ENG-1965 — Page 230

COMMUNICATIONS

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Owing to the year's rise in freight rates, the number of unemployed ships laid up in Colony waters fell from 11 at the beginning of the year to five. The shipbreaking industry remained stable and 25 ships totalling 161,669 gross tons were broken up.

There were no serious typhoons during the year, but storm signals were hoisted on a number of occasions and heavy rains caused congestion in the port. A strike by stevedores in June caused considerable delays to shipping in port and careful planning was necessary to make berths available to arriving ships. Further congestion was experienced when typhoons affecting ports in Taiwan and Japan caused ships to arrive late in Hong Kong. Marine casualties during the year were light. Only one ship stranded in Colony waters and a few minor collisions occurred during the passage of typhoon Freda. Two ships arrived in port with fires in cargo holds that had broken out at sea. Both were extinguished by the Fire Services Department with a minimum of damage to the ships and cargoes. A serious fire broke out on a ship being broken up at Ngau Tau Kok and as it could not be extinguished immediately without a risk of capsizing the vessel, the fire was allowed to burn itself out.

CIVIL AVIATION

The development of civil aviation, which has brought Hong Kong to the world's doorstep in terms of travelling time, continues to make a significant contribution to the Colony's life and economy. Hong Kong Airport is situated on the north shore of Kowloon Bay, some four miles from the centre of Kowloon. The runway, 8,350 feet long and stressed to take aircraft up to 400,000 pounds, was brought into use in 1958. It is suitable for use by the most modern types of aircraft now flying or currently envisaged. The latest navigational and approach aids have been installed and these contribute greatly to the safety and regularity of air services to the Colony. Modern airport and approach lighting have made safe night operations possible in spite of the surrounding hills.

The terminal building, one of the most advanced in the Far East, came into use in November 1962, and was extended in 1964. It operates on a 'two level' system, arriving and departing pas- sengers being dealt with on different floors. The building includes