ENG-1963 — Page 306

PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

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it was with difficulty that the local authorities were able to release a supply of 1,400 million gallons for Hong Kong's use.

The restriction of the mains supply to one four-hour period every fourth day presented many distribution problems. For example, it proved quite impossible to supply the whole Colony with an equitable four-day ration in the short period of four hours. In the event, zoning was introduced, certain zones being supplied at one time and others at another, with stand-pipe deliveries on alternate days. This requirement, coupled with the need to reduce the number of supply periods to the minimum, in order to avoid charging the mains unnecessarily, involved much careful planning and imposed a heavy and continuing strain on the Water Authority staff. As might have been expected, some defects were disclosed in these distribution arrangements and complaints, particularly in the early stages, were not infrequent. These were dealt with by two improvised control centres-one on each side of the harbour- and each operating a number of subordinate stations from which the complaints were investigated and, in the majority of cases, dealt with with surprisingly small delay.

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The cost, in money, of these emergency measures was naturally heavy. By the end of the year it was calculated that no less than $29.9 million had been disbursed. Of this amount, $25.9 million had been expended on the operation of the tanker fleet: a further $2.8 million had been spent on capital works, including the con- struction of the berths at Sham Tseng, dredging operations, laying special pipelines and sinking wells. The balance was absorbed by miscellaneous expenditure.

In the context of the water emergency therefore, the year was not a satisfactory one for Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the unpleasant ordeal was not without its reassuring features. Government acted promptly and vigorously, the departments concerned (notably the Marine Department, the Public Works Department and the Government Chemist) worked unremittingly to improve the posi- tion, while all sections of the general public responded magnifi- cently and faced many difficulties and inconveniences with a resolution which merits the highest praise.

It is fitting to conclude this brief account of the emergency by an acknowledgement of the Colony's indebtedness to the masters