Page
Vigorous Criticism By Unofficials Of Budget Proposals
"According to the last Census (Continued from Page 2)" question has generously allowed the creasing, which is no docia due.
population of the Colony use of the ground to the club to a certain extent, to our in-the Pass Road extension. A repetition members without payment of any trial concerns. Agricultural pro-frame to just short of 850,000, Bay rent. I submit that the higher ducts can scarcely be produced in which works out at over $6 or of the reserves in Repulse and Sheko must be avoided, at all rate of tax in urban areas should sufficient quantities to cover our 78 66 (at "173 to the day) per Cay with it city amenities that own consumption, much less ex-head, of a population in which costs.
Broadcasting
the residents of those districts are port But there is a splendid op dire poverty is widespread. This the pro-portunity for establishing manu- Colony is a Crown Colony, it does "Speaking as a member of the entitled to expect, and
I am vision of recreation grounds with factoring and industrial concerns (not enjoy complete liberty and Broadcasting Committee. aware of the big improvement that in these areas in the New Terri and I hope the Government will do freedom and equality of status?
"The question of Military Coo- is about to take place when the tories is, therefore, a matter which their best to give encouragement
the past Your Excellency has new short-wave transmitter is in-should be cared for by the Govern wherever possible to such exter-tribution has often been raised in
prises. stalled, and the great benefit toment.
"In conclusion, I commend these
"The trade of Hong Kong is already done so much in effecting shipping on the high seas and its publicity value to Hong Kong. It humble suggestions to Your Excel essentially connected with China Permanent retrenchment in the in- has long been felt that the Chin-lency's sympathetic consideration. ese licencers do not receive the Although with the stress of firan and particularly with Canton. Aterests of the Colony that I ven- tion are most essential and bene gain, to look into this matter maximum service from the Broad- cial problems weighing heavily cordial relationship and co-opera-ture to appeal to you. Si.. casting Studio, through no fault upon the Government my requests
whom Ifficial to the people of both places and obtain some reduction of the burden, which entails the payment of the latter. There is this to be on behalf of those for
first sight Perhaps to some minds the point said both for the Committee of have spoken may at the Stadio and for the Govern-appear to be somewhat exacting, is hackneyed, but, for my part, ment, that the apparent neglect of I feel confident that I shall not be
the Chinese may not be put down asking in vain.” to discriminatory influences. In reality it is the mechanical de-
ficiency that has to be made good
This deficiency. again. cannot be justly attributed to the technical staff.
Physical needs have to bel provided in the first place by enlarging the
Dr. S. W. T'so's
Speech
ECONOMICALLY SOUND BUDGET
once
2
the Colony, for the years, 1935 do not think it can be stressed too to 1957-years of acute trade de much or too often. Accordingly it pression of the sum of $14,510,504
for Military Contribution was with great pleasure that I
New Motor Taxation heard of Your Excellency's friend-
"According to the Estimates for ly visit to Canton. I am sure that 1937, the import duty on
motor it helped greatly in cementing the spirit is to be raised from $670,000 cordial. relationship between our (approved Estimates for 1938) to cities, and on behalf of the Chin-$750,000; licence Yees for motor ese community in this Colony vehicles are to be increased from accommodation. In this speech the Hon. Dr. Swish to express our deep apprecia- $185,000 (approved Estimates for
tion and gratification.
1936) to $232,000. which is far too limited for the W. Ts'o said:-
Troublous Sea Of Finance
"When the Hon. the Colonial "Your Excellency;-As Senior increasing demands on the techai-
"May I in conclusion mention Treasurer, on June 24, 1936, mov- cal side on the Studio equipment: Chinese Member of the Council. I} and, in the second place, by a more desire on behalf of myself and myịt am of the opinion that so longed the resolution to increase the powerful transmitter than Z.E.K.. Chinese colleagues to voice our as we have large sterling commit-duty on light oils be set out a which is admittedly weak. provides general agreement with the views ments, it will be most difficult to rough estimate of the annual cost
expressed by the Honourable the balance var Budget on account of of maintaining the roads at at the moment.
argu-Senior Unofficial Member of Coun- the low rate of car local dollar.total of $600,000, and the increase meet the "I believe very strong ments can be advanced for equip cil in his speech on the Budget. Until we shall attain the stabilisa-would be sufficient to
to congratulate the tion of international currencies. 1936 Bill for maintenance. ping the Studio with both increas wish also
"According to the Memorandum and a more Honourable the Acting Colonial Hong Hong will always be faced ed accommodation powerful apparatus. Figures have. Secretary for the lucid manner in with this problem, but with Your of the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer at the helm. I feel on the financial position for 1935, I understand, been prepared that which he presented his first Bud-Excellency
His memoranduma get justify the expense that will have
on the sure that our ship of State will 1936 and 1937, the increases of to be incurred in order to make estimates for 1937 and the memor- be steered through this troublous motor vehicle licences are to be
to cater better provision
anda prepared by the Colonial sea of finance to a harbour of from 30 to 50 per cent, and will be effective from July 1. 1957, and Chinese licence-holders, who can Treasurer and the Director of safety.. easily be increased; so it is estim- ated by more than double the
to the increases and reductions in appointment of Mr. N. L. Smith duce a further sum of $42.000.00.
"I am not going to take up the present number. If this estimate, the estimates for 1937 are much to the Colonial Secretaryship has
Budget riven great satisfaction to the time of this Council by lengthy which is calculated to be rather on
the appreciated. That the than the conservative
for 1937 would show a large de Chinese Community. On their bearguments in favour of the liberal side, is realised the extra
in the leading article of the cost for the provision of the neces-ficit was anticipated in view of half and on behalf of my Chinese torists; they are fairly set out
the trade depression and the low colleagues in Council, I offer him South China Morning sary equipment and its Stting up
be reimbursed
in a few value of the local dollar; and the our heartiest congratulations.” would years time, and the running ex-policy of the Government to draw penses would easily be met out of on the surplus balance to meet the larger revenue derived from such deficits instead of imposing! an increased number of licencees.new taxes is economically sound The capital expenditure may, the end, prove to be quite a munerative investment.
Farming Interests
for
in
Public Works giving references "Finally I wish to say that the it is estimated that this will pro-
"The estimated deficit for the re-year 1936 of $5,000,000 has by stricter economic measures been. reduced to a little over $1,000,000, end of and I hope that at the
Mr. M. K. Lo's Speech
· COLONY'S MILITARY
CONTRIBUTION
Addressing the Council,
"Agriculture and the farming 1936 the position of the revenue Hon. Mr. M. K. Lo said: interests in the New Territories in the Colony will be so improved
Constructional Work
the
*20-
Post-
in its issue of June 25, 1936. I cannot accept the validity of the road argument that the cost of maintenance should be wholly borne by vehicle-owners. But even if this argument were sound no case bas, as I submit, been made out for the proposed increase in car licences.
the
"I rexture to think that the arguments of the Hos. the Coloni "A Budget showing a proposed al Treasurer on June 24 1936,
are somewhat vitiated by have not merited so much as pass that the anticipated Budget de-Expenditure of $32,259,160.00, as ing motive from the Government ficit of 34 million dollars for the against as estimated revenue from
omission of two important items: all sources, -(including a half mii-constituting the credit side of the spokesman. I had wished that a
rear 1937 will not be so large.
lion dollar windfall), of $28.760,-) small ray of hope might have been
able by the Bus Companies which, shed as to the passibilities of the
"In view of the trade depression 250.00, with a consequential deficit account, namely, the royalties pay- may of course, are responsible for mach co-operative scheme on which the
and the shrinkage in revenue, 1 of $3,498,910.00 (though it Government obtained the expert
hope that the Government will see be, and indeed is, the best pos-of the wear and tear of the roads on account of their heavy vehicles. report from Mr. A. Strickland.
Tery "As in the past, small Chinese their way to finance all construc-sible under the circumstances).
large or per cannot. of course, expect a
"The total revenue contributable welcome. Nor is S
*vebricle- tway term by what I private enterprise has been left tioral work of a
owners', as far as I can take out, unaided. To mention the difficul-manent nature such as markets, cordial
general
is as follows ties Chinese of small means have roads, bridges, etc., which benefit analysis of some of its figures to encounter. I wish to relate the the future generations as well as calculated to evoke any
penditure. $1,642,082.00 is Public
Duty on motor spirit experiences of two Chinese poultry if not more than the present, by enthusiasm. Of the items of ex-
Works Extraordinary: $1,371,- Licences for motor cars farmers in Kowloon City. Beth loans instead of from revenue.
"I find that the Government are
кат motor on Licences Zor 231.00 is interest payable started their businesses in a very
drivers
foreign vehicles
$750,000
$ 232,000
$
45,000
30,000
$
3,000
Thumble way as permitees of small getting very good revenue from Public Loans; $5,379,660.00 is! areas of Crown land. These men the excess consumption of water payable for Military Contribution; Special licence fees for with a few and from meter rents. The system and $16.766,916.00 is for Personal Licences for storage of mo- commenced business
Rent Allowances, tor spirit chickens, and the flock of white under which this charge is made Emoluments.
one of causes a good deal of complaint Transport, and Pensions; leaving Royalty payable bys leghorns increased until
the Chinese community, a sum of merely $7,099,323.00 for China Motor Bus Co., Ltd $ 96,000 them could boast of over 800 birds.from
$ 114,500 other vehi Licences for
Alex
$ 46,000 intensive cam-Licences for drivers of
other vehicles
the
Grant-in-Aid Schools
2,000
$1,318,500
The typhoon of August 17 prac-particularly from the owners of all other purposes. It is obvious Kowloon Moter Bus Co
Lati tically wiped out the stock in the tenement houses who allege that that increased provision for Pri- case of the smaller of the two the amount, charged for excess mary Education (to which I will! farms, and did considerable dam-consumption is sometimes even refer later), an age to the other. These are, more than the actual amount of paign to rid the Colony of Ma- Leper submit, typical instances where the rent received. I hope the Govern-laria, Slum Clearing, a co-operative scheme like that dement will go thoroughly into the Asylum, and other urgent social
"I submit, Sir as a matter of signed by Mr. Strickland could be question and find means of set-projects, must await better times. made to benefit the farmers intling the matter. However, my In the meantime the general pub incidence, a contribution by vehicle- owners in the Colony of the sum Kowloon and the New Territories Chinese colleague the Hon. Mr. M. lie is naturally grateful that Gov- forego "I take this opportunity of K. Lo will speak more fully on ernment has managed to reiterating that, to my mind, the the subject
sry substantial new taxation. But of nearly one and a quarter mil
lion dollars (ie. -$1,318,500; - Jessi there is one item of expenditure industrial and agricultural value
is more contemplated increase), Lew of the New Territories to
"I think it a pity that the Gov-jon which I wish to say a
[than adequate, and I accordingly Colony cannot be over-estimated erament have seen fit to reduce words, namely, that of Military submit that the proposed increase This, I fear, has been too long the capitation grant to Grant-in-Contribution.
should be abandoned. overlooked. The time has come aid schools. These schools Recently a friend of mine in when every means should be de-
the England sent me a cutting from vised to make the Colony as self Government in the cause of edu- The Times of July 29, 1936, re- sufficient as possible in the matter cation in the Colony; but the pro-porting an address given by Mr.
"I propose now to cmake a of its own food supplies." I be
for Australis, at the Royal En-remarks on the subject of Educa lieve it cannot be too strongly Posed cut of 10 per cent. will be S M Bruce, High Commissioner
pire Society's Summer School at tion. urged that Mr. Strickland's report read discouragement to them, be carefully examined and that accordingly, I am sure it would gristol on the previous day, in "I was interested to note from definite steps be taken to exploit sive great satisfaction if, in the the course of which Mr. Bruce the Han the Colonial. Treasurer's the agricultural resources of the event of an improvement in the asked for greater contributions Memorandum on Estimates for New Territories. As
jare
а
great help
to
Education
financial position of the Colony to-rom the Dominions towards Em-1997 that, arising out of Mr. Bur wards the end of the year, the pize Defence. He stated that in hey Report an "Educat Government would bear this point 1935, on the basis of population, Hong Kong, the Din in mind and restore the cut
Great Britain was contributing $2 Education is ary
Urban Area Tares "During the past year the mar ket villages of Td Po and Yuen
"I regret to see that the Gov-106, 6d. tos Defence, Australia. £1 examination which Long in the New Territories were delimited as urban areas. Best-rnment are going to impose in-1, 100, New Zealand 12s. 6d, ly financed by the dents of these districts are called Creased taxes on motor-Cars next South Africs 125, and Canada 58 partmen upon to pay increased taxes ac-year. The public would like to 78. He adds: These figures were extending, kis arrang cordingly. I know it for a fact know whether extra taxation
that a sporting institution in one be imposed on buses, pabl
of these urban districts, whose cles in gener
bership is composed entirely vehicles
Chinese, has spelled to prio
firm for the use at their level
open ground for the purposes of
and that the
Tair since the question was the provision of Physic
PAIN and
HEADACHES
The QUICKEST Way to BANISH THEM IS
'ASPRO is the medicine that banishes, pain in the quickest time without harming the heart or leaving behind any injungus after effects. ASPRO has proved itself to hundreds and thousands of people all over the civilised world 2 to be the greatest pain reliever known. It quickly bán- ishes all nerve paint and pains of toothache, earache. beadache, neuralgia, sciatica, and will relieve the most acute attacks of rheumatism. Furthermore "ASPRO" soother stritable nerves and bongs sweet deep to the sleepless More important still is the fact that "ASPRO" gives all these healing benefits withou canaing, gastric nosets or any other physical harm Always keep. "ASPRO" in the home. It is a price-
·less boon to the suffering.
'ASPRO'
DOES NOT HARM THE HEART
DODWELL & CO., LTD, Distributors Three Packings: 5′s, 10's, 27%
Be sure the name
FRIGIDAIRE
GR
FRIGIDAIRE
M
LH8
is on the refrigerator you buy
Sole Distributors
DODWELL & CO., LTD.
Alexandra Building Hong Kong.
H.K. BENEVOLENT SOCIETY
Clothing for boys and girls URGENTLY WANTED Our needy children must be fitted out for school.
and that, for this purp
HELP US TO HELP
of Chinese Assista tors, are being heit
-be- prepared to shoulder the I would Uks
interest to all-
the Dominious claim
$25 00:
and freedom and equa tis, they shouldsáv
Increases
am glad to hear that the ex
blities that
recreation and sport. The firm in port trade in Hong Kong is ta
went
Director, an
Continued
PERFECTION