12
THE
CHINA
MAIL.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER
1931.
BUDGET DEBATE
That Little “IC”
the dollar rises.
Reverting, Sir, to the speech of the Honourable the Senior Member I share his regret that it has not been possible to publish the Re- trenchment Report in time for this debate. The Government will give full consideration to his request that a statement of savings should accompany the Report.
(Continued from Page 11.)
As regards the new Gaol the Superintendent is to be housed close to the Gaol and the question of moving the Police Training School to the same locality is already under consideration.
Drew a Blank! No representations have so far reached the Government regarding the notice calling for tenders for the passenger and vehicles ferry. Any representations which may be received will be given full con- sideration.
The question of converting the obscured by brushwood, but I can
re-not offer any hope that the Honour- 6 per cent. lon has alrendy ceived consideration but no actionable member can look forward to is possible before the latter part an early commencement of the Sai Kung Rond. I do not think that of next year.
The Honourable Member who re- the motorist can complain that he presents the Chamber of Commerce does not get a fair deal as regards as roads in this Colony, and the Sat has restricted himself to two pects of the Budget-Salaries and Kung Road must wait till we can
development Harbour Dredging. I have already recommence referred briefly to the Salaries question and as I understand. Your Excellency will also deal with the con- dredging of the harbour, it is only siderable over-estimate. Allow necessary for me to say in fair- ance was in fact made for an ness to the Government. that the, estimated reduction in the amount Wharf Company entered upon their
The only question raised on the revenue side of the Budget is on certain items of Harbour. Oce Revenues The estimates for 1931 were based on certain increases in the charges mide, and there was a small 'over-estimate of the effect of these fees in the matter of Light Dues and Buoy Rent. The larger over-estimate in the item "Engage ment and Discharge of seames" in due to the fact that a full year a Increase was allowed for, whereas the revision of the charges did not take effect till the 1st of August,
#1 on
entirely reasonable, and I am great-representations being made in the ventually to build
The St. John Am-
Duga.e
Steps
↑
Michal Member to the St. John
Government in the recent past and the Government neither practicablé ly admitted that taxation is still of the low dollar, while many re-out the work with greater celerity several hava actually boon con nor necessary. The Government reasonably light, I had hoped that)ductions have only taken place than would otherwise be the caso. aldered in connection with the pre- must take the responsibility of further taxation might have been during the course of this year,-- ". Infant Welfare. sent Estimates and have only been presenting the Budget as a whole, avoided, but owing to our sterling some indeed only quite recently,
They it endeavours to afford full in commitments and the low dollar, it months after the reduction of the inant wellare, and when I came omitted for lack of funds,
I have always been interested in The will be re-considered as funds bo- formation to Unofficial Members has been unavoidable. At the same dollar equivalent of Government here I was disappointed to find so choose to communicate. Business, they were rebuilt of steal. firme can hardly have been un- Honourable Mr. Braga's sugges-come available.
when the Budget is presented, and time, I have endeavoured to spread sterling salaries had been adopted a I regret that the Honourable is ready at all times to supplement the additional taxation as fairly as Moreover I believe that I am right nve made provision in the forth- ittle provision made for it. 1 aware that the Government would tions of lust year wore acted upon. have
welcomed information on The design of the coaches has been member does not see eye to
eye that information to the best of its possible, to restrict it on the whole in saying that these reductions: any recent charges in the emolu- improved and they are built on with the Government on the sub-power, should there be any points to luxuries, and to avoid raising the outside Government service rarely coming year for a centre to be ca- tablished on the island, with a ments and methods of payment of tender. The Government is advis-ject of public lighting. There are on which unofficial members may essential coat of living by any fur reached as high a figure as 17. por their employees.
ed that it is more economical inertain roads on which the Govern desire more detailed knowledge. ther increase in the assessment tax. cont. These facts came within the lady medical officer in charge and a statt, In the first instance, it is the long run for the extensive re-ment considers there has been ex- The question of the age of retire. A number of fees have been revised knowledge of the Secretary of I would refer to only one other pairs now required to certain travagance in lighting and it pro- ment to which my Honourable in view of the fall in the dollar, but state, both from some of the local proposed to rent premises, but if it paint on this subject. My honour- locomotive bollers to be done by poses to take action to correct it. friend refers is already under re. I think that the revised tees are people affected and from others, Proves a success, it may be desirable an institution abis friend Mr. Mackle quotes the the expert locomotive builders in The Honourable member's view forence to the Secretary of State Treasurer us saying that, payment England. who have the exact shows how difficult it is to obtain for the Colonies,
ly indebted to the Colonial Tren-flouse of Commons on the subject. of our own. of salaries at current rates will machinery required. The question unanimity in matters of retrench;
Interchangeability of officers in surer for the care and trouble that the Secretary of State after fullulance Brigade has done good work the Colonial Service is n cause an additional tax on the re- of whether a cheaper form of ruil-ment
matter he has taken in this rovision. I consideration is. of opinion that the the New Territories in relation Free Trade Must Remain. which is receiving much attention also take this opportunity of con- full in exchange having been ar- both to adults and children, and the venues of the Colony of approxi-way fencing could be adopted with
The Government takes note of at Home and is one with which this gratulating the Treasurer on the rosted and the Colony having had a Brigade is anxious to start an in- mately one million dollars next advantage was referred to the year-additional that is over pay- Manager of the Railway who in the Honourable member's view re-overnment has every sympathy, very solo and lucid memorandum sufficient interval in which to re-fant welfare centre there. ing half at 1/6d. and half at cur- forms me that there is no cheaper garding revenue from land sales but it is fraught with considerable which he has drawn up in connec adjust. Its budgetary arrangements have been taken with a view to rent ratu But that figure will only form of fence which would be like and will consider his proposals dificulties, not the least of which tion with the Estimates. A new to meet the new conditions, a carrying out this proposul, but I when next year's estimates ares the necessity for a knowledge of feature has been introduced in the period shouki now be set to the consider that it is the duty of Gov- apply if the average rate for the; ly to prove satisfactory. year is a 1/- or under. The figure
being propured, but I am afraid his he local vernacular in all exeapt shape of taxation based on sterling sacrifice which has been demanded ernment to provide a contro in must be reduced proportionately as
suggestions for preferential tariffs the senior posts of the service. An in the case of liquor and tobacco from officers on sterling salaries. Kowloon, if possible in 1933, similar for Hong Kong products la Im- nterchange of officers between the duties. Should the dollar average a He has decided therefore that the to that which it is proposed to es
tablish on the island. practicable unless he is prepared Colonial Government Service and higher figure than a shilling for present reductions cannot be con-
I wish to add the thanks of Gov- the dollar estimate under tinued beyond the present year, and to see a general customs tariff for the Consular Service under the 1932, Hong Kong by which reciprocity Foreign Office is fraught with even these heads will of course be re-that salaries should be paid at the crument to those expressed by my can be given. I doubt if he is greater difficulties, but this, too, duced, but this will be far more current rate of exchange, as from Honourable Friend the Senior Un- prepared to travel so far from the as recently been under considera- than compensated for by a reduc-January 1, 1932, subject to
the very traditional free trade policy of the tion.
tion in the dollar equivalent of our minimum rate of 1/- to the dollar Ambulance Brigade for The Government notes the views sterling commitments.
and a maximum rate of 2/- to the great services which they render Colony.
These services I am sure my Honourable friend of the Incorporated law Society of
Disappointing Feature. dollar, and he has issued Instruc to the Colony, the Director of Public Works will Hong Kong regarding the qualifica-
The disappointing feature of the tions to this effect. Government is stand out even in a Colony where so unselfish work is done by accept the much do his best to improve any corners tions for certain legal posts and Budget is that, fi spite of the in- unable therefore to on the Taipo Road which may be trusts their
private citzens for the public good. apprehension will
crease in revenue, it has not been amendment put forward,
I also wish to record my apprecia- prove unfounded,
to provide as much as I Reductions In Personnel.
tion of the work done by the New Sanitary Board.
Should have liked for special ser-!
As Honourable Members are Territories Medical Benevolent So- Further consideration of the vices. This of coursa is largely due! question of the future constitution to the fact that our steriing commit aware, I appointed a Retrenchment ciety.
Commission, which has reported.
V. D. Clinics. the Sanitary Board awaits the ments have had to be calculated on Their report will probably be made In the matter of venereal disease
of a shilling dollar.available after it has, together with clinics, here again we are somewhat' return from leave of the Director the basis of Medical and Sanitary Services. trust however to be able to show the considered views of this Govern behind hand. A health officer has
My Honourable friend refers to that provision has been made for a the valuable bequest known as the number of improvements and for ment, been perused by the Secretary been appointed who is specialist in of State. As stated by the this disease, and fie “has made cer- Chater collection of pictures. Tartuer progress in the 1orthcoming Colonial Secretary, certain reduc-tain recommendations. As Honour- This collection was handed over year. Shout the dollar rise, the' tions in personnel have been madeable Members are probably aware,
somewhat Inadequate position will be more favourable, with a catalogue, but it has been found and I hope in that event to explore as a result of the Commission's re- there is a clinic for both men and possible to trace and identify every after a few months the possibility port, though Government has not women at the Government Civil hoped. It would be a mistake te pital provides a clinic for women. item said to have been handed over of reinforcing certain maintenance been able to go quite so far as it Hospital, while the Tsan Yuk Hos except one small portfolio. There votes, and providing for additional reduce staf too quickly and find This however is not enough, and it is no reason to suppose anyone extra-ordinary works.
that the loss of efficiency proved is proposed to establish a clinic in project for a new wharf with full
"purloined" the portfolio, and Approximately two-thirds of our water
It would moreover be Kowtoon. too great.
1 consider it better to knowledge of the depth of
The question of publishing lists there is nothing in the Auditor's sterling commitments are in respect a great disadvantage to the Colony have it more in the centre of the available and after a warning from the Government that it could not of tenderers and their tenders has report to justify the suspicions en of sterling salaries, and onto to reduce our staff too drastically, town than the hospital is, and hero undertake special been fully discussed and it is held gendered by the Honourable mem- much. has been spoken and written and so get the Colony a bad wamejagnir premises will be rented in the the wishes of Unofficial Members dredging to provide access to that to be contrary to the public interest ber's use of the word "purloined." almost as much as on the question which would damage its chance of first place, to enable us to see
The crux of the dif- for specially to publish more than the name of Careful search is being made for o currency. regarding the Cadet Service, the particular wharf
it and I have every hope that it ficulty ie that some persons, whether uccessful recruiting in the future. what success is achieved.
When I came here, I was im-dition to this, further special equip Senior Clerical and Accounting large vessels. The whole question the successful tenderer.
The Government greatly appre-may yet be traced,
non-Government, i
pressed by the large number of ment is being provided for, in ac- Staff and the Treasury and will will be reviewed when adequate
As regards the Assessment of are paid on a sterling basis while European staff, particularly in the cordance with the recommendations give due weight to their recom- data are available from the har-ciates the continued interest of my
third the Colony the Honourable member others are paid on a dollar basis, aubordinate grades. Steps are be of the health officer. friend the bour survey. It is hoped that Honourable sufficient data will be available at Chinese member in all matters will be aware from my opening and each party is inclined to coming taken to replace some of these
In this connection it is perhaps whenever the situation an early date.
affecting the poorer, classes of the speech that we propose to streng- plain
gradually by local officers, though it desirable that I should refer to the The Government. Sir. welcomes community and particularly in the then the Assessment Department. changes and puts the other in a is a step which must be taken with Government policy in relation to the suggestions of my lionourable affairs of the New Territories and
more favourable position. When the caution. Government is ready to brothels. Most countries have now friend the second Chinese member in Education. This interest is re- I note that the Honourable mem- dollar goes up, the dollar paid em give locul recruits every chance, and adopted the policy of the abolition of for improving the form of the flected in his remarks this after ber welcomes the improved pri sterling paid one loses. When the auch confidence is not misplaced, in Hong Kong is more difficult than ployes gets the advantage, and the it will be for them to prove that recognised houses, but the problem Estimates. We are always aiming noon: The Government will cer accommodation and presses for the at such improvements and while I tainly look further into the ques-commencement of the new hospital dollar goes down, the converse is the This policy can only be followed if in most other places.
Here we do not go so far as to say that we tion of facilities for the transport and
Kowloon British case. With on anticipated low dol- local recruits prove that they have an enormous proportion of cun adopt every one of his sug- and marketing of New Territories School. The Government entirely lur. which is to the advantage of the fuel for the Harbour Department estions we can certainly go some products, and if it appears that agrees with the Honourable mem. sterling paid employee, whether he sens the necessary integrity and illiterate people who fail to ap officiency. If they fail to do this, preciate the health side of the ques is due to increased cost. The Rail way towards meeting his
Committee is likely to be useful ber as to the need for these new be Government or not, the latter is they and the Colony cannot con- tion, and wishes.
wo have an enormous the frost of envy. plain if we way, which uses a different type of.
have to revert to the floating population. Singapore has I do not agree with him in his will readily appoint one. It would buildings and hopes to undertake exposed to coal from that used in launches, is obiection to what he has termed however prefer to explore the posi- them as soon as our finances per- Doubtless the stabilisation of the system which has obtained hitherto definitely closed these houses, and also paying more per ton for its omnibus heads." The advantagestion further before coming to a de-mit.
dollar would obviate these differ-The matter lies in their hands.
in some respects the problem there coal but has been able to secure at be gained by a reversion to the cision on this point.
Health Needs.
may be said to approximate to that I cannot close, Sir, without ences but until that is achieved I fuel of better quality with which old system seem to me to be out-
would urge that a broader view bo The Honourable member will I it hopes to be able to maintain its weighed by the increase of clerical am sure appreciate the fact that I the klad reception which they have merely in the light of temporary and medical matters still loom large, Bat
in Hong Kong more closely than thanking Honourable members for taken and judgment not passed; The needs of the Colony in health toes that in Western countries. services without increased cost.
cannot supply him this afternooniven to the Budget as a whole and passing conditions. As Hon-
here the problem is even and I am glad that I have been able greater than it is in Singapore, with the one exception of the Civil The Government will give serious he prepared and sent to him: The structive character of most of their
which he asks. They will, however, Service Salaries, and for the con. ourable Members are aware, I was to make some additional provision owing to the aforesaid floating
of opinion a year ago that a Govern-in this department. Malaria is not population. can only say that this system is consideration to the Honourable question of how far the Govern" criticisms, I should also like to make dome concession and draw his it is in many others, but it is shów-I came here, but in Malaya, and This question has en- ment servant might reasonably Iso great a scourge in this Colony as gaged my attention, not only since. forced on it by the fact that train- member's suggestion that u ed officers cannot be obtained inmittee be appointed to consider thement should provide Secondary take this opportunity of thanking salary at a modified rate. This
1931. Even so there was a
of shipping using the port in 1931; and a further reduction may be ex- preted in 1932 unless conditions in the shipping world improve.
The Government takes note of promise
mendations.
Launch Expenditure. The Government will, as desired, refer to the Special Committee on the adequacy of the Government launches the question of proceed ing with the expenditure provided in the estimates for new launches
and special repairs to launches
The increase in the estimate for
As regards the sum provided for the training of ono Governmont Marine Surveyor the Government,
to
work involved.
Education Committee.
Government.
Com
more extended scale."
on
3
It has not been customary to publish the names of all Commit tees af Enquiry in the Gazette. The Government does, however, as a general rule make known the appointment of any Committees of public interest.
Mafter Of Opinion!
with the Education statistics for
Shaukiwan Road.
and
a
It
Jail Accommodation.
the
new
Government or
་
Medical
load-
A
Education is, ns the Honourablo general Education policy of the member points out, a controversial own office for
tendency to increase, and there is no doubt that it is a most ing a the Treasurer and his staff of my any cheaper way.
system WAH adopted ss from there is no doubt that steps must difficult problem to solve. I have the very able The preparation of a new Public
January 1 last. It entailed a surbe taken to prevent this. one. The Government has attempt assistance they have so cheerfully render by all sterling paid officers that my Honourable Friend the Act-tary of State on the matter and Turning to the comments of my ed to steer a middle courac
I trust hud correspondence with the Secre Health and Buildings Ordinance is already in hand and will be pushed Honourable friend Mr. Braga, in so while supporting private schools rendered in the task of preparing from the Governor downwards of
of Ing Director this Budget.
and propose to ask for a further report on with all possible speed. "Fire far as I have not already dealt with has in its own comparatively few
approximately 17 per cent. of the Sanitary Services will agree with on the effect on the abolition in them, I find that the first part of schools endeavoured to achieve Regulations" regarding certain ¡
dollar equivalent of the salary me when I say that, generally Singapore. his speech deals largely, with the high standard of education.
H.E. The Governor.
I may then be in types of buildings have already.
which they had been promised. speaking, malaria can be eradicated position to take the matter fur- been issued. The possibility of a vexed question of local recruit-
fully recognizes the admirable
A Considerable Surrender. almost anywhere, provided that ther, but it is probable that it will further codification of Fire Re- ment. As Your Excellenes is only work done in the aided schools. His Excellency the Governor
This is a considerable surrender, sufficient funds are available for the be best to await the report of the too well aware the subject is one gulation" will be considered.
unid:-
and I am inclined to think that it purpose. In Malaya, where the League of Nations Commission to which much time and thought Tuberculosis Campaign.
In the first place I wish to con has not been sufficiently appreciat measures taken have proved very which visited the Colony a few The Government shares the de- have been given. The Government confines his attention for the most gratulate my Honourable Friend ed. In point of fact it has meant successful, a great deal of money months ago, and devoted some at- sire of my Honourable friends to is in entire sympathy with the part to roads, and some of the re- the Colonial Secretary for his able than an offiger has actually been has been spent, but the cost of per-tention to this question.
greater provision made for desire for the larger employment marks are dealt with in my replies and lucid speech introducing the drawing less dollars than he would maneat works in this Colony, owing Tall Of Consumption. anti-tuberculosis. work and the of local personnel. The matter is to other members. He refers par Budget, and to thank both him and have drawn if the rates prior to to the nature of its formation, will aatter will not be forgotten when however one of considerable dif- ticularly to the Shuukiwan read. his officers for the great help which the Salaries Commission had re- relatively be much higher. hardly remind Honourable Mem it as I understand Your Excellency
iu Personal Emoluments.
stage our proceedings.
My Honourable friend, Mr. Bell,
In
No one can deplore more than T
Colony by tuberculosis. At the
them.
would
funds are available, but I need culty but I need not enlarge upon The Government is anxious to see they have gl.zp me in the final mained in force and he had drawn Malaya ravines, or nullahs as they do the terrible toll taken in this bers that it will mean an increase proposes to refer to it at a later the uncompleted part of this road preparation of it. I also thank his pay at the current rute of ex-inre called here, can be trained at a
pressed to a conclusion. There is Honourable Members for giving it change. This is probably ant real-more reasonable cost, owing to doubts, whether sanitoria
some time 1 confess to grafu however much preliminary work such careful consideration, and for ired by must people and could there being a sparsity of rock achieve as much as many people The Government associates itself! I should, however, perhaps, ear and mach rock eatting involved their helpful comments and critic scarcely have been contemplated. Here, where the nullahs in many think. Experience has shown, with its Unofficial friends in their ret one misunderstanding which before rapid progress will be pos- fam. On the whole I am grateful This sacrifice certainly saved the cases constat of solid rock, the cost appreciation of the work of the St. might result from the Honourable cible. Should the finances of the that the criticism has not been more Colony some $1,100,000, thus eu- of training them and providing for the articularly in the Bust, that John Ambulanco Association and Member's remarks when he spoke Colony improve the Government severu.
abling the Hudget for the current anti-malarial drainage work will be tuberculur patients as a rule only of the New Territories Medical on the increase in personnel of the hopes to be able to allot further 'This Budget, Hke many
come to suc hinstitutions when the other year to be balanced. 1 venture to much higher.
A sum of $150,000 disease is so far advanced that Benevolent Society. The Honour junior clerical service of 46 clerks. funds for this work at a later budgels, has both Its gratifying and say therefore that the statement of has been entered to deal with this little or nothing can be done for
As the footnotes to the estimates period of the year. able Mr. Braga suggests that 4
With regard its disappointing aspects. It may my Honourable Friend, the Senior work and I anticipate that a similar to the show, this is due to a transfer from to my Honourable friend'a special grant be made
It is hoped that propaganda com- be regarded as gratifying in that it Unofficial Member, that this balanc sum, will be entered in the Es in the shape of pamphlets and Medical Benevolent Society. Full the Statistical Department. Actual-parison of the revenue from certain clearly Indicates the financial ing of the Budget has been achieved timates for the entry of this sum health lectures may achieve some- consideration will be given to any y, there is a decrease of eleven taxes with the expenditure on strength of the Colony, a strength only by stinting the Colony of very in the first instance, but eventually appucation which this Society may posts, as I pointed out in my open roads I should perhaps point out which is probably unequalled in any necessary public works and increw with the reluctance had to reduce thing but I feel convinced that this make for assistance.
ing speech.
that he has omitted to deduct from part of the British Empire to-day, ing taxation is scarcely an accurate it to $50,000. With the increase of dread disense will never be eradi
cated or even reduced to very small Itoforence is made to the Rail-
the revenue the amount duo for The estimate of revenue for 1932 representation of the position. revenug resulting from the extra way estimates in the speeches of My
dimensions in this Colony except by has military contribution a matter of exceeds in dollars by a very con- While I appreciate that many in the taxation, I was enabled to restors the carrying out of extensive town the Senior Unofficial member and favoured us with a long Hat of the nearly $167,000.
aiderable sum that of any proceding Colony · have suffered financially the original figure. I think that
Improvement and reconstruction: of the Honourable Mr. Braga. Tho pressing needs of Kowloon. A new I pans, Sir. to the speech of our year, and I think that it must be from the depression, IL Ta well I should stress in this matter that schomea with a view. to the points raised have for the mont Post Office and better postul faci- absent friend the Honourable the admitted that this hus been achieved known that, this is not universally where areas Table to malaria are part already been carefully con- lities, improved police protection, Senior European. Member whose re-without any excessive or oppressive the case, nor has the recent rise of occupied only by a comparatively amelioration of housing conditions sidered by the Railway Depart-additional typhoon signals, new marks, as is only to be expected taxation. It lins been · stated-ad the dollar been univerandly welcome all and well-to-du population which are very bad indeed in this mont. Steel has not been adopted fire appliances, a car park at You- from one so keenly interested in nausean-perhaps that this Colony ed. Certain sterling salaries hate whose total contribution to the Colony and which are undoubtedly for rebuilding the body work of mati, increased stall and accom- public affairs, range over a wide is comparatively lightly taxed. It been consistently paid at current; rates is small, it is only equitable the main cause of tuberculosis. old coaches on account of expense mudation at Kowloon Hospital and field. He suggestion that an has been necessary to increase taxa! rates of exchange, and pace my that they should contributo directly} Education of Outsidere.
1. Unofficial member should be pre- tion, but I think I am right in say-- Hon. friend Mr. Paterson certain to the special measures which are Some increased benefits have and the waste of much material additional bathing facilities. which can be rebuilt into woodenị thìnk that without exception these sent at the preliminary discussions Ing that more than one Honourable 'directors' fees have been increased necessary. Assuming that this is been provided for in the matter of coaches but could not be utilized if' matters have all been before the on the Budget is in the opinion of Member of this Council has pablle- and in come caces doubled because'dune, it will be posulble to carry (Continted on Fago 13.)
Lack of Funds,
Honourable friend.