62 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 24TH SEPTEMBER, 1925.
PRESENT:―
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR (SIR REGINALD EDWARD STUBBS, K.C.M.G.).
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING THE TROOPS (MAJOR-GENERAL C. C. LUARD, C.B., C.M.G.).
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY (HON. SIR CLAUD SEVERN, K.B.E., C.M.G.).
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (HON. SIR HENRY POLLOCK, K.C.).
THE COLONIAL TREASURER (HON. MR. C. MCI. MESSER, O.B.E.).
HON. MR. H. T. CREASY (Director of Public Works).
HON. MR. D. W. TRATMAN (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).
HON. DR. J. B. ADDISON, M.B.E. (Principal Civil Medical Officer).
HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK.
HON. MR. A. O. LANG.
HON. MR. CHOW SHOU-SON.
HON. MR. H. W. BIRD.
HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.
HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER, K.C., O.B.E.
MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER, C.M.G., C.B.E. (Clerk of Councils).
Minutes
The minutes of the two previous meetings of the Council were confirmed.
Servant Registration
HON. MR. H. W. BIRD gave notice of his intention to ask the following question at the next meeting of the Council: ― "Has the
Government considered the advisability of establishing a Labour Bureau for the voluntary registration of domestic servants and others? If so with what result?"
New Saiyingpun School
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―Arising out of the report upon the new Saiyingpun School, now in course of erection, by what date is it reasonable to hope the work will be completed.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―I have not the papers before me giving the date by which the contract should be completed. Work was delayed for two months during the strike so that it is probable the completion of the contract will be delayed by a similar period.
Papers
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor laid upon the table papers Nos. 1 to 35; the report on the progress made in building the new Fire Station; the report on the building of the Saiyingpun School and the Quarterly Return of Excess on Subheads met by Savings under Heads of Expenditure.
Financial Minutes
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor laid upon the table Financial Minutes Nos. 46 to 70 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 63
Unexpended Balances
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY also laid upon the table a statement relating to the redistribution of unexpended balances together with additional works to be undertaken under Public Works Extraordinary for the year 1925, announcing that in connection with this statement there were certain Financial Minutes which would come before the Finance Committee in due course.
Kowloon Bay Reclamation
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY―I regret that by an oversight the resolution standing in my name, relating to the assessment of rates of Kowloon Bay Reclamation Lots Nos. 132, 227, 228, 238, 239 and 251, has not been placed in the hands of hon. members of Council. I therefore propose to postpone this resolution until the next meeting.
Supplementary Appropriation for 1924
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY―I beg to move the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to authorise the Appropriation of a Supplementary Sum of $2,702,794.16 to defray the charges of the year 1924. I wish to express my regret that the introduction of this annual Bill has been delayed owing to circumstances for which the Government cannot be held responsible. You will see on page six of the Draft Appropriation account that the heavy expenditure in the Harbour Master's Department has been caused almost entirely by the sums required for the patrol launches, the typhoon buoy moorings and the Rescue Tug. The full amount for the patrol launches cannot yet be ascertained. The typhoon moorings have all been laid down now, and the Rescue Tug will be launched on October 1st. The next large increase, under Miscellaneous Services, is mainly due to rent allowances to the subordinate services ($31,164.71) transport of Government servants ($99,147.50) above the estimates. As regards rent allowances it is impossible to make a close estimate of what this concession will cost and it has to be recorded that this vote will have to be continued longer than was anticipated. In approving these allowances to the subordinate services hon. members expressed the hope that quarters
would be erected as quickly as possible, but circumstances have changed and no forecast can be made as to when the quarters will be erected. The large increase in the cost of stationery ($59,731.89) is attributed to outstanding accounts having been paid during the year. The amount in the estimate was kept fairly low, as it was hoped to increase the output of printing done by the Prison Department and so reduce the printing done by the Government printers. Larger orders for paper had to be made, and there were also additional machines and additional type ordered. All that expenditure will produce results later on and it is hoped that this very high expenditure on stationery―$109,731.89 ―will be reduced. Passages for officers cost a much larger sum than was anticipated owing to increases of staff, chiefly in the Public Works Department, which were not anticipated when the estimates were drawn up. Other large items are $50,000 for Flood Relief and $36,000 for the purchase of a house, No. 361, The Peak. Under the head of Police is an increase of $119,671.69. This was caused chiefly by the cost of passages and the purchase of a new launch. A fair number of police officers had to be sent Home. Hon. members are aware of the action taken in this matter by the Government. The largest extra expenditure took place in the Public Works Department, I need only mention the sum of $356,335 in Public Works, Recurrent, which was required to pay for the damage caused by the typhoon in August and the exceptional rainfall in October. Under Public Works, Extraordinary, are sums for Officers' Quarters, Roads and General Works, and Resumptions. Expenditure on the last named, which amounts to something approaching two million dollars, is exceptionally high, but it is to be hoped it will be recovered later on when normal conditions prevail, by the sale of land bordering on the new roads.
64 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
Code of Civil Procedure
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ― I beg to move the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the Code of Civil Procedure. By clause 2 of the bill section 4 of our Code of Civil Procedure is amended so as to introduce here the English practice rules up to date, in cases which are not provided for by the Code, instead of leaving the present date of the 31st December, 1911. I hope hon. members will agree it is an advantage to bring our practice up-to-date in cases not provided for by our Code.
Clause 3 of this bill empowers the presiding judge to order notes to be taken through the medium of a shorthand writer. This will, it is hoped, tend towards saving time in the hearing of cases.
Clause 4 of this bill which is taken from the English order 54A rule 1, enlarges the power of the Court with reference to the making of declarations on originating summons.
Clause 5 of the bill is intended to speed up procedure in the Supreme Court in interlocutory matters by conferring upon the Chief Justice power to delegate by rules of court to the Registrar the powers and duties of a judge in chambers. Clause 5 also contains a further section proposed to be inserted in the Code (Section 711) which provides, in accordance with the English practice, for the Registrar to refer back for the decision of the Judge in Chambers any matters which he considers should be referred back. Clause 5 also proposes to introduce into the Code a new section (712) giving, as is given by Home practice, power to appeal from the Registrar to the Judge in chambers. The amendments which it is proposed to effect by this clause render Section 685 of the Code unnecessary and, therefore, by Clause 6 of the Bill it is proposed to repeal this section.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
Registration of Patents
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ― I beg to move the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to provide for the registration in Hongkong of letters patent granted in the United Kingdom. This bill is introduced in order to carry out the recommendations of the British Empire Patent Conference, 1922, and of the Imperial Economic Conference, 1923, The bill has been adapted, with slight alterations, from a draft model Ordinance prepared by the Board of Trade. The Secretary of State desires the greatest possible uniformity in the legislation required to give effect to the scheme. The general intention of the scheme is to provide for a practically automatic registration in the various Crown Colonies and Protectorates, upon application, of patents granted in the United Kingdom. Broadly speaking, this is the intention of our present Patents Ordinance, but the procedure under the bill is somewhat simpler. It will also be cheaper. Section 11 of the present Ordinance, 1892, provides for a certain provisional protection in the Colony pending the grant of Letters Patent in the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State has emphasised the necessity for keeping the fee for registration to approximately £1. Hon. members will find that point dealt with in the draft of the rules to be made by the Registrar under the Ordinance and in paragraph 3 of the "Objects and Reasons."
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
Larceny Ordinance
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL―I beg to move the first reading of a Bill intituled. An Ordinance to amend the Larceny Ordinance, 1865. Clause 2 of this Bill embodies in modern wording the provisions of 24 and 25 Vict. ch. 96, s. 26, and its insertion into the laws of this Colony has been recommended by the District Officer. North, to cover cases of stealing oysters
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 65
which have come within his knowledge. Clauses 3 and 4 of this Bill have been introduced on the suggestion of the Superintendent of the Botanical and Forestry Department to make the penalties for offences under section 25 (1) and second 26 of the Larceny Ordinance, 1865, more severe, as experience has shown that the present penalties are not sufficiently deterrent.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
Companies Ordinance
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ― I beg to move the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the Companies Ordinance, 1911. I may mention that the Bill has been in draft for some time, and the only reason why its passing has been delayed is because only quite recently―that is to say in July this year―a new consolidated China Order in Council has come into force. This Bill was drafted by Mr. Kemp and he also drafted a very full statement of its Objects and Reasons. I do not think it necessary to take up the time of this Council by reading out these Objects and Reasons now but I would ask hon. members kindly to go through them between now and the next meeting of this Council. I hope the Press will also publish these Objects and Reasons for the information of the general public.
The Objects and Reasons" of this Bill are as follows:―
1.―Clauses 2, 5, and 10, and paragraphs (b) and (c) of Clause 9, of the bill are purely formal amendments which are made desirable by the new consolidating China Order in Council which came into operation on the 15th day of July, 1925.
2.―Sections 26 and 27 of the Companies Ordinance, 1911, require that in the register and annual list of members the names, addresses, and occupations, of Chinese members must be given both in English and in Chinese characters. It seems unnecessary to require the addresses and occupations to be given in Chinese characters, and clauses 3 and 4 of the bill propose to amend the two
sections in question so as to make the requirement of Chinese characters apply only in the case of the names of Chinese members. A similar amendment is made by clause 7 of the bill in the section (s. 90) of the Companies Ordinance, 1911, which relates to the return of allotments.
3.―The new sub-section to be enacted by clause 6 of the bill will specify clearly the cases in which the Chinese characters for "Limited," and (in the case of China companies) "British Company," must be used. Before the amendment made by section 2 of Ordinance No. 33 of 1923 the law on this subject was ambiguous and it may be that it was too wide and laid an unreasonable burden on companies using Chinese names. On the other hand, the new sub-section introduced in 1923 has proved on examination to be too narrow and to produce inconsistent results. The proviso will give power to exempt companies with old and well known hong names. In the case of companies of this kind there is no danger of misunderstanding as to the company's status and the requirements of the section are therefore unnecessary in such a case.
4.―The object of clause 8 of the bill is to give the Registrar power to include the names of firms in the list of approved auditors and so to give legislative recognition to the common practice, which exists both here and in England, of appointing firms as auditors. The Registrar's discretion over the list is not affected, and in general it is not intended that he shall add any firm to the list unless all the partners in the firm are in his opinion themselves qualified for inclusion in the list. Further, it is also intended in general that a firm shall be removed from the list if at any time it contains a partner who would not be qualified for inclusion in the list or who ought to be removed from the list.
5.―Paragraph (a) of clause 9 of the bill restores the old definition of the term "China company" which appeared in section 2 of Ordinance No. 31 of 1915 and which corresponds with the definition
66 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
of that term in the new China Order in Council. The latter part of the definition as it appears in paragraph (c) of section 261 of the Companies Ordinance, 1911, in the recently issued edition of the Ordinances, contains the provisions which formerly appeared in section 26 of Ordinance No. 12 of 1921. These provisions are of a substantive nature and do not properly form part of a definition. Apart from this reason for the omission of those provisions from the definition of "China company" there is the additional reason that the portion of the definition now to be omitted is contained in article 190 of the new China Order in Council.
6. ― Section 274 of the Companies Ordinance, 1911, is reproduced in Article 194 (2), (3) and (4) of the new China Order in Council, whilst certain provisions of that Order in Council, namely, Articles 194 (1), 195, 196, and 199, which deal with cognate subject matter, have been omitted. This is a distinct "trap," because anyone reading Part XI. of the Companies Ordinance, 1911, would imagine that section 274 contained all the requirements of the law with regard at least to the nationality and residence of the directorate of a China company, whereas it contains only part of those provisions. Two courses are open. One is to insert in the Companies Ordinance, 1911, the omitted provisions of the new China Order in Council, referred to above. It is however, unnecessary to reproduce any such provisions because section 1 (3) of the Companies Ordinance, 1911, provides that that Ordinance, "in so far as it affects companies carrying on business within the limits of the China Orders in Council, shall be read with and subject to" the China Orders in Council. It has therefore been decided to adopt the other course, which is to repeal section 274. It may be asked why section 270, 271 and 272 are not repealed at the same time. The answer is that there are special reasons for retaining those sections. Section 270 might perhaps have been omitted, but it is a convenient introduction to section 271. Section 271 contains a considerable amount of detail which does not appear in the China Order in Council, 1924. Section 272 deals with the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Hongkong, and it seems desirable that any question of jurisdiction of the Hongkong courts should appear expressly,
and not merely by implication, in our Ordinances.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.
The Budget
H.E. THE GOVERNOR ― Council will adjourn until next Thursday at 2.30 p.m. I was under the impression that the Estimates would be ready for the next meeting of the Council, but I find it is not possible to produce them before October 8th. Then with the usual fortnight's interval I hope it will be possible to get rid of them before my successor takes my place in this Council. I should at this stage warn hon. members that owing to the unfortunate aspect of affairs at the present time it will be necessary to cut down our programme very considerably next year. I can assure you in advance that we have studied economy in every possible way.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
A meeting of the Finance Committee was afterwards held, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding.
Time for Consideration
HON. MR. BIRD―With reference to these Financial Minutes, is it not possible that we should see them before the actual day of the meeting. It seems we are asked to vote at this meeting sums amounting to well over a million dollars and we have never seen the details before.
THE CHAIRMAN―Have you not had them in your hands for some time?
HON. MR. BIRD―No.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 67
THE CHAIRMAN―I try to give as full an explanation as possible of all expenditure. The larger votes before you to-day deal with resumptions and if you wish them to stand over that may be done. We can take them up again next week. It would, however, have been possible for most of the votes to have been in your hands some time ago. But the actual minute does not give much information. Unless you read the notes in the file dealing with the vote you will not get the full details.
HON. MR. BIRD―The point is if one had a question to ask, one could draft it before the meeting.
THE CHAIRMAN―I agree and I will try to let you have the Financial Minutes earlier. But the last two minutes for consideration this afternoon only reached me at 1 o'clock to-day.
Kowloon Tramway Scheme
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $232 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Miscellaneous, Services rendered in connection with the Kowloon Tramway Scheme.
THE CHAIRMAN―The sum is required to pay a fee of £26.5.0 to the Crown Agents for professional services rendered in connection with the Kowloon Tramway scheme.
Agreed.
Government Civil Hospital Kitchen
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,300 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, Alterations to the kitchen at the Government Civil Hospital.
THE CHAIRMAN―Approval was given last year for the expenditure of $11,000 on this work and Financial Minute No. 99 last year was passed for $5,000. The actual expenditure last year was $4,577, but the work has cost $14,877 and the balance due is, therefore, $10,300. It is much to be regretted that the approved estimate should have been
exceeded by a sum of nearly $4,000.
HON. MR. LANG―What was the cause of that?
THE CHAIRMAN―I suppose it was rather difficult work at the Government Civil Hospital and difficult to estimate the cost.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―I do not know whether the original estimate was exceeded. The vote was exceeded.
THE CHAIRMAN ― I should imagine it would be difficult to estimate for such work accurately owing to the lie of the ground, but perhaps the Director of Public Works would prepare an explanation.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―I can do that with notice I think it will be found that additional work was done which was not included in the original estimate.
THE CHAIRMAN―I note from the file that the cost of the work was underestimated. The total cost exceeded the vote by $3,877. No doubt reasons can be given for that.
The vote was agreed.
John G. Kerr Hospital
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,000 in aid of the vote Charitable Services, Grants in aid of Charitable Institutions: ― John G. Kerr Hospital, Canton.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required under the new arrangement for this year with regard to the John G. Kerr hospital in Canton. A sum of $20,000 will be inserted in 1926 estimates. We have been in communication with the Authorities at the hospital for some time and have arrived at a satisfactory arrangement with regard to the amount to be paid for each person sent to it. They do a very fine work indeed and the Colony is extremely fortunate in being able to make use of their institution.
Agreed.
68 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Road Extension
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $8,940 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Communications, 20, Roads:―Extending 20 feet Road from Magazine Gap to Victoria Gap.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum was paid to the contractor in January last. It is really a re vote.
Agreed.
Lai Chi Kok Prison
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $31,500 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscelleneous, Improvements and extensions to Lai Chi Kok Branch Prison.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is the balance of the sum required for the branch prison at Lai Chi Kok. Hon. members approved of a sum of $35,000 for the reconstruction of certain of the sheds at Lai Chi Kok to enlarge the prison there, and the part of that which was not expended last year comes to this sum of $31,500. It is fortunate we embarked upon the enlargement of this prison because the Government will have to put before Hon. members the advisability of discontinuing at present the work on the new gaol at Ngau Shi Wan. This branch prison should be good for the four or five years which will probably elapse before the prison at Ngau Shi Wan will be ready.
Agreed.
Shatin Police Station
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,304 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 123, Miscellaneous Works.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is due for the Shatin Police Station. There was an under payment on the contract which was discovered in July last and it is, therefore, necessary to take this vote to cover that.
Agreed.
Police Stations
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $83,000 in aid of the following votes:―
New Territories
Buildings, 104, Police Station,
Kowloon City...................... $40,000.00 Buildings, 105, Police Station,
Shamshuipo......................... 43,000.00
Total................... $83,000.00
THE CHAIRMAN―The Assistant Director of Public Works in charge of these two Police Stations reported in July last that certain supplementary votes would be required for them. The original estimates for these works were $251,250, for each station. The architects submitted a statement showing that the actual cost would be for Kowloon City Station $262,000 and for Shamshuipo $265,000. A sum of just under $60,000 was expended on each station during 1924 so that sums of $202,000 and $205,000 respectively would be required if the works were completed in 1925. The amount provided in the estimates this year was $162,000 for each station. The retention money on the tenders will be due this year so you will see that the sums required in addition to the amounts estimated this year are $40,000 and $43,000. The original tenders did not include certain special fittings from England for supplying and fitting up hot water and sanitary installations.
HON. MR. LANG―This work was carried out by the P.W.D.?
THE CHAIRMAN―No. Owing to pressure on the Department the work was contracted out. Both stations are completed.
Agreed.
Volunteers
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 69
etc., damaged by the heavy rainstorm on the
17th July, 1925.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $23,860 in aid of the following votes:―
Military Expenditure, B. ― Hongkong Volunteer Defence Corps, Other Charges:
Uniform, including boots........ $14,000.00 Equipment and upkeep of
arms ..................................... 8,000.00 Equipment for Engineer Co. ... 200.00 Books, stationery and printing 100.00 Armoured car expenses........... 400.00 Motor Transport Section,
upkeep of............................. 600.00 Grant to Mounted Infantry
Section................................. 560.00
Total................... $23,860.00
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required to meet the expense entailed by the large increase in the numbers of the Corps.
Agreed.
Cables
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,341 in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, Communications, 8, Maintenance of telephones including all cables.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required to pay for the work done in 1923. Owing to an oversight by the Eastern Extension Telegraph Co. the money was not asked for until May last. I might almost say that the P.W.D. was at fault―and I think the Director will agree with me―in not asking for the account before. Perhaps they imagined the account would never be sent in but as the contract was a very reasonable one I scarcely think that could be regarded as quite the proper procedure.
Agreed.
Rainstorm Damage
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $11,000 on account of Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Repairs to Bridges, Earthwork,
THE CHAIRMAN―Hon. members have already approved this expenditure.
Miscellaneous
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $20,000 in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Other Miscellaneous Services.
Agreed.
Prison Department
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $4,450 in aid of the following votes:―
Prison Department, Other Charges:―
Clothing and shoes for staff ...... $4,000.00 Gratuities to prisoners for
industrial labour .................... 450.00
Total........................................... $4,450.00
THE CHAIRMAN―Larger gratuities have been paid to prisoners under the new Prison Regulations.
Agreed.
More Storm Damages
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $241,750 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Recurrent:―
Hongkong, Miscellaneous,
18, typhoon and rainstorm
damages............................. $210,500.00 Kowloon, Miscellaneous, 39,
typhoon and rainstorm
damages............................. 26,850.00 New Territories,
Miscellaneous, 50,
typhoon and rainstorm
damages............................. 4,400.00
Total ................... $241,750.00
70 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― This vote is to cover the cost of repairing the damage done by recent rains. A retaining wall cost $30,000, and a good deal of work had to be done on Stubbs Road.
THE CHAIRMAN―That road has given way now three times.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―I hope it has given way for the last time. There was a considerable amount of work done at King's Park, Kowloon, but I will circulate the full details to Hon. members.
Agreed.
Readjustments
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $486,743.95 on account of the following votes:―
Public Works, Extraordinary:―
Hongkong, Communications
Widening Garden Road below
the tram station...................... $14,000.00 Miscellaneous:
Quarry plant for Tsat Tze
Mui Government Quarry .... 90,000.00
Portable asphalt mixing plant
and tractor ........................... 20,000.00 Purchase of a cubitt car......... 2,743.95
Resumption of Marine Lot
122, Remaining Portion,
Praya East............................ 110,000.00 New Territories, Miscellaneous
Purchase of New Kowloon
Marine Lot No. 4, etc.......... 250,000.00
$486,743.95
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $159,600 in aid of the
following votes:―
Public Works Department,
Other Charges:
Incidental expenses, stores.... $300.00 Public Works, Extraordinary,
Hongkong:
Buildings, 27, latrines and
urinals and bathhouses...... 16,000.00 Communications, 28,
Roads:
(b) Road contouring
hillside in Wongneichong
and Tai Hang Valley,
Extension 2nd Section:
Bowen Road to connect
with Tai Hang proposed
road.................................... 7,000.00 Water Works, 44, Stanley
Mound West Catchwater... 20,000.00 56, Miscellaneous Water
Works ................................ 4,000.00 Public Works, Extraordinary,
Kowloon:
Water Works, 94,
Distributing Mains,
Improvements and
Extensions ......................... 40,000.00 Public Works, Extraordinary,
New Territories:
Communications, 114,
Road: (c) Taipo Road―
Widening and Improving
from 5th Mile Stone to
Shatin................................. 1,300.00 115 Drainage, Training
Nullahs: (b) Kowloon
Tong Development area,
connection of stream
North of this area to main
road.................................... 1,000.00 Water Works, 127, Shing
Mun Valley Scheme:
(f) Reception Reservoir .... 70,000.00
Total ................... $159,600.00
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 71
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $713,600 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Extraordinary:
Hongkong, Buildings:
2Overseer's Quarters,
Elliot Filter Beds............. $4,000.00 4Cadet Quarters Canton ... 6,000.00 8New Queen's College ..... 6,000.00 Communications, 28 Roads:
(z) Service path from
Magazine Gap Road to
serve new sites south of
Thorpe Manor............... 7,000.00 (dd) General Work.......... 125,000.00 Drainage:
29 Training Nullahs:
(c) General Works ........ 34,400.00 31 General Work............. 13,400.00 Miscellaneous, 39
Miscellaneous Work ....... 25,000.00 Water Works, 42 Taitam
Tuk Scheme, ―
Additional Pumping
Plant:
(a) Engine House and
Foundations..................... 40,000.00 Kowloon Buildings:
58 Mataukok Slaughter
House, Inspector's
Quarters........................... 12,000.00 62 Open Market, Bowring
Street ............................... 3,000.00 64 Hunghom Market
Extension, 12 fish stalls
with tanks........................ 2,000.00 69 Workshop and Quarters
for Electrical and
Telephone Staff............... 17,000.00 Communications, 81
General Works ................ 83,600.00 Drainage:
82 Training Nullahs: (a)
Mongkoktsui Nullah
East, Extension through
Railway Bridge ............... 21,500.00
$399,900.00
$399,900.00
83 Miscellaneous Drainage
Works: (e) General Works 114,000.00 Miscellaneous, 84 Kowloon
Bay West Reclamation,
1st Section......................... 30,000.00 New Territories,
Communications, 114
Roads:
(k) Taipo Market to Kam
Shan................................... 2,000.00 (o) General Works............... 48,500.00 Drainage:
115 Training Nullahs: (a)
One side wall and invert
of nullah on Eastern side
of the Kowloon Tong
Development Scheme..... 26,000.00 116 Miscellaneous
Drainage Works: (e)
General Works ................ 25,700.00 Miscellaneous, 118 Refuse
Dump: Cheung Sha Wan 2,500.00 Water Works, 127 Shing
Mun Valley Scheme:
(b) Access road (Tsun
Wan to Pine Apple
Pass).............................. 25,000.00 (c) Temporary Intake and
Conduit ......................... 15,000.00 (d) North Conduit.............. 25,000.00
Total ................... $713,600.00
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $150,000 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Extraordinary:
Kowloon, Miscellaneous:
93, Compensation and
resumptions ....................... $10,000.00 New Territories,
Communications:
114, Roads:―(h) Fanling to
Shataukok Road ................ 40,000.00 Miscellaneous:
124, Compensation and
resumptions................... 100,000.00
Total ................... $150,000.00
72 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
The greater proportion of the above votes were concerned with the redistribution of the unexpended balance in the hands of the P.W.D.
THE CHAIRMAN ― Members of the Committee have before them the statement relating to the redistribution of unexpended balances together with additional works to be undertaken under Public Works Extraordinary for the year 1925. As this statement is connected with these Financial Minutes, perhaps the Director of Public Works would explain the position.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― We received instructions to keep strictly within our estimates, but as there were a large number of resumptions we found the estimates would be greatly exceeded. We, therefore, re-distributed expenditure. Works which had not already been commenced were not proceeded with, and the amounts allocated to them were distributed over work which was in progress. That is the explanation of the statement.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―Should not many of these amounts be put in the estimates and not provisionally voted?
THE CHAIRMAN―If you put into the estimates the largest possible amount that could be spent on each work we should have the P.W.D. estimates, amounting to 14 or 15 millions instead of nine millions, and less than nine millions spent. Many complaints would then be made either regarding our curious way of estimating or on the ground that the Public Works voted for had not been completed. The Public Works, Extraordinary are desirable and are meant to be undertaken, but it cannot be foreseen to what extent they can be carried through. Under the present system of estimating it is possible to put in a nominal amount for certain work, and then if it is subsequently found desirable and possible to carry through that work the money required can be taken from some other work with which it might not be necessary to proceed urgently. We cannot put in the estimates the full amounts required for every piece of work contemplated. We know the total we can spend, and during the year we
distribute on different works as policy dictates, always, however, keeping within the total.
HON. MR. BIRD ― In making a road through a district you know what land you have to resume and can make a fairly close estimate of the amount of compensation to be paid.
THE CHAIRMAN ― The bulk of the amount for compensation is due to four different works. A change is being made in the areas next year. It is curious to see so much expenditure on the New Territories. Of course, it is expenditure on New Kowloon, and in future the area will be described as New Kowloon.
The vote were agreed to.
Wireless Set
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,606=£304 at 2/4 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Purchase of an Anti-Piracy Wireless Set.
THE CHAIRMAN―This wireless set was required for the Leung Shan.
Agreed.
Public Works
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $17,500 in aid of the following votes:―
Police, Other Charges:
Coolie hire ............................... $1,500.00 Light and electric fans............. 15,000.00 Rewards ................................... 1,000.00
Total ..................... $17,500.00
Agreed.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 73
Police Training School
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $60,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Buildings, 97, Gaol and Training School, Ngau Shi Wan.
Agreed.
Electric Fans
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $5,000 in aid of the vote Public Works Department, Other Charges, Electric Fans and Lights.
THE CHAIRMAN―The strictest economy has been enjoined on all Departments in the use of electric fans and light.
Agreed.
Clerical Service
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $507 in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Department, B. ― Magistracy, Personal Emoluments.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is the salary of a special class clerk from September to December.
Agreed.
Queen's Gardens
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $157,170 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, 40, Compensation and Resumptions.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required to pay for resumptions necessary for improving the lay out at Morrison Hill Road and for the acquisition of Queen's Gardens to provide quarters for Government officers. It also includes part of the payment of the market
site at Saiyingpun and other minor resumptions. The purchase of Queen's Gardens where there are thirty flats for housing thirty Government servants was one of the best bargains the Government ever made. If the Government had had to build 30 houses they would probably have cost $750,000.
HON. MR. BIRD―How many rooms are there in each flat?
THE CHAIRMAN―They vary. There are two large rooms in most of them.
HON. MR. BIRD ― What Government servants occupy them?
THE CHAIRMAN―Those drawing from £450 to £800 a year.
Agreed.
Kowloon Magistracy
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $320 in aid of the following votes:―
Kowloon Magistracy:
Electric fans and lights.............. $200.00 Incidental expenses ................... 120.00
Total..................... $320.00
Agreed.
Wireless Direction Finder
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous: ― Further investigation into site for Wireless Direction Finder.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This sum has been already approved by the Finance Committee.