FRIDAY - NOVEMBER 19, 1920,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
UNOFFICIAL CRITICISM OF THE BUDGET.
GOVERNMENT REPLIES.
OUR HAWKERS. OUR ROADS, OUR SCHOOLS.
The meeting of the Legislative Council not having finished when we went to Press yesterday afternoon it was impossible to present a complete report of the proceedings in that issue. However, in order that our readers may have a complete report for purposes of record we reprint to-day the portion of the meeting pablished yesterday together with the subsequent proceedings.]
A meeting of the Legislative Council was beld in the Coatcil Chamber, at 2:30 p.m., yesterday. There were present:
His EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR (Sir RECISALD EDWARD STUBBS KCNGA
H.E. M wor-Grxana F. VENTRIS, UB
Officer Commanding Trops Gobers
ia China),
Hec. 3. A. G. M. Fr. CRE, (Colonial Secretary}
H. Mr. J. H. KE, K.C.. CRE, (Astore Gravral).
H. Mr. D. W. TraTvis (Colonial Treasurer),
H. Mr. W. CHITRA, C.M.G.. (Direc tor of Public Works).
H, Mr. F. R. HALIFAX 0.5Ë.
for Chinese Affair),'". (Secretar)
Hon. Mr. E A. Invise (reteg of
Education>
H. Mr. H. E. POLLOCK. Hon. Mr. P. Horses HOLTOIN.
H. Mr. E. V. 1. PR
He Sr. La Cat-pak-
H. Mr. Ho Fook
cil).
ABSENT.
HE Mr. JOEN JOHNSTONE
The 'OLDSIAL SECRETARY red thé se ad reading of the B. initued An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding fourteen mil on and ighty-four themand six hundred sid sixty-two dollars to the Public SerTÍCK
of the year 1921.
The COLONIAL TRIASCERE prethodi
HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK.
The Hon. Mr. H. Potock, K.C., said: -Sir.-As the Senior Facial Megher on this Conseil, the duty devolves
D-dig of
Real
the
Gb-matin: o their hali · öz Budert for 1921. I tell also at the end of such vervation, add a few remarks of my ; and my colleagues will doubis less desire also to exports their own views some of the items comprised in the Estimates.
In the first place, we regret to find that, in two dia, the prese: Draft Esti mates are deficient as compared with those for 10) amely, int. in the absence of an fedex of wihjert-raszter at the end sedly in the Leaving of blanks in
bigber
the on
add in Departmente. We hope that these detres will be remedied in the Draft Estimates for 1994
of the
othe
Secretariat on
I will now proceed, on behalf of my and myself, to deal with the ping, far as possible, for to the order in of conveniener, Pr which Your Excellency dealt with thest.
As "regaris- the loss on rim, we have hitherto merived, a preliminary regum only, and we are strongly of opicion that a final report eight to have been laid on The table of this Council for information long are this. We trust that this emission will be remedied as soon as possible. We" also trust that this expensive experience will be home is mind in future and we would ask that under silar circum. expert advice and Distance will be ment from beginning to end..."
With
the Estimates for short of 1920 were spent upon Public Works Extra ordinary, we are disposed to attribute a
Eces the 10 explored be the Govern million dollar to the fact
over one
part of that shortage to inadequaer is Eumbers in the Public Works staff. We would also earnestly press upoz Four Excellener Bodice the abidinte recessity for the promptest dealing with applications
for
which are went in to the Public Works Department
in regard to new build- alterations Jogch matters not only retarde to buildings, reice that delay in development and, progress, but entails the tring up of capital.
ان
As regards the proposed increase
Buties, we Stamp
trust that ample zovice of the details of the proposed measures will be given to the public before it is attempted to
to pass such measures into law, and that any projected increase of Court fees and fres for Registration of Deeds will be referred to the Law Society for
VIEW.
its
The Hon. Mr. Parr, with whose remarks we are in accord, will address the Council on the subject of the proposed increases "in the fees for use of Government, Buon and for the medical clamination of emigrants.
As regards Hawkers' licences, and the proposal to charge for excess water in the Rider Mains districts, the Senior Chinëse member has some observations to make with which we are in agreement.
As regards the proposed. Kowloon East Ferry service and the proposed Motor Bes services at Kowloon, it is hoped that the necessary strengthening of the roads will be peedily put in haid, so that such im proved means of communication may started as early as posible.
of
be
With regard to the anticipated increase traffe on the Kowloon-Canton Railway,
it is our earnest
that the Canton
atthorities will, darts the coming year,
tary
2000
Ciril Government, and maintain a strong that the
lawless epidemic of mili recent and violence will Lare wbally dimppear, and that the various armed forces will
be disbanded throughout Kwangtung an Kwai, We would also, once again, urge the paramount necessity for the speedy completion of the Canton Hankor Railway, and also for the linking up the Kewloon-Cantor Railway with that Railway
of
Cade
As regards the fadet Service, we have
sufficient
ent materials before us to judge whether the proposed scheme of paymant of Cadets by seniority instead of by poste is desirable or not: and we should” like:
know what is the nature of the two, strict effetency hars which are referred to
Your Excellency's speech, f Whilst welcoming the increase in the"- parinnart of the Police Force, we regres that thrie has not been a greater ingressT in the Eurovega seotion," anät we are not, astisfied that the propcard number of
Europeas in the Police Forge is sufficient far the growing needs of the Colony and for the adequate prosection of its inhabit. ante from the cripical classes. Wo ong sider, ah, that stricter
of the supervision Chinese Decretive Stat is desirable.
As regards the Prison Department, we are doubtful whether the proposed increased the Gaol Staff are sufficient. The slight Веге
in the Estimate seem appearing inadequate to cope both with the Gad prope and with the recently-opened statisher as Laichikok, more especially as we gather that the chair-gang is to be revived. The establishment of a rate Hend for the Prisons was acc'ed the recommendations of the Gool Committee, and we are quite in favour of it: and we would suggest, as corollary, that the Estimates of the Police and Prisets Departments ought to be kept separately from one at her in
the interr.
Depart
With regard to, the new Gaol at Sgan Ski Was Then on page $6) we hope that the most ample room for expansion will be provided, as we consider that the Mea!
aita at is to have that Gaol as the sole Gaol in the Colony, thereby con
rating the Prison and its staff in one "put and saving expense, and ulo, releas the ventral and valuabin site of the
Gant for ther porposre
dricicim in the As ngark the European
Education staff the Profisial Member
that mich deficiencies, which are retarding the teaching in our vhous, will won be remedied. We also sider that there are not enough school+ nnsige in the Colony for the teaching of English
T
With fern the items on page 73 subsidies in scheeky in New Territories and Sub-cir
Elementary Vernacular Schools Hongkong. $5,200 and $10,000, repre- tively, we would wake the following re- WATTS:-
For years, Yemacular Education-the want of which has been keenly felt by the working (hines, who casnot afford to ecgage pricate teachers for their children -has received meagre attention and help İrum the Government, although i forms an British propagsia Aportant faster
I
work and is the stepping stone to English education so far as the. Chinese population of this Cokay is cerned. Without fairly good grounding in their own langu. age, the value and brarft of English educa
Chinese youths causet be so fully trop realized as they should be. At present the system of versatlar education existing in this Celony is supported by the charitably small sub- disposed Chinese, who, beyond sidy or a small grant ander the grant-in- aid code, receive scarcely any encourage meat or help from the Government.
はら
at any
arhoods which they are maintaining ford beiter for two or three thousand children of the working class, who, had it not beet for such schools, would be thrown tha streets to small the number of Juvenils Offenders. The present system has no per- manents, and those who are russing the schools may retire from the field time for want of support and encouragement. My Chinese colleagues suggest, that the sub- ridios and grants should be increased, and free scholarships given so as to enable the best pupils to pass on to the Government District schools for a course of English education. When things were cheap atd rents low, a grant of 3 or 5 dollars per head might be adequate, but now that everything nae gone up in price the oid rate, ranging from 3 to 12 dollars ought, it is suggested, to be restored.
With regard to the item co page 13 of Building Grants, $150,000, we should like to be informed how such sum is to be appor- tioned between the different schools.
pro-
We are glad to hear that, at 'last, a Maternity Wing is to be built on to Vie toria Hospital, and also that a Hospital is to be built at Kowloon and a Hospital for Europeans to relieve the pressure on the Government Civil Hospital of this site. of the Harbour. W TGVP of the
approve posal to have wards in the latter Hopital which private practitioners can see their ORA patients, and we hope that private practitioners be given leave to treat their own patients in the Kowloon Hospital As regards the recnstruction of Queen's Statae Wharf, we work urge upon the Government the necessity for the new Wharf containing Buch greater accommodation for lanches than the present one, and als that it should be constructed in a manner worthy of its surroundings.
As regards items Lad 84 (cn page 86) #e should like to know whether the Government joresaw the wecessity for this work (which involves the expenditure of over
Lac of dollars) at the time when the land was sold for reclamation at Lai Chi-kok, and if this contingent expenditure was foreseen settling the upset price for such land. think it ought to have been foreseen: regards Item 84 we should also like to know whether the sam of $80,000 for the construe sion of the water-boat dock at Lai Chi-kok will complete that work.
78
1973
As
Whilst wardly commending the GoverO- ment (azd specially the Acting Colonial b) for the steps which have been
the for provision of additional houting accommodation at the Peak, the iniddle levels, and Kowloon, we have the criticisms and remarks to make, Following numbered i to 2, respectively:
1.We trust that the Government will strictly enforce the penalities for non-ter pletion by due date of all houses and flate towards the erection of which the Govern- ment has advanced money.
-We regret that it has not been found possible, in the distribation of the million dollars in as for buling, to allocate some of the moneys to persons who are building for their own occupation, as we consider, that owner-occupiers are worthy of - MIETY, encouragement by the Government, and we venture to exprese the hope that it may be "found possible for the Governmens abartly te set apart (possibly out of the proceeds of #alp of the old Post Office sita) a sum of 3 te of Rollars to assist persons to "build bosses of notest lyps and reasonable cose for
THE CHINA MAIL.
their own occupation, provided that proper security is given,
With regard to building development in notice with astonishment that the Be the neighbourhood of Wanchai
Tram-
Way to Wanchai Gap, for the construction of which a sum of $150,000 was inserted in the Estimates for 1920 does not figure al all in the Estimates for 1921, and we are at a loos to understand the reason for the cis." sion, as obviously a tram from the low level 10 Wachai Gap is an indispensable prelimin ary to the development of the Mount Came ran District which canna be effectively opened up by motor roads only. We pre same that the Government has had a sSHF- vey made of the route of such projected zamway, and A rough estimate of the cost thereof, and we should be glad of informa tion on these points.
In your Budget speech of last year (#1 page 90 of "Hansard" for 1919) jour Excellener referred to- this subject as fol- lows:-
It has become very desirable to open up new sites for residences in the Bill Darict. The only part of that, District
fat entirely undeveloped Mennt Cameron, and provision is made poder Item 17 for beginning the construction of a Tramway to Wanchai Gap which will provide a rapid means of access both to Alsan: Cameron and to the hills between Wanchai and Magazine Gaps
-We are disappointed to find no re- ferrence in your Bridget speech to any nego tiations with the Military Authorities for the release of the Milmary lands on Nathan Koad, Kowloon, As has been pointed out more than noce, sites on that ipad 'which are eminently suitable for residences are. being occupied by stables for mules.
5-We hope that the Government wiữ do everything in its power to expedire the. speedy commencement and vigorous prosecu tion of the Praya East Reclamation.
-We trust that the extension of the Eo Mun Tio Colony and the development of the of land at Kerloon Tong Garden City
Ines sil be
pressed forward by the Government.
T-We also trust that the Government will give its assistance to the Kai Tack Reclama- iron scheme by pressing on with the inau guration of the Roricon East Ferry Ser vice and the Motor bus service to Kowloon City-
With regard to the question of whether - there is a shortage of houses in the Colong, there are to houses, so far as we are aware, soles for European occupation in any part of the Colony south of Coronation Road, and it is a well-known fact that the Hotels are so full that passengers arriving here by large steamers are frequently compelled tay on board.
As irgands the City Expansion of the Colony, we are very glad to aste from icdications in Your Excellency's speech that the Military Lands Question has taken
· decided step forward since the matter was debated in this Costel on 29th January kass, and we earnestly trust that the Mili
Authorities will
will continue to co-operate heartdy with the Government of this Cower in expediting Le procuring for the trade of this Colony, by which we all live, a much needed arez icr expanding cor office and busines accommodation
tary
In connection with Harbour Develop we are glad to extend a welcome to Sir Maarice Fitzmaurice, and we hope that his vestigations here may result in it- perkant developments of the shipping facili ties of this Colony-
As regards commercial wireless, we wonk ask Your Excellency to appoid a small Committee (which we would suggest should consist the Colonial Secretary, an Un- official Member of the Council, and the Commodore or an Officer depated by him) for the purpose of discussing and reporting on the feasibility of utilizing the Stone entter's Island installation for comercial messages during certain portions of the 24 hours whiss paying due regard to the Recessities of His Majesty's
Service. Ae regards our finances generally, we would once again urge that it is not fair to the present Colonists that the entire con of Public Works of a permanent · character should be paid for ont of current revenue, and we would advocate that short Loans should be raised for such purposes.
So much, Sir, for the united views of my colleagues and myself on the subject of the : Badger
am now ging to add a few remarks of my own, in which my colleagues do not roccur, in regard to one item in the Budget, namely, the proposal to make the motor road from Magazine Gap to Chamberlain Road. In the first place, Sir, I venture to que tion the necessity for this extension because all those who are living in the neighbour- hood of Chamberlain Road can easily take the Tram down to the lower Tram Station, and from there they are in touch with all are the ether parts of the Colony which accessible by mster One argument which I have heard against this contention of mine seems to be too paltry for serious consideration, namely, that the motor-owner, whether he goes best or west, will have to spend ten minutes in travelling through China Town.
Another argument which
have heard used is that is will be much pleasanter to travel from the Peak to Be pulse Bay over the new projected road entirely on the high levels, instead of start. ing from below. This argument, though better than the last one, does not, in my opinion, justify the making of an expensive road, while we have in this Calong other rgent public matters requiring not merely the expenditure of revenue but also the *services of our none too large Public Works
staff.
Next, Sir, I take the objection that this proposed road is not denirable. First, on the ground that it will desizoy one of our greatest assets at the Peak, namely, the absolute quiet which we enjoy at night. If, as I understand, to be the case, it is proposed to continue this road nitimately de through the Mount Kellett Gap down to Pokfulam Bead we are faced with the possibility of a fine procession of jay-riders is the Peak at all hours of the day and sight. And, even if you call a halt at Chamberlain Read, you canot prevent any- body who can afford the hire of a car from going up to the Peak on a fire moonlight. night, as I presume that the Government does not intend to put up's turn-pike and to issue passes to Peak residents only, an
And now. I come to my second ground of andesirability which I consider most im portant, and that is the question of safety of the children living at Magazine Gap and the Peak. The proposed coute of the road Hes through Magazine Gap itself, and thence along the Craigmin. Road to Cruz. min West, and subsequently it has to squeezo its way through the small gap between * Cheltondale and Balgownie and then to run for game distance along the · present road past the Peak Chureb, bich road is the approach to the Peak bebook for all children going to that school from any house to the east of that school And the question which I wish to put is this Why should we wantonly and unugossarily. introduce a new danger, for children living at Magazine Gap and the Peak by building such a ret
I notice that tenders are now being the vited for the construction of this proposed road, but I -venture to hope” chất Your Excellencs. before sanctioning the accept- Race of any tender, will carefully seek for the correct answer to these two questions: — 1-Is such a road really necesary for „the purpose of giving to Peat residents
Zocess by malor
other parts of the Colony"
2—11 such a wad desirable, having re- gard to the danger which, it will bring to children at Magazine Gap and the Prak. and having regard to the fact that it will and destroy the present-priceles perce quiet at the Peak
to
·MR. LAU CHU PAK- The Hon. Mr. Ir Che Pas said:--Your Excellency, on behalf of my Chinese col league and myself, I beg to offer lew 'observations"ču certain items in the Esti- mates. In our opinion, and that of most of those whom we represent, the reduction in the number of hawkers' licences, which is intended to save the Police trouble, will more Ekely have au opposite effect, inas much as in addition to looking out for unlicensed hawkers..they will have so devote more time and attention to watching the movements of the unemployed and the vagrants, whose ranks will be swelled by thèse who fail to obtain licences, for hawk- ing as an honest mesha of earning "their Invelihood. The Chinese population has in „recent years grown enormously and will, so long as political disturbances across the bordar periodically crop up, contians so
so that the number of Ecences for Bawking beds to be mereased instead of being reduced. From the Chinese point view it is more in accordance with righteous- pes to give a man a few dollars as capital for bawking so as to enable him to gain
decent livelihood than to leave him 'up- employed and drift into the ranks of vaga. bonds. I think the objection to harring would be minimized. if the licences be isoned to each district and increased or reduced as they may be in proportion to the number. of people residing therein. The licences may ako be classifed, so that, in the vicini- ties of markets, licences for selling ly commodities other than market products would be issued. In view of the fact that the Chinese community considers it excred ingly hard on a por l
· but honest man to be punished for trying to gain a livelihood by honest means, not because he defies the law by refusing to pay for a licecce, but be cause he is denied one when he willingly offers
to par for it, we hope the Govern men will reconsider its decision from a more sympathetic point of view. At any rate, all those who are at present holding licences should be given nex licences azd an extra number should be given to new applicants in proportion to the increase in the population. As regards the two thou sand licences which it is proposed to abolah we should also like to know how it is to be done and whether steps will be taken to prevent possible abuses in connection wish | the issue
A MATTER OF EQUITY.
Water Excess Supply and Meter Beats —– Under this heading, it is propused to charge for excessite use of water in the rider-main districts. It may to be out of place to recall, what really led up to the introduction of the rider-main system. The synem was asked for as a copersion from the Govern men: by the Chinese residents and they paid the cost of its construction, which amounted to more has $1,000,000. The conditions under which the Chinos live herë, today, are the same as they were seventeen years ago when the system was introduced. Their botas are almost all let out by foors, and floor is sub-let to seviral *i mady cases
families. The ground floor occupied by shopkeepers and tradesmen uses more water than the tenants of the upper floor Will a meter be fixed on each floor or a meter on the ground floor onis, to serve for the whole house? If so, how will the charges be equitably apportioned amongst the differ." ent Boors or the different families, as the be? And who is to be held liable cres may fer payment.
oce floor becomes vacant? If the landlord is to be held liable. for everything. how is he to recoup himself i 1 be allowed simply to add what he likes en to the rent and such addition, if cour
count. These reasons ed as rent. again taxable? together with several others were, seventeen years ago, laid before the Government by the Chinese community with the request that the rider-main be substituted for the peter system and the Government granted the request on condition that they contri- bated to the cost of its construction. Practically speaking, it was in the ratore of a contract between the Government and the Chinese house-owners. Now, after so many years, in spite of the fact that the Chinese
ແລນ
recently suffered much hardship from short supplies and that they had been made to spend so much money, they are to be charged for what is essential to good health and cleanliness in narrow and crowded quarters. "Have those who have originated the proposato charge for excessive use of water in the rider-main districts weighed well every condition, under- of these districts live, which the population
their
of whom the working class preponderates, and have they thought out equitable means of dividing the charges, so as not to increase unnecessarily the cost of living and to cause endless disputes between owners and tenants ar between tenants and tongals? Chinese consider that the proposal, if căr-, ried into effect, woall constitute a breach of contract on the part of the Government
SOCIAL BARRIERS.
The
Education On this subject, sir, we should also like to make a few remarks. British education in this Colony, which has during the past 75 years, stealy branched out all over China has, in an indirect way, served as a part of British propaganda york and, as such, it should have been no con ducted as to gain the good will and affec tion of all those whom it was intended to enlighten and whose co-operation it aimed at procuring in order to farther British interests. Perhaps in the opinion of those in whose hands the work has been entrusted it has already been so conducted, but the result, as we have seen and experienced both here and elsewhere in China, is hardly commessgerate with the efforts and time ex- pended. At any rate, it has not been so successful as efforts of other nations
the off who came into the field at a later date. It is true that appreciation of the facilities afforded by the British authorities and thissions for gaining a modern, education is to be found wherever British influence pre Tails, but somehow or other there seems to be a lack of mutual sympathy and support between the British residents and the Chinese. For instanos, today, at the metropolis of China, where most of the Chinese students educated abroad have
Be ince their return, what forcibly:
-a-visitor who takes my uterent, în
the subject is that, except those who went there from Hongkong or returned from England, all the returned students have formed themselves into groups working heartily, in sympathy with, and in support of the country from which they slerived their education. The nationals of those countries. from which the students came back also mingled freely and (fraternally with the
sludeis and algo with the Chinese mer- chaum e do have business dealings with them
thing that is seldom, if ever, experi- epend here. How is that the Chinese edticated in Hongrong and in Great Britain behave a differently? This question we have put to many of our compatriots, and, shhough the answers were more or less evasive, they all pointed to one factor, and that is a what of imutual sympathy and good fellowship between the Chinese and those from whose conniry ther receive their educa. tion. Even in this Colony, the centre of British inffnence and British enlightenment, there exist social barriers between the rulers and the ruled, which "give" rise môre to You district nhân có the mostat et fidence which is all-important for breeding mutual sympathy and understanding. The same condition prevails on the mainland. of China, where the two peoples mees on Bore or bees equal footing. This state of affair 2 moet regrestable, and we venture to believe that it can be removed by_closer intercourse. Now that we have a Univer- sity among us, we hope that its growth will bursed with such care and a liberal spirit as will materially help the ends of British propaganda work.
16 HON. MR. HOLYOAK.
10
The Hon. Mr. HOLYOAK-Your Excel- lency, the various questions raised in connection with the Finance Bill under discussion have been so fully and ably dealt with by my colleague, the Senior Unofficial Member that it is unnecessary
elaborate. for me
discuss at length. or more than one or two points, I entirely in sympathy myself with the com- menis
of the Senior Unofficial Chinese
skers Member on the subject of hawk licences, and cannot help feeling that during the past twelve months the Police prosecutions of juvenile offenders almost partook of the mature persecution and must tend, if they have not already done the development of juvenile "criminals, with whom, whder present cir
cumstances, we have no adequate method of dealing. With your permission, sir, should like to deal for the moment, first with the important question of it "China and in Hong- British education
which I deem one of the most vital FOR
At Best pestions before us to day. sight you may feel inclined to call me 10 order in naming
China in connection with
DE
this debate which is of more direct in- terest to Hongkong but in reality the two problems are absolutely inseparable because
the interests. of both ace So far inseparable commer. poited
is concerned. You will have
of
45
to
or before long of reading i
verbatim report of a very interesting dis cussion, which took place a fortnight ago at the Shanghai conference of the British Chambers of Commerce, which dealt_st very great length with the whole question nt British Education in China and in Hongkong. You will read of the proposals
establish a
a British University in the North which it is not proposed in any serse 10 make competitive with our
studied University here.
this ques- tion sincerely and earnestly, and convinced that reither the University in the North, nor the
University Hongkong can be fed and maintaf.ed without
of
and secondary education System secondary schools provided in different
arts of China.
I not think we cart separate the two problems; they are also British imperial interests. It was
felt and very strongly in Shanghai, and it is my know The
Of
parts
convictiorand
we we
Committee of .the Chamber.
Commerce
SCHO
Hongkong 15
hind me in this that we must go even further than providing elementary schools. We must clearly realise that not only the Hongkong University, but the University to be established in Tientsin should be regarded, rot as the ultimate end in view, but as a means to that end.
From should pass
Students these Universities for final education in
од
eir home.universities. say this be
cause it a well-known fact in the North that oc: American friends with their zeal, which we al
have established admire. schools and universities with this end, in view. Already they are returning sted- ents who are becoming, an increasing am not here :0 power in the North. criticise their methods. 1 represent to
...
the full Belush interests, and 1 contend we cannot fulfill our part, either in China or at home if we do not realise that we have to provide sufficient funds out here to establish and maintain an educa- tional link which will be inseparable from our home
so that we' wil
have universities; arttish students
that
retcrning who will believe
Erst the engineering works in the world are British, that the finest products are British, and that the finest public schools are Briush: There is room for competition between is all and we must work, il
པལ་
Canton
may say so, with friendly
endly rivalry and co- operation. It was for this reason, Sir, we welcomed very particularly as a begin nin the grant to Holy Trinity College. which we will vote and which is the beginning of such an outline of educa- tion as I have emphasised. I am quite cer tain that the burden is too great for either China or Hongkong and must be sup- ported by imperial grams. Subscriptions will be raised, but am firmly convinced that the Imperial Govmment will come to our assistance.
You, yourself, sir, have referred to the fact that the schools here are seri- ously understaffed and that so far it has been impossible to flod suitable candidates to fil the vacancies. We should like to know whether it is not a fact that this is not entirely due to war conditions, but to the fact that the salary offered is not sufficiently conducive to attract suitable candidates. We impress upon you the the necessity for filing these vacancies earliest moment:
to
In connection with the Police Départ- ment, we have noticed with interest the proposal to establish a training school in connection with the new gaol in the Kow- "Joori Reclamation site. We should like
impress upon the Government the im portance of training Police officers who traffic of this satisfactorily handle the མ place, which is of growing importANCE.
who
has been to the North, in or Shanghai, comparing, the sys-
C&
tem of motor traffic we have in force here. with that which obtains even in Peking to-day will recognise that the system → which obssips, here is yet in its infanes
and we have much to learn.
We welcome the vote fade under the heading of Government House exten sions I myself have previously referred to the condition of Government House in this
Council towing to war conditions was not possible, then to ask for a votos "We are glad that it is possible-now-to. bring Government House more into-can-
it
formity with the dignity of the Colony
·Personal). I like to see added to ghaf garage a suitable limousine for the conveye ance of your guests in g`manner worthy, of the dignity of the Colony.
Four
I now come to the question of figaro in regard to public works. I am well arou that the Colony is free of debt and timi for years "ast great works have been care ried on out of current revenne.; B 12 do contend, and as you have learnt from the Senior Unifficial Member we agreed that necessary works have been
Es beld back in the past. The sound suggest for
-considerations that large public works which are necess
to the
Towing development of thi Calory-hich, in my opinion, is yet to come-ve must take large views of the future, in connection with dock deve forrents on the other side of the harbour. and the harbour
by the experts whom we welcome amongst us today. These
works must be carried out on principle
year by
ossibly be recomments which
on the
locally and is NM loans raised)
and possibly by
loans with which.
Gw Chinese friends. Are well quainted. By such means thevelopment would take place more rapidly thin otherwise would.
10
*
com
* have looked in vain for any reference in the estimates to the wireless statio lor Hongkong. This subject was also dis cussed at the conference at Shanghai. If of has long been felt by the Chember Commerce here that the facilities we have in Hongkong are inadequate, compared with the facilities in Manila and Shanghai and is only at our disposal through
of the Admiralty, For propose. We have had to rely on occasions upon Manila current prices of stocks and commodities and wo
too strongly e phasise the importance of having a vire- Jess station in a Colony like this where shipping is the life-blood. We must have a wireless station which can pass on mes- sages to reach London within a reason- eble space of time. We hope, sir, you will make these representations to the Imperial Government in connection with the Imperial wireless scheme under con- sideration.
feet
we
In conclusion. I would like to refer 10 the impending refrement of the Director of Public Works, because this is the last occasion of a budget debate at which he will be with us.
I do aos feef competant myself to refer to the many years of loyal and distinguish- ed service he has rendered to this Colony. Many of the magnificent buildings which everyone who lands on these impress shores, and the reads, which are ur equalled in any part of the world are standing testimonials to him. In parting we would wish him all the happiness and health in the retirement to which he is justly entitled. I also wish to thank the Colonial
who are going_on_leave, for their invaluable services to the Colony
Chinese Aars, the Secretary for
The Chamber of
of Commerce especially its relations with the Colonial Secretary's Department has appreciated his untiring efforts, and zeal, often under mying com ditors. This Colony is gratefult and we wish to show it by a tribute to their ser vices. We wish them a pleasant voyage and holiday at home-Applitse.)
HON. ME. PARR.
The Hon. Mr. E. V. D. Pace said:- Following the rears of my unofficial colleagues, I think the most striking feature of the Budget is the proposed expenditure, exceeding the estimate for the current se by some $3,500,000 in spite of the expected decline of some $2,000,000 in the opium revenue. It has been further provel dur- ing the year that what I said at this Coun
il meeting this time last year on the diminishing opium revenue is as true to-day as then. Que result of the British Govern ment relinquishing its entrol of this trafie and harding the revenue, multiplied 100. fekt, to the resourceful smuggler, is the additional work pat upon the shoulders of the Police Force in their endeavours to des with this most intricate ramification of smoggling the world has probably ever known, which extra expense the long-suffer- ing ratepayer has to pay for and, at the same time, make up the defeit in revenue: Some 17 or 18 years ago, when the incom ing Liberal party went to the electors of Great Britain on (amongst others) the subject of
I recall conversation opium, with merchant
this in
city
and bis saying to me:Believe me, Mr. Parr, no one will ever prevent the Chinese amok- ing opium, no more than they will prevent A period of a Britisher drinking beer." nearly 90 years has proved what that gentle man said to me then, go far, to be correcti The whole question has served as convenient. politicst "plank," and the state of afsira is a thousand times wore today than it was then, as a consequence. So long as China (and we still costinnes to grow the pop cultivation
"
read of while districts under
and so long as the smuggling of opiam on the increase in Chins, I appears to shall continue to urge that the only way. to combat the smuggling is for the import of the drug to be controlled by the British Government, as necessary.
As a member of the Public Works Come mittee I can vouch for the fact that s con siderable amount of useful work has beets; done in the privacy of that Committee room since its re-arrangements on the lines pro- pased by your Excellency last
year, ind may be of interest for me to state that in considering the past year's estimates for new roads cox sim and object has been to open up new building sites along the reizes: We urge thar chogen, as much as possible. Public Works Department to bear in mind. during the year the necessity for encourage. ing as many contractors as possible to sisra and carry on business so as to kiẹp dəyi the prearrangement of prices and help the apply to meet what is expected to be sit demand in this respect increasing
I also agree that the Government ber in mind the expediency of making up đư ficits by short time loans in local or sterling earrepes with adequate sinking funds thus equitably distributing the paymer of that development more especially bene fitting-posterity. Our northern neighbour, Bhanghai, bar recently been successful in floating a 6 par, cent. sterling short time loan of £780,000, this money to be allocatest to pay for stores received from Han, I believe this Government would find ne z dihealty in raising's similar loan or Jo at any time of need and that this erpedi ency should be carefully considered before increasing taxation to any large extent While it sound policy to spend on develog ment, it is important to remember that the prosperity of the Colony rests on its highl ness of taxation in order that they remain a cheap distributing recipe of trade
i powibles a Fitle cleaner th rival, present or future.
Continued on Fu