16 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
29th April, 1927.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
A meeting of the Finance Committee was held in the Council Chamber, the Colonial Secretary (Hon. Mr. W. T. SOUTHORN) presiding.
PRESENT:―
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY (HON. MR. W. T. SOUTHORN).
THE COLONIAL TREASURER (HON. MR. C. MCI. MESSER, O.B.E.).
HON. MR. H. T. JACKMAN (Acting Director of Public Works).
HON. SIR HENRY EDWARD POLLOCK, KT., K.C.
HON. SIR SHOU-SON CHOW, KT.
HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL, C.M.G., LL.D.
HON. MR. D. G. M. BERNARD.
ABSENT:―
HON. MR. A. C. HYNES.
SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENDITURE.
H.E. the Governor's message No. 4, giving items of Supplementary Expenditure Nos. 29 to 41 of 1927, was considered.
The amounts asked for totalled $165,988 and all were approved with the exception of $15,000 the increased estimate for the Harbour Department's launch. It was decided that further information regarding this particular item of expenditure should be circulated.
The provision made in the Estimate for a new launch to replace the Victoria was $40,000. This estimate was based on the fitting of twin Atlantic Engines burning kerosine and requiring renewal after 10 years. It is now proposed to fit instead Gardner Engines of Semi-Diesel type costing $15,000 more. The Gardner Engine, it was stated, should last the life of the boat (approx. 20 years) and be much more economical. The saving in fuel alone would, it was estimated, be $15,000 in 8 years.
HON. MR. D. G. M. BERNARD―These Semi-Diesel type engines seem very expensive to put in even although it is stated they will last the life of the boat, approximately 20 years. In a steam launch the engines always outlast the hull.
THE CHAIRMAN―They are certainly more expensive to start with but marine engineers think they will be cheaper in the long run.
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 17
HON. MR. D. G. M. BERNARD―Can they give us further particulars?
HON. SIR H. E. POLLOCK―It is stated that there will be a saving of $15,000 in fuel alone during eight years.
THE CHAIRMAN―The life of the twin Atlantic engines which were originally proposed is put at 10 years.
HON. MR. D. G. M. BERNARD―A steam engine will always outlast the life of a launch. Before approving of this expenditure I think we should have a little more information on the subject.
THE CHAIRMAN―I will get further information and have it circulated. If the information is satisfactory to members possibly they will approve the vote in writing on the papers.
It was agreed that this should be done.