30 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 5TH JUNE, 1919.
PRESENT:―
HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT, HON. MR. CLAUD SEVERN, C.M.G.
HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL F. VENTRIS (General Officer Commanding Troops in China).
HON. MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER, C.B.E. (Colonial Secretary).
HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK (Attorney General).
HON. MR. C. MCI. MESSER, O.B.E. (Colonial Treasurer).
HON. MR. W. CHATHAM, C.M.G. (Director of Public Works).
HON. MR. E. R. HALLIFAX, O.B.E. (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).
HON. MR. E. D. C. WOLFE (Captain Superintendent of Police).
HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK.
HON. MR. HO FOOK.
HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL.
HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER, O.B.E. HON. MR. E. V. D. PARR.
MR. A. DYER BALL (Clerk of Councils). ABSENT:―
HON. MR. J. JOHNSTONE.
New Member
The Hon. Mr. E. V. D. Parr took the oath upon taking his seat as a member of the Council.
Finance
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table Financial Minutes Nos. 21 to 40 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded,
and this was agreed to.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT―I should like to say a few words with regard to Financial Minute No. 39 (recommending the Council to vote a sum of $25,000 to local Chinese charities). In December last the Secretary for Chinese Affairs brought to my notice the financial position of the Chinese Charities, particularly the Kwong Wa Hospital. As you are aware, there are four principal local Chinese Charities receiving assistance from the Government, viz., the Tung Wa Hospital, the Kwong Wa Hospital, the Chinese Public Dispensaries, and the Po Leung Kuk. The assistance given by the Government is a very small portion of the total expenditure incurred. I will take the Tung Wa Hospital first. This Hospital expends approximately $100,000 annually. Since it was established in 1870 it has gained the confidence of the community and the scope of its work has grown far beyond that of the original Hospital Scheme, the Committee at present having to undertake a very wide range of duties including Flood Relief in China, the care and repatriation of destitute, returning emigrants, and the burial of destitute dead. All these expenses except the annual Government Grant of $8,000 are met by voluntary contributions. The services rendered by the Tung Wa Hospital Committee are of great value to this Government. The Kwong Wa Hospital, to which the Government contributes $8,500 a year, an offshoot of the Tung Wa Hospital, was opened in Yaumati in 1911. It was hoped that this Hospital would, with the development of Kowloon, become self supporting, but the population of the Peninsula has remained so far of the poorer classes and the Hospital, whose expenses amount to about $32,000 a year, has an income of only about $16,500, the deficit being borrowed from the Tung Wa Hospital and made good as opportunity occurs by special appeals in the richer districts, outside Kowloon. The popularity of this Hospital is growing and there seems little likelihood of the income from the peninsula meeting the expenditure in the near future.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 31
The Chinese Public Dispensaries, insituted in 1905 with the special object of familiarising the people with Western methods and gaining the confidence of women and children, receive an annual grant from the Government of $2,000. Much valuable work has been done by these dispensaries and the whole cost amounting to $40,000, with the exception of the grant from the Government, has been met by voluntary subscription. The Po Leung Kuk to which the Government makes no contribution has an annual expenditure of about $9,000.
Owing to the Government having taken over control of the Ferry between Hongkong and Yaumati a grant of $5,000 per annum which was made by the old Ferry Company to the Kwong Wa Hospital has, of course, been discontinued and the Government has gained accordingly. At the same time certain dues connected with the piers which were paid to the Chinese Public Dispensaries went with the ferry rights, and have been lost to that Charity. Further, a site long used as a market at Sham Shui Po, all the revenue of which was paid to the local public dispensary, has been taken over by the Government with a resultant loss of between $2,000 and $3,000 to the Chinese Public Dispensaries Fund. In these circumstances it would seem reasonable that this Government should grant some extra assistance to the Chinese Charities, and I proposed to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, who has approved, subject to the decision of the Legislative Council, that an independent grant of $25,000 annually should be made. This money would not be specially earmarked for particular charities, but would be put in the hands of a Select Committee of Chinese with the widest experience of the various Committees. It is proposed that the Committee should consist of the two Chinese Members of the Legislative Council, the two Chinese Members of the Sanitary Board, and the annual heads of the Tung Wa Hospital and Po Leung Kuk, under the Chairmanship of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. Such a central organisation would undoubtedly have a beneficial influence in effecting economies by comparison, and possibly by a careful independent examination of books; such an examination in fact as could only be made by Chinese.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table Report of Finance Committee, No. 4, and moved that it be adopted.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was carried.
Quarters for Civil Servants
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table the Report of the Public Works Committee No. 2, and moved that it be adopted.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS seconded, and this was agreed to.
The Committee's Report was as follows:
Proposal to erect Quarters on Leighton Hill for the Junior European Officers of the Civil Service. ― The Chairman informed the Committee that the Government proposed to erect two blocks of quarters on Leighton Hill, each containing four 5-roomed houses, or 8 houses in all. The buildings would be two storied, the floors of the upper storey being constructed of reinforced concrete and any roof principals required being of steel. All possible measures were to be adopted in connection with the construction of the buildings with a view to reducing the cost of maintenance as far as possible.
As the Staff of the Public Works Department was already fully occupied with other buildings, the design and construction of the quarters under consideration had been entrusted to Messrs. Denison, Ram and Gibbs. whose plans were submitted. Messrs. Denison, Ram and Gibbs had been requested to furnish an estimate of the cost of the buildings. including their commission and all other charges. and had replied as follows:―
"We have gone into the question of the cost of the two blocks including forming the site, approach roads, paths, etc., etc., as well as our commission, and believe that it will amount to $240,000 but the fluctuating prices of materials and workmanship make pricing very difficult at the present time."
32 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
The Committee approved of the proposal and of the plans generally, but considered that the estimate, which amounted to $30,000 per house, was unduly high. They requested that tenders might be invited and that they should be referred to them for consideration.
Papers
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, also laid upon the table, the Financial Returns for the year 1918, Report on the Finances for the year 1918, Report on the Blue Book for 1918, Report of the Harbour Master for 1918 and the Report of the Superintendent of Imports and Exports for the year 1918.
Revenue and Expenditure in 1918
Commenting upon the Financial Returns for 1918, the Colonial Secretary said the figures shown constituted a record both as regarded revenue and expenditure. The revenue was $18,665,248 which was $3,607,143 more than the revenue in 1917 which constituted the previous record. The expenditure for 1918 was $16,252,172 which was $4,111,697 more than the estimate and $2,161,344 more than the expenditure in 1917. The principal figures of expenditure were $3,190,000 given to the Imperial Government and also $1,053,000 given to the Imperial Government in respect of the Special War Rate. Other items were $227,000 representing the 10 per cent. advance on salaries approved last year and such sums as $50,000 to the West River Relief Funds, $50,000 to the Tientsin Flood Relief and $66,000 to the Hallifax disaster Fund.
Questions by the Hon. Mr. Lau Chu Pak
THE HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK asked the following questions, the reply in each case being read by the Colonial Secretary:―
Q. ― There being numerous complaints regarding the refusal of the Police Department to issue hawkers' licences in many cases, will the Government state:―
(a)―What was the largest number of hawkers' licences that had ever been issued, and what is the total number of current licences that have been issued to date?
(b)―In view of the fact that the refusal to issue such licences may operate hardly on many deserving poor people, and of the consideration that those who are unable to obtain such licences may go to swell the number of bad characters in this Colony, whether instructions will be given to the Captain Superintendent of Police not to withhold licences from applicants therefor, unless they are known to be bad characters?
A.― (a) The largest number issued in any one year was 11,324, in 1918; 8,468 licences have been issued to date in 1919, but a large number issued in 1918 are not yet due for renewal.
(b)―It is proposed at present to refuse to issue licences unless there is some good reason for doing so.
Q. ― In the case of boys arrested for hawking without a licence, will the Government have the law so amended as to empower the magistrates to punish the parents or guardians instead of the boys themselves?
A.―The Government does not propose to amend the law in the manner suggested. The principle of vicarious responsibility in criminal law, unless a party is an accessory either before, or after the act, is not recognised in our legislation.
Questions by the Hon. Mr.
C. G. Alabaster, O.B.E.
The following questions were asked by the Hon. Mr. C. G. Alabaster, O.B.E., the answers in each case being read by the Colonial Secretary.
Q.―When will the section of Coronation Road to the north of Fife Street be completed so as to develop building sites and to provide through traffic with a direct route to the Taipo and Castle Peak Roads?
A. ― The completion of the section of Coronation Road referred to involves certain negotiations with the lessees of a large farm lot which obstructs the route of the road. It is not at present possible to say when arrangements admitting of the continuation of this portion of the road will be completed.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 33
Q. ― Will the Government construct a temporary ricksha road from a point on the Yaumati-Kowloon City Road to the main gate of the Old Kowloon Walled City, so as to render the walled city and numerous houses to the west of it accessible by wheeled vehicles from Yaumati?
A.―A path suitable for jinrikishas in the position suggested is desirable and the question of the construction will be considered.
Q.―Is it a fact that the new market at Samsuipo has no supply of fresh water?
A.―The market is supplied with fresh water from a well, the water being pumped into a tank.
Q.―Is it a fact that there are about 200 modern buildings (including a Public Dispensary, a temple and several factories) at New Samsuipo, accommodating about 6,000 people, who have no fresh water supply, except three street standpipes?
A.―There are approximately 200 buildings. The number of the occupants is not known. There are three stand-pipes on the new reclamation, and there are ten stand-pipes in old Samsuipo, within reasonable distance.
Q.―Is it a fact that there are about 2,400 boat-builders at Cheung Sha-wan, to the north west of Samsuipo, who have no fresh water supply except four shallow wells surrounded by rubbish heaps and manure pits?
A.―The boat-building establishments in the area between Sai Kok and Laichikok employ some 470 persons. In common with the large majority of inhabitants of the New Territories they get their water supply from wells. The allegations as to the number of wells and their location have not been investigated.
Q.―Is it a fact that there is no fresh water fire service at Cheung Sha-wan or Samsuipo, and that most of the buildings are inaccessible from the Fire Float?
A.―It is the case that there is no fresh water fire service. All the buildings can be reached by hose from the fire-float. A new motor fire engine is due to arrive very shortly and it is proposed to use this in conjunction with the fire-float in the case of fires at some distance
from the sea. By this means a very effective water pressure can be obtained.
Q.―Is it a fact that the Kowloon Reservoir has considerably more water in it this year that at the same period last year, and that the mains from the reservoir run within easy distance and at a convenient level for supplying Samsuipo and Cheung Sha-wan?
A.―The reply to the question is in the affirmative. There is only one main.
Q.―When will an adequate supply of water (1) for domestic use, (2) for fire service, be provided for (a) New Samsuipo and (b) Cheung Sha-wan?
A.―In 1914 the reclamation and laying out of New Samsuipo were at their commencement, and it was not possible to make provision for a water supply. The place has recently developed with great rapidity and an adequate water service has for some time past been urgently required. An improved service for the Kowloon Peninsula is also a matter of pressing necessity. At present the whole supply comes through one 12" main. During the war it has been impossible to get new material, but a new 18" main for the general service and the pipes and accessories for a complete Samsuipo service are on order. It is not known when when they will be delivered. It is not proposed to provide a water service at Cheung Sha Wan until further progress has been made with the reclamation and laying out in this neighbourhood.
The Honour Accorded to Sir Henry May
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT ― I feel sure that the promotion of our late Governor to be a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George has given general satisfaction in the Colony. His long and distinguished career is, I believe, to be commemorated in this Colony in a manner which is very suitable, but it is fitting that he should receive from the Sovereign whom he has served so faithfully such a mark of His Majesty's favour as that now bestowed. The members of this Council where Sir Henry May sat as Colonial Secretary and Governor for so many years will I think, wish to record the feelings of the community on the honour that has been conferred on him, and I therefore move the following resolution.
34 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"The Members of the Legislative Council desire to record their great appreciation of the honour which has been conferred by His Majesty the King on Sir Francis Henry May by bestowing upon him the rank of Knight Grand Cross of the Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George for the eminent services rendered by him during his long career in the Public Service."
THE HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK―I have much pleasure in seconding that resolution. The resolution was carried unanimously. Honour for the Governor-Elect
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT―Honourable members will also have observed that His Majesty the King has been pleased to create Mr. Stubbs a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George and to appoint Lady Stubbs, to be a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. I propose to send, with the consent of honourable members, the following telegram to Sir Reginald Stubbs.
"Members of the Legislative Council, on behalf of the Colony, desire to convey to you and to Lady Stubbs their hearty congratulations on the honour which His Majesty the King has been pleased to confer."
It was unanimously agreed that the telegram should be sent.
Vacancies on Committees
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT―A vacancy has occurred in the Public Works Committee owing to the absence from the Colony of Mr. Holyoak. I therefore appoint Mr. E. V. D. Parr to take his place. A vacancy has also arisen in the Standing Law Committee by reason of the retirement of Mr. Landale and I appoint Mr. Johnstone to the vacancy.
Marine Stores Protection Ordinance, 1919
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill, intituled an Ordinance for the more effectual protection of marine stores.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
The "Objects and Reasons" state:―
1.―The object of this bill is to prevent thefts which take place in and in the neighbourhood of the harbour of marine stores which are defined so as to include coal, and though based upon the provissions of Ordinance 4 of 1875, it is much wider in its scope than that Ordinance inasmuch as coal and marine stores belonging to companies, firms, and individuals as well as to the Crown are liable to be stolen. The Ordinance also includes for the first time marine hawkers as well as dealers in marine stores and compels such hawkers as well as dealers to take out a licence for that purpose with the proviso that such hawkers can only apply for a licence through a dealer, who is required to put up security for such hawker (see clause 3). Such licence is granted and held at the discretion of the Captain Superintendent of Police on such conditions as to fees and subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by the Governor-in-Council (see clause 4).
2. ― Every dealer in marine stores is required to keep a book with reference to such stores (see clause 5).
3.―Clause 6 enables the police to inspect the goods of the dealers or hawker and the books and papers of the dealer.
4.―Clause 7 prohibits a dealer in or hawker of marine stores from selling provisions of any kind.
5. ― Clause 8 restricts a marine stores hawker to buying stores of the same kind or kinds as the dealer who stands security for him.
6. ― Clause 9 prohibits a marine stores hawker from selling any marine stores of any kind.
7.―Clause 10 enacts a penalty for being found in possession of any marine stores and not being able to account for same.
8.―Clause 11, which owing to modern commercial conditions has to be wider in its area than section 11 of Ordinance 4 of 1875, prohibits dredging without the written permission of the Harbour Master in certain waters if within 100 yards of any wharf or dock or shipping or victualling or engineering or repairing yard.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 35
9.―Clause 12 relates to penalties.
10.―Clause 13 refers to certain marks on certain of His Majesty's stores and enacts a penalty for the unlawful application of such marks to such stores.
11. ― Clause 14 enacts a penalty for obliterating marks on His Majesty's stores. 12.―Clause 15 confers power to apprehend suspected offenders, and clause 16 empowers the police to stop and search boats and persons on suspicion.
13. ― Clause 17 preserves the power of prosecution under other Ordinances.
14. ― Clause 18 repeals Ordinance 4 of 1875.
Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Ordinance, 1919
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill, intituled An Ordinance to amend the law relating to the registration of births and deaths.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
The "Objects and Reasons" state:―
The object of this is to carry out the recommendation which was recently made by the Medical Board to the effect that it is desirable to include in any medical certificate of the cause of death a statement as to whether any and what anæsthetic was administered in the course of the illness preceding the death, and how long before death.
Arms and Ammunition Amendment Ordinance, 1919
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill, intituled an Ordinance to amend the Arms and Ammunition Ordinance, 1900.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
The "Objects and Reasons" state:―
1.―The object of this Bill is to render far more deterrent the powers of a Court with regard to punishing persons in possession of arms, it being felt that in many cases persons in possession of arms are potential armed robbers and have every intention of committing armed robbery, and should be
dealt with severely, in a bad case.
2.―Sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 are all drafted with a view to carrying out the above object of making the punishments more severe and the amended section 28 (as amended by section 6 of this Ordinance) introduces extra severity in the punishments in the following two respects, namely:―
(1)―by enabling two Magistrates sitting together to impose a fine not exceeding 2,000 dollars and imprisonment for any term not exceeding two years, and
(2)―where a longer term of imprisonment is desired, by giving power to the magistrate or magistrates, upon the application of the Captain Superintendent of Police or his deputy, to commit for trial, in which case the Judge of the Supreme Court has power to inflict sentence of imprisonment up to seven years.
3. ― Section 7 of this Bill contains the necessary consequential amendments which follow on the above power to commit for trial.
Termination of the Present War (Definition) Ordinance, 1919
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill, intituled An Ordinance to make provision for determining the date of the termination of the present war, and for purposes connected therewith.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
The "Objects and Reasons" state:―
The object of this bill is to make provision with reference to the fixing of the date of the Termination of the Present War both generally and as between His Majesty and any particular State and in accordance with the Home Act, 8 and 9 Geo. 5, ch. 59, it is enacted that such date shall be the same date as is declared by His Majesty by Order in Council under that Home Act. At the same time, however, an exception is made (as in section 1 of the Home Act) in the following case, namely:―
36 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"Where the context otherwise requires of any provision in any contract, deed, or other instrument referring expressly or impliedly, and in whatever form of words, to the present war, or the present hostilities."
There is also a proviso (based on the proviso in section 1 of the Home Act) to the effect that "in the case of any Ordinance, Proclamation, or Order issued by the Governor, conferring powers on any Government Department or on any Public officer exerciseable during the continuance of the present war, if it appears to the Governor that it is expedient that the powers shall cease before the date so fixed as aforesaid, the Governor-in-Council may fix some earlier date for the termination of those powers."
Prevention of Corruption Ordinance, 1919
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill, intituled An Ordinance for the better Prevention of Corruption.
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 introduce into this Colony such of the provisions of the English Acts of 1906 and 1916 re the prevention of corruption as appear to be applicable to the circumstances of the Colony, and, in framing section 2 (i), it has been thought advisable, in all cases of corruption falling within this Ordinance, to make the maximum term of imprisonment 2 years, so as to correspond with Ordinance 1 of 1898 section 3.
2.―It does not seem necessary to introduce here the provisions of the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act, 1889, as there is no Municipal Council in Hongkong.
3.―Section 6 is intended to remove a doubt as to whether this Ordinance affects Ordinance 1 of 1898.
The Bank of Canton, Ltd. (Capital Conversion, Ordinance, 1919
THE HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER moved the first reading of a Bill intituled An
Ordinance to authorise the Bank of Canton, Limited, to convert its silver capital into gold. In doing so he said:
By Standing Order No. 37 the duty is cast on the mover of the Bill on its first reading to explain its scope and objects, but I need not deal with it at length in this case because the objects of the Bill are explained in a memorandum attached to it. This is the third of a series of Bills authorising local dollar Companies to take advantage, if the shareholders so desire, of the present high rate of exchange to convert their capital into gold. The three Companies who desire to do so are Companies which do a considerable amount of business in gold countries. Obviously now is the time to convert their capital if they intend to do it at all.
THE HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
The "Objects and Reasons" state:―
The Bank of Canton, Limited was incorporated in 1912 under the Companies Ordinance, 1911, and its registered office is situate at Victoria in the Colony of Hongkong. Among the 33 objects set out in Clause 3 of the Memorandum of Association are:―
3. (1) ― To establish and carry on the business of Bankers in all its branches and departments . . . in Hongkong, in China or any other parts of the world as may from time to time be determined.
(23)―To obtain any act or decree of the Imperial Parliament, of any colonial Parliament, or of any Foreign Government, legislative assembly or council... or other proper authority at home or abroad for enabling the Company to carry any of its objects into effect, or for dissolving the Company and re-incorporating its members as a new Company ... or for effecting any modification in the Company's constitution or for enlarging the powers of the Company under this Memorandum of Association whether such powers be cognate to the powers granted hereby or not.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 37
(26)―To take or concur in taking all such steps and proceedings as may seem best calculated to uphold and support the credit of the Company and to obtain and justify public confidence and to avert or minimise financial disturbances which might affect the Company.
The Capital of the Company is $2,000,000 Hongkong Currency and regulations as to increasing it are contained in Art. 14 of the Article of Association. This Capital has now been almost fully issued and paid up and it is intended to increase it. It will be an advantage to the Bank if its capital is stabilised by conversion from silver into gold especially as it is expected that a large proportion of the new subscriptions will come from "gold" countries. Moreover the Bank always has to keep a large amount of money in "gold" countries for the purpose of its exchange transactions. The first 5 clauses of the Bill follow the precedent of Ordinance No. 4 of 1919. Clause 6 is rendered necessary by Art. XXVI. (4) of the Royal Instructions of the 14th February, 1917.
THE HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER then moved the suspension of Standing Orders in order to enable the Bill to be passed through all its stages, pointing out that the Bill, although passed, would not come into force until His Majesty's pleasure had been signified and a notice of non-disallowance had been published in the Gazette.
THE HON. MR. LAU CHU-PAK seconded, and this course was agreed to.
THE HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER moved the second reading of the Bill.
THE HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK seconded, and the Bill was read a second time.
THE HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER then proposed that the Council go into Committee to consider the Bill, clause by clause.
THE HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK seconded, and this was agreed to.
The Bill having passed through Committee without alteration the Hon. Mr. C. G. Alabaster moved its third reading.
THE HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
Missions to Seamen in Hongkong
Incorporation Ordinance, 1919
THE HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled An Ordinance to provide for the incorporation of the Missions to Seamen in Hongkong. In doing so he said: Hon. members are well aware that the Missions to Seamen has been doing very valuable work in the Colony for some time, and the Committee find it increasingly difficult properly to manage the property of the Missions seeing that it is vested in trustees some of whom are dead and some of whom are permanently absent from the Colony. It will greatly facilitate the work of the Committee if the mission is incorporated and the property vested in the corporation.
THE HON. MR. E. V. D. PARR seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
The "Objects and Reasons" state:―
The object of this Bill is to provide for the incorporation of the Missions to Seamen in Hongkong and to vest in such corporation all property of the Missions now held in the names of various trustees some of whom are dead, and to enable the corporation to manage such property.
——
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
——
A meeting of the Finance Committee followed, the Colonial Secretary presiding.
Language Bonus
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of seven hundred and eighty dollars in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Language Bonuses.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is a bonus to Mr. Edwards of the Education Department for passing in Cantonese.
The vote was agreed to.
Fire Brigade
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of fifty dollars and ten cents in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, B. ― Fire Brigade, Other Charges, Incidental Expenses.
38 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is a sum for two temporary dams at the race course at the last race meeting, to provide a full head of water.
The vote was agreed to.
Roads and General Works
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of fifty thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Communications (32) Roads, (c) General Works.
THE CHAIRMAN―This vote was $25,000 but the rapid development going on in various parts has cast the obligation on the Government to keep pace. There are 28 items included in the vote.
The vote was agreed to.
New Road in Shamsuipo
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of forty thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Communications (41) Roads, (d) General Works.
THE CHAIRMAN―The vote here was for $9,000, which sum was practically taken up for the new road work in Shamsuipo. A sum of $10,500 is required for the main road which is being continued past Mr. Hough's house to the frontier. A sum of $3,500 is also required by the District Officer for grants in aid of native paths and roads and for the improvement of the Territory.
The vote was agreed to.
Road to Repulse Bay
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of twenty thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Communications, Roads: Deep Water Bay to Tytam Tuk Road, Improvement to section from Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay.
THE CHAIRMAN ― Members know this section of the road.
The vote was agreed to.
Harbour Office
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of two hundred dollars in aid of the vote Harbour
Master's Department, A. ― Harbour Office, Special Expenditure, Furniture.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is a re-vote. The whole of the $600 voted by the Council last year was not spent.
The vote was agreed to.
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of one hundred and seventy-six dollars in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, A.― Harbour Office, Special Expenditure, Furniture.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is a special sum for two apprentices recently taken on in the Light House service; the money is required for furnishing rooms for them in the Light House.
The vote was agreed to.
Lighting in Kowloon
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of four hundred dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Lighting (35) Extensions of Lighting.
THE CHAIRMAN―The vote for the year is $1,000. These lights are required by the Captain Superintendent of Police who desires beter lighting for the prevention of crime in the neighbourhood.
The vote was agreed to.
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of seven hundred dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, Kowloon, Lighting (30) Electric Lighting.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is for the up-keep and running of the electric light.
The vote was agreed to.
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three hundred and fifty dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, New Territories, Lighting (43) Electric Lighting, Shamshuipo.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is a similar thing. The vote was agreed to.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 39
Peak Tramway
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of two thousand one hundred and eighty-eight dollars and ninety-nine cents in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous (20) Contribution towards cost of structure for Chairs and Rickshas, Barker Road Station.
THE CHAIRMAN―The Government made an arrangement with the Peak Tramway Company to pay a certain proportion of the cost―which was rather heavier than expected ― and recently it agreed also to pay a proportion of the architects' fees. The original vote was $6,000.
The vote was agreed to.
Pokfulam Road
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of thirty thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, Communications (7, Improvements to Roads and Bridges outside City.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This is for the improvement of Pokfulam Road from the University to the Dairy Farm.
The vote was agreed to.
Police and Prison Department
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of two thousand nine hundred dollars in aid of the following votes:―
Police and Prison Departments, C.― Prison, Other Charges:―
Cleansing and Sanitary Materials $2,400 Materials for Repairs and
Renewals ................................... 500 ———
Total ...................... 2,900
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THE CHAIRMAN ― There has been a general rise in prices.
The vote was agreed to.
Fire Brigade
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of eight thousand five hundred and seven dollars
and thirty-five cents in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, B.―Fire Brigade, Special Expenditure, 2 Motor Fire Engines and Pumps.
THE CHAIRMAN ― The estimate was $18,667 and it has been exceeded by this sum. These pumps and fire engines are now on their way out.
The vote was agreed to.
D'Aguilar Wireless Station
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three thousand five hundred dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Protection of D'Aguilar Station.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is for putting up barbed wire entanglements around the D'Aguilar quarters and wireless station, to prevent the place being rushed by undesirable people.
The vote was agreed to.
Purchase of "Lyeemun"
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of thirty-one thousand and two dollars and ten cents in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Purchase of Lyeemun, No. 153, The Peak.
THE CHAIRMAN―The Government learnt that this house was in the market and aranged to acquire it. More space and house room were required for a maternity wing for the hospital and it was thought advisable to take advantage of this opportunity of securing it.
The vote was agreed to.
Government Civil Hospital
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of six thousand two hundred dollars in aid of the following votes:―
Medical Department, B. ― Hospitals and Asylums, Other Charges, Civil Hospital:―
Bedding and Clothing .................... $4,300 Cleaning Materials ......................... 200 Furniture and Repairs to Furniture 1,700 ———
Total ....................... $6,200
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40 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE CHAIRMAN ―This vote is needed owing to the extension of the Sisters' quarters by taking in the Government Analyst's quarters. These required furnishing. There has also been an extension of the hospital by taking in the linen room, and there has also been a general rise in prices.
The vote was agreed to.
Moorings
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three hundred and seventy-five dollars in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, Anchor for Bokhara Rock Buoy.
THE CHAIRMAN ― These moorings are constantly giving trouble. The chain wears against the rock and gets lost from time to time. Enquiries are being made as to whether this anchor is essential before the money is spent.
The vote was agreed to.
Local Chinese Charities
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of twenty-five thousand dollars in aid of the vote Charitable Services, Local Chinese Charities.
THE CHAIRMAN ― His Excellency has explained the reasons for this vote.
HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL―It is generally understood that the Tung Wah Hospital is in a flourishing condition.
The Secretary for Chinese Affairs―The hospital will not get any of this vote.
THE CHAIRMAN―This money is for a general extension of charitable services.
HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL―It is not with a view to lessening the burden of subscriptions.
THE CHAIRMAN―No. There is no idea of lessening such obligations. It is for the increasing necessities.
The vote was agreed to.
Drainage
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of twenty-six thousand five hundred dollars in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Extraordinary.
Kowloon, Drainage (34)
Miscellaneous Drainage
Works ....................................... $18,000 New Territories, Drainage, (42)
Miscellaneous Drainage
Works ....................................... 8,500 ———
Total .................... $26,500
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The vote was agreed to.
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