HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 25 10TH MAY, 1923.
PRESENT:―
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR REGINALD EDWARD STUBBS, K.C.M.G.
COLONEL C. W. DAVY, C.M.G., D.S.O. (temporarily Commanding the Troops)
HON. MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER, C.M.G., C.B.E. (Colonial Secretary).
HON. MR. J. H. KEMP, K.C., C.B.E. (Attorney General).
HON. MR. C. MCI. MESSER, O.B.E. (Colonial Treasurer).
HON. MR. E. R. HALLIFAX, C.B.E. (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).
HON. MR. E. A. IRVING (Director of Education).
HON. MR. T. L. PERKINS (Director of Public Works).
HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C.
HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK.
HON. MR. E. V. D. PARR.
HON. MR. A. G. STEPHEN.
HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.
MR. S. B. B. MCELDERRY (Clerk of Councils).
New Member
Mr. R. H. KOTEWALL took the oath and his seat as representing Chinese interests on the Council.
Tribute to the Late Hon. Mr.
Ng Hon-tsz
H.E. THE GOVERNOR ― Gentlemen,― Since the last meeting of this Council, the Council, the Chinese community especially,
and the whole Colony of Hongkong have suffered another serious loss―the second in a short time―the loss of one of the Chinese members of Council, Mr. Ng Hon-tsz. Mr. Ng Hon-tsz had not been long a member of this Council but he had previously done good work for his community and showed every sign of being a valuable representative of his community on this Council. His untimely death is greatly to be deplored. He would, I am sure, have been a very useful member of the Council and he possessed a particularly charming personality, so that his death strikes one with a sense of personal loss. I propose that the Clerk of the Council be instructed to express to the late member's family our very sincere sympathy with them in the loss that they have sustained.
HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK ― Sir,―On behalf of the Unofficial members of this Council, I may say that we desire to associate ourselves sincerely with the words which have just fallen from your Excellency. I myself had, on many occasions, as Senior Unofficial member, occasion to consult Mr. Ng Hon-tsz on various matters, and I invariably found him a wise, sound and faithful counsellor. I feel that by his death not only the Unofficial members, but the Council as a whole, have sustained a very serious loss, and I desire to associate the Unofficial members with your Excellency's expression of condolence with the family of the deceased.
HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL―Sir,―I beg respectfully to associate myself with the sentiments expressed by your Excellency and the honourable
26 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
senior unofficial member. By the untimely death of Mr. Ng Hon-tsz this Honourable Council has lost a valuable member, and the Colony a public-spirited citizen. To me the sense of loss is poignant indeed, for I enjoyed Mr. Ng's friendship for over twenty years, and had only recently hoped to have the honour of his co-operation and the benefit of his guidance on this Council during Mr. Chow Shou-son's absence on leave. But it was not to be. Just as I entered upon my new duties he was, with bewildering suddenness, struck down by the cruel hand of an inscrutable destiny, in his very prime and the fullness of his vigour. Those who knew him, know what a large amount of solid good work he had done for the Colony, and particularly for the Chinese community whom he represented first on the Sanitary Board and afterwards on this Council with singular fidelity. Without the advantage of birth, and without any of those showy attributes which have helped to make so many reputations, he carved out for himself a successful career, filling many parts in our public life, and being adequate to them all. I ascribe his success to his high character and good sense ― his transparent honesty, simplicity of nature, well-balanced mind, and as your Excellency has so aptly put it, his charming personality. Many of us feel that such a man is hard to replace; and this feeling is the measure of our appraisement of his worth. In the name of the Chinese Community, I join with sorrowing respect in the tribute which you, Sir, and the honourable senior unofficial member have just paid to Mr. Ng's memory, and also in the expression of heartfelt sympathy to his widow and family.
Members remained standing while these speeches were made.
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed and signed by the President.
Orders in Council, etc.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor laid on the table the following orders in Council which had been issued since the last meeting in Council and published in the Government Gazette:―
Order under section 3 of the Licensing Ordinance 1887, dated 22nd February, 1923.
Order under section 24 of the Rents Ordinance, 1922, dated 22nd February, 1923.
Proclamation under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899, Ordinance No. 10 of 1899 (Quarantine regulations).
Order relating to an additional condidition of Chinese Restaurant Licences, dated 14th March, 1923.
Order under section 9 of the Post Office Ordinance, dated 14th March, 1923.
Order under section 24 of the Rents Ordinance, 1922, dated 15th March, 1923.
Notification under section 9 of the Post Ordinance), 1921, dated 29th March, 1923.
Order under section 9 of the Post Office Ordinance dated 19th March, 1923.
Regulation under section 4 of the Stamp Ordinance, 1921, dated 22nd March, 1923.
Rules under section 7 of the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement Ordinance), 1921, dated 29th March, 1923.
Order under section 24 of the Rents Ordinance, 1922, dated 12th April, 1923.
Regulation under section 5 of the Ferries Ordinance, 1917, dated 12th April, 1923.
Regulation under section 37 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899, Ordinance 10 of 1899 (as amended by the Merchant Shipping Amendment Ordinance, 1917), dated 12th April, 1923.
Order under section 24 of the Rents Ordinance dated 26th April, 1923.
Papers
There were also laid on the table the annual reports of the Manager of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (British Section) the Registrar of the Supreme Court, and the Director of the Royal Observatory, for the year 1922; also the Jurors' List for 1923.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 27
Tobacco Duties
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY―Sir, I beg to propose the resolution under Section 7 of the Tobacco Ordinance, 1916, which stands in my name, as follows:―
Resolved that on and after the 11th day of May, 1923, the duties payable upon tobacco heretofore or hereafter imported into or manufactured in the Colony shall be as follows, namely:
(a.) Cigars valued at not less than $3.25 per lb .............................. $2.50 (b.) Cigars valued at not less than $2.10 per lb .............................. 1.50 (c.) Cigars valued at not less than $1.50 per lb .............................. .70 (d.) Cigars valued at not less than $0.70 per lb .............................. .50 (e.) Tobacco, cigarettes and snuff valued at not less than $1.60
per lb. ....................................... 1.50 (f.) Tobacco, cigarettes and snuff valued at less than $1.60 and
not less than $1.10 per lb ......... .70
that cheaper brands are considerably used and these have been practically driven off the market. The new duty on snuff is from 30 cents upwards. I beg to move the resolution.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the resolution was carried.
Fees of Chinese Restaurants
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY―Sir, I beg to move the resolution under Section 28 of the Liquors Consolidation Ordinance, 1911, which stands in my name:
Resolved that the scale of fees payable for Chinese Restaurant Licences as specified in the Second Schedule to the Liquors Consolidation Ordinance, 1911, Ordinance No. 9 of 1911, shall, with effect from the 31st day of December, 1923, be repealed and that the following scale shall be substituted therefor:―
Chinese Restaurant Licence:―
when the valuation of the premises occupied is:―
under $500 ....................... $ 250
$500 or over, but under
(g.) Tobacco, cigarettes and snuff valued at less than $1.10 per lb.
and not less than $.060 per lb. . .50 (h.) Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and snuff of any other kind not
herein otherwise provided for .. .30
$2,000 .......................... 500 $2,000 or over, but under $5,000 .......................... 1,000 $5,000 or over, but under $10,000 ........................ 2,000 $10,000 or over ................ 3,000
Annually in
advance.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY said―The general effect is not to alter in any way the revenue which is derived from the sale of cigars, cigarettes and tobacco. The general increase in prices, cost of material and wages has led to an increase in the price of cigars, especially those of the better class, and as the duty was payable according to the price which the cigars fetched, it follows that the rise in the price of the cheaper cigars brought them into a higher class. For example, under the existing scale cigars valued at $2.20 and over pay $2.50 duty, and this new scale raises the value of those cigars to $3.25: that is, a cigar, the value of which is not less than $3.25 a lb. will, in future, pay on the $2.50 scale and the $2.20 cigar, which now pays $2.50, will pay only $1.50. It is simply to move up the scale of prices to meet the actual increased cost of the cigars. Cigarettes are not affected, nor is tobacco. With regard to snuff, there is an all round duty at present of $2.50 a lb. It is found
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY ― In October last this Council readjusted the fees chargeable to European Hotels―the Publicans' licence fees. This scale is a readjustment of the fees charged for Chinese restaurants. Since the existing scale was introduced the nature of these houses has very largely changed: they are very much bigger and it is considered equitable, as the bigger hotels are paying more, that these large modern restaurants should pay somewhat in the same proportion, although the fees are not so high. The lowest fee, when the valuation of the premises occupied is under $500, is now reduced from $300 to $250. The other fees are increased. The maximum fee has been $900 for any restaurant of $2,000 rating or over. Now the largest restaurant is put up to $10,000 and over and the fee is made $2,000. I beg to move the resolution.
28 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the resolution was carried.
Police Supervision
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill instituled, An Ordinance to provide for police supervision of certain persons. He said: The Police Supervision Ordinance, 1922 previded for police supervision of certain criminals by order of a magistrate, a judge or the Governor in Council. On re-consideration it has been decided to restrict the power of supervision to the magistrate's court. This Bill re-enacts the provisions relating to orders by a magistrate and omits those provisions which relate to orders by a judge or the Governor in Council. There are other very slight alterations but they are all matters of minute detail and relate to the machinery of the Ordinance and are meant to ensure smoother working. This Bill proceeds by way of re-enactment rather than by way of amendment, partly because it is not quite easy to disentangle the necessary provisions from those which are to be dropped, and partly because of the fact that a revised edition of the Ordinances is in course of preparation.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded and the Bill was read a first time.
Certificates to Chinese Going
Abroad
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill instituled, An Ordinance to authorise the imposition of fees for the issue of certificates to Chinese proceeding to foreign countries. He said: This Bill, Sir, is intended to extend to all countries the principle of the Chinese Certificates (Fees) Ordinance, 1898. That Ordinance provides for a fee being charged to Chinese persons other than labourers proceeding to the United States of America, or places in the possession of the United States. This Bill is intended to give power to take a fee for certificates given to Chinese other than labourers proceeding to any foreign country. It makes the fee $50 in all cases, including the case of the Philippine Islands where at present the fee is only $25.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded,
and the Bill was read a first time.
Arms and Ammunition Ordinance
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill instituled, An Ordinance to amend the Arms and Ammunition Ordinance, 1900. He said: The principal Ordinance was amended in 1919 in order to provide more severe penalties for possession of arms and ammunition. The amending Ordinance gave power to two magistrates sitting together to impose up to $2,000 fine and two years imprisonment. It also enabled arms cases to be committed for trial and gave the Supreme Court power to impose imprisonment up to seven years. The object of this Bill is to make a number of amendments in the Principal Ordinance to carry out the intention of the amending Ordinance of 1919. There is only one amendment of any substance: it relates to Section 8 of the principal Ordinance. That section provides that if any ammunition or arms are found on board any launch, motor-boat, junk, or sampan, and the person in charge, or appearing to be in charge, does not produce a valid authority under the Arms Ordinance, that all persons on board, including the person in charge, are deemed to be in possession of the arms and to be liable to the punishment provided by the Ordinance. There is a proviso that no person shall be liable under that section if he proves to the satisfaction of the magistrate (that is why the amendment is now required in the section) that he was not the person in charge, but was on board as a passenger or member of the crew and was not aware of the presence of the arms or ammunition on board. It has recently been held that that presumption does not apply to trials at the Criminal Sessions, because of the reference in the section to the magistrate, and the principal amendment to be made by this Bill is to apply that presumption to trials before the Supreme Court as well as to trials before the magistrate. The other amendments proposed by this Bill are merely consequential or minor amendments rendered necessary to carry out fully the policy of the amending Ordinance of 1919. I beg to move the first reading.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the first reading was agreed to.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 29
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL―Sir, I beg to move the suspension of Standing Orders to allow this Bill to be carried through all its stages at this meeting. I submit that this course is justified by the seriousness and the unfortunate prevalence of the crime to which the Ordinance relates, and it seems desirable that this presumption should be made applicable to all trials―not only to trials in the magistrate's court ― at as early a date as possible.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR―Under Standing Order 48 it is necessary that I should declare that an emergency exists and the grounds therefor. I am of opinion that theemergency exists and my grounds for that opinion are that offences against the Arms and Ammunition Ordinances are very dangerously prevalent at the present time so that it is essential in the public interest that the law courts should have the utmost possible powers to deal with such offences and that no time should be lost in giving them these powers. I accordingly authorise the introduction of the motion.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded the motion for suspension of Standing Orders, which was carried.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL then moved the second reading of the Bill.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agree to.
The Council resolved itself into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.
The Bill passed through Committee without amendment and on the Council being resumed the ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved that the Bill be read a third time.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was passed.
Incorporation of the Y.M.C.A.
HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to provide for the incorporation of the Directors of the Young Men's Christian Association of Hongkong. He said: This Bill, Sir, follows the ordinary lines for incorporation of similar institutions, and I think it requires no explanation on my part beyond that which is contained in the Objects and Reasons attached to the Bill which have been circulated to hon.
members. It may, however, perhaps, interest the public to learn that a site has been granted by the Government for the erection of a building properly equipped and up-to-date for this Association at Kowloon in the vicinity of the Star Ferry Wharf. I may also add that plans have been prepared by the architects and sent in to the Government, and we have every hope that those plans will very shortly be passed and that it will be possible in a few weeks' time to commence work on the foundations of this building. Mr. J. L. McPherson, who is Secretary of the Chinese Y.M.C.A., who has been of very great assistance to the Directors of this Association, is now at Home on leave and he is going to be good enough to inform the authorities at Home of the kind of Secretary who will be required for the work of the Y.M.C.A. in this Colony. In connection with this measure, Sir, the usual advertisements have been inserted in the Government Gazette and the local press to accord with the Royal instructions and also with the standing rules of this Council. I will now call upon my hon. friend, the representative of the Chamber of Commerce, to second the motion for the first reading of this Bill.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK ― Sir, I beg to second the motion.
The first reading was then agreed to.
The "Objects and Reasons" attached to the Bill state:―
(1.) The object of this bill is to incorporate the Directors of the Young Men's Christian Association of Hongkong in order to enable them to hold immovable property in perpetual succession. The advantages of incorporation are obvious. The bill follows the general form of incorporation Ordinances.
(2.) The appointment of directors, and all matters of internal management, such as the majority required for any decision of the directors and the machinery for the alteration of the constitution, are left to be decided in accordance with the constitution of the association for the time being.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR―I propose that we adjourn for three weeks in order that we may have the amendment of the Rents Ordinance before us.
30 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
Tributes to the Retiring D.P.W.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR―Before we close this meeting it is necessary to refer to one other event. I regret to say that this is the last time the Hon. Director of Public Works will attend our meeting. Mr. Perkins has served in this Colony for approximately 20 years. He was appointed originally, I think, in 1904 as executive engineer and very quickly established a reputation which he has preserved and added to consistently throughout that period. It is well known to all of us that for years past Mr. Perkins has been the backbone of the Department and it was a great pleasure to me to secure his appintment to succeed Mr. Chatham. I deeply regret that his tenure of office has been so short, but I have been unable to persuade Mr. Perkins to extend it, and I have not been able to press him to do so because I am well aware that the reason for his retirement is owing to ill-health brought about by the great amount of work he has done during several years past. The work Mr. Perkins has done for the Colony is very visible and his name will be associated with many great and important works, but I think what will remain most in my mind with regard to Mr. Perkins' work is the imperturbable good humour with which he has always met every suggestion and proposal and the amazing readiness with which he has always undertaken duties which should not necessarily devolve upon him. I think the Director of Public Works for several years past has been doing far more detailed work of the Department than we had any right to expect of him. I part with Mr. Perkins with the greatest regret which, I feel sure, will be shared by every member of this Council and everyone who has been brought into contact with him. I am sure you will join with me in wishing him a speedy restoration to health and long enjoyment of the retirement which he has earned by many years of devoted public service.
HON. MR. POLLOCK―On behalf of the Unofficial members I desire to say that we associate ourselves entirely with the terms with which your Excellency has referred to the distinguished service and hard work on behalf of the Colony by the Director of Public Works.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― Your Excellency, hon. members of the Legislative Council, I desire to thank you, Sir, and the members of the Council for associating themselves with the very graceful words you have spoken about the services I have been able to render in this Colony. I can assure you, Sir, that I appreciate the great kindness and consideration I have received from you and every member of this Council without exception. I have had a pretty strenuous career all my life, and the work the last year or two has been tremendously heavy. The war put things back and the work has been exceptional, but I wish to place on record, Sir, that whenever I have approached you, or any member of this Council, with any request for assistance or help of any kind it has always been given to me to the fullest extent. Circumstances have sometimes precluded the possibility of help being given to the full measure: for one thing, we have not had the buildings to accommodate the necessary staff, but as far as possible you have always given the assistance for which I have applied. In leaving the Colony I withdraw from what has been the greatest interest of my life. I have spent here the years which are fullest in a man's life, and they have been particularly full with me. I have seen the Colony grow into what I have come to feel is one of the finest cities in the Far East, and I have been particularly happy in the work here and the cordial co-operation of the Council. From all I have had nothing but cordial assistance; criticism seems to have been forgotten. I can only thank you again, Sir, and all the members, for the kind things said about me. ― (Applause.)
The Council then adjourned until May 31st at 2.30 p.m.
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FINANCE COMMITTEE
——
A meeting of the Finance Committee was afterwards held, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding.
Police Department Votes
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,000 in aid of the vote Police Department, Other Charges, Small Stores.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 31
THE CHAIRMAN mentioned that this expenditure was on 500 number plates for motor-cars and 500 for motor-cycles at $2 a set.
Agreed.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,000 on account of Police Department, Special Expenditure, One New Boiler for No. 1 Police Launch.
THE CHAIRMAN said the launch was built twenty years ago and the boiler was now worn out.
Agreed.
Motor-Boat for Marine Surveyor
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,150 in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, New Motor Boat for Government Marine Surveyor's Office.
THE CHAIRMAN said the vote for this was $7,000 and the extra amount now asked for was required.
Agreed.
Road Improvements at
Happy Valley
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Communications, Roads, ― Improvement to Roads necessitated by the extension of Tramway Track around Happy Valley.
THE CHAIRMAN said that when the tramway track was run round the Valley, part of the road had to be widened.
Agreed.
Directional Wireless
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $33,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Mast, Building, Machinery, and Cables for Directional Installation at Cape D'Aguilar.
THE CHAIRMAN said that the Council had voted $65,000 for this and other work, but a rearrangement had been made and that vote cancelled. The sum of $33,000 was required
for the Directional Installation.
HON. MR. POLLOCK―Will this make it more efficient than before?
THE CHAIRMAN―This is a new system entirely.
Agreed.
Vote for the Nursing Home
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $200,000 on account of Miscellaneous Services, War Memorial Nursing Home.
THE CHAIRMAN ― The Government approved the grant of an area of 15 or 14 acres and are giving a sum not exceeding $200,000 on the understanding that an equal sum is contributed by subscribers. As you are aware the sum contributed will be much more than that.
HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL―Will this Nursing Home be open to all residents irrespective of race?
THE CHAIRMAN―Yes, that is the intention. It will be run on the lines of the Peak Hospital. The poorer classes, as at present, will be taken in at the Government Civil Hospital. The Nursing Home will be open to all who care to pay the fees.
Agreed.
Motor Pumps for Fire Brigade
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $14,500 on account of Fire Brigade, Special Expenditure, One Motor Pump.
THE CHAIRMAN explained that this was a Crown Agents' account which came too late for inclusion in the Estimates.
Agreed.
Vote for Boundary Stones
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, (20) Boundary Stones.
Agreed.
32 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
A Medical Vote
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,500 on account of Medical Department, Special Expenditure, (B) Hospitals and Asylums, Equipment of Out Patients Department, Civil Hospital.
THE CHAIRMAN explained that the vote for this had lapsed as the Crown Agents accounts were not received in time.
Agreed.
Public works
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $46,800 on account of the following votes:―
Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong:―
Alterations to Harbour
View for Police Training
School ............................. $16,000.00 Conversion of Houses on
Marine Lot No. 381 for
use as a Central Fire
Station ............................. 3,500.00 Vaccination Shed, West
Point ................................ 5,500.00 Kowloon:―
Royal Observatory,
Seismograph Room, and
Gas Service ..................... 6,000.00 Water Police Station,
Additional Barrack
Rooms ............................. 10,000.00 Levelling off site of
Kowloon Inland Lot No.
630 .................................. 5,800.00 —————
$46,800.00
—————
THE CHAIRMAN ― The Finance Committee has seen the various items and explanations. I do not know whether any further information is desired by any member of the Council. These works were not foreseen at the time the Estimates were framed last year and have since been considered necessary.
Agreed.
Cattle Isolation
The Governor recommended the Council to
vote a sum of $11,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, Conversion of Shed at Kennedy Town for use of Imports and Exports Department and Construction of Temporory Cattle Isolation Shed, South of Inland Lot 954.
THE CHAIRMAN explained that the old shed was being given to the I. & E. Dept. and a new shed erected for the isolation of cattle.
Agreed.
A Land Office Vote
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $237 on account of Land Office, Special Expenditure, Typewriter.
Agreed.
The Subsistence of Lunatics
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,200 in aid of the vote Charitable Service, Transport and Subsistence of Lunatics.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This vote was only $500 and there is a man named Pereira, of Portuguese race, who proved birth in Hongkong. He is now in Shanghai, where they have no asylum. After some correspondence we agreed to receive him here and pay the charges.
HON. MR. POLLOCK ― How many inmates are there in the Asylum just now?
THE CHAIRMAN―I am afraid I cannot answer that without notice. There are very few Europeans―two or three. The Chinese are collected and from time to time sent to Dr. John Kerr's Hospital at Canton.
HON. MR. POLLOCK ― I take it the Government is still maintaining its policy of repatriating European inmates?
THE CHAIRMAN ― Certainly, I may say we have selected a site for a new Asylum, near Laichikok. It is the intention to move to the New Territories as soon as possible.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 33
HON. MR. POLLOCK ― In connection with the new asylum I would like to express the hope that a certain amount of ground will be provided for exercising purposes.
THE CHAIRMAN―Yes; and for growing vegetables. We are told that is an industry on which the inmates may be advantageously employed.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK ― It is really intended to have a considerable area of ground around the building?
THE CHAIRMAN ― Yes. The situation earmarked is immediately above the oil tanks at Laichikok.
Agreed.
Meters at Fanling and Taipo
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,500 in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, New Territories, Waterworks (53) Water Account (Meters, etc).
THE CHAIRMAN―This is for meters at Fanling and Taipo. A new service has been put in at Taipo.
Agreed.
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