PRESENT:―
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17TH SEPTEMBER, 1903.
3. For what reason has Inspector R. G. McEwen been
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, Sir HENRY A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G.
Colonel L. F. BROWN, R.E. (Commanding the Troops).
Hon. F. H. MAY, C.M.G. (Colonial Secretary), Hon. Sir HENRY SPENCER BERKELEY, KT. (Attorney General).
Hon. A. M. THOMSON (Colonial Treasurer). Hon. Commander R. M. RUMSEY, R.N., I.S.O. (Harbour Master).
Hon. W. CHATHAM (Director of Public Works). Hon. J. M. ATKINSON (Principal Civil Medical Officer).
Hon. Sir C. P. CHATER, C.M.G.
Hon. Dr. HO KAI, C.M.G.
Hon. C. W. DICKSON.
Hon. WEI YUK.
Hon. GERSHOM STEWART.
Hon. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C.
Mr. R. F. JOHNSTON (Acting Clerk of Councils). NEW MEMBERS.
Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.O., took the oath as a new member of the Council and assumed his seat. Colonel Brown, R.E., Officer Commanding the Garrison, also took the oath and assumed his seat.
COMMITTEE VACANCIES.
His EXCELLENCY said there were vacancies on the Law Committee and the Public Works Committee. He nominated Mr. Pollock for the former, and Mr. Stewart for the latter vacancy.
FINANCIAL.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY laid on the table Financial Minutes (Nos. 36 to 49), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee (No. 8) and moved its adoption.
The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
INSPECTOR MCEWEN'S CASE.
Hon. H. E. POLLOCK asked―
1. Is it the fact that the warrant for the arrest of Inspector R. G. McEwen for the purpose of his being tried for bribery was issued upon the sworn information of the Assistant Registrar-General, Mr. Clementi?
2. Is it the fact that Inspector R. G. McEwen's application to the Government through his solicitors, for the payment by the Government to him of his legal expenses in connection with his recent trial for bribery, has been refused? If so, for what reason was such application refused?
removed from his recent post as Inspector of Markets? Was he so removed in consequence of an intimation having been received by the Government to the effect that, unless he was so removed, difficulties would be likely to occur in connection with the supply of poultry to the public from the Central Market?
The COLONIAL SECRETARY replied―
(1) It is the fact that Mr. Clementi, Assistant Registrar-General, laid the information on which the warrant for Inspector McEwen's arrest was issued.
(2) It is the fact that Government refused to pay Inspector McEwen's legal expenses. There is no precedent for payment by Government of legal expenses in such a case, and many precedents for not paying them.
(3) Inspector McEwen was transferred to Kowloon because it was considered undesirable to employ him in the Central Market. No such intimation as referred to in the question was made to Government nor was any application, request or suggestion for Inspector McEwen's removal from persons outside the Government service made to Government.
REHOUSING OF POPULATION.
Hon. Mr. POLLOCK asked―In connection with the re housing of the population, what enquiries have been made by the Government for the purpose of ascertaining how many vacant storeys there are in (a) the City of Victoria; (b) Kowloon? Will the Government state the result of those enquiries and give an approximate estimate of the number of persons who could be housed on such vacant storeys in (a) the City of Victoria; (b) Kowloon?
The COLONIAL SECRETARY replied―The Government has made enquiries and ascertained that in July there were 1,372 floors vacant in Victoria, and 1,185 in Kowloon, capable of accommodating 14,253 and 11,379 persons respectively.
MALARIAL FEVER.
Hon. Mr. POLLOCK asked―In connection with the prevention of malarial fever, is it the fact that the Government has been training nullahs in the neighbourhood of Macdonnell Road below the Bowen Road level only? If so, for what reason have nullahs not been trained right down the northern face of the hill from top to bottom?
The COLONIAL SECRETARY replied―In this matter the Government has dealt with the worst places first. The nullahs above Bowen Road have, in the meantime, been dealt with systematially by clearing them in places where water stagnates and sprinkling pools with kerosene.
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At the present time a contract is let for training, both above and below Bowen Road, the only nullah in this district which is untrained below Macdonnell Road. FLUSHING OF SEWERS.
Hon. Mr. POLLOCK also asked―(1) What steps have been taken to provide means for flushing the low-level sewers with great vigour, as recommended by Mr. Chadwick at page 23 of his Report of the 10th April, 1902? (2) Has the plan of the drains which is referred to at page 32 of the said Report been completed yet, and, if not, why not? (2) What steps have been taken to carry out recommendations (a), (b), (c) and (d), contained on page 32 of the said Report?
The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS replied as follows: ―
1. A contract has been let for the construction of a large flushing tank in accordance with the recommendations contained in para. 7 et seq. of Mr. Chadwick's report of the 13th May, 1902, which supersedes that of the 10th April. Some difficulty was experienced in obtaining a site for the tank.
2. The plan of the sewers has been completed. The plan of the drains has not been completed as it is a very difficult matter to trace underground channels, of the existence of which there is no evidence on the surface. The condition of the Staff of the Department has not permitted of Officers being detailed expressly for this purpose.
3. (a) No work of the nature indicated had been done since the date of Mr. Chadwick's report, but numerous old and obsolete drains have been abolished during recent years, and the same policy will be pursued in the future as occasion arises. (b) No case in which this is practicable and expedient has yet been discovered. (c) Will be largely accomplished by the new type of gully. The scavenging is under the control of the Sanitary Board. (d) There are 8 places where this is now done; 5 of these were arranged in connection with the carrying out of the sewerage scheme and 3 have been more recently constructed. The places in which it is practicable to adopt the suggestion are necessarily limited. The water for the large tank referred to in the reply to (1) will be derived from such a source.
APPROPRIATION BILL FOR 1904.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY introduced a Bill entitled an Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding Five million two hundred and thirty-eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-two Dollars to the Public Service of the year 1904:―
Whereas the expenditure required for the service of this Colony for the year 1904 has, apart from the contribution to the Imperial Government in aid of Military Expenditure, been estimated at the sum of Five million two hundred and thirty-eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-two Dollars:
Be it enacted by the Governor of Hongkong, with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council thereof, as
follows:―
1. A sum not exceeding five million two hundred and thirty-eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-two dollars shall be and the same is hereby charged upon the revenue and other funds of the Colony for the service of the year 1904, and the said sum so charged may be expended as hereinafter specified, that is to say:―
EXPENDITURE. $
Charge on account of Public Debt............ 185,000.00 Pensions....................................................... 189,000.00 Governor ..................................................... 81,574.00 Colonial Secretary's Department and
Legislature......................................... 86,192.00 Audit Department....................................... 16,579.00 Treasury....................................................... 49,098.00 Post Office................................................... 348,241.00 Registrar General's Department................ 35,606.00 Harbour Master's Department
Lighthouses................................................. 162.822.00 Observatory................................................. 23,608.00 Botanical and Afforestation Department. 46,763.00 Judicial and Legal Departments ............... 151,893.00 Land Court, New Territory........................ 9,554.00 Ecclesiastical............................................... 2,400.00 Education..................................................... 164,979.00 Medical Departments .................................
Bacteriological Department ....................... 240,734.00 Magistracy................................................... 39,398.00 Police ........................................................... 692,338.00 Sanitary Department.................................. 487,522.00 Charitable Allowances............................... 5,260.00 Transport...................................................... 3,000.00 Miscellaneous Services.............................. 154,854.00 Colonial Defences―
Expenses of the Volunteers............. 52,670.00 Public Works Department......................... 245,598.00 Public Works, Recurrent, Chargeable to
General Revenue.............................. 394,200.00 Public Works, Recurrent, Chargeable to Water Account.................................. 93,500.00 Public Works, Extraordinary, viz.:―
Buildings:―
Bacteriological Institute................... $ 15,000.00 Cattle Depôt Extension.................... 20,000.00 Disinfecting Station, Kowloon,
including Quarters for Inspector 10,000.00 Gunpowder Depôt, Green Island ... 15,000.00 Harbour Office.................................. 35,000.00 Law Courts........................................ 60,000.00 Markets:―
Wanchai Extension ..................... 2,000.00 Western......................................... 20,000.00 Post Office......................................... 40,000.00 Prison on Stonecutters' Island......... 20,000.00 Public Bath-houses, Pound Lane.... 5,000.00 Public Latrines and Urinals............. 12,000.00 Public Mortuary................................ 5,000.00
Schools:―
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licenses and dues, which it was not possible to include in
Saiyingpoon, Latrines............ 2,500.00 Yaumati................................... 15,000.00 Tai Po, Quarters for officers............ 10,000.00 Cable for Observatory and other
Telephone lines to Kowloon. 5,000.00 Drainage Works:―
Gullies Re-construction.............. 20,000.00 Training Nullahs.......................... 10,000.00 New Territory Survey...................... 6,000.00 Praya East Reclamation................... 10,000.00 Public Health and Buildings
Ordinance 1 of 1903:―
Compensation.............................. 60,000.00 Insanitary Property
Resumptions...................... 350,000.00
Rifle Ranges:―
Construction of Butts.................. 14,000.00 Diversion of Roads..................... 5,000.00 Resumption of Private Property
for............................................. 20,000.00 Roads:―
Across King's Park (K.I.L. 652
to Sixth Street),.................. 25,000,00
To Lai-chi-kok,............................ 20,000.00 Store Account,.................................. 100.00 Water Works:―
Albany Filter Beds, Alteration
and Repairs,....................... 20,000.00
City and Hill District Water
Works, 3,000.00
Kowloon Water Works
Gravitation Scheme............... 250,000.00 Peak Supply and
Reconstruction of No. 2 Tank 50,000.00 Tai Po Water Supply................... 3,800.00 Tytam Drainage Area, Bye
wash Reservoir....................... 15,000.00 Tytam Tuk Scheme..................... 100,000.00
Total......................................... $5,238,792.00 The COLONIAL SECRETARY also laid on the table two memoranda dealing with the Estimates. He said―Sir, These two memoranda added to the Estimates themselves will. I hope, furnish full information to hon. members of the various changes in the Estimates as compared with the Estimates for the current year. Should any further explanation be required I shall be happy to do my best to furnish it when we reach the Committee stage. In the meantime, sir, I may be permitted to refer to some of the more salient features of these Estimates, The revised estimate of ordinary revenue for the current year exceeds the original estimate of ordinary revenue by $254,478. The corresponding estimates for land sales are the same. It will be remembered that at the time the Estimates for the current year were introduced several Ordinances were also introduced increasing various
the Estimates. The increase, therefore, is due to the increased fees and duties (principally on spirit licences and stamps) legislated for at the time the Estimates were introduced last year, but not included in the Estimates. The revised estimate of ordinary expenditure for the current year exceeds the original estimate by $112,421. The revised estimate of expenditure on Public Work Extraordinary, however, is less by $169,340 than the original estimate. The total saving on the original estimate of expenditure is therefore $49,919. The original estimates for 1903 showed a deficit of $712,306. The revised estimates show one of $407,909, but, with savings from previous years and arrears, the balance of liabilities on 31st December will be only $281,039. The estimated ordinary revenue for 1904 exceeds the revised estimate for 1903 by $1,370,535 made up generally as follows:―Opium Farm $1,225,000; assessed taxes, $96,000; spirit licences, $23,000; postage, $24,000; land revenue, $6,000; a few decreases of small amounts accounting for the difference. The estimated ordinary expenditure exceeds the estimate for 1903 by $543,447 made up as follows: ― Stipulated increments and increases of salaries, $30,329,89; new posts, $41,956; exchange compensation, $2,911.60; fall in exchange, $9,390.38; conversion of dollar salaries to sterling salaries, $12,701.60; allowances, $8,011.75; other items, $2,988; other charges, $21,418.55; pensions, $1,600; miscellaneous services, $27,035; military expenditure― contribution to Imperial Government, $375,898; Public Works recurrent, $9,200; total, $543,447.77. The estimated ordinary revenue exceeds the estimated ordinary expenditure by $950,358. The estimate of Public Works extraordinary for 1904 is $1,273,400 while land sales are expected to realise $400,000, leaving a difference of $873,400; there is therefore an estimated surplus of $76,959. The estimate of revenue for 1904 is however a cautious one, and it must be remembered that the increased revenue for the Opium Farm does not begin till the 1st Marce next, so that in 1905 there will be a further increase from this source represented by two months' fees from it. If due regard be had to economy in expenditure, it may be expected that the debit balance of $281,039, with which we shall begin the year 1904, will be wiped off by the expansion of revenue, at any rate early in 1905 if not before.
The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion for the first reading of the Bill was agreed to. VICTORIA DAY.
The ATTORNEY -GENERAL moved the third reading of a Bill entitled an Ordinance to set apart a holiday to be known as "Victoria Day" in loving remembrance of Her Most Gracious Majesty the late Queen Victoria.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
EXPORT OF CATTLE.
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Colony for five years, left the Colony two days ago with
THE ATTORNEY -GENERAL moved the third reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for the Regulation of the Export of Cattle and other Live Stock from the Colony.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
THE WATERWORKS ORDINANCE.
The Council went into committee on the Bill entitled an Ordinance to repeal the Water-works Consolidation Ordinance, 1902, and to provide for and regulate the Supply of Water in the Colony of Hongkong and for the Maintenance and Repair of the Works in connection therewith.
SECTION 10.―The Senior Unofficial Member moved that words be added to the Section to provide that public fountains should be only so placed in any private lane or street as not to cause an obstruction to traffic. It was pointed out that the Water Authority was not likely to place fountains where they would cause an obstruction to traffic, and that if he did an appeal could be made to the Governor-in-Council under Section 3. In view of this explanation the amendment was withdrawn.
SECTION 11. ― The Senior Unofficial Member expressed the opinion that an addition to the cost of the rider-mains of 15 per cent. to defray the cost of supervision and other charges was excessive, and stated that private firms in the Colony would for such work probably only charge 5 per cent. The Director of Public Works and the Senior Officer in Command of the Troops pointed out that the work of laying the rider-mains, involving as it did connections with each separate house in a rider-main district, necessitated a multiplication of small jobs the supervision of which was a more difficult and arduous matter than the supervision of one large work. The Colonial Secretary pointed out that after the first cost―which was estimated to average about $30 per house―was paid by owners, there would be no further charge to them of the supervision and maintenance of the rider-main system, which would be included in the general expenditure of the Colony. The Senior Unofficial Member was satisfied with these explanations.
Several minor amendments were made and Section 32 was deleted.
On the Council resuming,
The ATTORNEY -GENERAL moved the third reading of the Bill.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
DEPARTURE OF CAPTAIN MURRAY RUMSEY. HIS EXCELLENCY said―Gentlemen,―Before we separate now, I would like, with your permission to make a few observations. We have just lost one of our members of Council and we are about to lose another member, Captain Murray Rumsey, who is to-day sitting for the last time at this Council. His Excellency the Major-General Commanding, who had been in this
every expression of good-will on the part of the community. Captain Murray Rumsey has been for nineteen years in this Colony, and before that time he had rendered valuable services in His Majesty's Navy and in other Colonies. He has been for ten years a member of this Council, and for seven years a member of the Executive Council, I think I am only stating the views of all you gentlemen present when I wish to express publicly to Captain Murray Rumsey my high appreciation of his valuable services to this Colony. (Applause.) Captain Murray Rumsey is not only thoroughly conversant with every detail of his own duties, but both at this Council and in the important duty of advising me in Executive Council I have always found that I could depend on Captain Murray Rumsey for giving sound and well-considered and always thoroughly independent advice. Captain Murray Rumsey is now leaving the Colony very soon, and I am sure you join with me in wishing him a long life to enjoy the pension that he has so richly earned, and the honour that has been placed upon him by His Majesty in appointing him one of the first members of the Imperial Service Order. (Applause.) I do not know whether Hongkong forgets its old friends, but I hope if Hongkong does not forget its old friends that perhaps some day in the not distant future Captain Murray Rumsey and I may meet again in Hongkong at the opening of that great bridge, the inception of which must always be connected with his name. (Applause.) I am sure the members of this Council will wish every happiness to Captain Murray Rumsey. (Applause.)
Hon. Captain MURRAY RUMSEY said ― Your Excellency and gentlemen, I am deeply sensible of the high honour which I have received in the kind remarks of your Excellency and the way in which they were received by the Council. A greater compliment I cannot imagine any public officer receiving. It is the greatest satisfaction to me, on leaving the service of the Colony, to think that I have so performed my duty as to merit these remarks. (Applause.)
The Council adjourned till Thursday, 1st proximo.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
A meeting of the Finance Committee was held immediately after the Council, the Colonial Secretary (Hon. F. H. May, C.M.G.), presiding.
The following votes were all passed:―
CEMETERY EXPENSES.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,350 in aid of the vote for
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Cemetery Incidental Expenses under Other Charges, Sanitary Department.
CHINESE SCHOOL AT YAUMATI.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,000 in aid of vote Public Works, Extraordinary, to meet the cost during the current year of the works of constructing a school at Yaumati for Chinese.
REPAIRS TO "HYGEIA."
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,328 in aid of the vote for Repairs to Epidemic Hulk Hygeia under Other Charges, Harbour Master's Department.
MEDICAL DEPARTMENTS EMOLUMENTS.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $352 in aid of the vote for Personal Emoluments, Medical Departments:―
Increases to Salaries of the following Staff from 1st September to 31st December, 1903:―
Civil Hospital:―
13 Chinese Nurses ................................ $156 4 Dispensary Coolies............................ 4 13 Coolies.............................................. 52 Attendants for Sisters:―
3 House Coolies,................................... 12 $224
Lunatic Asylums:―
6 Chinese Nurses.................................. 72 4 Coolies................................................ 16 88
Maternity Hospital:―
2 Chinese Nurses................................... 24 2 Coolies................................................. 8 32
Kennedy Town Hospital:
2 Coolies................................................. 8
Total.......................... ...........$ 353
MAGISTRACY VOTE.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $900 in aid of the vote for the Magistracy under Other Charges:―
Office Furniture, Repairs, and Incidental Expenses ......................................................... $450 Costs of Witnesses for giving Evidence in Criminal Cases, and for Interpreting
sum of $11,000 in aid of the votes for the following items under Public Works Extraordinary:― 1. Extension of Inspector's Quarters at Kennedy Town.......................................... $ 2,000 2. City and Hill District Waterworks............ 4,000 3. Government Offices―Extensions and Alterations.................................................. 1,500 4. Temporary Market adjoining new Harbour Office........................................... 1,000 5. Governor's Peak Residence....................... 2,500
Total........................................ $ 11,000
OBSERVATORY CHARGES.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $204 in aid of the vote Observatory, Other Charges, to meet cost of flags required for making Weather Signals for the information of Shipmasters.
TRAINING NULLAHS.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $875.06 for Public Works Extraordinary to meet the excess over the estimate not covered by savings, incurred in training the Western District nullahs.
LAND REGISTRY OFFICE.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $219.80 in aid of the vote Land Registry Office, Other Charges, to meet cost of the following:―
One Typewriting machine............................. $280.80 One Table for the machine............................ 9.00
Total........................................ $289.80
TELEGRAPH SERVICE.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,000 in aid of the vote for Telegraph Service,― Telegrams sent and received by Government―under Miscellaneous Services.
FIRE BRIGADE VOTE.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,800 in aid of the vote Fire Brigade, Other Charges, for the item "Repairs, to Engines, Hose, &c., and Gratuities."
POST OFFICE VOTE.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $450 in aid of the Vote Post Office, Personal Emoluments, for the following items:―
Accountant ..................................
Dialects with which the Court Interpreters are unacquainted,............................................ 450
Superintendent of Registration Branch .....................................
Local Allowance,
Total....................................................... $ 900
PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a
being a personal non-pensionable allowance equivalent to 25 per cent. of the salary of their posts.
SANITARY DEPARTMENT CHARGES.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $342.48 in aid of the vote
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Sanitary Department, "Other Charges" made up as follows:―
VICTORIA HOSPITAL.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a
Microscope and Post-mortem Instruments, £29 18s. 0d. @ 1/10 to the Dollar,...... $ 326.18 5% for Incidentals, ......................................... 16.30
Total.............................. $ 342.48
sum of $200 in aid of the vote Medical Departments, Other Charges, Victoria Hospital for Women and Children, to meet the cost of fixtures required. This was all the business.