126 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 29TH DECEMBER, 1924.
PRESENT:―
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR REGINALD EDWARD STUBBS, K.C.M.G.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING THE TROOPS (MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JOHN FOWLER, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.).
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY (HON. SIR CLAUD SEVERN, K.B.E., C.M.G.).
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (HON. MR. J. H. KEMP, K.C., C.B.E.).
THE COLONIAL TREASURER (HON. MR. C. MCI. MESSER, O.B.E.).
HON. MR. E. R. HALLIFAX, C.B.E. (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).
HON. MR. H. T. CREASY (Director of Public Works).
HON. MR. E. D. C. WOLFE (Captain Superintendent of Police).
HON. SIR HENRY POLLOCK, K.C.
HON. MR. P.H. HOLYOAK.
HON. MR. CHOW SOU-SON.
HON. MR. H. W. BIRD.
HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.
HON. MR. C. MONTAGUE EDE.
MR. S. B. B. MCELDERRY (Clerk of Councils). The Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting of the Council were approved and signed.
Papers
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid upon the table the follwing papers:―
Order made by the Governor in Council under section 24 of the Rents Ordinance, 1922, on 13th November, 1924.
Two Orders made by the Governor in Council under section 24 of the Rents Ordinance, 1922, on 20th November, 1924.
Notification made by the Governor in Council under section 7 of the Holidays Ordinance, 1912, on 27th December, 1924.
Notification made by the Governor in Council under section 210 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, on 27th November, 1924.
Two Regulations made by the Governor in Council under section 5 of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, 1873, on 27th November, 1924.
Notification made by the Governor in Council under section 90 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, on 27th November, 1924.
Regulation made by the Governor in Council under section 6 of the Dogs Ordinance, 1893, on 4th December, 1924.
Order made by the Governor in Council under section 24 of the Rents Ordinance, 1922, on 11th December, 1924.
Order made by the Governor in Council under section 36 (3) of the Tramway Ordinance, 1902, on 18th December, 1924.
Regulation made by the Governor in Council under section 3 of the Vehicles and Traffic Regulation Ordinance, 1912, on 18th December, 1924.
Regulation made by the Governor in Council under section 37 (2) (b) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899, on 18th December, 1924.
Regulation made by the Governor in Council under section 3 of the Vehicles and Traffic Regulation Ordinance, 1912, on 23rd December, 1924.
By-law made by the Star Ferry Company, Limited, under Star Ferry Company Ordinance, 1902, on 23rd December, 1924.
Report on the Commercial Development of the Port of Hongkong by John Duncan, M.INST.C.E., Chartered Civil Engineer, Port Engineer, Hongkong.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 127
Port Development Scheme
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY referring to this report said―This Report has only just been received from the printers and it is only necessary to say at this meeting that a more interesting and important document has seldom been laid before the Council. It will receive the close consideration of the Government, and I feel that Honourable Members will wish to express to Mr. Duncan their appreciation of the great ability with which he has tackled the subject. I only hope that in course of time the work that has been done by him and those associated with him will bear fruit.
The Staffing of the Kowloon Hospital
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY―Sir, I wish to make a statement to the Council. In view of the decision of the Government to abandon the proposal to employ members of the Foreign Mission Sisters of St. Dominic, New York, generally known as the Maryknoll Sisterhood, for the staffing of the Kowloon Hospital, it is desirable that honourable members should be informed of the cause of this decision.
The proposal to employ Maryknoll Sisters was first made in June, 1920, and was supported by the Principal Civil Medical Officer, Dr. Johnson. After much consideration the matter came before the Executive Council in May, 1923, and it was decided that the Colonial Secretary should consult the Kowloon Residents' Association in the first instance. This was done, and on the 6th June, 1923, the Honorary Secretary of the Kowloon Residents' Association informed the Government that the General Committee approved the plan provided that the Government undertook that:―
(1) thorough training is assured,
(2) complete Government control is retained, and (3) all religious matters are rigidly excluded.
On the 6th September, 1923, the Executive Council decided that the Maryknoll Sisterhood should be asked to undertake the nursing at the new Kowloon Hospital An agreement was therefore drawn up and sent to New York on the 28th October last. A few days later His Excellency the Governor was asked by certain members of the Executive Council that the question of the employment of the Maryknoll Sisters should be reconsidered, and on the 13th November the Executive Council decided that further reference should be made to the Kowloon Residents' Association to ascertain the views of the
members generally on the subject. A telegram was sent to New York asking that action should be suspended on the letter of October 28th, and on the 18th November the Honorary Secretary of the Kowloon Residents' Association addressed a letter to the Government reviewing the whole subject and stating that after very lengthy and serious consideration the Committee, in view of a petition sent by 610 British residents of Kowloon, containing a larger proportion of the members of the Association, had to request the Government to refrain from completing its arrangements with the Maryknoll Sisterhood and to take steps for the provision of a British staff similar to that at present employed in the Government Civil Hospital. The Government agreed to accept the advice of the Kowloon Residents' Association and the arrangements made for the employment of the Maryknoll Sisters were cancelled.
It is hardly necessary for me to state that in arriving at this decision the Government was in no way influenced by any considerations of the religious aspect of this admirable organization, such as had been very unnecessarily and unfortunately raised in correspondence in the public Press. The view taken by the Government was that having consulted the Kowloon Residents' Association originally, it could not refuse to reconsider the matter on such a strong representation as was made, because it was obviously necessary to avoid any action which might affect the popularity and usefulness of the hospital.
The Government has conveyed to the Maryknoll Sisterhood its appreciation of the willingness of the Society to undertake the work and its great regret that the abandonment of the scheme came at so late a stage.
128 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Finance
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid upon the table Financial Minutes Nos. 106 to 132 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, also laid upon the table the Report of the Finance Committee (No. 12), and moved that it be adopted.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
Fraudulent Transfers of Business (Amendment) Ordinance
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the Fraudulent Transfers of Businesses Ordinance, 1923.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, seconded and the Bill was read a second time.
The Bill was then referred to Committee for consideration and on Council resuming it was reported that the Bill had been approved.
On the motion of the ATTORNEY-GENERAL, seconded by the COLONIAL SECRETARY, the Bill was read a third time and passed accordingly.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR ― The Council will adjourn until the conclusion of the Finance Committee meeting which will now take place. ——
FINANCE COMMITTEE
——
A meeting of the Finance Committee was then held, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding.
The Wireless Station
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $27,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, Installation of Valve Transmitting Set for Cape D'Aguilar Station.
THE CHAIRMAN―On the 20th of March last the Finance Committee approved expenditure amounting
to £3,000 for the purchase and instalment of a valve transmitting set at the Station. Some of the apparatus arrived some time ago and the remainder is expected to arrive before the end of the year. The commitments in London are £2,543, to which must be added freight and installation. It is considered that $27,000 will cover the whole cost.
Approved.
Road Surfacing in New Territories
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $20,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Communications, (123) Roads, (e) Surfacing and Strengthening those portions of main road running through paddy.
THE CHAIRMAN―The vote on the estimates (page 82) is $30,000. The supplementary vote now required of $20,000 is due to the fact that a section of road between Castle Peak and Un Long has been used by bus and lorry traffic to a greater extent than anticipated, and it has been necessary to incur considerable expense in order to keep it in a reasonable state of repair.
Approved.
Forestry Vote
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $900 in aid of the vote Botanical and Forestry Department, Other Charges, Brushwood Clearing.
THE CHAIRMAN―The sum required is owing to the expense incurred by extensive clearing of brushwood at Mount Kellet to allow of the training of water courses with a view to improving the drainage.
Approved.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 129
Public Works Vote
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $177,950 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Recurrent:―
Kowloon:
Communications, 30, Maintenance
of Telephone ................................. $ 700 Water Works, 39, Maintenance of
Water Works ................................. 6,000 Water Works, 40, Water Account
(Meters, etc.) ................................. 4,000 New Territories:
Buildings, 41, Maintenance of
Buildings ....................................... 6,000 Water Works, 50, Maintenance of
Lai Chi Kok .................................. 3,000 Public Works, Extraordinary:―
Kowloon:―
Communications, 92, Roads (h)
General Works............................... 61,000 Miscellaneous, 98, Chinese
Cemeteries, Laying out new areas 3,000 Water Works, 106, Pipers Hill
Service Reservoir ......................... 10,000 Water Works, 108, Miscellaneous,
Water Works ................................. 3,000 New Territories:
Buildings, 118, Police Station,
Kowloon City ............................... 10,000 Buildings, 119, Police Station,
Shamshuipo .................................. 10,000 Communications, 123, Roads (j)
General Works............................... 26,250 Miscellaneous, 127, Kaulungtong
Development Scheme, (b)
Excavation and filling .................. 35,000 ————
Total ....................... $177,950
THE CHAIRMAN―These items ought to have been numbered. There are 13 sums of money required to supplement various votes under Public Works Recurrent and Extraordinary.
The $700 in item 1 is due to taking over the new Exchange at Yaumati, previously worked by the Police, and the increased number of telephones being operated.
Item 2: The $6,000 is due to increased consumption and the monthly maintenance contract prices.
Item 3: The $4,000 is required for new meters, and meter repairs.
Item 4: $6,000. This is caused by a larger amount of work than was anticipated having been undertaken in the New Territories.
Item 5: The $3,000 is due to special repairs to filter beds, and to a new electric motor and temporary pump.
Item 6: The $61,000 is due to the general development in the erection of buildings at Kowloon.
Item 7: $3,000. This is accounted for by the fact that we have found it necessary to carry out more work than was anticipated.
Item 8: $10,000. This is due to the satisfactory progress of work being made on contracts.
Item 9: The $3,000 additional is chiefly due to the extension of mains in the district.
Items 10 and 11: These are two Police Stations. The progress of the work is in excess of the sum provided in the Estimates.
Item 12: This is due to the general development and erection of buildings in the New Territories.
Item 13: $35,000. Progress was in excess of the sum provided in the Estimates.
Approved.
The Temporary Magistracy at Yaumati
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $4,600 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Conversion of Old Yaumati Police Station into a temporary Magistracy and equipment thereof.
THE CHAIRMAN―The increased expenditure is the cost of additional items and fittings required in the Magistracy at Kowloon.
Approved.
Pier at Blackhead's Point
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $20,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Pier, Blackhead's Point.
THE CHAIRMAN ― The additional expense required is entirely due to the foundation work, it being necessary to remove by divers the remains of the old Pier, and a considerable amount of rubble, before the piles can be put in.
Approved.
130 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Miscellaneous Services
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $225,180 in aid of the following votes:―
Miscellaneous Services:―
Bathing Places North Point, Kennedy
Town and Stonecutters' Island ........... $ 2,700 British Empire Exhibition ...................... 12,069 Crown Agents' Commission .................. 5,369 Language Study Allowances ................. 6,766 Motor Cars, Running Expenses ............ 3,304 Newspapers and Periodicals .................. 790 Purchase and upkeep of Typewriters .... 1,151 Rent Allowances ..................................... 32,300 Stationery ................................................. 11,116 Transport of Government Servants ....... 91,024 Purchase of Motor Cars .......................... 2,129 Flood Relief Fund.................................... 50,000 Grant in Aid of Scientific Institutions:
―
The Ross Institute for Tropical
Diseases ........................................... 2,087 Charitable Services:―
Other Charitable Allowances ................ 2,046 Passages and Relief of Destitutes .......... 976 Transport of Subsistence of Lunatics .... 392 Charitable Allowances: ― Leung
Wong Shi ............................................. 53 Treasury:
Treasurer's Office, Other Charges:―
Incidental Expenses ............................ 101 Stamp Office, Other Charges: ―
Stamps .................................................. 786 Incidental Expenses ............................ 21 ————
Total ......................... $225,180
————
THE CHAIRMAN―The sum required for bathing places was under-estimated.
That needed for British Empire Exhibition was also under-estimated by the sum put down.
The extra required for Crown Agents commission is due to more business having been done with them than was anticipated.
Language study allowances were under estimated.
In regard to the vote for motor cars, running expenses, we have more motor cars for various
departments and the running expenses are consequently greater than anticipated.
Typewriters were for the Public Works Department and the Port Development Department.
Rent allowances were for certain of the Asiatic staff with more than ten years' service.
HON. MR. KOTEWALL ― May I ask if consideration has been given to the suggestion of my hon. friend, Mr. Chow Shou Son, and myself that the privilege should be extended to servants with under ten years and over five years' service?
THE CHAIRMAN―Yes, it has. I did no know that point would be raised. I cannot for the moment remember exactly how the matter stands at present. It is under consideration. I think some middle course has been arrived at.
HON. MR. KOTEWALL―Thank you, Sir. I am glad the matter has not been overlookedt
THE CHAIRMAN―Not at all.
Replying to the Hon. Mr. Holyoak, the CHAIRMAN said―The matter was referred to in Council. There is a regular scale pending the erection of quarters. The Finance Committee agreed to this allowance if the Government would hurry on with the erection of quarters.
Stationery is under-estimated by rather a large sum.
With regard to the transport of Government servants, the increase is mainly due to it being extremely difficult to estimate beforehand. There have been a great many police sent home and a general increase of staff.
Purchase of motor cars. One extra motor car has been purchased.
The grant to the Ross Institute is £250.
Charitable Services. We have had to make grants to various persons. Certain people who came into this Colony had to be got out again. The same applies to the next vote. It comes in waves.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 131
Market Extension at Mongkoktsui
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $22,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon Buildings, Extension to existing market at Mong Kok Tsui.
THE CHAIRMAN―Provision was made for this work in the estimates of 1923. It was intended to have begun it in 1923, but no work was done until this year. The total cost was $25,000. $3,000 is provided in the Estimates for 1925. There are really two markets, and they have been using money voted for the other market and that money has to be replaced to provide for the extension of the existing market at Mong Kok Tsui.
Approved.
Refuse Lorries and Meat Vans
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $11,812 in aid of the following votes:―
Sanitary Department, Special Expenditure:―
Motor Refuse Lorry ............................. $ 3076.30 Motor Meat Vans ................................. 8,735.70 ————
Total ........................... $11,812.00
————
charge, but it is a convenience, and the Government gets a considerable return. The subject was discussed at some length as to the best means of transporting this meat. The vans were really an experiment. The first vans were not satisfactory because they were top heavy and dangerous.
Approved.
Road from Taipo to Kumshan
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Communications, Development of the Road from Taipo Market to Kum Shan.
THE CHAIRMAN―The sum of $8,500 was approved by the Finance Committee for this work in May. It is now estimated that a sum of $3,000 will be required this year.
Approved.
Lighting and Waterworks
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $4,600 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong:―
Light, 12, Extensions of Lighting ......... $4,000
THE CHAIRMAN―The original estinate was a tentative one. It was anticipated that a larger sum
Water Works, 23, Maintenance of Shaukiwan .............................................
600.00 ———
would be required, for the indent was sent in April last for three motor meat vans, the cost of which was nearly $7,000 each―making a total of $20,735. The sum provided in the estimates was $12,000. I have made inquiries, and it is considered that although we have paid $7,000 each for these meat vans, the Government has got very good value.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―What are these meat vans, Sir?
THE CHAIRMAN―They are for carrying fresh meat from the slaughter house to the market.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK ― Is the Government responsible for all this?
THE CHAIRMAN ― They charge wholesale butchers for carrying the meat. It is a considerable
Total ................................ $4,600
———
THE CHAIRMAN―With regard to lighting, the vote is $1,500. The total cost of the extensions rendered necessary in various districts was $5,500, so that $4,000 is required. Waterworks, $600. This is required to meet the cost of additional sand washing and the re-laying of filter beds.
HON. MR. BIRD―Does that include the re conditioning of the wire-netting around the filter beds?
132 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
THE CHAIRMAN―No.
HON. MR. BIRD―I understand the wire-netting has not been repaired.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― This has nothing to do with that, Sir. The fencing is on order and will be put up as soon as possible after it arrives.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―What is the position, Sir, regarding the mechanical filters?
THE CHAIRMAN―The mechanical filter is for the Bowen Road filter beds and will give two million gallons per day more than the existing beds. There is no other apparatus actually on order.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― We are considering tenders now.
HON. MR. BIRD―Is it not possible to buy locally the small amount of netting required? Surely a small amount of wire netting like that should be purchased locally?
THE CHAIRMAN―It is not ordinary wire-netting.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― There will be a considerable saving by ordering it through the Crown Agents.
THE CHAIRMAN mentioned that it was difficult to get water to Shaukiwan and it is hoped to come to some arrangements to group Shaukiwan and Saiwanho.
Approved.
Fire Brigade Vote
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $800 in aid of the following votes:―
Fire Brigade, Other Charges:―
Clothing ........................................................... $500 Rent of stations ............................................... 300 ——
Total ................................ $800
——
THE CHAIRMAN―Of this $500, the sum of $300 is required to meet the Crown Agents' accounts, and the balance of making uniforms during December. The rent of Mongkoktsui Sub-Station was provided for at $125 a month. The real rent was $150, and the sum of $25 per month was required to pay the difference.
Approved.
Harbour Development―Consulting Engineer's Fee
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $20,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Miscellaneous, 43, Harbour Department.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is chiefly required to pay the balance of the fee to the Consulting Engineers on Harbour Development. The sum was £3,430 or $29,000 at present exchange. The balance of the vote Public Works Extraordinary is $12,640 and as there may be a few more small items, the round sum of $20,000 is recommended.
Approved.
Books and Apparatus for Schools
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,617 on account of the following votes:―
Education Department, A.―Director of Education, Special Expenditure:
Books for British Schools .................... $1,273 Books and Apparatus for Quarry Bay
School ................................................ 344 ———
Total ........................... $1,617
———
THE CHAIRMAN―The Director of Education submitted a list of books in January last. It was impossible to complete the list in time for the estimates.
Approved.
A New Safe
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 133 Police Votes
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $286 on account of Public Works Department, Special Expenditure, New Safe.
THE CHAIRMAN―This has already been before the members in Committee, and I think they will remember that by ordering through the Crown Agents, we got our safe for a little over half what it would have cost locally.
Approved.
Lai-chi-kok Prison Extensions
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $35,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, Extension of the Lai Chi Kok Prison and the various improvements.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has already been approved.
School Apparatus
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,260 in aid of the vote Education, A,― Department of Director of Education, Special Expenditure, physics and chemistry apparatus, Central British School.
THE CHAIRMAN―This includes a revote for the sum of $3,000 in September, 1923. The expenditure was not incurred until this year.
Approved.
Technical Institute Vote
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,850 in aid of the vote Education,―B, Department of the Director of Education, Technical Institute, Personal Emoluments, Lecturing Staff.
THE CHAIRMAN―The expending of this sum of $2,850 has become necessary in consequence of the formation of additional classes at the Technical Institute in practical and theoretical chemistry. Both subjects have been popular during the year. It was found necessary also to increase the time given to shorthand.
Approved.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $40,270 in aid of the following votes:―
Police, Other Charges:―
Arms ........................................................... $ 7,000 Bedding and Mess Utensils ...................... 1,000 Clothing and Accoutrements ................... 20,000 Launches and Boats:― Repairs ............. 1,500 Stores .......................................................... 1,000 Passages ...................................................... 5,000 Rent of Stations .......................................... 170 Secret Service ............................................ 2,000 Small Stores ............................................... 800 Stationery and Telegrams ......................... 100 Rations for Indian Police .......................... 1,700 ———
Total ........................... $40,270
THE CHAIRMAN―The sum of $7,000 is for arms. This sum is required to pay for 100 rifles and four machine guns. Special authority for ordering was given some time ago.
Item 2. The amount is required in excess of the vote, owing to the increase number of messes.
With regard to accoutrements the $20,000 is for clothing. This was ordered too late in 1923 and was not in that year's accounts. The increased number of men in the Police Force also accounts for the expense.
Launches and boats. No. 4 Police launch has just gone into the slipway to be overhauled and an account for $2,600 will be presented this year. The vote this year is insufficient and $1,500 will be required. Additional stores were required for launches. The Crown Agents accounts for $3,000 have still to come in. A large proportion of these stores will not be used until early next year.
It is estimated that $5,000 will be required to cover the passages of recruits returned to England as medically unfit. The Government has been in correspondence with the Secretary of State on this matter of the number of officers sent out to the police who have turned out medically unfit and I hope arrangements will be made to guard against it.
134 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―Are these men examined before they leave England?
THE CHAIRMAN―Yes.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―Can we claim on the Home Government for these men?
THE CHAIRMAN―I don't think we can
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―It seems to me monstrous that they should pass men who within a few weeks of their arrival here are found to be unfit.
THE CHAIRMAN―It is unfortunate.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―I say monstrous.
THE CHAIRMAN―It certainly has been most annoying, and rather expensive.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―Have we a record of these medical reports?
THE CHAIRMAN―Yes. We have a record of everything and these records were referred to in the correspondence.
Rent of stations. The excess is due to No. 1, Hospital Road, 4, High Street. We rented several houses there pending erection of sheds.
Secret Service. The excess is due to more payments being necessary to informers for information received.
The further $800 for small stores is due particularly to more purchases and increased accommodation.
Stationery and telegrams. The telegrams were in connection with the enlistment of police in Wei-hai wei.
Rations for Indian Police. The Indian Police Force has been over strength in 1924, and the amount is required to cover the expense of rations to December 31st.
Approved.
Locomotives for Fanling Branch Line
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,801 in aid of the vote Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, 2 Locomotives for Fanling Branch Line.
THE CHAIRMAN―The sum of $6,801 is due to the difference between the estimates and the actual cost of the locomotives. I understand these small
engines are to do other work in connection with reclamation, when they have finished their work on the branch line, which will shortly be closed.
Approved.
Other Charges
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $186,150 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works Department:―
Other Charges:―
(i) Drawing Materials and
Mounting Plans ........................... $ 5,500 (ii) Electric Fans and Light ............... 1,500 (iii) Incidental Expenses, General ..... 2,500 (iv) Incidental Expenses, Store ......... 250 (v) Lifts Maintenance, Government
Buildings ...................................... 1,500 (vi) Surveying Instruments ................ 3,500 (vii) Transport and Travelling
Expenses ....................................... 7,750 Radio Telegraph Branch:―
(viii) Incidental Expenses .................... 50 (ix) Repairs and Stores ....................... 5,100 (x) Transport ...................................... 500 Public Works, Recurrent:―
(xi) 7, Improvements to Roads and
Bridges outside City .................... 8,000 (xii) 17, Dredging Foreshores ............ 2,500 (xiii) 18, Typhoon and Rainstorm
Damages ....................................... 67,000 (xiv) 22, Water Works, Maintenance
of City and Hill District .............. 30,000 (xv) 25, Water Works, Water Account
(Meters, etc.) ................................ 14,000 Public Works, Extraordinary:―
(xvi) 31, Roads:―
(e) Road contouring hillside in
Wong-nei-chong and Tai Hang
Valleys, Extension: 2nd section
Bowen Road to connect with Tai
Hang proposed Road .................. 2,000 (xvii) 32, Training Nullahs: ― (b)
General Works ............................. 5,500 (xviii) 33, Miscellaneous Drainage
Works:―
(d) General Works ....................... 29,000 ————
Total .................... $186,150
————
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 135
THE CHAIRMAN―Drawing materials, mounting plans, light $1,500, staff and accommodation, incidental expenses $2,500, are due to an increase of staff and accommodation; $250 was for extra coolie hire for stock-taking. Repairs to lifts were more than was anticipated. Survey instruments, and $7,750 (transport and travelling expenses) were due to more work being undertaken during the year. With regard to the Radio Telegraph Branch, No. 9 is the chief one, $5,1100. There were two items. On account of increased traffic more repairs and stores have become necessary.
Public Works, Recurrent. More repairs were necessary than were anticipated, especially in the surfacing of Stubbs Road, and the turning place near the Peak Hotel. More dredging was done than was anticipated. Typhoon rain storm damage amounted to $67,000. The damage proved greater than was anticipated. There are six sums due in connection with damage caused to Government works by a collapsing wall on Stubbs Road―to the extent of $45,212―and it is hoped to collect them.
Water Works, City and Hill Districts, $30,000. This is due to the increased cost of labour and the greater amount of work in the form of maintenance.
Water Works, $14,000. This covers the cost of additional meters taken from the store where they earn nothing.
Public Works Extraordinary, Roads, $2,000 in Wongneichong and Tai Hang valleys. More rock was encountered than was anticipated. In connection with training nullahs more work was undertaken than was anticipated. The $29,000 in connection with miscellaneous drainage works was because of the necessity for extending sewers to pick up more properties than was anticipated.
Approved.
Road to New Nursing Home
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Roads, New Road from Stubbs Road to the new Nursing Home.
THE CHAIRMAN―It is expected this sum will be required for preliminary expenses only. The work will be continued next year. They have to go through solid rock for some distance.
Compensation and Resumptions
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a
sum of $530,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, 50, Compensation and Resumptions.
THE CHAIRMAN―This has already been before the Committee. The amount is required for a new Saiyingpun market. Although the Government is incurring very heavy sums in resuming properties a great deal will come back. In this particular case the site of the present Saiyingpun market will become available and a large part of this vote will be recovered.
Approved.
Patrol Launches
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $12,370 in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, Patrol Launches.
THE CHAIRMAN―Extensive alterations have been made to launches used for patrol work, considerably in excess of the estimate. The decision to do this work was only come to during the year.
Approved.
Maintenance of Buildings
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $70,000 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Recurrent:―
Hongkong:―
Buildings, (1) Maintenance of
buildings ........................................... $ 7,000 Buildings, (2) Improvements of
buildings ........................................... 19,000 Communications, (8) Maintenance of
telephones including all cables ....... 1,000 Kowloon:―
Buildings, (26) Maintenance of
buildings ........................................... 4,000 Public Works, Extraordinary:―
Hongkong:―
Buildings, (4) Cadet quarters, Canton .... 33,000 Buildings, (15) Garage, Stubbs Road ..... 6,000 ———
Total ............................... $70,000
136 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
THE CHAIRMAN―More work was required than was anticipated, due to the increase in the number of buildings. Improvements to buildings was $19,000. An unusual amount of work was been done, and there were more buildings to maintain. The $1,000 for the maintenance of telephones was due to the general increase of telephones and cables. Regarding the $33,000, more work was required than was anticipated. I am not sure whether hon. members know that the cost of the new Cadet quarters in the yamen at Canton is now over $90,000. A third is paid by the Straits Government, a third by the F.M.S. Government and a third by this Government. So this sum practically represents the whole of the money payable by this Government. We recover from them, but the money has to be paid now.
With regard to garages for Stubbs Road, the bank at the back of them was troublesome.
HON. MR. BIRD―Is the leasing of these garages proceeding satisfactorily?
THE CHAIRMAN―Two days ago five were still unlet. I think what Peak residents would like are quarters for the chauffeurs. They may become more reasonable later on. It cannot be considered that the scheme has been a great success up to now.
Approved.
Quarry Bay Market
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,200 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Buildings, (25) Market at Quarry Bay.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is an extension. The total cost of the work is $11,200. $2,200 is now required owing to the
foundations having to go deeper than was anticipated. Approved.
Bacteriological Institute
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $970 in aid of the vote Medical Department, D.―Institute, Bacteriological Institute and Mortuaries, Preparation of Vaccine, Serum, etc.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is for the purchase of a Kelvinator.
Approved.
Council Resumes
The Council resumed and the COLONIAL SECRETARY reported that the sums required under financial minutes Nos. 106 to 132 had been considered and approved by the Finance Committee and he moved that these be now adopted.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
Adjournment and Governor's New Year Wishes
H.E. THE GOVERNOR―That concludes the business of the year and I propose that the Council shall now adjourn sine die, which means, I think, until towards the latter end of January. I take the opportunity of thanking you, gentlemen, once more for all the assistance you have given to me throughout the year, during which we have done considerable hard work and useful work. The year I think, will end very favourably from the financial point of view, even more favourably than I anticipated when I introduced the Budget. I thank you, gentlemen, very heartily for your services, and I trust the new year will bring continued prosperity for the Colony and for yourselves, personally.
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