than ever dependent upon efficient communications services of all kinds.

MARINE

The Port of Victoria is a fine natural harbour, to which have been added all the facilities required by modern ship operators. Berths at Government buoys or at private wharves and piers allow a continual flow of ocean and coastal shipping to pass through the port without delay, while modern cargo handling equipment ensures the rapid turn-round vital to shipping economy. Chinese crews have an excellent reputation for hard work and ability, and may be engaged for an entire ship or for individual shipboard departments. All the ancillary services essential to the efficient day-to-day running of a ship can be provided at short notice by ship contractors, repairers and chandlers specializing in mainte- nance and painting, victualling, watering and refuelling.

The Director of Marine, assisted by the staff of the Marine Department, is responsible for the administration of the port. The department co-operates closely with shipping and commercial interests through various port committees to ensure that port facilities and services keep pace with the ever-changing needs of Hong Kong and of the shipping companies.

A comprehensive system of navigational aids covers the harbour approaches 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 Department on Waglan Island. Closer approaches are well covered by lighthouses, beacons, fog signals and light buoys fitted with radar reflectors, which allow entry to the port by day or night in all weathers.