4
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1931.
BUDGET
It meets time that the public did
onc
customs have already disappeared
bringing new hope and happiness
and Western medical methods are
to the people of the New Terri torics.
Hon. Dr. S. W. Ts'o.
The Hon. Dr. S. W. Ts'o said:-
munity
->
I can nssure Your Excellency that
DEBATE
(Continued from Pago 7.)-
Now Roads,
THE CHINA
MAIL.
+
the number of pupils attending Kong. The present road is far too Gordon Mackie, has spoken on the timates. if we were aware of the clal position
My colleague, the Hon. Mr. sistance In considering the Es-shall And that in our prosent finan-That Institution carries an under/
•
The Hon. Mr. Paterson said:-
די
two bodies to
as ex-
Hon. Mr. W. E., L. Shenton.
acheme
Colonial Secretary.
the
The Hon. Colonial Secretary
to reply to the
Ιπ
surplus at the end of soxt year. Jernment might benefit by unofficial and I refuse to believe that the this respect, and that it is up to the Whilst on the subject of roads When making this statement I have daslatance on a similar basis. Chinese of the Colony do not wish Home Authorities and public asso would like to refer to the estimated in mind the fact that a fair portion should like to be assured, that tho for afmillar facilities.
ciations there, to, make substantial expenditure on new roads, for the of the Government expenditure is items 21 to 28. and the new furnace Again we have the insistent de-contributions, as they stand to coming year. I note that there arefin sterling. I have no definito and combustion chamber to Polica mand for special facilities for the benefit greatly by the work of our New Territories. This benevolent can only provide a "stereotype that the total comes to $302,300.- must have something between £400, for the Sanitary Department, apam not disclosing anything that is
11 items in this connection, and igores but I imagine that they Launch No. 5, also the new Launch curo of tuberculosis, and I hope 1 University and our Schools. work owed its initiation to the education and if any one destres note with very much regret that 000 and £600,000 to pay in sterling. pearing on page 28 of the Estimates, confidential when I say, that the work of our University has not yet
I venture to suggest that the good. public spirit of a few focal re- a special education he must go to only $50,000 of this sum has been Now as they hava budgeted for have been approved by this Com- Committee which sat to advise on been sufficiently recognised at home sidents and two frequent visitors a school 1ko St. Stephen's." From curmarked for the Shaukiwan Road. these payments at an exchange of tittee. -to-the-Golony, whose-modesty-has-an-economic point of view it would refer
the alte for the new Government grateful, as I am sure, the Uni to the portion between 1/ it is quite obvious that, 'with prevented their beneficent work be very interesting, indeed, to Causeway Bay and
Why Not?
Civil Hospital, asked that special versity is for the Boxer Indemnity Ming Yuen the recent rise in exchango, they from being more widely known know what was the actual sum ex- Gardens. This, as you know, is not will not have to pay out so many it would be practicable for one of with this all prevalent disease.
I have often wondered whether provision should be made to deal contribution, but it should not stop than is. The originators of this pended In 1930 by the Government an extension of some existing road dollars, to obtain
there, because there are many other the requisite the Unofficials to sit with the Gov- Society have avoided publicity; but on its own schools, and the num- the value of which may be problem- amount of sterling. The saving ernment Estimates Committee, thera Director of Medical and Sanitary might reasonably expect assistance. The promised Report of, the sources from which the University ber of pupils, attending, therein, atical. It is the completion of a might be anything between 1% to are eight of us and the work could Servicos has long been walted for know a little abuat the fine service also the total amount of grants road which I may fairly describe as 2 million dollars.
I should like to have seen more being rendered by the Society. apart from Building grants to all the main artery from East to West
bo judiciously distributed. It cor-some day I presume we shall re-than the sum of $50,000 provided A Definite Mandate. The Society has permanent private schools in the Colony and connecting up Shaukiwan with Hong.
tainly would be of substantial as-jcolvo It-it may of course be, we for the Kowloon British School. Medical Ollicer who is paid a small nominal salary. He visits on six therein. A comparison of these narrow for the traffic which it has subject of Government salaries, and arguments and rensone put forward but at least
we cannot afford it, great difficulties-it is an absoluta days a week. On Sunday visits #gures will-show the relative cost to carry,
we shall know the necessity, and a now and adequate are made by five medical officers for education between
more especially in the in view of the very definite mandate by the various departments, fa worst.
building fa badly needed. Govern- Summer time when the Tramway which he received from the Com-ustification of their applications.
It who volunteer their services. ment and a Private School,
The absence of plague is reassur-naters for a section of the com→ Co, have to carry enormous numbers mittees of the Hong Kong General Every case is examined and treated
I will not deal with the questioning. With these few remarks I desire of passengers to the bathing sheds Chamber of Commerce and the is in the hands of my Honourablo
manity which has a real and just by a doctor.
Many century old to join my Chinese colleagues in beyond the Ming Yuen Gardens. A China Association, it is my duty as Colleagues who represent the Gen-been referred to. It is, however.
of sterling salaries, as this matter)
Chater Collection.
calm on our funds and ono which wishing Your Excellency a success-visit to this district on any evening Chairman of these
The Auditors' Report has already we should not overlook. ful financial year for 1932.
I see that the Honourable the The in the Summer would certainly con- recent rise of threepence to a del- vince anyone who had any doubt on fully with the subject that he has the Colony is to be called upon to without mentioning the Chater Col-good work done by the grant in aid support him. My colleague dealt se eral Chamber of Commtree, but if impossible for me to pass it over, Colonia! Secretary refers to the lar is an indication of improve-, the subject of the necessity of ment in our finances and augure completing the road
fert but little that I can usefully implement the Salaries Commission, lection of Pictures-a generous gift schools and the desire of the Gov as rapidly as well for the coming year.
add. I would like to point out to demand a state of high efficiency. Colony This
then obviously the Colony is entitled of great historical interest to this urnment to increase the present possible. I see that the completion of the rond is estimated to cost however, that sinto the present
mutter WAS deale grants. The Diocesan Boys' School Hon. Mr. J. J. Paterson, $350,000. 1 trust that the Govern scale of salaries was recommended should like to draw Your Excel with by me in the Legislative Coun- is one of them and naturally was by the Salaries Commission thereoncy's attention to Ordinance No. 2 cll on December 30, 1927, when the happy in the idea that they would ment will be able to vote larger
benefit from tho Government's I have studied the Budget for the.
suma in subsequent years, otherwise has been a very heavy fall in the of 1862 Section 2, under which then Honourable Colonial Secretary year 1932 also the speech by the Sir,--1 find one advantage in be- it looks as if the public might have retail as well as in the wholesale Your Excelency in Council, with gave. In answer to questions put boy munificance unfortunately
the approval of the Secretary of me, a most emphatic undertaking
as promulgated benefits Hon. The Colonial Secretary on ing a young honourable member to wait for seven years before the prices of all commodities
pressed in sterling, and it is only State, can dispense with the ser- for safe custody and preservation, them only to the extent of $266 this subject with much interest. 1 and that is that when it comes to road is completed.
reasonable to argue that salaries desire to associate myself with the my turn to speak other Unofficial There are other roads, such as the should be reduced necordingly, see any time after he has attained the being made, to get back any missing by the Government.
vice of any Government servant, at I sincerely hope that every effort is which I am sure was not intended remarks and criticisms made on members have dealt so fully, very motor road from May Road to the Estimates by my
In conclusion may I wish Your Hon. Col fully in some eaxes,
who have of the mat- Magazine Gap, the making of which ing that these salaries are to be age of 5. Now by the time this pictures from those
Excellency every good wish for the leagues, the Senior Unofficial Mem- ters, at issue that, fortunately, I would like to press for, but I paid in the sterling equivalent in age is reached, at least 30 years purloined them.
future or at any rate so long as service has been given in most ber Sir Shou-son Chow, and Mr. there is very little left for me to refrain from doing so in view of
Turning now to the Estimates, on coming fleancial year and expresa cases entirely in this Colony-page 5 there is a statement of the hope that it may be a successful Kolewall, in their speeches.
At Buy
I think there are only one the fact that I consider the nexchange does not go below 1/-.
venture to suggest that by then the Revenue for the past ten years. In and prosperous one and that at the the same time I should like to add or two' points. I want to mention. complated portion of the Shaukiwan
time has arrived, except in ex-Items 3 Licences and Internal) conclusion A few observations of my own
we may find ourselves The rat is that I want to naso- Road to be the more important.
ceptional cases, for retirement on Revenua etc., is included the revenue with substantial and satisfactory which may not bear directly, on any ciate myself with my honourable
Direct Road Taxes.
pension particular item of the Budget, fiend, Mr. Charles Mackie, on When going into this question I
Besides keeping the ser- derived from the Assessment Texash balances. vice in a state of high efficiency it The Honourable the Colonial Trea- which has been so carefully and what he said about the harbour.make up some interesting figures as The Hon. Mr. W. E. L. Shenton ensures ม continual stream of surer has courteously supplied me ably reviewed by my on. Cal. The harbour is rather a contro regards the receipts by the Govern- was absent, attending the the Pack-younger men into the responsible with the figures for the past ten lenguer, but rather on the general: versial subject, and I have a veryment from direct road taxes. The fic Relations Conference at Shang-positions instead of as often hap years. In 1921 the rates collected effect which the increase of taxa- direct interest' as chaliman of one main item is, of course, the lately hai, and his speech was read by the "ens, responsibility does not come, amounted to $2,330,838, and for the said: tion has on The Chinese Com- of the wharf companies, but I do Increased Petrol Tax. but before Hon. Mr. S. W. Ts'o as under:- until the recipient is already tool year 1980 $4,208,277. With the
feel this that the Wharf Com-going any further I would like to
rising We have again arrived at that far advanced into the groove of his amount of new building that has criticisms of my Unofficial friends I quite agree that, in order to pany puts a good deal of money make it quite clear that I am not period of the year when it la cus- predecessor. I as a member of this taken place in the past ten years, I should like Brat on behalf of the balance the Budget without reduc into Government coffers and does opposed to a Petrol Tax in prin- tomary to bring the past under Council hope that this ancient Or- and the considerable rise in the Government to thank them for ing efficiency in administration, not get an awful lot out. Last ciple. It is, in my opinion, quite review, and make our calculations dinance of the Colony is being value of property, I expected to find their appreciation of the efforte increase taxation is a matter of year, 1930, they put in 391,000 and sound that the more an individual for the future. It is the occasion adhered to and that each Govern a bigger increase. I hope the which have been made to present absolute necessity. In this respect did a certain amount of dredging or Company uses the roads the more when the Unofficials of Your Excel- ment servant, ne and when the age 82088ors have been assiduous in them with the fullest possible in-
as the Hon. Mr. Mackle pointed they should pay towards their ap-lency's Legislativo Council are of 56 years is attained, has his their duties and that the returns formation in the most readily ac the Chinees Community will loyal out, and also made minor repairs keep, and this is the principle upon given an almost unfettered oppor-dossier brought before Your Excel reflect the correct rateable value of cessible form, and for their general ly support the Government. Never to a road, and what benefits they which the Petrol Tax. is levied. Itunity, of a roying criticism over lency in Executive Council for con- property in this Colony. theless, I earnestly hope that, in have received from the Govern feel, however, that it is somewhat the past and the future--in fact I rideration.
approval of the methods adopted to Its anxiety to increase the revenue, ment for that I don't really know of an anomaly, that the amount believe one
I am glad to see that the New raise the additional revenue which of Your Excellency's Bound up with the question of Female Gael has at last become a they agree is necessary in order to the Government will not impose or The barbour is still very much budgeted for the upkeep of the predecessors once described It, as the standard of high efficiency, is reality. It is difficult to under- balance the Budget. insist on small Chinese traders what it was 10 or 15 years ago roads should be reduced just when the "Unofficials' half holiday." Per-the question of inter-changeability stand how conditions have been such hard and stringent conditions and I-really do seriously hope that the Petrol. Tax has been increased sonally I have always regarded it of officers with other Colonies, allowed to remain
The main criticism of the Budget that may kill their business and something may be done about it. considerably.
as they have is concerned with the question of The following are as an oecnaton, when a mass of This is a matter which has received been, for so many years-conditions the payment of sterling salaries at take away their living. For, I sub-
Directors' Fees
the estimates for the various mathematical calculations in the the strong recommendation of a which I can only describe as dis- current rates of exchange, a sub- mit, that the prosperity of this. The other; point. 1, want to makei
shape of the Estimates, and a Royal Commission known
as the graceful. "Colony is judged by the success of in on the very vexed question of taxes:~~
Ject with which Your Excellency series of highly technical depart-Warren Fisher Report. One cannot It is also pleasing to learn that proposes to deal. Apart from that, the many and not of the few, and sterling salaries. Almost every Petrol
mental reports, are placed in our help thinking that the Colony is real start is going to be made with the speeches that small traders, who eke out a Government officer. I have discuss
hands with the Intention that we benefiting by the following of this the New Gaol, when it will be pos- friends may be sold to confine of my Uneficial living by shear industry and frugaled the matter with remarks, "You Motors ..
hould travel through their In-holley in the past, and I personally able to carry on our prison ad- themselves for the most part to habits, form the great majority of have put up all the Directors" Motor drivers
tricate and varied ramifications, hope that it will receive a greater ministration fees!! the population here,
on modern lines. I matters of detail, which disclose a and is generally.extremely, Othera
with the object of gaining sometimutus in the future. It is, how hope it will be pressed on with until close scrutiny of our proposals and vague as to what Directors' fees: Other drivers
intelligent knowledge, of how the ever, necessary that a change of the new building is completed. My a sincere regret, which the Govern- Notwithstanding any opinion to curtain Directors fees have been
Well, as a matter of fact.
public revenue of this Colony has posts should not work financially to sympathics will always be with the ment shares, at seeing so many de- the contrary, cost of living among put up and. will deal with the
Making a'total of ....$884,500 been spent, and the manner in the detriment of either transforce. Superintendent of Prisons and hesirable works postponed to a future the Chinese in the Colony has in-
Aguinst this the Government
which it is proposed it should be Hong Kong and Canton.
Staff, in any troubles that compunica I know
may date. Leaving in Your Excellency'a creased enormously during the inst
propose to spend:-
allocated in the coming year.
This leads me on to the question, occur. two years, although it has not in leading
The first one was one of our Maintenance of Ronda.....$385,500!
hands some of the more important Cherished Toys Absent... of whether it is not desirablo to insurance
I am sure we shall all desire to items I shall now endeavour to the creased in the same ratio as the They make a very great deal of
companies, New Roads
392,300 value of sterling to silver. It does money in sterling and pay, divid
Our senior member has already have a liaison officer or officers meet the Superintendent of Prisons best of my ability to answer not therefore hit those, whose In ends in sterling und, not, unnatural
Making a total of....$777,800 expressed our appreciation of the between Hong Kong and Canton, with the Public Works Committee various questions raised. come is on a sterling busis, so hard l. are now paying Directors' fees'
What Tramways Pay.
clarity with which the Estimates this Colony's interests are inextric-on his return from the voyage of
Patrol Not a Luxury. as these whose income is in silver is sterling.
therefore, that and accompanying memoranda have ably bound up with those of Can-discovery to Malaya and Shanghai.
Taking first the specch of the Exactly the same, the amount the Government pro- been presented this year, and it is ton, and an Inter-change of officers Secret Service Vote. To a dollar-pald man a dollar is a thing happened in the Hong Kong [pose to spend is about $55,000 legs unnecessary for me to add anything between this Government and--His
Honourable the Senior Member, at I notice on page 40 item 26 of tention is drawn to the danger of dollar and no more. We all know and Shanghai Bank which can, I than the amount they estimate to to his eulogy. I should neverthe Britannic Majesty's Consulate at the Estimates, that there is a pro- regarding petrol as a luxury. The that the supply of necessaries of think, be fairly argued na not have yet in front, direct road taxes. 1 less like to commiserate with the Canton, should have beneficial re-nosed Saving in the secret service Government does not so regard it life in the Colony depends chiefly ing increased their fees. on importation from abroad; some
night. In addition, point out that Honourable the Director of Public sulta.
Yote. I hope the amount asked for and is not unmindful of the neces- I admit that the two dollar com- the Hong Kong Tramway Company Werks, inasmuch as I find on per:
I note from the speech of the is sufficient, because I consider that sity for cheap transport. It does from gold countries and others pantes of which 1 ant chairman pay on ar average about $45,000 ausing his "Notes on Estimates, Honourable the Colonial Secretary. In the difficult times through which not however consider that the from China. Recently Canton put had suggested putting up their year for the privilege of using the that so many of his most cherished that it is anticipated that there we are passing the eceret service petrol tax has been unduly raised a duty on fish and vegetables for Directors' fees. export to Hong Kong; and there is the suggestion was made from the maintain a portion of the
In each instanco routs and, in addition, have to trys have been taken from his shop will a quailties Cadet Officer, plays an important part.
jor that the cost of transport will no telling to what limit these taxes floor, but could not be dealt with averaging probably 15 feet
The Hospital Authorities have an be seriously affected thereby. The rond, window. and placed on the obscure available for the post of Assistant
shelves of the future, but I never Attorney General in the Spring of urgent claim on us, an early start Hon. member and some of his col- may extend. It, beloves the because notice was required. Government, therefore, to seriously don't know what will happen at Shaukiwan. I estimate that the desire to economis
real next year. The Incorporated Lawmust be made with the New Gov-leagues have referred to the c- width, From Kennedy Town to theless appreciate his very
as shown by Society of Hong Kong view with ernment Civil Hospital, a matter in counts provided for ronds. The look into and find ways and means the forthcoming meetings, but I cash payments and the cost of the the substantial pruning down of his apprehension the holding of any of which we have long neglected our excellence of the Colony's roads is by which the farmers in the New, might be put, through and the in-above maintenance must come to an Estimates, and the savings appear the legal positions in this Colony duty. Territories may be encouraged to, crease is only $8,000, which I sub-
remarkable and we hops that it 1 year. It ing in his Report Some of which by persons who have not been in The fact that a sum of $50.000 is will still be possible to maintain à increase agricultural production. mit is tiny.
average of $100,000 would appear, therefore, that the fiowever, I find it difficult to agree active legal practice, and I desire to be allocated, to the first section high standard with the funds pro- Government are
new getting about with. I sincerely hope the econo- to express the views of the Society of the
100' Road between vided. The suggestion that a road transportation and a market of
$150,000-a year more than they mies in road maintenance are not to Your Excellenes
Causeway Bay and Ming Yuen fund be created, which I read into Before dealing with the Estimates Gardens, is a matter for congratula- the Honourable the Senior Mem- their own for their goods where
propose to spend on
maintenance drastic, and there are some other) they can dispose of their produce
Now it; items which I will deal with later in detail there are certain matters tion. Our short sighted policy in ber's speech, is open to serious and new development. The senior unofficial member, the stems to me that these direct taxes where I should like to have seen, arising on the Reports to which this respect has held up the develop objections, as all must know who without being subject to hard, bar- gains driven by atall-holders.
ment of property right through have followed the history of the Hon. Sir Shouson Chow, referred should be sufficient to maintain the either some provision made, or should like to draw attention.
In the Police Report we find an Shaukiwan, and the Government the road fund in England. would suggest therefore that in his speech to the statement made roads, but that it is hardly reason-larger allocations.
Our system is not without its extraordinary increase in the valuo has lost much revenue thereby. I Committee be appointed by the by the Honourable the Colonial able that they should be so greatly
Bearing in mind that Your Ex Government to cruise in the Secretary as regards the mainten- in excess of the amount required to dificulties for the Unofficials, a mass of property stolen, mostly connected should like to see an even greater celiency will deal more particular- -matter thoroughly and give the ance of the standard of our roads. do. zo. As regards new roade, the of detail is placed before us, and with persons placed in a position allocution.
ly with the question of Civil Ser furmers every assistance possible. tually stated, when referring to much revenue
The Hon. the Colonial Secretary ac development of them brings in sout of this maze of dizures we ora of trust-a very disconcerting de-
|vice. Bularies which looms so, lorgo to the Government expected to follow the Government's velopment. Stereotype Education.
Chinese and Health.
I will now speak on the Education In the speeches of the Senior Un- public works recurrent, "This vota from the sale of Crown lands and, financial commultments for the com-
de of the Estimates.
official Member and of the Repro- I am glad indeed that provision has again been kept down to a low later, from assessment taxes when ing year For some weeks before has been made in the Budget for figure. It will, I fear,
With the Director of Medical and I am glad to find that we are ablesentative of the Chamber of Com mean the the properties have been developel, the Estimates are presented, a Sanitary Services we have the voles to continue our grant in aid of merce, I shall confine myself to re- the increase of school grants in the lowering of the high standard at that consider the cost should be Government Committee, bn which calling in the wilderness, "why Is $350,000 to the University of Hong marking that my references to year 1932. The amount so increas which the Colony's roads have met mainly out of general revenue the Unofficials are not represented, the Chairman of the Sanitary Board Kong. I venture to suggest that business firms were based on the ed is atill, I consider, insufficient. hitherto been maintained." In my
However, I do not propose to sit in Judgment on the financial a Cadet ?" My personal view is there is no way of giving to the only information then available to Before the year 1913 the policy of opinion, Sir, this is a step which press for any reduction in the requests of the various Government that this bosition ought to be oc-Chinesu what we belleve to be best the Government and the informa the Government was to assist pri- should be avoided if possible. It direct road taxes, but I do again departments, we are unaware of the cupied by a person possessing in our civilisation, than through tion was derived from entitely ra Since then that seems to me that this policy is not urge upon the Government the arguments brought forware for this technical knowledge. I fall to be our University and our Schools, liable sources. I was particularly policy has been changed and more, a sound one, for surely it must be necessity for maintaining the atan or that item of expenditure, but lieve that a specialist possessing especially in Hong Kong where the careful to qualify my remarks by Government schools have been cheaper to maintain our roads at dard of our roads, and in particular, eventually the decisions of this ordinary intelligence cannot adapt student Is established and a higher standard the present standard rather than to I would ask their serious considera- Committee are brought before us in himself to the susceptibilities of Sciences of the West in his Eastern ment is aware." It must not be
able to study, the the words "so far as the Govern of education provided. Whether it lower that standard and bring them tion to the question at pressing on the bald form in which they appear the Chinese when all said and Setting. I cannot do better than forgotten that business firms do Is the duty of the Government to up to the present standard at a with the completion of the Shau the Estimates. It has been done, times are changing rapidly, refer Your Excellency to the Iteport not publish annual estimates and provide Secondary Education for Later date. I would therefore press kinu Rand at the earliest possible found desirable to appoint a small Chinese are demanding in their or of the Economle Mission which on Blue Books with details of the the public is a controversial point. upon the...Government, the desir date. Thera. 16. of course, the committee of two clala and two dinary daily life, conditions of lv, pages 104 to 107 and 120, deal with emoluments of all, their employees, But I remember that, on a speech ability, I might almost say the queation as to where the money in Unofficials to assist the Honourable ing in conformity with modern idea the cultural relations with China and the Government is for the most day at St. Stephen's College, Bir necessity, of raaintaining the pres to come from. It is obvious, how is Harbour Master with his re- of sanitation--Nandag is demand to all implant subject, but 7 part dependent for its information Cecil Clemonti, our late Governor, sant standard of the roada of the svar, that the Government will entrenicula, and I have little doubt in the assistance of the world's would add this that in my opinion on such details as the firms may said ip effcct that "the Government | Colony.
all probability have a substantial that other departments of the Gov-experts in her public health werk,' trist Kang 2 doing her duty la (Continuad on Page 12.)
Cost of Living.
I was informed that what the
» farmers need are
vate schools.
facilities for
I
A
are.
Hon. Mr. W. H. Bell.
The Hon. Mr. W. H. Bell said:
•
Licences on Vehicles.
$600,000
100,000
41,600 5,000
.It will be seen,
University Grant,
the