KOWLOON RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION.
YEAR'S WORK REVIEWED.
HOUSING, RECREATION, AND FOOD SUPPLY.
At the annual meeting of the Kowloon Residents' Association held at the Kowloon British School last evening, a good attendance listened to an interesting review of the varied work done by the Committee during the past twelve months. Captain Wheeler (Vice-President), presided and with him ware Messrs. G. Currie, F, P. Soares, A. Johnstone, R. P. Shroff, A. Fothergill, A-Hicks, E. J. Noronha, T. Petrie, C. A. da Rosa, (members of Committee): and Mr. W. Jackson (Hon. Secretary and Treasure). Among On the others present was the Hon. Mr. H. E Pollock, K. G the mation of Mr. W. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Noronha, Captain Wheeler was voted to the chair. Captain Wheeler mentioned that the President, Mr. B. L, Frost, was absent in Japan, and explained the short- ness of the notice calling the meeting, which was due to the delayed reply from, the Government to the application for the use of the school-room. After the minutes of the Brst general meeting had been confirmed, the Chairman called upon Mr. E. J. Noronha to review the work of the year. Mr. Norunha then gave an exhaustive review of the year's work, in the course of which be said ---
TOWLOON HOSPITAL.
The Committes regretted that there Some misap "was nothing to add
prehension bad arisen from the vote this year's Budget, of $50,000 in
that the total cost of the building would be $50,000. That amount represented what the Government thought it would be able to spend in the current year, although at the present rate of progress the Government would probably not afe more than half of the amount allocated. the Govern- The Committee urged
ment to press on the work, and, if the P.WD. was too busy, to employ one of the local architects... (Applause.)
5
THE HOUSING PROBLEM.
This question had arisen simultaneously with the consideration of the control of rents. On this the Committee met with Fery great success. In the case of the increased rents of the Barrow Terrace the Government intervened at the request of the Committee and instead of the rents like twenty Er something increased being
decreased to thirty per cent, they were decre (Applause) They had every reason to believe that the intervention of the Com- mittee and the threat which H.E. the Governor made that, if landlords were to continue to increase rents, he woulds have seriously to consider the introdue tion of a Bill to form a Fair Renta Board in the Colony, had its effect, in keeping although in z few cases they rents dowa,
The
were increased.
Association had 20 mitfre and the
with rested. believed interests and the landlords. Ther that everyone had the right to a
a certain
and fair interest on his money, but on this question of rent, especially in Kowloon, they took the view that while there was a great scarcity of houses no advantage should be taken of such circumstances to raise the rents beyond a fair rate of interest. (Applanse.) In the case bi a new building they certainly should con- which was the figure the $ per cent.
ider fixed by the Government-or even 10 per eant, would not be too much but in the case of buildings which he would
had not to mention, old buildings which been in existence for the last thirty years and which not so long ago were rented the rent should be $35 or $50, that increased to $90 or $100. they held that was too much because there was no fustification for, saying that the landlord fair return for his receiving &
In taking the this (Applause.)
they had painted out to satisfactory solution would be the con- botises and many more struction of new
not Was money.
quest that the only permanent and
of them (Applause.) They were glad to. be able to say that the Government had agreed with them in this matter and that most of their recommendations had been adopted.
TEE KOWLOON TONG SCHEME.
Mr. Noronha referred to the Committee recently appointed to further the settle- ment scheme at Kowloon Tung. Itwas to be regretted that the first meeting of that committee had not yet been convened and ther
delarsted that there would be nO
Leading
were informed unofficially that the preparation of the site had been of local entrusted to a architecta Until the committee had held its first meeting it was perhaps improper. for them to express any views on this matter, but perhaps it was
Would secret to state that the Gore no probably
consider vers favourably pro drastic modifications of the Public Health to enable the con- struction of wooden
and Building Ordinances. It had beea
& source of very great pleasure and grauification to the Committee that the Government had almost promised that it would waild forty houses for its own subordinate officers, a splendid example which he trusted many of, the leading frms would follow. (Applause.)
The "success of the scheme, however, would depend largely upon easy and cheap means of communication, and they would certainly be glad to learn that at the request of the Government the Com- mittee had submitted an exhaustive re- port on the subject of fares, routes and time-tables for a tor bus service in Kowloon.
-
"MOTOR BUF SERVICE. "
Mr. Noronha read the following letter, which had been submitted to the Gover ment:-
The Honourable
Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher, C.E.E.,
Colonial Secretary.
Kowloon "Bus Service Bis-In reply to your letter, of the 8th October, I am directed by my Committee to submit to you the following report on the subject of the proposed Motor Omni- bus Service in Kowloon, with special reference to the rosjes, minimum time- table, and the scale of fages to be charged.
A Bhb-Committee was appointed to investigate the question, and its report was fully considered at a meeting of the entire Committee..
and
3-After careful consideration' much discussion, and, bearing in mind:" the Government's desire to open up the mare remote parts of Kowloon by guar
anteeing a cheap and regular service, it
was decided to recommend
the
follow-
ing:-
0.-Yaumati to Hung HomĽ 6.-Hung Hoa to Kowloon City.... 10
7-Yaumati-Ho
Mun Tin-Mong Kok Ti
2
(b) Mong Kok Tsai
1.-Talm Sha Taut to Yaumati................. 3-Mong Kok Toul to Kowloon City 2-(a) Yaumati to Mong Kok Tsui Lalehikak
10
" 8
"\
B
10
4
4-Taim Bho Tapi to Hung Hom
ROUTEX-
ROUTES
·TARES.
1st Olars. Srd Class. Minutes
Vente.
Cente.
BRAVICK
4-The distribution of the population throughout Kowloon largely infrenced the determination of the various route. to be operated.
250日
-Seven (7) routes are recommended, with the object of linking up the three ost distant termini, namely, Tsim Sha Tsui, Laichikok and Kowloon City, and tapping the densely populated districts route, Le, Hong Kok Tsui and Hung,
en
6-A sketch plan is attached to facilitate reference, termini being indicat- ed by the respective numbers of the routes.
tes, each number being enclosed within a circle.
-The trafic on the various routes,
on different sections of the same. route, will rot be uniform. The long routes have, therefore, been divided into separate sections, each with its own fare and time-table, every bus allocated to a and I returning by the certaia zection going
on both journeys. route on same
6-There are also two branch routes, connecting the "one being a direct service
two important districts of Mong Kok Tsui and Hung Bom, and the other operating the triangular route Yaamat Ho Mun
Tin-Mong Kok-Tre.
PAZES.
9.-The fares have been fired on broad lines, that for the three longest routes, Tsim Sha Tsui to Laichikok or Kowloon City:
being fixed at the maximum of 18 for first-class and 6 cents for third- centa class.
10.-The division of the long routes into separate sections with separate fares for each has in addition the advantage of the system of transfers (which enabling
is considered to be too complicated to the inds of the uneducated Chinese) to be dispensed with, thus greatly simplifying general each passenger secountancy in paying the fares of the sections avez which he travels.
TIME-TABLZ..
11-As stated in paragraph 7, the traffic on the different routes will not be of a uniform character. The proposed time- table has, therefore, been designed to pro vide a 10-minutes interval on the more important sections, and, for the present, 20 and 30 minutes intervals on the less important sections.
PROVISION FOR EUROPIAN SESERVATIONS. 18.The question of siming at the development of desirable outlying dis
residential centres bas European tricts as not been lost sight of. With this abject in view, the triangular route Yazmati Ho Mur Tio-ong Kok Tsui, through dis tricts reasonably expected to be destined to become European reservations, has been planned in attract attention to the for advantages which these localities offer residential
purposes. 13-The scale of fare is not based on mileage, the fares for each section being at the naiform rate of 5 cents for first- eless and 2 cents for third class. This would considerably help in the develop. ment of the outlying districts, between Mong Kok Trui and Laichikok and along" the new road from Yaumati to Kowloon City
which re-eminently suitable sa European reservations for residential
areas.fire and time-table
14--Similarly, could, however, be modified as experience may demand, and this remark also applies to the permanent stopping places, those recommended by my Committee being. purely experimental
15.My Committee does not claim per fection for its hedule in, the matter of routes, fares or time table, and it realises that there are certain branch routes, such as the one along the proposed new road from Mong Kok Tsui to the foot of the northern side of the hill where the
THE CHINA MAIL.
Blindenham is situated, which will have to be established in the near fainré. :
16.-Provision must also be made from the experience gained after, my, three months' trial, for a more frequent service as certain hours of the day between cen tees of habitation and employment (for sod 8.30 am and Europeans, between
betwee
3 and 6.30 pm, and at the mid-
days Bures, most naturally, would
17.
be expected to await the arrival of the Star
at Tam Sha Tsui and the and Hongkong Sham Tempo ferries st shmpo
places, bach
case to the landing contiguous in Committee welcome with great
the Government assurance of
financial aid to any company or individ ual esnducting the Mater Omnibus Ser vice in Kowloon, as it feels it must admit that
Some
of the routes in the proposed itinerary will not be remunerative during the first few rears. It is, however, com- benevolent attitude on fident that such the part of the Government towards the scheme will be amply repaid by the rapid development of districts which otherwise would reisin farra incognitp for mans enclusion, my Committed de to express the hope that its efforts to comply with the Government's desires for the co-operation of the Low- loon Residents Association in the in- of proposed Motor Omni-
the suguration bus Service may aid and hasten in some communica measure the early opening of tias between Kowloon and its environs, and I am to assure you that the services
19
wires me
1000
to come.
of my Committee are at all times at the disposal of the Government where the development of Kowloon and the New Territories is concerned.—I have, etc.
W. JACKSON,' Hon. Secretary.
THE MIDDLE CLASS. Mr. Noronha went on to say that the majority of European residents of Bow- loon were, and were not ashamed to admit, members of the middle class, and most of them, as had once been pointed out by one of the medical men on the Committee, had very large families, and
if they were to build houses in the out- lying districts without easy means of communication it would mean no advan- tage whatever to them. Furthermore, they were quite confident that if the Government would start any sort of ser- vice, however insignificant to start with, however inficient, and then leave it to experience to improve it, it would help many of their members to make up their own minds to build their own homes in the beautiful areas which abounded in Kowloon...
RECREATION GROUNDS.
The great popularity of the recently equipped children's playground, which was advocated by the Committee, had more than justified the representations
was prob made to the Government.
ახს.
F.due to the success of the play round that the Government had approached Committee with the request that it make recommendations as to what should be done with the three plots of ground along The following letter Salisbury Road
had been sent in:- The Honourable
Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher, C.B.E.
Colonial Secretary.
December 7th. -"BIR-Referring to the interview which we, the members of the Scb-Committee of the Kowloon Residents' Association, had with you on Monday, the 29th November, in connection with the proposed laying out of the plots of ground situate
(a) Forming the corner of Salisbury
and Hankow. Boads.
(b) Fronting Victoria View,
(e) Abatting on Nathan and Middle
Roads,
Bs recreation grounds, we beg to express our-hearty concurrence with the project, which, we are firmly convinced, will be of immense benefit not only to the exi dents of Kowloon but also to the numerous athletic associations the Colony,
-We are agreed that all of the three grounds named should be levelled, turfed and laid out as public recreation grounds" to be allotted by the Government in con- sultation with the Sab-Committee.
a-Plot (a) is considered to be eminently suitable as a Tennis Ground, and it is also suggested that a Pavilion for the Convenience of players and/or Clubs should be erected thereon.
4.-Plot-(6) is considered to lend itseit to being laid cut as a Garden and Resort, with seating accommodation and, possibly shelter at either of Bandstand, and 屁 its southern corners
5.Plot (e) is considered as being adaptable for either "Cricket, Baseball or Hockey. At its eastern end, the space could be utilised as an additional Children's Playground, where Swings, etc., might also be installed.
6-If the above suggestions are carried out, the grounds should be beautified by the planting of flowering trees and shrubs, which would serve as an addi- tional natural fence. This, however, is a matter that may be safely left in the hands of the Superintendent of the Botanical and Forestry Department in consultation with the Sub-Committee, and we suggest the labelling of all trees, shrubs and the plants for the purpose of enabling. public to become better acquainted with the flors of the Colony and South China. 7-As none of the three grounds are of sufficient dimensions to afford adequate footbell sacqmmodation, spaces for this important branch of athletic might be obtained inside the railway enclosure east. of Hunghom Station. The expense in this connection being roty small, these made available grounds should ba mmediately, and we would respectfully suggest that permission be granted by the Administration for their use 35 Bailway football grounds
& Mr. Jackson, acting upon your suggestion, interviewed Mr. E. J. Noronha, President of the Club de Recreio, who informed him that the Club de Recreio wished to have s. ground of their own on which they could erect their own pavilion on the same terms as the Crai geugower and other Clubs hold their allotments elsewhere from the Government.
Mr Noronha further stated that, should it not be fessible to allot either of the Plote (b) or (c) referred to shore- permanently sad exclusively to the Club de Recreo, then his Committee would scoopt the Government's offer of the pre- sent courts of the Kowloon Cricket Club-
and that, as far as cricket is for Tennis,
the members of his Club would allotted the of the Flot of ground in front of Signal Hill during the winter months (October to March) on alternate days only leaving the said ground avail by for the use of other Kowloon Clubs dur- ing the other half of the winter months for Cricket, and during the whole of the summer months for Tennis
unicoded, they coulă
be
Id-We are in sympathy with the desire af the Club de Barcio to have a ground- of their own, but we understand that Mr. Noronha is in direct negotiation with the Government in this matter.
111-Wa thank you for your courtesy in inviting us to express ons opinions.co important project, and we shall be that it would service to you in Stad connection with any question directly or indirectly. Basociated with the betterment of conditions of residence in Kowloon.- We have the honour to remain, Sir, your obediant servants;
B. L. FROST,
T. PETRIE,
W. JAOKSON.
DELAYS. IN REPLYING-
Mr. Noronha said it was a matter for regret that as in the case of the majority of their correspondenes with the Govarb mens no further reply had been received to their last letter. They realised that the Colonial Secretary was a very busy man with many more important matters to attend to. That was the reason why the Committee had not pressed for replies to the various matters raised by it. A the risk of digression he would-mention that their relations with the Government had happily always been most cordial. The Committes very mach-appreciated the high compliment which the Governor paid to the Association at the Budget of the Legimitive Council in ember ise.
ne
Mr. Norenha quoted the remarks of HE. the Governort the Hon. Mr. Severn had also given the Committes great encouragement and Mr. Fletcher, before leaving for home, raplied to a letter of thanks from the Committee that it was be who was indebted to them for assist anca When the Assoiation was started, it was freely said that it would not be A success and that sooner or later it would meet the fate of everyone who attacked "the big ones of the Colony," Re need hold back from membership on that score: the Association had shown that it was only working for the good of the general public. The Committes had held I meetings in the last 12 months; each meeting had been well attended and many had been protracted. It had been con- sidered wise not to publish the corres- pondence or admit the Frese to meetings at prosent but in the coming year a resume of the proceedings would be sent to the newspapers.
The education question, especially with regard to the Kowloon British School, had occupied much attention and the Association had obtained representation on the Education Board, Mr. Jackson being appointed-(Applause)||
BATHING BLICHES
The Committee had approached the Government as to the provision of bath- residents. ing beaches for. Kowloon Lately, a suggestion had been made that, at very little expense, the part of the Harbour bordered by the railway embank- ment might be laid out sa a swimming few stakes driven into the Har taand some rocks removed would be
bout
If the Government quite entfcient. doubted the success of the scheme, the Association would be prepared to show -what could be done, at a charge of 10 cents a head, to enable residents to enjoy a swim morning, mid-day and evening, and at the same time for those who did not swim to meet friends at the bathing place. In this connection Mr. Noronha acknowledged the facilities for bathing afforded to the people of Kowloon by the Victoria Becreation Club; he also spoke of the time and expense involved in bath- ing at Stonecutter s
On the question of a hall for meetings in Kowloon, Mr., Noronha described the arrangements it was hoped to make when the new picture theatre, was erected; nevertheless he hoped that a Public Hall proper would be available within five
years.
The Association had higher ambitions then to holds meeting once a year. It was suggested that it should devise means. Lest for the enjoyment of residents. week the St Andrew's Church Mer's Association hald's Marathon meeting and the Club de Recreio held one last year- it was suggested that the Residents' Association take charge of all such func tions, and hold athletic meetings, concerts, debating societies, etc.
JOOD BUYPLIN.
A very important question which the Association had taken up with the Gov- ernment had unfortunately been allowed to drop. The Association felt that the Colony should be self-supporting in matter of fresh vegetables, poultry and had no meat(Applause)-The Colony supply of its own and should there be trouble in the
places outside from which supplice were derived, Hongkong might have to face a very difficult problem... There were large and very cheap areas of land in the New Territories, and there was no reason why this land should not A good be developed Hongtang had a Dairy Farm but the Committee consider- ed that there should also be one in Low•· loon, though on a much larger scale. They firmly believed that land in Kow. loon would appreciate very much in value. It was within the recollection of some of them that only a generation-ago Bot more than $900 was paid for a plot of land worth to-day 82,000,000. There fore the Government should take time by the forelock and see that suitable land was provided for a farm in Kowloon. Incidentally such a farm would be a source of employment to Europeans. It was not a very satisfactory thing that most of the European residents of this Colony should depend for their living en clerkships or portions of assistants in mercantile firme There were industries in the Colony carried on by Chinese rather inefficiently for want of capital and proper supervision and the develop ment of those industries offered a large- field to Europeans. In this connection be named & number of local industrien.
"EN ABSOCIATION'S OTELS WORL
Mr. Noronha gave the following list of subjects which bad engaged the atten tion of the Committee during the year: Direct representation on the Legislative Council, roads, footpaths, open spaces, advances to the public for building- houses, food prices, provision of band,
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15,
DAIRY FARM NEWS.
FROZEN SMOKED FISH
"New shipment ex S.S. Glenamoy”
SELECTED FILLETS, FINNAN HADDOCKS,
SELECTED KIPPERS.
THE DAIRY FARM, ICH & COLD STORAGE Co., Ltd.
FOR THE RACES
NEW GOODS
WHITEAWAY'S
SEE OUR WINDOWS
FOR LADIES
NEW MILLINERY, ·
NEW
N&W RIBBONS,
NEW FLOWERS,
OVERCOATS,
NEW COSTUMES,
NEW CORSETS.
FOR GENTS
NEW
FELT HATS,
NEW-SHIRTS,
NEW TIES,
NEW
NEW PYJAMAS,
GLOVES,
NEW HANDKERCHIEFS.
WHITEAWAY, LAIDLAW & CO., LTD.
HONGKONG.
$176.30, showing a debit balance of $19.30. On the motion of Mr. D PURVIS, seconded by Mr. F. P. Boazia, the accounts were adopted.
ELECTION OF OFFICIALS Mr. Hfers said he would like to propose that their President for the coming year be Capt. Wheeler, who had been Vico President for some months sad to whose for attendance at committee and keenness work he could testify, Capt Wheeler who a man who brought great common sense and
practicality to bear on all masters under discussion and he did not think they could do better than have him as Pre- sident. (Applause.)
Seconded by Mr. Sunorr and carried. Returning thanks, the CHAIRMAN said he would
d do the best he could. He regretted their late President could not be that
ent and proposed that they place on: prezent record their great appreciation of the valuable services rendered by. Mr. Fro during the
(Applause)
Frost
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
{Reuter'z Berolos to the. China Mall.)}
BOMBAY STRIKES
BOY, February 14th. Workmen on the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway, numbering 1,500, have struck and are demanding increased
All portal and telegraph workers, who struck in September and have not already resumed, have now surrendered uncondi tionally to the Post Office authorities* demands.
CRICKET.
MEBOUKAZ February 12th. In the fourth test match England in
Mr. B. proposed that H. G. their first innings scored. 184 (Douglas
second hic for him to accept the position, gory 67, nut onf; Armstrong 64, not out). -
Australis made 350 run, Armstrong contributing 193 unfinished, and Gregory 77.3.
England, in the second innings, scored 193 for the loss of one wicket, Rhodes making 66 uninished.
Carrie be Vice President. Mr. Jackson 50) Austria teplied with 207 for five bat Mr. aid it was quite wickets. (Bardsley 56; Collins 50; Gre Mr. PURVES mared that Mr. E.-J. Noronha be elected to the position. Mr. Jackson and carried with Seconded by applaase, Mr. Noxorna returned thanks. † Da the motion of Mr. BARTON, seconded by Mr. NORONHA, Mr. W. Jackson was tary and Treasure reappointed Hon. Secretary an er, amidst lond plan yo
you for the bard Mr. JACKSON
(Laugh work you have imposed on me."
Farves, Rev. G. B. Lindsay, Mesars. ter.)
Wylie, C. A. da Boza, E. J. Noronha, Committee, Mr. "ok" the election On the elec
P. Boures, A. Johnstone, B. La Frost, W. TACKSON suggested Messrs. Packham, Jackson, P P. Shroff, W. L. Wesser, W. J. Stokes, Robertson and Parves, thres old resid-
L Bricks, A. Barton
Balean,
Dr.
Allan, G. Carrie Parsons, Dit. B eats
it would be a pity sid BOSLETION to put new men up against the men who and T. Petrie "bad such an excellent
"
"
Mr. BARTON proposed a vote of thanks
Mr. Punya thought the old Committee to the outgoing, cammittee for their very exhaustive report and the spellent work
A member
Last
should be re-elected whether there was put in last year." The least they could do coriinct of Indians in Nathan Boad, any room on the Mmmittee for ladies. art to put on record their appreciati
Kowloon
lighting, Yanmeti mazket, -British School, boring, complaints by members, apply of information, public hal, fire brigade, are alarms, pillar bozes, numbering of houses alleged nui- sances Though all this had entailed many hours of work, the Committee con sidered it's labour of lots and felt that. they had fulfilled public duty, He hoped that new blood would be introduced on the Committee year by year, and that the interests of Kowloon residents would always be in the hands of capable and energetic man. (Applause)
ACCOUNTS.
The Hon. SECRETARY Enid the statemen of accounts showed that the income, although they had 981 rtemberg, was onl $164. The expenditure amounted
The BEURETARY aid there was nothing in the rules to prevent them.
Finally the following were elected Means. T. Robertson, E. Packham, D.
DON'T COUGH
Tis absurd to wilow & coush to bank on and sep your vitality when Chamberlain's Cough Remedy will care you-You don't know where a parsis-: bent onagh will, land you. You can't ford to low your throat and lunge to become dissed when it is such a simple thing to step into a chemist's khon and get a boite of Chamberlain't a
For sale by all Cough Remedy
of the work they had done.—Applause
Seconded by Mr. Rosemon and
The CHAIRMAN thanized. Kr. da for the use of his anne for committes meetings, sometimes personal fincon- venience to Ma, de Ro He blso ex-- pressed thanks to the Colonial Secretary and Director of Education for the e of the school room for the meeting. At- the maine time ha trusted that the dis- ability of not having #proper meeting. hall in Kowloon would not exist much longer.
There was no response to the Chair man's pritation of lugg criticisdi for the guidance of the me
stification committee; and, expressing at the sidefaction, thus indicated, Chairman declared the meeting