HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. ———————
21ST FEBRUARY, 1918.
PRESENT:―
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR SIR FRANCIS HENRY MAY, K.C.M.G.
HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL F. VENTRIS (General Officer Commanding Troops in China).
HON. MR. CLAUD SEVERN, C.M.G. (Colonial Secretary).
HON. MR. J. H. KEMP (Attorney-General).
HON. MR. A. M. THOMSON (Colonial Treasurer).
HON. MR. E. R. HALLIFAX (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).
HON. MR. MC.I. MESSER (Captain Superintendent of Police).
HON. MR. W. CHATHAM, C.M.G. (Director of Public Works).
HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C.
HON. MR. E. SHELLIM.
HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK.
HON. MR. D. LANDALE.
HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK.
HON. MR. HO FOOK.
MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER (Clerk of Councils).
Committees
H.E. THE GOVERNOR―It is necessary to report the usual Committees. The Finance Committee will be composed of all members of the Council except the President. To the Public Works Committee I appoint the Hon. the Director of Public Works (chairman), the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer, the Hon. Mr. E. Shellim, the Hon. Mr. P. H. Holyoak and the Hon. Mr. Ho Fook. To the Law Committee I
appoint the Hon. the Attorney-General (chairman), the Hon. the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, the Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., the Hon. Mr. Lau Chu Pak and the Hon. Mr. D. Landale.
Financial
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table Financial Minutes Nos. 1 to 8, and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.
The Outbreak of Cerebro-Spinal Fever
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY ― The amendments to the "Scavenging and Conservancy" By-laws, the Disinfection of Infected Premises By-laws, the Notification of Infectious Disease By-laws and the Removal of Patients By-laws, have been circulated to honourable members, and I move that they be approved by the Legislative Council.
The amendments to the by-laws dealing with the notification of infectious diseases, etc., were for the purpose of including cerebro spinal fever amongst such diseases.
HON. MR. POLLOCK―In rising to second the motion of the Honourable Colonial Secretary I should like to say a few words upon the fresh disease which hon. members are aware is made a notifiable disease, namely, cerebro-spinal fever. In that connection, sir, I should like to point out that it is very desirable that the Government should adopt some definite line of policy with regard to the sanitary measures taken in connection
2 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
with this disease. The Government, sir, does not seem able to make up its mind with regard to the treatment of dust. I understand that this disease is supposed to be conveyed from dust and, as seen in Ice House street only this very morning, before the dust was watered by coolies, who, I suppose, were employed by the Sanitary Department, some sweepers came around and raised a very thick cloud of dust which was blown into the neighbouring premises. That seems to be a very deplorable state of affairs. If it is a fact that we require to water dust to keep it down and prevent it being blown about it is very deplorable that before the watering coolies get to work other coolies should sweep the dust all about the streets. This, sir, was actually seen by someone who informed me on the subject in Ice House Street this very morning. Another point, sir, which I should like to make in connection with this disease is that I think some warning should be issued by the Government to the Chinese, pointing out in these times the undesirability of a large number of people crowding together. A further point I would desire to make is in connection with the forthcoming races. As is known, sir, during the races it is customary for a number of people―Chinese, Europeans and others―to go from West Point to East Point, and the suggestion I would make for the consideration of the Government is that on race days steps should be taken to water all the main roads leading from West to East―that is to say, from West Point to the Race Course― thoroughly, and that in the Race Course itself and in the vicinity, steps should be taken for the laying of the dust. Of course, sir, I quite realise it is impossible, or impracticable, so near to the races, to postpone the races altogether, but I certainly think that every effort should be made to avoid, as far as possible, the risk to people who attend the races. And in connection with that same subject I would again venture to impress upon the Government that it seems to me―subject, of course, to anything that may be said to the contrary―a very bad policy to have a number of people preceding the water-carts or sprinklers of water stirring up a whole lot of dust. If it is true that this disease does come from dust the best way would be to let the dust remain quietly on the ground and sprinkle it with water. I should like to ask also―perhaps it would throw light on the subject―whether or not it would be advisable in the case of this disease that the dust should not only be sprinkled with water but that it should be sprinkled with some kind of disinfectant. With these remarks I beg to second
that these amendments to the by-laws be approved.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―May I ask if it is not possible to do a great deal of road sweeping and scavenging at night instead of during the day? In all civilised cities of the world scavenging is carried on in most parts at night. In Hongkong the roads are swept in the daytime; the drains are opened, the chains dragged through them, and the obnoxious gases escape. Much of that work could be done at night. With regard to dust, which the Hon. Mr. Pollock has mentioned, I have myself constantly driven through clouds of dust on the way to North Point. The road is swept when perfectly dry, and the dust is so thick that one needs to breathe through a handkerchief when going through it. That should be remedied, and I think an improvement might be effected by doing the scavenging, or part of it, at night. If it means extra cost the Colony should pay it.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR―The suggestions of the hon. members will receive the most careful attention. It does seem absurd―as I am advised at present―to sweep up dust just before you try to lay it. I cannot answer the question about the possibility of arranging for watering and so forth to be done at night, but I will enquire as carefully as I can into the matter.
The amendments to the by-laws were then approved.
The Jurors' List for 1918
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid upon the table the Jurors' List for 1918.
HON. MR. POLLOCK―I beg to move that this list be considered privately after the meeting of this Council.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.
Questions by Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock
HON. MR. POLLOCK asked the following questions:―
In view of the steeper portions of the Peak Road being dangerous for pedestrians, when in a slippery condition, will the Government take steps to make such steep portions less dangerous by putting
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 3
ribbing across the road, or if not, what other steps does the Government propose to adopt in the matter?
In view of the damage done by typhoon to shipping at and near Cheungchow Island in August last and in view of the recent danage done by fire there, will the Government state what would approximately be the cost of connecting Cheungchow with the Island of Hongkong
(a) by wireless;
(b) by other means?
Answer. ― The portions of the Peak Road referred to are being re-surfaced with a denser tar, mixed with granity chippings, which ought to afford an improved foothold. If this proves insufficient, ribbing will be tried. Ribbing is, however, uncomfortable to walk on, and it is doubtful whether better results will be obtained by its adoption.
(a).―The cost of a wireless installation would be approximately £1,000.
(b). ― The cost of establishing telephonic communication would be approximately $16,000.
1.―Whether the warrant which the Police Officers set forth to execute at No. 6, Gresson Street, on the 22nd January, 1918, was a warrant for the seizure of property stolen by armed robbers, and whether such warrant also covered the seizure of arms and/or ammunition and also whether such warrant was also a warrant for the apprehension of any, and, if so, how many persons and for what offences or suspected offences?
Answer. ― The search warrant was for property reported stolen by armed robbers at No. 7 (A) Block Military Married Quarters, Kennedy Road, on the 15th January, 1918. The warrant did not cover arms and ammunition, but if such were found they would be seized and the persons found in the house appearing to be privy to their possession detained pending the obtaining of further warrants.
2.―Whether it is the fact that the Police Officers, executing such Warrant, were unarmed, and, if so, whether there is any Hongkong Police Force Rule or Regulation or instruction upon the subject of search parties of Police going armed? If not will the Government consider the advisability of making a Rule or Regulation enjoining Police, when executing a search warrant, to go armed?
Answer. ― Four Chinese members of the search party were armed with revolvers. There is
no special rule or regulation on the subject of Police search parties being armed. An experienced officer is usually in charge of the party, and it lies in his discretion whether all or any of the party are armed. New regulations on this subject are being considered.
3.―Is there any, and, if so, what Regulation in force in the Metropolitan Police Force, London, with reference to Police Officers engaged in search parties going armed?
Answer.―No such regulation can be found in the Instruction Book of the Metropolitan Police Force.
1.―Is H.E. the Governor correctly reported as having made the following statements, in the course of his speech at the opening of the Taitam Tuk Reservoir, on the 2nd day of February, 1918: ―
"It will surprise some of you people to know the terrible casualties that are inflicted upon the Civil Service of this Colony by a too free use of alcoholic beverages. I wonder how many, you imagine, of the subordinate staff― concerning whom I have absolute figures― who arrive in this Colony, survive to earn their pensions. I wonder, if I were to ask the cause, what the answer would be: well, I can tell you that I am well within the mark when I say that of every two men who arrive here, whether as Policemen, or as Overseers of works such as these, Sanitary Inspectors, Revenue Officers, and so forth, there is not more than one who lives and remains in the service to earn his pension. I might add that the particular cause of the dismissal, loss of health and even death, of the moiety that do not earn their pension is drink."
If His Excellency is not correctly reported as above, what amendments require to be made in the above report?
Answer.―The report is substantially correct.
2.―In connection with the above statements of His Excellency will the Government lay upon the table of this Council statistics for the last 10 years, showing as regards
(i.) Policemen;
(ii.) Overseers of Government works; (iii.) Sanitary Inspectors; and
(iv.) Revenue Officers,
how many in each of above branches of the Service respectively have
(a.) been dismissed owing to drink;
(b) died of drink?
Answer.―The figures are as follows:―
4 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
Department and Class
Died
of
drink.
Dismissed owing to drink.
conclusive evidence is forthcoming in the one case while definite proof is lacking in the other. His Excellency has issued instructions that character rolls, modelled on those of the Police,
(i.) Policemen ................ 3 19 (ii.) Overseers ................. 1 2 (iii.) Sanitary Inspectors .. 2 1 (iv.) Revenue Officers ..... 0 1
His Excellency the Governor welcomes this opportunity to make clear the exact meaning of his statements at the opening of the Reservoir, statements which are, he admits, somewhat obscurely worded. His meaning was that the particular cause of dismissal, loss of health, and death is drink. It was not his intention to imply that one man out of every two who joined the Service fails to reach his pension owing to drink.
During the last ten years the percentages work out as follows:―
Police.
Per cent.
Dismissed or died owing to drink ......... 16 34 Otherwise dismissed, invalided, or died ........................................................... 29 Overseers.
Per cent.
Dismissed or died owing to drink ........ 6 12 Otherwise dismissed, invalided, or died ........................................................... 41 12
The 2nd figure is untrusworthy as the return is incomplete.
Sanitary Department.
Per cent.
Dismissed or died owing to drink ......... 9 Otherwise dismissed, invalided, or died ........................................................... 30
Revenue Department.
In the case of this Department the service is so new that the data are insufficient to give any percentage result of value.
These percentages, as regards deaths and dismissals from drink, include only cases in which drink is directly known to be the cause. Drink is undoubtedly a contributory cause in other cases of dismissal, invaliding and death.
This is borne out by the figures for the Police, where the percentage of casualties from drink is shown as considerably higher than in the other Departments. In the Police Department the character rolls have always been very strictly kept, which has, His Excellency regrets to say, not been the case elsewhere, with the result that
are in future to be kept in all Departments, and that monthly returns of officers who have committed themselves through drink, comprising all ranks of the Department, be furnished to him. His Excellency is glad to be able to add that the figures for the last decade show a marked improvement on the figures for previous years; and that the improvement seems to be progressive.
Question by Hon. Mr. P. H. Holyoak
Hon. Mr. P. H. HOLYOAK asked the following questions:―
1.―Will the Government state what was the strength of the Fire Brigade in pre-war days?
2.―What is the present strength of the regular Fire Brigade?
The Colonial Secretary gave the following replies:―
Rank. Regular Staff only.
Europeans. 1914 1918 Superintendent ............................... 1 1 Deputy Superintendent .................. 1 1 Assistant Superintendents ............. 2 2 Engineer ......................................... 1 1 Engineer and Station Officer ........ 1 1 Engine Drivers .............................. 5 3 Assistant Engine Drivers ............... 8 3 Foremen ......................................... 3 3 Firemen .......................................... 22 27 Foremen and Engine Drivers ........ 2 1 — —
Total .......................... 46 43
— —
Chinese. 1914 1918 Engine Drivers .............................. 2 2 Fitters ............................................. 1 1* Blacksmith ..................................... 1 1 Carpenter ....................................... 1 1 Sailmaker ....................................... 1 1 Stokers ........................................... 5 5 Firemen .......................................... 28 28 Engineer ......................................... 1 1 Engine Drivers .............................. 2 2 Coxswains ..................................... 2 2 Stokers ........................................... 3 3 Seamen .......................................... 4 4 — —
Total .......................... 51 51
— —
* Motor Driver.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 5
3.―How many of them are employed on police patrol and other duties?
Answer―Regular Staff only. Of the Europeans all except the Assistant Engineer and Station Officer are employed in Police or other duties. The Chinese are employed in Fire Brigade duties only.
4.―In what part of the Colony are they stationed and at what hours are they engaged upon these duties, especially during the night?
Answer―European Regular Fire Brigade and other Police duties:―
Rank & name. Station Duty.
Supt. C. MCI.
Messer ………… Central Office.
Asst. Supt. C. Harbour
W. Beckwith Office Office.
Engineer D.
McDonald … H.K. Hotel Kowloon.
Depty Supt. P.
P. J. Wodehouse … Central Office.
Asst. Supt. J.
H. Kerr ................... ,, ,,
Fireman G. M.
Cockle .................... ,, Detective Staff. Fireman W.
Pitt .......................... ,, 6 a.m. to 12 noon Fireman R.
Shannon ................. ,, Detective Staff. Fireman W.
Le Chevalier .......... ,, Pass Office. Fireman W.
Blackman ............... ,, Various hours Day Fireman W.
Sutton ..................... ,, 12 noon to 6 p.m Fireman C.
Aitken .................... ,, 12 m.n. to 6 a.m Fireman W.
Shannon ................. ,, Detective Staff. Fireman H. L.
Kirby ...................... ,, 6 a.m. to 12 noon Fireman W. E.
Hollands ................. ,, Detective Staff. Fireman F.
Culliford ................. ,, 12 noon to 6 p.m Fireman A. F.
Purden .................... ,, 6 a.m. to 12 noon Fireman A.
Mason .................... ,, Detective Staff. Station Officer
W. Lane .................. No. 5. Fire duties. Engine Driver
A. Marks ................ ,, 12 m.n. to 6 a.m. Engine Driver
E. J. Peet ................ ,, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fireman E. J.
Field ....................... ,, Detective Staff. Fireman A. L.
Dorling .................... No. 5. Detective Staff. Fireman J.
Stout ........................ ,, 12 noon to 6 p.m. Fireman A.
Taylor ...................... ,, Pass Office. Fireman R.
McFall ..................... ,, 12 m.n. to 6 a.m. Fireman A.
Floyd ....................... No. 2. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fireman W. R.
McWalter ................ ,, 4 p.m. to 12 m.n. Asst. E. Driver
W. Cotton ................ ,, 12 m.n. to 8 a.m. Asst. E. Driver
E. Pain ..................... No. 7. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fireman R. H.
Moore ...................... ,, 4 p.m. to 12 m.n. Fireman J.
J. Lenaghan ............. No. 7. 12 m.n. to 8 a.m. Fireman M.
Kenneally ................ ,, 3 hours day and 3 hours after m.n.
Engine Driver
P. Grant ………Yaumati 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. on alternate days.
Foreman T.
Murphy ................... ,, Detective Staff. Fireman J.
McTulloch .............. ,, 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. on alternate days.
Fireman P.
Lannon .................... ,, 3 hours day and 3 hours after m.n.
Engine Driver
E. Bond …. Water Police in Hospital. Asst. E. Driver
W. Pincott ................ ,, Detective Staff. Fireman A.
Grimmett ….. Bay View in Charge. Fireman G.
Willis ……….. Aberdeen in Charge. Fireman J.
Moss ………. Shaukiwan 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. on alternate days.
Fireman P.
Murphy ……… Hunghom Various hours. (2 hours day and 4
hours night).
Total―43 Europeans.
Note.― 1 Fireman and Engine Driver (float) killed. 1 Fireman killed. 1 Fireman transferred to Kowloon City on promotion. Vacancies not yet filled.
5.―How many regular firemen now reside in No. 5 Police Station (Central Fire Station) and the Central Police Station?
Answer―8 Europeans and 26 Chinese at No. 5 and 13 Europeans at Central Police Station.
6 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
6. ― Does the Government consider the "Volunteer" Brigade necessary and of practical value?
Answer―Yes.
7.―If so, will the Government arrange for the exemption of all "Volunteer" fire-brigade men― whether in "Defence Corps or "Police Reserve," from all Military or Police duties, except the annual musketry course?
Answer―The Defence Corps members, who are active members, i.e., those that turn out at first call, have been exempted from guards, drills after night fires, and a proportion of camp duty. The members of the Police Reserve who are also fire brigade volunteers are not on the active list and have not asked to be excused Police duties.
8.―In the event of a fire in an outlying district, such as Shaukiwan, what steps are taken to protect the central districts in case of further call?
Answer―Hand-drawn appliances are ready at the stations for the use of the men who are left in Central and elsewhere. Those firemen (except Engine Drivers) who are on actual Police duty are reserved for a second call; also those members of the volunteer Fire Brigade who do not turn out at a first call
9.―Is it not a fact that the Brigade is seriously understaffed and hopelessly handicapped through lack of efficient gear to deal successfully with a fire in such a building as the Hongkong Hotel or one of the European office buildings in Chater Road or other high buildings?
Answer―The Brigade cannot be considered as seriously understaffed and hopelessly handicapped through lack of efficient gear. It has dealt with two fires at the Hongkong Hotel building with some success. The equipment, in addition to the hydrants which have an initial pressure of about 100 lbs. to the square inch, is capable of discharging 5,550 gallons of water a minute on to a fire in one of the large buildings referred to. A fire in a large high building would not be fought from the ground alone. The hoses would be taken into the interior of the building, and on to the roofs or verandahs of the building or of adjoining buildings and up the extension ladders.
The inside of the building affords the best line of attack. Hence it is very desirable that large high buildings should be provided with fire hydrants and the necessary gear on each floor with fire staircases to the upper floors.
The necessity of giving an immediate call to the Fire Brigade is of supreme importance.
10. ― What is the utmost extension of the existing ladder escapes and to what height will they reach when fully extended?
Answer―No. 1 Motor ladder 55 feet 6 inches, No. 2 Motor ladder 35 feet 3 inches. They will reach about 50 feet and 32 feet respectively.
11.―Is it not a fact that in the fire in Watson's godown and laboratory the escapes were quite inadequate to reach the top storey?
Answer―None of the escapes could reach to the top floor. Under the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, Section 149, any building with a floor over 40 feet from the ground must be provided with an efficient fire escape.
12.―Is it not a fact that the Central Fire Station still relies on the prehistoric custom of giving an alarm by a handbell, instead of by the electric alarm as is installed in other large towns? If the latter were installed would it not lead to a quicker turnout?
Answer―A hand bell is used. It is heard well over a building of several floors and rooms and is efficient. If electric alarms were installed it is doubtful if there would be any actual saving in time of turn out, as the hand bell is heard immediately over the whole building.
——
1. ― Will the Government state how many members of the European Regular Police Force have been allowed to go home since the outbreak of War in order to join the Army, and whether any of their names were submitted to the "Military Service Commission"?
Answer―1 Assistant Superintendent, 1 Probationer, 9 Lance-Sergeants, 50 Constables. Total 61. None of the names were submitted to the Military Service Commission, for the reasons explained in the Governor's remarks in this Council on the 22nd of February, 1917, on the subject of the appointment of the Military Service Commission. Arrangements had been made for sending the men before the Commission was appointed. But a full list of the names and rank of the 52 Lance Sergeants and men sent from the Colony was communicated to the Commission at the time the remarks referred
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 7
to were made. No exception was taken by the Commissioners to the numbers sent. On the contrary, before the Civil Service was withdrawn from the purview of the Commission it was suggested to the Governor by one member at least of the Commission that possibly more Police might be spared. In addition to these 52, 1 Sergeant, 1 Lance-Sergeant and 5 Constables on leave in England were allowed to join the Armies in England.
2.―How do the numbers of such European Regular Police Force now on duty in the Colony compare with the numbers on duty here on the 4th of August, 1914?
Answer―Including all ranks the number on duty on August 4th, 1914, was 160. The corresponding number on duty on February 4th, 1918, was 102.
3.―How many members of the European Police Force were allowed to leave the Colony during the year 1917?
Answer ― Including Mr. Burlingham, an Assistant Superintendent, the answer is 20.
4.―Is it not the fact that in the year 1916 as compared with the year 1915 there was an increase of Burglaries and Larcenies amounting to 362 in number and that such increase was to a consider able extent due to the very large influx of undesirables into the Colony owing to disturbances in the neighbouring Chinese Provinces?
Answer―The answer is in the affirmative.
5.―Has such influx of undesirables into the Colony continued during the year 1917, and if so, to what extent?
Answer ― As long as the condition of the neighbouring Chinese provinces is disturbed there is danger of undesirables coming into Hongkong. For the year 1917 there is a decrease in the crimes, mentioned in question 4, of 70 compared with the year 1916. The situation would appear therefore, to be in hand.
6.―What steps are taken to examine boats, launches and trains arriving in the Colony, for diseased and undesirable persons, and what measures are adopted to prevent their landing?
Answer. ― For certain diseases quarantine regulations are in force. Police are employed meeting steamers and launches and at Kowloon Railway Station. Revenue Officers also examine passengers from river boats and launches and also examine the baggage of persons landing from sampans, etc., under the powers conferred by Ordinance No. 2 of 1917, see Schedule. It is only
in case of real and easily discerned sickness that Police take any steps, and the Police can also take action in the case where the person is known to be a really bad character or a returned banishee.
7.―In view of the serious depletion of the European Regular Police Force, will the Government take such immediate steps as may be possible during the War to increase the "Force"?
Answer.―For the land Police it is not possible, during the war, to recruit suitable men from the United Kingdom, and none are obtainable locally. For the water Police five men have recently been taken on from the Royal Navy. It must be borne in mind that the Police Reserve was constituted for the special object of replacing Police seconded for the war. Without the valuable help of the Reserve so many European Police would not have been allowed to go to the front. Thus 63 Reservists parade nightly for duty in Victoria, Kowloon and the Harbour, taking, inter alia, directly the places of 13 European Police. It has also to be remembered that many Indian Police Sergeants and Acting Sergeants have taken the place of European Police.
8.―Of what date and pattern are the revolvers supplied to the Regular Police Force, and are they not inferior to those used by the Naval Yard Police?
Answer. ― Webley Royal Irish Constabulary Revolvers, Webley Automatic Pistols and some .38 bore U.S. Revolvers. All these patterns are still manufactured and are more suitable than those used by the Naval Police, which are too heavy and cumbersome for ordinary Police work.
9.―What revolvers are issued to the Reserve Police Force and have they received any instruction and practice in the use of them?
Answer.―Webley Royal Irish Constabulary, U.S. Revolver Co. .32, Smith and Wesson 38, and other makes. The Police Reserve have not received any instruction and practice in their use, but arrangements are being now made for such practice.
10.―Are the Regular Police given practice in revolver shooting?
Answer. ― Yes, but it has been discontinued recently on account of difficulty in obtaining ammunition.
11.―Has the Government sufficient truncheons at the various stations to arm all the "Reserve Police Force" in case of need?
8 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
Answer.―There are truncheons set apart for all those going on patrol duties and 150 spare in store, which are sufficient in case of riot, as the majority of the Force are expected to parade with rifles in case of emergency. An issue of truncheons, one for each man, is now on order.
12.―What are the individual amounts of the pensions which the widows and dependents of those murdered in the late "Gresson Street Raid" are entitled to receive from the Government?
Answer.―Widow of Insp.
O'Sullivan ........... £61. 8s. 0d.
Widow of Sergt.
Clarke ................ £27. 10s. 5d.
13. ― Will the Government consider the advisability of immediately making a substantial money grant to supplement various local funds being raised to assist them?
Answer.―The Government has addressed the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of an increase in the pensions. It is not prepared to make a money grant.
Malay States Extradition Ordinance Repeal Ordinance, 1918
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordinance to repeal the Malay States Extradition Ordinance, 1903."
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
The "Objects and Reasons" state:―
(1.)―The Malay States Extradition Ordinance, 1903, Ordinance No. 4 of 1903, provided for the surrender of fugitive criminals from any of the Malay States, the term Malay States being defined as meaning any one of the following states, i.e., Perak, Selangor, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, Trengganu, Kedah, and Perlis. This special provision was necessary because the Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881, 44 and 45 Vic. c. 69, applied only to fugitive offenders from places within His Majesty's Dominions, and did not apply to fugitive offenders from Protected States.
(2.) ― The Fugitive Offenders (Protected States Act, 1915, 5 and 6 Geo. 5, c. 39, gave His Majesty power to apply the Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881, to Protectorates by means of an Order in Council. An Order in Council made under this
Act was published in the London Gazette of the 27th October, 1916, by which the Act in question was made to apply to the States named in the Schedule to the Order. The States named were the Federated Malay States, Johore, Kedah and Perlis, Kelantan, Brunei and North Borneo. The Order was intituled the Straits Settlements and Protected States Fugitive Offenders Order in Council, 1916. This Order in Council was published in the Hongkong Gazette of the 15th December 1916.
(3.)―The Order provided that it should come into force on such day as might be notified in the London Gazette. A notification was accordingly published in the London Gazette of the 23rd January, 1917, bringing the Order into force on the 1st February, 1917. This notification was reprinted in the Hongkong Gazette of the 27th April, 1917.
(4.)―The result of the above Order in Council and notification was that the Hongkong Malay States Extradition Ordinance, 1903, became unnecessary except as regards the State of Trengganu. Accordingly the Malay States Extradition Amendment Ordinance, 1917, Ordinance No. 7 of 1917, was passed to repeal the former Ordinance except in so far as it applied to Trengganu. The Order in Council and notification also rendered unnecessary the Hongkong North Borneo Extradition Ordinance, 1896, Ordinance No. 1 of 1896, which was accordingly repealed by the North Borneo Extradition Ordinance, 1917, Ordinance No. 16 of 1917.
(5.)―On the 13th June, 1917, a further Order was made by which the States of Sarawak and Trengganu were added to the Schedule of the Straits Settlements and Protected States Fugitive Offenders Order in Council, 1916. This later Order in Council was intituled the Straits Settlements and Protected States Fugitive Offenders Order in Council, 1917. It was published in the London Gazette of the 15th June, 1917, and was reprinted in the Hongkong Gazette of the 3rd August, 1917. A notification bringing it into operation on the 1st July, 1917, was published in the London Gazette of the 26th June, 1917, and this notification was reprinted in the Hongkong Gazette of the 21st December, 1917. The result of this second Order in Council and notification is that the Hongkong Malay States Extradition Ordinance, 1903, is now rendered wholly unnecessary, and this Bill therefore proposes to repeal it in toto.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 9
Indecent Exhibitions Ordinance, 1917
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordinance to prohibit exhibitions, publications, and advertisements of an indecent, obscene, revolting or offensive nature."
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
The "Objects and Reasons" state:―
(1.)―The object of this Ordinance is to suppress indecent and objectionable exhibitions, publications, and advertisements.
(2.)―Many such advertisements appear in the Chinese press and the evil appears to be growing. Attention has been drawn to this by members of the Chinese community. Such advertisements have recently been practically suppressed at Shanghai. Similarly objectionable advertisements are also shown on walls and in other public places.
(3.)―Objectionable exhibitions of human and other freaks are also publicly shown for gain from time to time. This practice is also undesirable.
(4.)―It is true that it has been laid down that what outrages public decency and is injurious to public morals is a misdemeanour at common law (see the authorities quoted in Roscoe's Criminal Evidence, 12th Edition, at p. 701). Thus it has been held that keeping a booth for the purpose of showing an indecent exhibition which the public were invited to enter on payment (R. v. Saunders, 1 Q.B.D. 15), and the exhibition by a herbalist of a picture of a man naked to his waist and covered with sore (R. v. Grey, 4 F. and F., 73), have been held to be indictable offences. It is, however, doubtful whether the common law misdemeanor would cover the case of some objectionable medical advertisements, and this may have been one reason for the passing of the Indecent Advertisement Act, 1889, 52 and 53 Vict. c. 18. As it is advisable to legislate for the particular case of medical advertisements it has been thought convenient to deal at the same time with indecent publications and exhibitions generally.
The Council then adjourned.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
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A meeting of the Finance Committee followed, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding.
Kowloon-Canton Railway Survey
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one thousand five hundred and thirty-three dollars in aid of the vote Kowloon Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Survey.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required for the payment of the salary of an engineer employed on special service up to March 31st, when his services will be terminated.
The vote was agreed to.
Charitable Service
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of three hundred dollars in aid of the vote Charitable Services, Charitable Allowance to Mr. Shin Lok-shang, son of Sin Yan-wai, late of the Education Department.
THE CHAIRMAN―Mr. Sin Yan-wai was a valuable public servant. His son, Mr. Shin Lok-shang, was awarded a scholarship, but, owing to straitened circumstances, was unable to take it up. The Government has, therefore, agreed to grant him $300 a year for four years subject to good behaviour and satisfactory progress. He has entered into a bond to join the Government Service for a period of five years.
The vote was agreed to.
Railway Yard and Workshops
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of nine hundred and eight dollars in aid of the following votes:―
Kowloon-Canton Railway, Other Charges, Uniforms for Drivers,
Firemen, Pointsmen, and
Watchmen ...................................... $ 228.60 Special Expenditure, Arrangements for safeguarding the Loco Yard
and Workshops .............................. 679.40 ————
Total ........................... $ 908.00
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The vote was agreed to.
10 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
Underground Telegraph Lines
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of eight hundred and ten dollars in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Rent of underground telegraph lines, between Observatory, Post Office, and Cable Office.
THE CHAIRMAN―This represents at a 2/- dollar £81 a year, the amount of the tender for renting three private wires―namely, from the Observatory to the General Post Office, from the Observatory to the Cable Office and from the General Post Office to the Cable Office. It was found that the overhead wires were constantly interrupted.
The vote was agreed to.
Imports and Exports
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one thousand dollars in aid of the vote Imports and Exports Department, Secret Service.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This is for rewards other than those for opium.
The vote was agreed to.
Royal Observatory
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one thousand two hundred dollars in aid of the vote Royal Observatory, Special Expenditure, Installation for receiving Time Signals by Wireless Telegraphy.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is a re-vote, as it was found impossible to complete the wireless installation at the Observatory last year, as the material ordered for the antennae in May last did not arrive until January 15th.
The vote was agreed to.
Kowloon Roads
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of five thousand five hundred dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, Kowloon, Communications, (26) Improvements to Roads and Bridges.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required in consequence of the temporary road connecting Nathan and Coronation Roads not being completed last year. It is not expected that the estimate will be exceeded.
HON. MR. POLLOCK―When will the road be completed?
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―In a few weeks' time.
The vote was agreed to.
Searching Sheds
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of fifteen thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Miscellaneous, (23) Miscellaneous Works.
THE CHAIRMAN―The committee which was appointed last year in connection with the complaints as to the searching of passengers recommended the construction of searching sheds. The estimates for these were as follows ―value of the sheds taken over $985; cost of extensions, etc., $13,640; total $14,625. The vote is made for $15,000 to be on the safe side.
The vote was agreed to.
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