Page
HON. SIE HENRY POLLOCK, K.C.
Hon. Sir HENRY POLLOCK, K.C.:
I
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TB, 1924
QUEEN'A PIKE.
I should like to know what has happen
I notice, Sir, in the Principal Civil Medical Officer's report for last year that to the Victoria Hospital suffering from time taken over this structure is astound a number of young children were admitteded to cause the work on the shore end of Queen's Fier to cease entirely. The a form of malarial fever and I think, ing. Sir, that generally there is great risk, unless the Government takes prompt and it increasing in this Colony, measures to check malaria, that we shall
THE STAFF OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
FORT DEVELOPMENT.
with public works aco settled by auch bodies. I hope, Sir, that you will not
credit for knowing something about the dismiss this suggestion without giving it thought, and also that you will give me
subject. for I have worked in close con- tact with the Public Works Department for nearly thirty-three years.
HON. MR. CROW SHOU SON.
the outset I desire to say that all my The Hon. Mr. CHOW SOU SON: Sir,-At remarks, represent not only my personal views but also those of my colleague, the Han. Mr. Kotowall
have had the privilege of reading a draft of the speech which niy hon. friend opposite has just given to the Council, and I may say I agree entirely with what
Under Fort Works Extraordinary I has fallen from him! I shall, nécordingly, in the remarks I have to make, break into
notice, $1,413,000 is allocated for works in this connection. I had hoped to see new matter which he has not dealt with.
the plans for this all-important work land on the table before this debate so that One turns in the first instance to Public
we should have an idea of the Govern Works Extraordinary, the Account of
ment's proposals. I gather that the re- I was very glad indeed to see, Sir, if port made by the experts from home has which appears on page 31 of the Esti I may say so, that the Government has been scrapped and it would seem a large mates. The first item on that page to been very rourageous in this Budget in sum of money has been wasted-before The honourable member representing which I wish to refer is under the heat-regard to increasing the Staff of the any final scheme is decided upon I would the Hongkong General Chamber of Com- ing of Fire Brigade Station." (No. Public Works Department
ask that the same be submitted to a commerce has touched upon the question of 5) I see that the original estimate was Council for more years than I care to all its aspects. I agree with you, Sir, and rickshas, and we would like to add In this mittee so that it may be considered in the official tariff of fares for public chairs $1,110,000: the revived estimate $1,450,000. remember I have been "constantly urging lated on having so able a man as air. that the community is to be congrata The approved expenditure for 4 was on the Government that public works John Duncan to concentrate on this work. $300,000 and the revised estimate of ex penditure $100,000; while the expenditure
cannot be carried out expeditiously with I hope that as this scheme progresses, in 1995 is $500,000. There has beca laid out an increase in the staff of the De. the Government will be careful not to on the table of this Cogne just now apartment, but until the presentation of alienate too much of its rights in con- paper (No. 11, 1024) with reference to this Budget I have always been informed action with the Wharf and Reclamation this Fire Station beilding. but I must that the Government was making quite must naturally figure largely in the schemes involved. Public enterprise confess, Sir, that this paper does not sufficient increase in the staff, and that I scheme, but where individual activity is seems to me sufficiently explanatory of was really asking for a bigger staff than carried on to the obvious detriment al the position. That paper refers to A con- was warranted by the facts. I am glad the public the Governmen. representing tract that has recently been male for to sec, Sir, that you have come to take the interests of the community at large this work, as lately as 14th July this year. the view, in this Budget, that this in-is justified in exercising restraints. The It does not explain what was done last crease is necessary. I referred to this exercise of Government interference can, year. It does not explain who put in matter last year (reported on pages 25 however, be just as excessive as business the original estimate of $1,110,000 or and 29 of Hansard under the heading of unde: what contract the sum of $100,000 Need for Speeding up Public Works"). medicine, and it should be more clearly enterprise. it is, as it were, a corrective was expended this year. It leaves a great That is only one instance. Constantly, realized that the true function of Govern- deal to the imagination of this Council. for years past, the Unofficials have been ment is rather to regulate than to cen- I should like Sir, to know what happens trying to persuade the Government that struct, rather to control than to operate, ed in regard to the previous contract the Public Works Department must have rather to protect the community from and why it was that nothing was done an increased staff to grapple with the abuse by individuals or groups. as regards inviting tenders for this work public works of this Colony. antil July of this year.
I assume from there Being na original estimate and a revised estimate that the original contract, was given up and a revised estimate put in. But what has happened is not sufficiently explained in the tale laid to-day.
H. THE GOVERxon: May I suggest that it would be more convenient to dis css individual votes by raising them in Committee?
Hon. Mr. FOLLOCK accepted the sugges- tion mying that there were several specifie items he desired to discuss, and proceeded:
a great number of building operations
I think, Sir, that is all I have to say on general subjects, apart from 'the criticisms I shall have make upon various items in Public Works Extraordinary when the Bill goes into Committee.
HON, MR. H. W. BIRD.
The Hon. Mr. BIRD Sir, I wish to fully endorse the remarks which have fallen from the Hun. Member represent ing the Chamber of Commerce, and to join in congratulating the Government on the Budget which is now before the Council.
I have a few further comments to make on various matters abous which I feel very keenly, and my views thereon may or may not have the approval of my colleagues.
-THE PUBLIC RICKSHAN.
and is for the Police Department to refuse to license vehicle that are not.pre perly equipped.
WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSIONS.
too
the poor ricksha coolies and chair coolics lew words to his appeal on behalf of for an increase in the fares. The high cast of living affects this hard worked class of people just as much as others, and it would really be an act of justice to do something towards the betterment Government will give this proposal its of their lot. We sincerely hope that the sympathetic and early attention.
HAWKERS' LICENCES-
Bu
This
Licences" under Revenue on page 6 of We see that the item "Hawkers' the Draft Estimates, shows $3,000 less. than the approved Estimate for the cur- inferred that the Police intend" to con- rent year, from which it may fairly he tinue the policy of restricting and reduc ing the number of such licences. matter calls for the close attention of the Government. The urban area has recent ly been greatly extended, and it seems that the present number of licences may
but we submit that in this particular e-*** there must be some limit to everything. safely be somewhat increased. Naturally
a certain amount of latitude should be allowed. One effect of too drastic re- striction is to lead boys to break the law. by hawking without a licence, since they must support themselves or assist their parents; and another effect, a much worse one, is to drive such boys into the streets to get into mischief soon or late. If the Captain Superintendent of Police bas already set a limit, we hope that he will allow himself a certain amount of elas ticity in dealing with deserving cases after that limit has been reached.
CHINESE CULTURE.
J
COMPENSATIONS AND RESUMPTIONS.''
and Resumptions, I should like to see a Under the heading of Compensations larger sum allocated for this purpose, and my reason for so saying is that I am afraid the Government has, in certain cases, for some years past evaded what I consider to be its duty as regards com- pensation by setting modifications of the Building Ordinance against claims for compensation. 1. can only think of two questions to consider when limiting na owner in the development of his property according to his own fancy, and they are public health " and public safety," THE PREVALENCE OF TYPHOID.
and presumably the Ordinace is drawn With reference to the question of
up to safeguard the community on these typhuid prevention. I have spoken
points. But when you modify the pro- great deal with my hon. friend the meni-
visions of the Ordinance you practically. ber for the Chamber of Commerce on the
admit that those provisions are
It is gratifying to see the grant of 81.500 subject of mechanical filtration, and I
drastic-in other words a modified. Or-
to the Hok Hoi Library under Miscellane- would strongly urge that it should be put Under the beading of Licences I should is impossible, particularly in a place like year, there was a single public Chinese
dinance would meet the case.
ous Services on page 30. Until thia inte operation at the earliest possible like to see more care taken in the grant Hongkong, where there are so many library in this prosperous and importact
I know it
Library was established, some time last moment. In connection with the possible ing of licences to public, rickshas. The pollution of the water supply draw attention to the fact that there are as utterly adequate the covers and draft an Ordinance that will cover all long-felt want, for not only does it afford
would protection against rain in these vehicles different types of houses to deal with, to
Colony, It is undoubtedly meeting a aprons
cases and that is why the modification the poor an opportunity of referring to going on in different parts of this. Colony canvas which after a low days of heavy Clause is necessary. But I contend that books to which they would otherwise have
are simply made of painted and it certainly seems to me--and the rain become absolutely sodden. It should
the Government has no right to set s point has been raised by others-that not not be a very dificult problem to selve,modification against a claim for compentures given on the premises periodically, no access, but it has also crganised lee- nearly sufficient attention is paid to
sation any more than it has to set a per- latrine accommodation for coolies ein-
against the similar claim-it strikes me as Library is still in its infancy, it is becom- mit to erect a verandab over Crown Land
on Chinese classics and history by dis- played on these diferent works. With
tinguished native scholars. Though the regard to the Pokfulam reservoir, it is
utterly wrong and savours of duress, not unreasonable to suppose that some
moreover I feel sure that when the Ordin. ing a centre of Chinese culture. of the contamination which I understand Under Widows and Orphans Pensions uncu was drafted such action was never has been ascertained to exist in this re- Contributions I should like to hear from contemplated. I know that the Government servoir has been due to the fact that the Government that the contributions says we are giving you something in
On the same page appears the item coolies have at work on the new motor made by the various members of the Cahange."
"Reat Allowances to Asiatic Sub-ordinate Yes, so you are, but you are Officers," which is applicable to men of road between the old Homestead" and Government service are being invested to giving what is not yours by right to over ten years' service. When the Su the Peak Hate, I should also like, Sir. the best possible advantage. It would give, for by granting a modification your plementary Appropriation Bill for 1923
hile I am mentioning this point, to seem that the Contributors have a very are admitting that the provisions are suggest that in regard to the numerous read grievance if the money deducted harsher than necessary, therefore there is Kotewall expressed disappointment that was before this Council the Hon. Mr. catchwaters that are now being construct from their salaries is not accumulating in no reason why the property owner should his eariter and fuller propoeni had aut ed in this Colony that it is essential to as beneficial a manner as possible. The not have. his modification for nothing see that matsheds, and especially latrine pensions that have been granted to
I cannot understand why the Govern lege might be extended to men of less been adopted, and asked that the privi accommodation, should be below the widows appear to me to be insufficient.
ment should receive ground for nothing seniority. The Honourable Colonial catchwaters on which they are working
in order to widen the atracts just because Secretary, in his reply, said that although and not above them. I do not know whe-
it has modified the provisions of an in this matter the Government had shut ther that has received attention in the launch for the Health Officers of the tic.
I see provision is made for a new motor Ordinance which is admitedly too dras past, but I trust it will receive attention Port 1 du not know whether this is in
the door it was not bolted and barred, in the future.
To draw a simile, the Government bere might find a formula. After careful and he suggested that the Chinese mem- the nature of an ambulanco, launch-I hope it is, as such is argently required might as well pass as Ordinance insist-examination of the facts by Mr. Kotewall, for the transit of serious cases of sicking on every motor car carrying a dozen first with Mr. Chau Shiu-ki, and after- ness from the ships to the shore.
lights and then say "We will let you run your car with only three if you pay us Colony, we three bave arrived at a for wards with myself on my return to the another 820 on your licence.""
tency's consideration. mula which I now submit for your Excel. that the privilege be extended to men We recommend with more than five but less than ten years' service, at, however, only 7 per cent of the rate granted to their senior brother officers. In making this recom- the need of those with less than 5 years mendation it is not that we do not realise service, but aimply because we feel that if there is to be any preferential treat meat for financial reasons, those with longer service should have the first con sideration.
Are
THE PREVENTION OF MALARIA,
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
LIGHTING.
STEMET NAMER.
4
In making these remarks I wish to make it quite clear, Sir, that I have no authority from the other members of my profession to raise this point. They may or may not support my views.
the
MUNICIPAL COUNCILS.
I am glad to note from your speech, Sir,
th
BENT ALLOWANCES.
Anuther point of general interest that I should like to deal with is the qucation of malaria. The number of cases in 1923 very much exceeded those in the year 19 and although it has been suggested
Under the heading of extensions of that it was to a certain extent due to lighting " I wish to draw attention to the importation of the Chinese police the very unsatisfactory way in which the from Weihaiwei, I do not thing that ex City is lighted generally. By unsatisfac- planation covers the facts of the case. I tory I mean without any rent scheme think those of us who live on the Peak having been thought out-take the show are well aware that the prevalence of spot in the City-Statue Square-and musquitoes around Mount Kellet, espe-examine the lighting system there. Some that important changes have taken place cially on the South and West sides, is of it is gas in wretched little standards in the Public Works Department in order very great, and I suggest that the Govern- and some of it is haphazard electricity to relieve the Director of some of his anent should take more drastic measures There is, I can see, a good reason for heavy work. I would like to go very to exterminate mosquitoes in that dis having some gas in case of the failure trict. On the North side of the hill there of the Electric supply, but why should not much further in this direction and I make various nullahs under the Peak the standards be symmmetrical, and greater part of the Public Works on the suggestion in all seriousness that the tramway that require to be drained in dignified 7
POLICE, HEALTH, ETC. the interest of the public health.
Island and Kowloon (not the New Ter- Crossing the barbear there are the Kow-
The various increases in the Police ritory) be handed over to & Municipal loop foothills where there is another a lighting scheme for the City the Settlements. I know this is a big de- and Other Charges, amount to a large I suggest further that when laying out Council, as is the cast in the Straits Force, both under Personal Emoluments very great risk of fever. I have no besitation in mentioning this district be considered in conjunction with the exlieve it would be a benefit to the Colony. them to be absolutely necessary. It is question of the naming of the streets be parture to propose, but I honestly be sum, but the Chinese community consider cause of the enormous developments that tensions of lighting mentioned in the You, Sir, doubtless know how the Muni ercase in our population and the disturb inevitable that, with the enormous in- are going on there. For instance, we estimates As far back as 1818 I drew cipal Council in the Straits Settlemented conditions in the neighbouring pro- have the Kowloon Hospital not far off attention in this Council to the lack of in constituted. It is practically a com from the old road which, in the old days, system in the naming of the streets munity representation headed by divided our territories from the terri- particularly out of the beaten track, and President, who is always a Civil Servant, nature of an insurance. The feeling of vinces, our Police expenditure should in- tories belonging to China, and we have little or nothing has been done to im seconded by the Government. There are the Chinese in the matter is such that crease largely, but we consider it in the also the Kowloon Tong Scheme for hous prove matters. You would be surprised, a number of so-called Commissionera ing a number of people of all races. We Sir, how hard it is even to one who knows. nominated by various sections of the even if the increase had to entail in have big building developments in the the City well to locate some of the community and approved of by the Goy creased taxation, they would willingly and neighbourhood of Shamshuipo sad we streets. I am aware one of the difficulernor,
readily submit to it, also have big development in the neigh tics lies in the fact that as so many of As regards the existing control of
In your Budget speech your Excellency bourhood of Kowloon City. There can the older buildings are being pulled down Public Works matters I wish to make it said that one of the additional Medical be no doubt that in the interest of it is impossible to maintain the names, quite clear that I am not finding fault Officers provided for on page 48 is for all these classes and races it is impera-therefore I suggest that if the lighting is with any individual or individuals but supervising Chinese hospitals and dispen tive that the Government should take systematically carried out the names of simply with the system, which with all series. We desire to know whether it is drastic
steps to exterminate the the streets be suspended from the lamp due respect, Bir, I subrait is too pan-to replace the English medical officers now aaopholes mosquito which I have been posts and in this way they would be more derous and moves too slowly. Under the supervising the Tung Wah and the Kwong assured, by Dr, Woodman and others, easily scen-us names affixed to the walls present system there are too many dif. Wah Hospitals, or if he is to be in addi- abound in pools in the neighbourhood of of buildings are apt to be obscured by ferent departments to consult and I betion to them. If the latter, the Hospitals these foothills. I lay special emphasis posters, signs, etc. on this point, Bir, because it does not.
lieve that members of the Public Works should be given an opportunity to con- asem to me that we have any particular
staff will be ready to admit that this is sider the functions and powers of this Department in the Colony that takes Under Communications, is the Govern- on a resolution in 1921 to facilitate the
where the delay occurs, When speaking officer before he enters upon his duties. spon itself the question of dealing with ment sure that it is wise to construct so passing of plans I suggested a committee Chinese community is the vote for Special A matter of particular interest to the malaria and with mosquitoes, and I think, narrow a road to "Cape D'Aguilar From Bir, the Government should recognise my own observation it seems that the Council of a lot of tiresome work, and Special Expenditure, Sanitary Depart to relieve you, Sir, and the Executive Examination in various cemeteries, under that it is their responsibility and take Government is inclined to err on the side I think that a Municipal Council such meat, on page 60. We desire to express steps to see that pools or running water of making new roads too narrow in the as now suggested would afford the desir appreciation of the sympathy shown by where the anopholes are likely to breed first instance. For example it is only ed relief and greater speed would result the Head of the Sanitary Department in or are to be found should be dealt with few years ago that the new road beyond for it cannot be held reasonable for having readily consented to the work of either by putting oil over the pools or Aberdeen was made, and now it has to two months to elapse between the time exhumation being done in co-operation an auch other ways as the Medical Officer be widened. It must be remembered of Health advises the Government to be that it costs, far more to widen & road the result. The system of Municipal and Chinese susceptibilities might be respect- an appeal is made and the notification of with the Tang Wah Hospital, so that necessary for effectively dealing with the than to make it the full width to start County Councils apparently works very ed. evil.
with.
well at Home, where all matters dealing
NEW ROADS.
(Continued on page 7.)
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