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THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, MARCH 30, 1928.
The Colonial Secretary replied as follows:-
1. A Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1927 on this subject has been issued
and was laid on the table on the 22nd last.
The Secretary of State has been asked by despatch dated 30th Jan- uary, 1928, to give early sanction for this scheme, which, it is proposed, to charge to Loan Account. The approval of the Secre- tary of State is now being awaited.
2. The Government has hitherto taken no such steps except on occasions of great urgency. Notices in English and Chinese could be printed and distributed to house-holders periodically, but it is not con- sidered that the result of such action would justify the cost of printing and distribution.
Arrangements will however be made for the publication from time to time in the newspapers of the Colony of notices drawing atten- tion to the importance of avoiding waste of water.
Some economy in consumption would result from the reduction or abolition of the free allowance of water, though it is doubtful whether the saving would be sufficient to justify the extra burden on the community. The question will be further considered.
3. The estimated cost of forming the Aerodrome site adjoining Kowloon
Bay is as follows:-
(a) Resumption of area from the Kai Tak
Development Co..........
$1,001,250.00
(b) Resumption of Lands and Properties
185,000.00
(e) Completion of Reclamation including
surfacing, etc...
738,000.00
(d) Covering Nullahs, Road Construction.
and forming Camber...
605,000.00
$2,529,250.00
The above total estimated cost, $2,529,250.00 represents the cost of acquiring, forming and completing the Aerodrome site and does not include the cost of Buildings, Offices, Air-craft sheds, work- shops and contingent works.
Hon. Sir Henry E. Pollock: Arising out of the answer to the last question, can the Hon. Director of Public Works inform us what is the estimated cost of the buildings, offices, aircraft sheds, work- shops and contingent works?
His Excellency the Governor: I am afraid it will hardly be possible for the Hon. Director of Public Works to reply as the scheme for rebuilding has not yet been made. It is under consideration and we shall have to obtain the advice of the Air Ministry.
MOTIONS.
8. Watchmen Bill.-The Attorney General addressed the Council and moved the Second reading of the Bill intituled An Ordinance to provide for the regis- tration and regulation of watchmen.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
Council in Committee on the Bill.
9. Naturalization Amendment Bill. The Attorney General moved the Second reading of the Bill intituled An Ordinance to amend the Naturzation Ordinance, 1902, and to provide for the revocation of naturalization rights in certain cases.