58 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 28TH AUGUST, 1919.
PRESENT:―
Finance
HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT, HON. MR. CLAUD SEVERN, C.M.G.
HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL F. VENTRIS, C.B. (General Officer Commanding Troops in China).
HON. MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER, C.B.E. (Colonial Secretary).
HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C. (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. C. G. ALABASTER, O.B.E. HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL.
HON. MR. E. V. D. PARR.
MR. A. DYER BALL (Clerk of Councils).
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT ― Hon. members will remember that on receiving the news that Sir Edward Stubbs had been made Knight Commander of the most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George we sent a message to him by telegraph, congratulating him, and also congratulating Lady Stubbs on being made a Companion of the British Empire. I have received a letter from Sir Edward in which he writes: I was very pleased to receive your telegram of June 5th. transmitting a message from the Legislative Council. Will you be so good as to tell the members of the Council how very deeply my wife and I appreciate the kindly feelings which prompted their message.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table Financial minutes 59 to 81 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table the report of the Finance Committee No. 7 and moved that it be adopted.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was carried.
Papers
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table the report for 1918 of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs; the report for 1918 of the General Post Office, Hongkong; and the Medical and Sanitary reports for 1918.
Public Convenience
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the following Resolution under section 170 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903: ―
Whereas application has been duly made by the Sanitary Board to the Governor under section 167 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, for the erection of a Public Latrine and Urinals under the steps in Duddell Street.
And whereas such application having been duly approved by the Governor and a notification of the intention to erect a Public Latrine and Urinals at such site having been duly published in three successive numbers of the Gazette, certain owners and occupiers of property in the vicinity have objected to such erection.
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And whereas such objections have been duly considered.
It is hereby resolved by the Council that the above-mentioned site and the erection thereat of a Public Latrine and Urinals be and the same are hereby approved.
He said: It will be seen that the notice for the erection of a public latrine in Duddell Street has been duly gazetted, and that certain owners and occupiers of property in the vicinity have objected. The objectors are the owner of the lot on which the Carlton Hotel stands and Messrs. W.G. Humphreys & Co. The objections raised can hardly be taken seriously in view of the fact that the Director of Public Works reports that a bucket latrine in the open lane at the rear of the Carlton Hotel, which is apparently used by the coolies working in this vicinity, is one of the principal reasons for the construction of the proposed water-flushed closet and urinal. This existing latrine abuts directly on the main wall of the hotel. It is extremely primitive in construction and usually very offensive. Many more hotel windows open over it than would be the case as regards the proposed convenience which would, moreover, be further away from the hotel than the existing one and at least 20 feet below the level of the ground floor of the hotel. Considering the case of Messrs. Humphreys' premises, the intention of the Government is to do away with the very insanitary conditions which prevail in the net work of small alleyways which lie on the west side of Duddell Street. The objections made were referred back to the Sanitary Board. They have considered the matter and have replied that they adhere to their previous decision. I now beg to move the resolution standing in my name.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ― I beg to second it.
The resolution was carried.
Questions and Answers
HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER asked the following questions, the answer in each case being read by the Colonial Secretary.
Q.―In order to lessen the loss of life in typhoons and to obviate as far as possible the exploitation of poor sampan people by excessive launch towage charges, will the Government arrange with the owners of powerful tugs and
launches to render gratuitous towage service to sampans and other craft in difficulties whenever the black signals are hoisted during a flood tide?
A.―The question will be referred to the Chamber of Commerce. It has been considered on former occasions in connection with the loss of life in typhoons. Launch owners will not as a rule risk their vessels at sea in typhoon weather unless with the prospect of substantial remuneration; and it is hardly practicable to resort to any form of compulsion as the longer a launch is out of shelter, the greater is the risk to itself, and the more difficult it finds it eventually to enter the typhoon shelter which has in the meantime been rapidly filling up. The powerful tugs are owned by concerns having under their charge valuable property for the protection of which the tugs are necessary in typhoon weather.
Q. ― Does the Observatory take into consideration the state of the tide in calculating the period of warning they give in the case of approaching typhoons? If not will they give longer warning on a flood tide than on an ebb tide?
A. ― The Observatory does not take into account the state of the tide in deciding when to hoist storm signals. As explained in the Local Storm Signal Code the Observatory endeavours to give 24 hours (or two tides) notice of a possible gale. As soon as it becomes tolerably certain that a gale will occur a black signal (or its equivalent signal at night) is hoisted.
Q. ― When will telephonic communication with Cheung Chau be restored?
A. ― It is hoped to restore telephonic communication with Cheung Chau before the end of this week, provided that the weather conditions will permit. The fault has been located and is in the cable lent by the Military Authorities, about 700 yards from the shore of the mainland side of the crossing to Lantao. This cable is an old one. The permanent cable which is on order has not yet been delivered. Until this new cable is laid telephonic communication will be liable to interruption.
Q. ― Can the Government give any information with reference to the suggested establishment of a Chinese Government aerodrome in Hongkong, mentioned in the North-China Daily News of the 19th. August and the Hongkong Daily Press of the 25th. August?
60 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
A.―The Government has no information regarding this. Any aerodrome which may be established in Hongkong will presumably be controlled either by His Majesty's Government or by this Government.
The Indictments Ordinance, 1919
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to Indictments in Criminal Cases, and matters incidental or similar thereto.
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 introduce into the Colony, with the necessary modifications, the provisions of the English Act of 1915, 5 and 6 Geo. V., c. 90, with the object of simplifying indictments and the rules relating to the forms thereof.
2.―It has not been thought necessary to enact here the provisions of section 6 of the Home Act as to the costs of defective or redundant indictments: nor the provisions of section 7 as we have not adopted in this Colony the Vexatious Indictments Acts.
3.―Rules 1 and 2 of the First Schedule have not been adopted as we have no Grand Jury in this Colony and it seemed unnecessary to adopt rule 3 as it is practically enacted in the body of the Bill by clause 5.
4.―Rule 12 has not been adopted as we have no Ordinance corresponding with the Children's Act, 1908, in force in this Colony.
5.―Rule 13 seems unnecessary as it has always been the practice to serve a copy of the indictment on the accused.
6.―With regard to the Appendix to the Rules, it has been found necessary to alter the numbers of the sections in the headings in accordance with our local laws.
7.―In regard to the Second Schedule many of the Acts in the Second Schedule to the Indictments Act, 1915, are not only inapplicable to this Colony, but have had no corresponding provisions to them enacted here, and consequently it has been found possible to
make the Second Schedule to the local Ordinance much shorter than the Second Schedule to the Home Act.
Rice Ordinance, 1919
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance for the acquisition and disposal of rice by the Hongkong Government, and validating acts previously done. In doing so, be said:―The purpose of this Bill is to make provision in as simple a manner as possible for the efficient working of the Government's scheme of rice sales. Certain acts, which have already been done under powers conferred by Order in Council, are validated and specific authority is given to the Governor to use the powers given by the Order "whether in time of peace or in time of war," to use the words of the Ordinance, for this specific purpose of rice requisition. The Government has no control over sources of supply except as regards rice grown in the New Territories. Under Section 6 of this Ordinance the export of rice from the Northern District of the New Territories is prohibited except under licence, and prices have been fixed which are substantially below the prices obtaining in Hongkong, but, at the same time, sufficiently above the prices ruling over the border to check any inclination to smuggle into China. Smuggling into Hongkong we can prevent, and public opinion in the New Territories is acting as a very useful deterrent. It is not proposed to legislate for the islands in the Southern district as the amount of rice grown there is insignificant and it is hardly practicable adequately to supervise the movement of rice from one small island to the other. It is the intention of the Government that the New Territories shall be self supporting; it is hoped with the year's good harvest there will be a surplus and it is the Government's intention to purchase any such surplus and to use it for sale in Hongkong. The Government has already, out of the very excellent first crop this season, bought 7,500 piculs. The Government has been blamed because it has not prohibited the export of rice generally from the Colony. In the year 1918, something over one million tons were imported into Hongkong and nearly this quantity exported. It requires some effort of the imagination to understand what these figures mean to the Port―the number of
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 61
ships which go to and fro, the labour employed on the water-front and in the harbour, the work which goes on in merchants' offices. If export is prohibited, imports cease and the trade will no doubt go to some more accommodating centre, the Colony being left with the very poor consolation of a few thousand tons of extremely expensive rice which happens to be in the godowns when the prohibition came into force. The general situation is that export at all the producing centres is practically at a stand still. The Government holds considerable stocks, partly purchased in Saigon, partly purchased locally and partly requisitioned locally, and, in this connection, I may express the Government's appreciation of the assistance rendered by the Kwangtung Food Relief Association and the Military Government of Canton for allowing the export of 10,000 piculs from Canton to Hongkong. The Government is in negotiation with various centres for further supplies and it earnestly hopes, and has very good reason to believe, that supplies will be forthcoming at a rate which will enable it to put on the market a considerably cheaper grade of rice than the cheapest grade now being sold, the price of which is $11.11 a picul. But, of course, it must be borne in mind that prices may continue to rise and, in that event, the Government will be faced with the alternative, either of raising its price or of selling at a heavy loss which will have to be met out of fresh taxation. I was informed this morning that the prospects of the crops in Siam and Indo-China are very good. It must be remembered, too, that large quantities of other food-stuffs are continually passing through the Colony. Beans come from North China where they are a staple food-stuff, whilst flour constitutes an important trade. If the price of rice remains permanently at a high level no doubt, in time to come, the Chinese will accustom themselves to at least a partial substitution of some cheaper form of dietary. I take this opportunity to express the obligation of the Government to employers of labour for the assistance they have rendered in the matter by giving special rice allowances. The Government is also under obligation to the Tung Wah hospital for their help in the matter generally, and, more particularly, in the management of the congee stations which are now working; also to the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank which rendered most useful assistance in the matter of financing the large
purchases which have been made. I beg to move the first reading of the Bill.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
Objects and Reasons
The Objects and Reasons state: ― The objects of this Bill are as follows:―
1.―Clause 2 removes any doubts as to the validity of any acts heretofore done by the Government and by its Officers or any person acting under its direction to cope with the recent abnormal rise in the price of rice.
2.―Clause 3 gives the Governor power to requisition and resell rice on payment of compensation either agreed upon between the parties or settled by a Board therein provided, and prohibits any person neglecting to obey or impeding the execution of any such orders.
3.―Clause 4 excuses a breach of contract in so far as it has been caused by any requisition. 4.―Clause 5 enacts that the Government shall not make a profit on the total proceeds of all sales of rice.
5.―Clause 6 prohibits the removal from the Northern District of any rice without the permission in writing of the district officer.
6.―Clause 7 provides for the fixing of retail prices of particular qualities of rice. 7. ― Clause 8 provides for Standard Government qualities of rice.
8.―Clause 9 makes it an offence to sell rice purporting to be of Standard Government quality when it is not such.
9.―Clause 10 prohibits the sale of any rice supplied by the Government except under a licence from an officer appointed by the Governor.
10.―Clause 11 prohibits the mixing of different qualities of rice and their mixture with any foreign substance.
11.―Clause 12 contains a power of entry and inspection and of taking samples.
12.―Clause 13 is a penalty clause.
13. ― Clause 14 gives power to the Governor-in-Council to make Regulations.
14.―Clause 15 contains a saving of other powers.
62 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
Enemy Aliens Restriction Ordinance
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to prohibit former Enemy Aliens from being within the Colony without a permit.
In doing so, he said:―This Bill, Sir, has had to be prepared at somewhat short notice, and hon. members will see from the star next to the Bill that it is proposed to pass the Bill through all its stages at this meeting of the Council. The hon. member who represents the Justices of the Peace has been good enough to make suggestions to me in regard to some matters of detail in connection with this Bill, and I think the Bill itself, which we gather from instructions from the Secretary of State forms part of the Imperial policy of the Home Government, will commend itself to this Council. The "Objects and Reasons" clearly state the objects of this Bill. The definition of a former enemy alien has been specially drawn so as to exclude subjects of new friendly States which have come into being since the Peace Treaty from the definition of former enemy aliens. By Clause 3 of the Bill it is enacted that no former enemy alien as so defined shall come or be within the Colony of Hongkong either generally or for a limited period unless he possesses a permit for that purpose signed by the Colonial Secretary. It is also enacted that such permit may contain such conditions as the Government may direct. I am quite sure hon. members will appreciate the fact that it is necessary there should be considerable latitude in this matter of granting permits and, further, to impose such conditions as the Governor may direct. Clause 4 is the penalty clause, and it provides a double kind of penalty, that is to say, either deportation under the Deportation Ordinance of 1917 or, if a further penalty is required beyond that, when a person commits a breach of Section 3 he shall also be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and imprisonment for any term not exceeding one year. The term of the duration of the Ordinance is fixed by Clause 5 at a period of three years from the date of commencement thereof.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE
GOVERNMENT ― In view of representations made to me that the passing of this Bill is a matter of great urgency, and as I am of the opinion that such urgency exists, I have granted permission under Standing Order 48 for a motion to be put to the Council that this Bill be carried through all its stages in one sitting.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL then moved that the Standing Rules be suspended in order to enable the Bill to be passed through all its stages.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and this was agreed to.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL then moved the second reading of the Bill.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a second time.
The Council then went into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.
THE HON. MR. E. V. D. PARR―May I ask if the Bill will come up for discussion again at the end of three years.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT―I cannot say. It is a matter which may or may not come up. No doubt if there are good reasons for wishing to continue the period now fixed they will be made known. I cannot possibly say what the policy of H.M's. Government will be at the end of three years. No doubt this period has been the subject of very careful consideration before it was fixed.
The Bill passed through Committee without amendment, and, upon Council resuming, the Attorney-General moved the third reading.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
The "Objects and Reasons" state:―
1.―The object of this Bill, which is based on instructions received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, is to prohibit any alien enemy from coming and being within the Colony of Hongkong without a permit from the Government, issued by the Colonial Secretary.
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2.―The definition of "former enemy alien" is in accordance with the above instructions and has been specially drawn so as to exclude subjects of new friendly States from such definition.
3.―The duration of the measure is limited to three years from the date of the commencement thereof.
Supplementary Votes
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the second reading of the Bill intituled, An Ordinance to authorize the appropriation of a supplementary sum of five million four hundred and sixty-six thousand three hundred and twenty-seven dollars and sixty-three cents to defray the charges of the year 1918.
He said: In accordance with usual custom I propose to move that this bill shall be referred to the Finance Committee and I, therefore, will not make any remarks upon the present motion.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the Bill was read a second time.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY then moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committee.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.
Cheung Chau (Residence) Ordinance, 1919
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Bill intituled "An Ordinance to provide that no person shall reside within the southern portion of the Island of Cheung Chau, otherwise known as Dumb Bell Island, without the consent of the Governor-in-Council. In doing so he said: It is probably well known to hon. members of this Council that, for a considerable number of years past, the southern portion of this island has been developed, and has been used as a place of residence by British and American Missionaries. It is proposed by this Bill to pass a law that no person shall reside within that southern portion without the consent of the Governor-in-Council. I regret to say, sir, that I am informed that there will be some comment
and criticism with regard to this Bill and, therefore, I think it is well that I should point out the eminently reasonable nature of the Government scheme. The portion which it is proposed, by this Bill, to reserve is only the southern portion of the island of Cheung Chau, and it represents in area less than half of the total area of that island. It is in the vicinity of the part which has already been developed, as I said just now, by British and American missionaries. There is no question of bringing within the restrictions of this Bill the whole of the island, and there is no question of interfering with any vested rights. As will be seen, it is provided by Clause 2 of the Bill that the consent of the Governor-in-Council is required for residence within the limited area of the southern portion of the island which I have referred to, and any such consent given to such persons includes members of their families, bona fide employés, and bona fide visitors. This Bill has been modelled, roughly, on the Peak District Reservation Ordinance which passed through this Council last year without any opposition or comment. As I have said, it only affects less than one-half of the total area of this island and I submit it is quite a reasonable measure to pass.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.
HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK: Sir, It is not my intention to recall the history of the Peak Reservation Ordinance. The remarks I am going to make are to be confined to the merits of this Bill. The necessity for its passing, if necessity there be, is very vague according to the explanations just given by the Honourable Attorney-General. The locality to which the bill applies is far away from any business or residential quarter and therefore the chance that over-crowding will overtake it in the immediate future is remote. If it were a request made by the people, who are now living there, to reserve it entirely for their own convenience and benefit, they need only be told that, if they like, they can buy up the place and so arrange among themselves as to make it impossible for people outside their community to buy from them any house or land; otherwise, to deprive their fellow citizens of their civic rights and give such to them is unfair and unreasonable. But I cannot believe that, of all people,
64 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
they could have made such a request ― preachers and teachers of equality and fraternity that they are. If, however, it be the wish of the Government to reserve the place as a health resort for its own use, the Government can impose conditions that will make it undesirable or unprofitable for any person to take out a lease of land in that locality. I fail to see that there exists any necessity for having recourse to disagreeable legislation. I do not propose, sir, to use arguments which will involve unpleasant discussions. By the few remarks I have made, I hope that it has been made clear that the Bill is not a necessity and should, therefore, be withdrawn.
THE HON. MR. HO FOOK―In view of the fact that the war has been won by all races in the Empire I cannot be a party to the passing of this Bill which, in my opinion, is nothing more or less than racial legislation. I hope you will see your way to withdraw this Bill as suggested by my colleague. But if you are not disposed to do that I would ask you to leave it in abeyance until the new Governor arrives in order that he may decide whether our suggestion be adopted or disregarded by the Government.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT―I am surprised at the remarks made by both of the Chinese members of the Council. I cannot observe anything in the Bill of a racial kind at all. This part of the island of Cheung Chau, as the Attorney General has pointed out, has been the residence of missionaries and others for some time past. The Government feels that owing to the nature of this small portion of the island of Cheung Chau it ought to be in a position, both in selling land and in making conditions, to decide who shall live there and who shall not. It is not a question, as far as I can see, of anything disagreeable and I am surprised that such a suggestion has been made. If hon. members desire that the Bill should be kept in abeyance until the Governor arrives, I, personally, have no objection.
HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK―I beg to move that the Bill be held in abeyance.
HON. MR. HO FOOK―I second that.
HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER―I did not intend to address the Council on this Bill but I must oppose the amendment. Cheung Chau is an island which has been developed solely by residents who belong to a race which finds it necessary to take their children to the sea-side as much as possible in the summer and who are forced by circumstances to separate themselves from their children by sending them Home for education. A place such as this is not unique in any sense. Such places exist at Kuling and Kuliang. These are missionary resorts where missionaries are able to keep their children as long as possible with them and until it is time to send them to school. They have gone to Cheung Chau and a few others who are unable to leave the Colony have gone also. They have kept to a certain portion of the island and to a certain portion only. There are eleven beaches on the island and only five of them are affected by this Bill. They desire that their children should play on these beaches and if they are driven out by economic pressure, not by racial pressure, in the same way that persons in similar positions have been driven out of level after level of this Colony, they will simply have to go from there and find new places. They came to this Colony 10 years ago. Feeling that the pressure was too great for them to do what they did before― spend their holidays at the Peak ―they looked for a holiday resort in Southern China and the choice rested between the Lo Fah mountains in Chinese territory and Cheung Chau which was then, as far as this part is concerned, uninhabited. They selected Cheung Chau because they thereby hoped to obtain the protection of the British flag and it is that protection they desire now. It is not a case of racial competition but of economic competition. It has been suggested by the senior Chinese member of Council that they should buy up the whole of the island. They do not wish to buy the whole of the island but they desire protection from those who are in a position to do it. If they desire to sell land they wish to sell it to one another so that they may keep these few beaches for themselves and their children. The reason why the Bill should be passed now and not held up is this. While this Bill was under consideration all sales of land in Cheung Chau were held up for one year, and other missionaries who desire
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to build like their friends have been held up for that period―one year nearer the time for sending their children Home. If this Bill is held up for Sir Edward Stubbs' consideration it will pobably be held up for six months more. It will ultimately pass, I have no doubt, because I have opportunities of knowing the feelings of this little community and they are all in favour of being left undisturbed to develop the island in the same way as they have done in the past. I therefore oppose the amendment and support the original resolution.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ― I quite agree with the hon. member who represents the Justices of the Peace. It is an entirely economic question and not a racial question at all. On that ground the Bill should be defended and on that ground it is necessary to pass a measure of this description.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT asked the Hon. Mr. Lau Chu Pak if he wished to fix any time for the Bill to be held in abeyance and the Hon. Mr. Lau Chu Pak replied until the arrival of the new Governor.
All members of Council were informed that they might vote exactly as they wished and upon a division all were against the amendment with the exception of the two Chinese members.
The motion for the second reading was then put and carried and the Bill was read a second time.
Council went into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.
The Bill passed through Committee without amendment, and, upon 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, Mr. Lau Chu Pak and Mr. Ho Fook voting against it.
Places of Public Entertainment
Regulation Ordinance, 1919
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ― I do not propose to proceed with this Bill to-day, because all of the Regulations made under this
Bill are not yet ready and I am anxious that when they are ready they should be circulated to hon. members of this Council so that hon. members may be able to consider at the same time both the Bill and the Regulations made under it.
Rating (Special War Rate) Amendment Ordinance, 1919
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Bill intituled an Ordinance to amend the Rating (Special War Rate) Ordinance, 1917. In doing so he said― The objects and reasons of this Bill are fully stated in the draft memorandum attached to this Bill and I have nothing to add to them.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill read a second time.
Council then went into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.
The Bill passed through Committee without amendment and upon Council resuming the Attorney-General moved the third reading.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
Council then adjourned until the following week.
——
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
——
A meeting of the Finance Committee followed, the Colonial Secretary presiding.
Appropriation Bill
THE CHAIRMAN ― The first thing to consider is the Supplementary Appropriation Bill. I presume that hon. members understand the purport of the Bill which is to vote the deficiencies which occurred last year and to pass expenditure which has been approved already but which, not having been included in the estimates, it is necessary to provide for in the Bill. The amount does not represent new money being voted. As will be seen there are a great number of small amounts which are necessary to round off the accounts for 1918.
HON. MR. ALABASTER asked whether this was not the largest Supplementary Appropriation Bill the Council had ever been asked to pass.
66 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE CHAIRMAN―I suppose it must be the largest, mainly of course because of the extraordinary votes made during the year. For example, the grants made for war purposes such as the Special War Rate contribution to the Imperial Government, $1,052,760 and the other special contribution to the Imperial Government for war purposes $3,189,971. Then there were the special votes made during the year such as $50,000 to the West River Relief Fund, $50,000 to the Tientsin Relief Fund $66,207 to the Hallifax Relief Fund, which were not anticipated in the estimates and which had to be set out in this Bill. It has to be borne in mind that against these increases there have been considerable savings on money voted by the Council for the year 1918. For instance in personal emoluments (salaries) a saving of $454,000 is shown. Then there is a saving of $329,000 under miscellaneous expenditure; $106,000 was saved on pensions, $107,000 on Public Works Extraordinary, $267,000 on public debt. The savings on public debt and pensions are due to the rise in exchange. With regard to the personal emoluments I may say that the saving of $454,000 is accounted for largely by shortage of staff, servants being absent on war service. For instance $103,000 was saved in this way in the Police Department, but on the other hand the Government granted special allowances to the men absent and that is shown under Miscellaneous Services amounting to $207,000.
The Bill passed without amendment. Charitable Services
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of one hundred and twelve dollars and seventy two cents ($112.72) in aid of Charitable Services: ― Charitable Pension, $84.66; Charitable Allowance, $28.06.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is in respect to a family who have had a very unfortunate history. Two brothers who were for a long time in the Government service died, and the only other son met with his death in the Racecourse disaster. No male members of the family are left and this vote is to increase the grant from the Widows and Orphans Fund.
The vote was agreed to.
Police and Prison Departments
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three hundred and twenty-five dollars ($325) in aid of Police and Prison Departments, C.― Prison, Other Charges: Photography, $250, Executioner's Fee, $75.
THE CHAIRMAN―The rise in the price of materials and the increased number of photographs taken account for this vote.
The vote was agreed to.
Rice Allowance
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of forty-eight thousand dollars ($48,000) on account of Miscellaneous Services, Rice Allowance.
THE CHAIRMAN―Members know that the Government has given $2 a month special rice allowance to persons drawing $70 a month or under. This is to cover that change.
The vote was agreed to.
Public Works Extraordinary,
Kowloon
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of six thousand five hundred dollars ($6,500) in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon. Water Works, (39) Miscellaneous Works.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is for 20 hydrants which C.S.P. requires.
The vote was agreed to.
Eurniture for the Imports and
Exports Department
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three hundred dollars ($300) in aid of the vote Imports and Exports Department, other charges, furniture.
The vote was agreed to.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 67
Improvements to Buildings
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of fourteen thousand dollars ($14,000) in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, Buildings (2) Improvements to Buildings.
THE CHAIRMAN―The vote was $9,000 Expenditure was cut down during the war and a great number of alterations and improvements which were required were left outstanding.
The vote was agreed to.
Improvements to Roads
and Bridges
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of four hundred and fifty dollars ($450) in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, Communications (7) Improvements to Roads and Bridges outside the City.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is for widening two small bridges on the old road at Repulse Bay beach.
The vote was agreed to.
New Territories Waterworks
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of two hundred dollars (200) in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, New Territories, Waterworks, (47) Water Account, (Meter, etc.).
THE CHAIRMAN―This is for repairing meters at Lai-Chi-Kok.
The vote was agreed to.
The Motor Road Round the Island
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Communications, (13) Roads: (d) Repulse Bay to Taitam Tuk, Second Section, Improving and Widening existing Road.
THE CHAIRMAN ― The contract was $50,122. Seven thousand cubic yards of rock were cut above what was foreseen, the
estimate being 17,000 cubic yards. There was also a considerable increase in the price of materials.
The vote was agreed to.
Motor Car Allowance
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three hundred dollars ($300) in aid of the vote Judical and Legal Departments, C.―District Officer, Northern District, other charges, Motor Car Allowance.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is an allowance of $25 a month to cover the cost of running the Government car.
The vote was agreed to.
Police Passages
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of nine thousand dollars ($9,000) in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, A. ― Police, Other Charges, Passages, and Bonuses in lieu of passages.
THE CHAIRMAN―The vote is $17,000 and the Council has already voted $4,000. Since the war a large number of women and children, who were previously detained, have been able to go home.
The vote was agreed to.
Kowloon-Canton Railway
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three thousand, four hundred and twenty dollars ($3,420) in aid of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon Expenses, Other Charges:―
Materials for Repairs and Renewals, carriages ........................................... $ 750 Materials for Repairs and Renewals, Wagons ............................................. 1,250 Running Stores, Engines, Oil ............... 1,000 Running Stores, Carriages and Wagons, Oil ...................................... 420 ———
Total .............................. $3,420
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68 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE CHAIRMAN―Materials have gone up in price. With regard to oil, the contracts were made after the estimates were passed and the costs were in some cases more than double.
The vote was agreed to.
Moorings in the Harbour
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three thousand dollars (3,000) in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, A. ― Harbour Office, Special Expenditure, Acquisition and rearrangement of moorings in Victoria Harbour.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is to replace two worn-out buoys.
The vote was agreed to.
Central Police Station
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three thousand nine hundred dollars ($3,900) in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, Repairs, Alterations, and Improvements to Central Police-station.
THE CHAIRMAN―The offices were out of date and there has been a general rearrangement.
The vote was agreed to.
Miscellaneous Public Works
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Miscellaneous, (37) Miscellaneous Works.
THE CHAIRMAN―These is for the wall at Gun Club hill.
The vote was agreed to.
Typhoon and Rainstorm Damage
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of three thousand, five hundred dollars ($3,500) in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, New Territories, Miscellaneous (45) Typhoon and Rainstorm Damages.
THE CHAIRMAN―The vote was $7,000. The vote was agreed to.
Kowloon Drainage Works Etc.
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of thirteen thousand, eight hundred, and ten dollars ($13,810) in aid of the following votes: ―
Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon Drainage:―
(33) Training Nullah, General
Works .................................... $ 9,500.00 (34) Miscellaneous Drainage
Works .................................... 3,600.00 New Territories, Buildings
(40) Market at Tai O, including
reclaiming site ...................... 710.00 —————
Total ............................. $13,810.00 —————
The vote was agreed to.
Shaukiwan Police Station
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000) in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, Additions and Alterations to Shaukiwan Police-station.
THE CHAIRMAN―The Council has voted $9,000, but when the servants block was stripped it was found that the walls had no foundation and the block had to be re-built.
The vote was agreed to.
Legal Expenses
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of six hundred and twenty-five dollars ($625) in aid of the vote Crown Solicitor, Other Charges, Extra Legal Expenses.
THE CHAIRMAN―This in connection with Counsel's fees.
The vote was agreed to.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 69
Brushwood Clearing
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) in aid of the vote Botanical and Forestry Department, other charges, Brushwood Clearing.
THE CHAIRMAN―The vote was $1,500 but the P.W.D. required a great deal of clearing done in connection with new roads.
The vote was agreed to.
Castle Peak Road
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of one hundred and five thousand dollars ($105,000) in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, (41) Roads: (a) Shamshuipo to Castle Peak, Section Tsun Wan to Castle Peak―20 feet wide.
THE CHAIRMAN―The total cost of the road was $433,307. The expenditure in 1918 was $213,000 odd leaving $220,000 to be met in 1919. The vote for 1919 was $115,000 and the difference between the $115,000 and $220,000 is the sum now required. The first part of the road was done at a very cheap rate and the amount of rock in the further parts of the road
could not be foreseen and especially the amount of sliding rock which had to be cut away and propped up. On one section the road cost $37,780 a mile and on another section $41,000. The total cost of the road works out at $39,000 odd per mile.
The vote was agreed to.
Typewriter for the Land Registry
Office
The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of one hundred and fifty-two dollars and cents eighty-six ($152.86) in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Departments, E.―Office of Land Registry, Special Expenditure, Typewriter.
The vote was agreed to.
Peace Celebrations
The Officer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a sum of four thousand seven hundred dollars ($4,700) in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Peace Celebrations.
THE CHAIRMAN―The total cost to the Government was $13,080, out of which $8,500 has been voted. This money is to close the account.
The vote was agreed to.
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