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HONGKONG
LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL.
(Continued from yesterday.) HIS EXCELLENCY'S REPLY ON .BUDGET DEBATE.. THE GOVERNMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
་་
AS
EEORGANISATION OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
14
THE MILITARY LANDS QUESTION,
COMPENSATION FOR POLICE, KILLED ON DUTY, The Senior Chinese Member referred to the payment of compensation to fami lies of police officers and detectives killed
Bill be read a third time,
4,
The motion was carried and the Bill passed accordingly,"
ADJOURNMENT.
H.E. THE OFFICER, ADMINISTËR ING - THU -
on duty. It is a subject which is under GovERNMENT: The Council adjourns 'sne the consideration of the Government now, die. and all hop, members of the Council can
Areas
TOWN PLANNING. Before I close I would like to refur!
again to the question of town planning
I made brief reference in my address on the first reading to the work of the Town sub-Planning Committee, and I think that
FINANCE COMMITTEE
A meeting of the Finance Committed COLONIAL Way afterwards held, the SECRETARY presiding.
A POLICE YOTE. H.E., the Officer Administering th Government recommended the Council. to vote a sum of $13,920 in aid of the following vates :— Police Department, Other Charges:-
- 290.00 Disinfectants Furniture, Repairs and Re-
newals Launches and 'Boats: Repairs 10,300.09 Transport
Total
300.00
2,700.00
$13,620.00
Town may engineers, and Mr. West; surveyor. Than the beach at Kenn -NO OVER TAXATION, Licences have been referred to as have to be moved, but it is possible that hope the work of this Committed is going yielding a large portion of our revenus some form of bathing will take place to facilitate the work of the Publio That is perfectly true. We have only there in the future As regards Kow. Works Department in the future and is them to depend upon except some underloon, there is a proposal under considera. is so closely involved with the fatum takings of the Government. some of tion to form a bathing beach on the East development of the Colony, and its Iide of the railway reclamation. It is prosperity that I wish to make aprecia) which are profitable and others not. hope water will be more profitable in the not a very suitable place, and I do not reference to it again. I am much obliged future than it has been in the past; think the promoters have realised all the to hon. members for their most helpful the post office is certainly more profit difficulties and the expense involved. It speeches and I will conclude by putting HE. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING Table and the railway is also profit is quite possible that whatever is put the question that the Bill be read a second
summer time. GOVERNMENT said: The Colonial Secreable. What we do try to do is to build there will be destroyed once every
Members signified their assent, tary, the Director of Public Works and up a permanent source of revenue-such by typhoons or severs storms. But still
On the motion of the COLONIAL SECRE the Government, I hope, will be able to the Director of Education have referred revenues as assessments and. to most of the points raised in the course referred to just now, spirits and tobacco, provide anothing which will afford Tax, the Council went into Committee to- of this debate, but I would like to thank There is n question of over-taxing bathing facilities for the people of Kow consider the Bill clause by clause. Com. Honourable Members for their very kind here. It is stated, and I think everyone toon. I have always been much interest-mittee stage having been completed, the
ed in the subject of bathing for people Council resumed. reception of the Budget which has been
agrees that we are very lightly taxed.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY moved, and the drawn up to provide, as far as we pos- The sinking funds are both in a healthy who are not able to get away from town sibly cun, for the "requirements of the condition. We cannot pay off the Colony and having in view the very $3,000,000 loan, owing to a legal dit to any distant point sud. I am certainly | COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, that the prosperous condition of our finances. We
gulty. We have money to do it but not going to let the matter drop. Felt that, as I said in my address believe we hot nyit off. "Of course, should be prepared to draw heavily upon we might mir up the stock but it really. our "balacces if it was required. As does not matter. also anticipated, it may not be necessary to do so to any extent. In connection
As regards the reorganisation of the with the Anancial aide the hon, member who represents the Justices of the Peace Public Works Departinent advocated by
the Senior Unofficial Member, there is rest assured that where men risk their has produced a very vast mass of figures;
24 very lives and are killed in the performance which I hardly, at a morient's notice, no doubt that that would be feel prepared to deal with. But I took proper thing to do. It is a question of their duties the Government recognise some of his points, and I would like to which will soon come under the conside that their families should not suffer by refer shortly to them, and I would like ration of the Government. It has already their deaths. to deal with them now on fairly broad been spoken of and I am sure something. The playgrounds at the Peak are now lices because I think he is under a mis of the kind will be necessary. If under consideration. It is considered have the harbour developments anticipat better instead of having one large play- where apprehension in regard to certain, mat.
ed it will certainly be necessary to keep ground to have analler ters. In the first place at the beginning of his speech he dealt with the halunces that as a separate department, and it children can play without going very far will possibly be necessary to keep the
from their homes. of the Coldy at the end of the year
water department as a separate depart-1 1991, the anticipated credit balances at the end of the current year and then ment. It is not a very easy subject to he added a still larger credit at the tackle but it is one, I think, which will
have to be faced very soon. end of 1923." I do not think anything said could have led him to imagine there would be a still larger credit hafanes at! I would like now to speak on the the end of 1923 than at the end of 1029.ject of military lands to. which referere I did say that I thought it was possible has been made by more than one Hotiour that if our revenue maintained itself in able Member. The Government and the the same satisfactory way us it has in military authorities get together and the difficult times of the last few years want to express the gratitude of the that our balance might not be reduced by Government to the General Officer Com- such a larger sum as we have estimated manding and those of his officers who for. But that is a very different thing
members, of the. Public Works Depart- from saying that our credit balance will took part in the proceedings, including be larger at the end of 1923 than at the the Chief Engineer, on the great help they end of the current
year.
rendered in the matter. Entire agreemens ment who, in addition to all their other THE TOBACCO AND LIQUOR LICENCES. was reached, and a scheme was drawn up, work, have given a great deal of time in The Officer Administering the Govern Building on that anticipation, he wens That schotse was long ago sent to England getting out plans and investigating atment recommended the Council to vote on to say that it was, therefore, proof and we are now awaiting the auswerters for the Town Planning Committee.so a sum of $2,750 on account of Fire
porary Fire Station,
The CHAIRMAN: This is rent of the fire that the tobacco and spirit duties need We cannot proceed any further until the that their work might be carried out to Brigade. Uther Charges, Rent of Tem- not have been increased. There I en scheme has been approved. It was most tirely disagree with him. I think it is gratifying to us that an agreement was the greatest advantage. The frat" is Mr.
the scheme Jackman, who is Assistant Director of station in Des Voeux Road. We are much essential in this Colony, where we pro. reached and I am sure that duce nothing, that in order to conduct is approved and put into force the Public Works in charge of all works on inulebted to Mr. M. J. D.. Stephens for our financial arrangements year by year Colony will benefit immensely from it the Kowloon side. The second is Mr.a very reasonable rent, we should have a very large credit I will may in that connection that conse John Duncan, Executive Engineer in balance, and that credit balance in view queat on the work to be done under the charge of Harbour Works, and the third of our present requirements should not, scheme Garden Road, referred to by the is Mr. Parker Reee, Principal Land I think, be less than ten million dollars. Senior Unofficial Member would be Surveyor, They have been working for These duties on tobacco and spirits are closed to wheeled traffic, probably, and months in connection with the Town duties which only affect those who in-so it is unnecessary to go into any widen Planning Committee. Others have alsa dulge in the use of tobacco and liquors, ing of it join with the Honourable been doing work which is much appre- or what a well known statesman once Member in rejoicing that no accidenta viated by the members of the Committee. described as the minor vices," and I have taken place there, and I hope that They are Mr. Wilson and Mr. Rouse, do not see why people who indulge in condition will continue until some means minor vices should not pay adequately of access to the higher levels has beetr for doing so. Some people deplore the devised. fact that revenue from the tobacco, wine and spirit duties is so much, but I do
As regards the City Hall I cannot agree- not think, considering the size of the community: and the climate and other with the Honourable Member on y things, that the revenue wo derive from right (Hon. Mr. Birdy that it shoülü bu these duties is so very much, I fail to made a sort of compendium of ofices, should not increase the restaurant and public reception rooms as see why we duties to a figure which can easy be be proposes. I strongly object to work. paid by those who indulge to a moderate ing in offices with a theatre on one side extent in wines, liquors and tobacco and public rooms on the other. I do not In any case it When Therefore, I maintain they are a per- think it is advisable. peetly legitimate increase and we have would be a very high building. to look to them to build up a revenue we have this military land and the which we consider will be more or less Government is in a position to make a of a permanent nature. It is just the proper lay out of it, no doubt these same As any public company in building public institutions #ill be properly pro-t up these balances. It is what a compans vided for: The City Hall is not so bad would call the "equalisation of dividend as it is made out to be. The Museum is I think that we are very fund. We may some years have a deficit deplorable. we cannot meet and we take it out of lucky to have a City Hall and assembly the balance; other years we have credit rooms in so central a position. No doubt balances and we replace it, Every great improvements will be made when we public company does that, and I do notare in a position to do so. think the Government can do otherwise. I would like say in connection with the liquor duties that the Government! will consider the point raised by the Honourable Member representing the Chamber of Commerce with regard to light wines. It is possible that the duty be rather heavy-heavier than is necessary-and that will be taken into consideration.
there may
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS.
THE CITY HALL.
BATHING BEJORES.
J
Regarding bathing beaches I have seen stated in the papers that the Govern ment has said that there can be no more room for bathing beaches in Hongkong. That is quite wrong. The Government appointed a Committee, of which I am a member, and that committee reported, and recommended the formation of a bathing beach on the west side of the electric light The hon. member went on to talk about ing station, next to the Yacht Club. That belated accounts. The accounts are not bench was made and I must congratulato the Public Works Department on the belated at all. It is impossible to publish actual statements of revenue and Seat mccess they made of it. A large expenditure of a particular month until zumber of people made use of it during the Crown Agent's account is received the past summer. It is impossible to create from England. We can always give the sandy beach where there was none before hon, member a rough statement at any but the idea is to make a beach there by time after the end of the month, but it Putting sand which we hope will stay "no interest to him to know what there, and to place a boom across to keep the revenue and expenditure for the way oil and other things which float in month has
until the Crown the water there. It is really very large been Agents' account is received. Then he bath with a sandy beach, and there is spoke of sasata and liabilities not being accommodation there for a very large number of bathers. It is the most we can: wtatea in full, and referred to the value of our roads, buildings and waterworks and do in that part of the Colony, it is what not. Our accounts are purely cash the tram-lines, and I hope as the years accounts and we cannot sell a viaduct go by it will be more and more used and carrying water. It is purely liquid assets become better as more work is done upon It is not intended to reclaim that we deal with and purely a cash account it. from day to day and year to year. That part but to keep it as a public bathing is the only way we can work. If we had bench The Government does that at to have loans on works which were reconsiderable stories of money, but it will munerative we should have to show who be a very valuable frontage: Any exten- ther they were justifying the expenditure sion of the electric light works will be elsewhere"no" as to preserve the beach, so far as the profit was concerned,
125
The CHAIRMAN: The vote for disinfect any hon. members, who go about the ants was $1,900. In 1920 it was $2,400. It has been redaced, but this extra sum is required. The vote for farniture was Colony, especially in Kowloon, and see what has been done will realise what a reduced from $3,000 to $2,500, but this very valuable work it is. The names of extra sum of $500 is required. The item
boats includes a bill of about #6,000 car.” the members of the Town Planning Com of $10,500 for repairs to launches and mittee were given by me in my address, ried over from last year. The transport
represents increase in cost.
Approved. but I want especially to mention certain vote is 80,000, and this sum of $2,500
STRE BRIGADE VOTES.
Approved.
The Officer Administering the Govern ment recommended the Council to vote a sum of $140 in aid of the vote, Fire Brigade, Other Charges, Stores.
The CHAIRMAN: The vote is $12,000. This additional sum is for appliances for the new firemen."
Approved.
HONGKONG GOVERNMENT BALANCE SHEET
AT DECEMBER, 1921.
CNOFFICIAL FIGURES TO ILLUSTRATE ME. LOWE'S BEECH.
Sundry Liquid Assola, Investment Account .......
Liablalties.
Deposits not available &c. $ 0,800 Shipping Control
-$120,000.
War Loan....
Loan Inscribed Stock
£1,485,732. Market price @ 68, £050,581 ✪ 2/6 ..
2,231,200 3,000,000
Do 3,831,026 (market
value £640,882 at 2/6,)
6,326,900.
C. A. Doposits..................
2,109,891
Current Account
17,668.
7,844,èca
Bank Balance.
248,103
2012,441
Bubsidiary Coins..
1662,379
Advancés
314,841
Building Loan
*789,800-
Imprest
14,620.
House Service Account ....
8,003:"
P. W. D. Stores
331,446.
Railway Stores
302,7007
Coal Account.
52,338:
11,095,626
Investments. Sinking Fand.....664,495 Do. £81,000 at 2/6, 728,000 Da. £206,000 at 9/8, 2,448,000.
3,840,495
$14,927,123
215 Miles Roads written off..
do. Telephone and Cable" Government House
do.
Mountain Lodge
do.
Civil Servants Houses do
Slaughter Houses
7 Cost and pre
Waterworks
do:
da...... do.
Law Courts
Prisone
Piers
Sarplus (Cash basis)
$14,036,085 890,458
$14,997,123
Surplus (Cash basis), Railway Cost written off.
15,875,00
Actual
Approved Expenditure Estimate for Estimate for Estimate
Revised
1921
6,611,000
1822
14,148,000 5,032,000
1923
-14,873,000
7,245,000
965,000
385,000
20,193,000 15,642,000 1,631,000
485,000
-22,553,000
17207,000 000,000
276,000
20,710,000
18,667,000
Observatory and Launches, etc.,
Recurrent Expenses PW.D. Extraordinary Kowloon-Canton Raif
Revenue Land Sales
EXTRACTS FROM 1923 ESTIMATES.
of 1921
12,106,000
6,053,000
*580,000"
$.15,728,000
17.723,000
12.994,000