THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, JULY 26, 1929.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE,
395
4. The Colonial Secretary laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee
(No. S), dated the 27th June, 1929, and moved its adoption.
The Colonial Treasurer seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
QUESTIONS.
5. The Hon. Mr. W. E. L. SHENTOX, pursuant to notice, asked the following ques-
tions:-
1. Is the Government in a position to inform this Council whether there is
a possibility of arrangements being made in the near future for a vehi- cular ferry across the harbour,
2. Will the Government inform this Council :
(a) As to what steps are being taken to establish an effective broad
casting system in this Colony.
(b) What will be the effective range of such system when the Govern
ment's contemplated scheme is completed.
(c) When is it anticipated that such scheme will be in full operation.
3. What steps have been taken du ring the current year with the object of bringing into operation an effective system for dealing with Malaria in this Colony.
The Colonial Secretary replied as follows:-
1. The Government has received proposals from certain companies and
parties interested in the formation of a vehicular ferry service across the barbour, but no definite arrangements have yet been concluded. The construction of the necessary wharfage and ferry-steamers will in any case preclude the possibility of inaugurating such a service in the near future.
2. The answer to the Honourable Member's questions depends upon the meaning which he attaches to the word effective". The present broadcasting system is effective for about 50 miles and the studio is being furnished out of a vote of $5,000 authorised on the 21st March last for equipment. The furnishing, when completed, should improve the quality, though not the strength, of the emission.
The Government has approved the appointment of a Committee under the Chairmanship of the Postmaster General to assist in the pre- paration of broadcasting programmes and the provision of funds for improved programmes will come up for consideration with the Estimates
of 1930.
If the Honourable Member has in mind an effective range of 400 miles it is estimated that the cost of establishing a transmitting station of adequate strength for that radius would involve an expenditure of over $200,000 for buildings and equipment alone. There would in addition be annual charges estimated at not less than $80,000 a year, exclusive of the cost of the programmes. The Government does not feel justified at the present time in embarking upon this large expendi-
ture.
3. As the Honourable Member is aware provision was made both in 1928 and 1929 Estimates for a Malarial Research Officer and the Secretary of State was asked to select an officer to fill this appointment; but in December of last year, having appointed as Director of Medical and Sanitary Services Dr. A. R. WELLINGTON who had had long experience