Rebirth of Hong Kong Island, I, the rice class leader

Gao Yao and Zhou Xinian both understood and understood that revisiting their old place was a lie, but the truth probably depends on the situation.

Among them, Zhou Xinian said: "Your Excellency, the situation there is delicate now. I heard that the Nationalist Government's front line outside the customs is in danger, so we still have to be careful."

Grantham said humorously: "Of course, I will not joke with my own life."

He is only 49 this year. According to the rules of Great Britain, as long as nothing unexpected happens, he can sit in this position until he is 55 years old at least, which means he still has 6 years.

The authority of the Governor of Hong Kong Island is no different from that of the emperor. Of course Grantham would not joke with his own life.

Gao Yao suddenly let out a roar and pushed the chips on the table: "Stud."

In this stance, everyone knew that Gao had a good hand.

Zhou Xinian gave up without thinking. He counted the chips on the table. I'm going to give you a blow. Is it another small win?

Zhou Xinian abstained, followed by Grantham and Jian Lifu.

Gao Yao sighed and turned over the cards. It was a straight flush of spades: "I can't catch the big one every time."

Zhou Xinian thought to himself that you don't want to capture the big head at all, otherwise slowly and step by step, you can kill a lot with this card.

However, the two of them were just playing together, so Zhou Xinian smiled and said, "Dr. Gao, you have a lot of skills."

Gao Yao laughed: "I'm learning, I'm learning."

Only then did he say: "Sir, when you go to Peiping, do you want to take a plane directly or go from Guangfu?"

"Going to Guangfu."

"MR. Gao, do you want me to take the message?"

Gao Yao said calmly: "Your Excellency, the population of Hong Kong Island is increasing and the scarcity of fresh water has not only seriously affected the general public's water use, but also greatly restricted the development of industry."

"If possible, can we talk about water supply there?"

Hong Kong Island has many problems, such as imperfect social development, serious lack of industrial supporting facilities, few jobs, etc.

But the most serious problem is the lack of water, which is really too scarce.

To what extent?
Liu Meiren reported that now on the market, seawater mixed with sand has begun to be used to build buildings, and this is not uncommon.

Grantham frowned. Of course he knew the seriousness of Hong Kong Island's water shortage. So far, Hong Kong Island still relies on mountain water and rainwater as its main water source.

To this end, the Hong Kong government has built a number of reservoirs and reservoirs to store water, but even so, it is still far from enough.

Many factories have to go up the mountain to pump water themselves to keep the factory running.

At that time, one of the very important reasons why factories near urban areas such as Hong Kong Island and Kowloon had to be resold was the lack of water resources. They had to find places with mountains and rivers to build factories.

Just like the brewery Gao wants to buy...

Grantham said: "I'm afraid it's a bit difficult."

"They can't afford this kind of manpower, and even if they agree, funding is a problem."

Gao Yao nodded. This is true. The Hong Kong Governor does know the National Government very well. He said: "Your Excellency, I am willing to fund the construction of this water supply project."

Grantham and others were all shocked. One person funded the construction of a water supply project?

Jian Lifu has already calculated a rough figure in his mind, and it will never be lower than ten million.

Grantham immediately thought of the golden carp that his wife couldn't put down. Not to mention how lifelike it was, the most important thing was that it was expensive, worth at least 10,000+.

This MR.’s high net worth is truly immeasurable.

Gao Yao explained: "Sir, I know that Hong Kong is planning to build a reservoir in the western New Territories."

As early as the late 1930s, the Hong Kong government had planned to build a reservoir in the western New Territories, but it was forced to interrupt due to the war.

Last year, the Hong Kong government re-launched a study and selected Tai Lam Chung as the location for the new reservoir.Unfortunately, there was a lot of waste to be done after the war, and there was not enough funds to start the project immediately. According to the current situation, it will take several years to start.

"But there are unforeseen circumstances."

"Relying on rainwater collection alone may still not be able to meet the needs of all civil and industrial purposes in Hong Kong."

Gao Yao gave an example: "In January this year, a cold wave hit Hong Kong. This has not happened in decades."

"If there's another drought, it's going to be a disaster."

Although it is said that the boat will be straight when it reaches the bridge, Gao Yao thinks that since he has the ability now, why not prepare for a rainy day?
There is no need to wait until something happens to resolve it.

Speaking of this, Zhou Xinian had an impression, and he interjected: "Sir, what Dr. Gao said is reasonable."

"The biggest problem currently limiting Hong Kong is water shortage, and droughts have not happened in Hong Kong before."

He looked like he was still frightened: "If you don't eat, you can still be hungry for several days. If you don't have water to moisten your throat for a day, your life will be in danger."

Zhou Xinian then added: "For example, our Dongguan Chamber of Commerce, during the work banquet last year, many members of the chamber of commerce reported that due to lack of water, they were often forced to limit production and suspend production."

Grantham nodded slowly, of course this is a big problem.

He has always believed that the most important thing in management is to ensure that most people have food to eat and money to make.

As long as we can do this, we can ensure peace in the world.

"it is good."

Grantham said: "When I go to Guangfu this time, I will apply there."

Gao Yao and Zhou Xinian both rejoiced: "If the general public knew that Your Excellency was like this, they would definitely be overjoyed."

Since it was about people's livelihood, Grantham looked at Gao Yao and Zhou Xinian in front of him. One of them was the president of the Chaozhou Chamber of Commerce, and the other was the president of the Dongguan Chamber of Commerce.

Together they are equal to half of the Chinese world.

Grantham remembered that Gao Yao said last year that most of the people coming to Hong Kong would stay on Hong Kong Island, so he asked: "Mr. Gao, Mr. Zhou, when you hold the annual meeting, the Chamber of Commerce What do these people here mean?”

Grantham said: "Are they planning to stay in Hong Kong and continue to develop, or will they go back to the mainland in the future?"

Zhou Xinian glanced at Gao Yao first, and when he saw that he didn't speak, he said, "Your Excellency."

"There will be no war in Hong Kong now."

Ge Lianghong was stunned.

According to the Chamber of Commerce news, Zhou Xinian, the president of Dongguan Chamber of Commerce, said sincerely: "I'm afraid Dr. Gao is right. It is very likely that everyone will have to stay in Hong Kong Island for a long time."

That is to say, even if these people go back, it will probably be more than ten years later.

If it is more than ten years, will you go back?

Zhou Xinian then added: "Normally, everyone only has two choices, either to go to Nanyang, or to go back after the war there is over."

"But I'm afraid it's a little difficult now."

The rare reason is that the countries in Southeast Asia were pursuing independence after World War II, and small-scale riots broke out at every turn.

If a gentleman does not build a dangerous wall, most people will not risk war.

The situation in the mainland is even more difficult to describe, and its severity can be described by Hu Hansan’s words.

"Dear fellow villagers, haha, you didn't expect that I, Hu Hansan, am back. Right now, I, Hu Hansan, still rule the world. If anyone takes something from me, send it back to me. If anyone eats something from me, I will spit it out. The debt someone owes me must be settled piece by piece slowly." Grantham fell into deep thought.

Gao Yao secretly praised Dr. Zhou for his amazing help. He said slowly: "Your Excellency, I still mean that."

"With the current population on Hong Kong Island, re-export trade alone can no longer meet demand."

"I suggest that the Hong Kong government guides the private sector to develop industry."

Of course, this process may take some time, but Gao Yao believes that it is definitely better to prepare early than to mount the horse at the last minute.

"The Hong Kong government will consider it."

Grantham is a pragmatic person. He has always believed that what Hong Kong people want is a stable environment, reasonable taxes and fair justice. He also sees that Hong Kong people only value work and making money, so he does not oppose this proposal.

However, the current main economic pillar of Hong Kong Island is re-export trade. Is it necessary to transform into industrial export trade based on one-sided remarks?
Grantham needs another look.

Gao Yao then said: "Besides this, there is one thing that may require a special exception from the Hong Kong government."

"Starting this year, there are many traditional Chinese medicine doctors coming from the mainland."

Gao Yao will know this because he is promoting Grantham Hospital, in addition to sanatoriums under the Anti-Tuberculosis Association, etc.

These require a doctor.

However, there are not enough local doctors in Hong Kong Island. Strictly speaking, it does not mean that there are not enough doctors, but that they are not qualified enough.

Because most of these doctors are Chinese medicine practitioners, and the qualifications of Chinese medicine doctors are not recognized by the Hong Kong government, these doctors can only be employed by the government on a limited basis and cannot practice privately.

This matter was related to Grantham's own interests. He immediately said: "I will specially arrange for them to provide examinations. As long as they can pass, they can obtain the corresponding licenses."

Speaking of this, Grantham's mind suddenly moved, and he asked with a smile: "MR. Gao, MR. Zhou, I wonder if you have paid attention to the proposals initiated by the predecessor Governor Yang when he was in office?"

Governor Yang is Yang Muchi, and the proposal he initiated is called the Yang Muchi Plan.

Before the end of World War II, the London authorities promised to allow its colonies to have a high degree of autonomy and even independence after the war. This was one of the reasons why the colonies later fought for independence.

After the Labor government came to power, the London authorities began to implement relevant commitments.

After World War II, Britain once again promised to allow its colonies to become independent, so they implemented political reforms in most of the colonies and gradually established governments elected by local citizens through universal suffrage to achieve independence or self-government.

It was for this reason that Yang Muqi implemented political reforms. He mainly hoped that the citizens of Hong Kong Island would have more responsibilities to manage their own affairs. He consulted the citizens on this plan, and officially launched the proposal in October 1946, which is known as the "Yang Muqi Plan" in history. .

The plan proposes that Hong Kong Island should establish a city council composed of 30 members, two-thirds of whom are elected and the remaining one-third are appointed.

Theoretically speaking, if this plan is implemented, it will definitely improve the status of the Chinese.

But there is a problem here. Hong Kong Island is a sacred and indivisible part of the East. If this bill is implemented, will it be equivalent to de facto independence of Hong Kong Island?

How is this possible?

Gao Yao said without hesitation: "Absolutely impossible."

He said seriously: "Your Excellency, if this bill is passed, it will definitely cause an uproar, and the North will not stop here."

Gao Yao then emphasized: "Any formal democratic process on Hong Kong Island will be regarded as Hong Kong Island moving towards independence. This is a separatist act and must not be advisable."

Doesn't Gao want democracy?Of course I do.

The key is at this point in time, and it's Hong Kong Island at the moment. It really can't work...

Because when the secrets were decrypted in later generations, they were very disgusted with such political reforms in Hong Kong Island.

Zhou Xinian was dissatisfied. In fact, he felt that this bill was very biased towards the Chinese.

If it is implemented, Chinese will occupy the vast majority of the seats in the parliament.

And because it is truly democratically elected, everyone will be truly responsible to the general public, and will not be able to just be the yes-men of the Hong Kong government as they are now.

Seeing Ge Lianghong's piercing eyes, Zhou Xinian's mind suddenly moved. Don't you want Xiao Gui and Cao to follow?

Looking back on what Grantham did after coming to Hong Kong, it seems that he really wanted to do something great.

It seems that you don’t approve of Governor Yang’s bill?
Thinking of this, Zhou Xinian immediately said firmly: "Your Excellency, I think so too."

"The most important thing on Hong Kong Island right now is to stabilize order and develop people's livelihood, not to engage in politics."

Grantham was slightly satisfied that Zhou Xinian had guessed it, and he was indeed noncommittal about Yang Muqi's plan.

However, this bill was introduced on the orders of the London authorities, and it would take a lot of effort to withdraw it.

Among them, support from Hong Kong's social elite is indispensable.

Grantham finally achieved his goal, and then he stood up and said, "I'm very happy today."

"Wish you prosperity and wealth."

Grantham smiled and handed over to Gao Yao and Zhou Xinian: "If there is anything we can discuss after the New Year, we will discuss it one by one."

Ge Mulian and Mrs. Jian went shopping with Axia and other girls early, and Ge Lianghong and Jian Lifu had no choice but to return to the Governor's Mansion by themselves.

"Doctor Gao."

Zhou Xinian said: "You are playing a very big game of cards."

"Dr. Zhou, your injection is not small."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and Zhou Xinian then said, "I'll send the money over later."

He only knew the card game temporarily, so the little money he had with him was naturally not enough.

It would be awkward to pick it up temporarily, so Gao Yao would be blamed.

"No rush, no rush."

Gao Yao walked to the high platform set up in the yard. It was not the official parade time yet, and the streets were already filled with people.

There were even Lions walking around the streets, which looked very lively.

“Hong Kong Island is so beautiful.”

Gao Yao sighed from the bottom of his heart, and then said slowly: "Dr. Zhou, I think Hong Kong Island will transform from a city of entrepot trade to an industrial city."

"Let's encourage you."

In fact, no matter what entrepot trade or industry they engage in, it will not affect Gao Yao and Zhou Xinian. They are people standing on the pyramid, but they can reach in anytime and anywhere as long as they want to.

Zhou Xinian wondered in his mind, what was Dr. Gao's purpose in promoting industry in this way?Join the Guangfu Alliance?
"Doctor Gao."

Zhou Xinnian said euphemistically: "Industrial development is certainly good, but I'm afraid the Ningbo Gang will take advantage of it."

The Ningbo Gang is equivalent to the Shanghai guys. During the Republic of China, they were the Jiangsu and Zhejiang plutocrats, and they were Chang Kaishen's royal purse.

Deeply influenced an era.

Gao Yao laughed: "Dr. Zhou, we are based on Hong Kong Island and developing Hong Kong Island."

"As long as Hong Kong Island is prosperous, we will be prosperous. Why should we have such a sectarian view?"

In fact, Zhou Xinian's worries are very reasonable. The great development of Hong Kong Island is indeed due to the Ningbo Gang. After this group of city dwellers found that they could not go back, they determined to take root in Hong Kong Island, and various enterprises blossomed all over Hong Kong Island. (End of chapter)