THE COLONY'S WATER
THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1929.
SHORTAGE.
WHAT RESTRICTIONS MEAN TO THE POORER CLASSES.
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MR. M. K. LO'S PLEA FOR STREET WASHING CISTERNS.
YESTERDAY'S DISCUSSION AT THE SANITARY BOARD.
At yesterday's meeting of the Sanitary Board Mr. M. K. Lo alter drawing a vivid picture of the great hardships now inflicted on the Chinese population by the water restrictions, said that at the present time the Tung Wah Hospital was overcrowded, admissions numbering 50 daily. as against an average 30.
Mr. Lo suggested tha: street cisterns for washing clothes be built in a number of suitable position and also made an urgent plea for turning on the supply to houses in rider main dis- tricts every day for a short period. He stressed the great difficulty people had in getting sufficient water to keep their clothes and their persons clean.
Mr. Braga in seconding, spoke of the unsatisfactory position of the sanitary arrangements at Kowloon Tong.
The Chairman (Mr. N. L. Smith) welcomed Mr. Lo's suggestions and assured the Board that the Government would consider them carefully. The Director of Public Works always welcomed any practical suggestions from the public with regard to this matter.
MR. M. K. LO.
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Districts:
between a number of disputants, |. Few. Hours Supply to Rider Main the quarrel continuing until the arrival on the scene of a number of policemen.
I know of one
case in which a
Chinese doctor, on reaching home at 9 p.m. found that there was not one drop of water for wiping his face with. He sent a boy out to get That boy could not
Mr. M. K. Lo, in moving the re- solution, said:-I understand it has been ruled that the question of water supply as such is outside the jurisdiction of this Board. But I submit that the Board, the guardian of public health in Hong one bucket. Kong, should be entitled to make return with the water until 3.30 any recommendation it thinks fitam, owing to the length of the to the Government in regard to waiting queue! any matter affecting public health, No Water for Washing. including the question of water
The quantity of water that is ob- supply. In support of this conten-tainable by this laborious method tion I need only refer to the head-must be barely sufficient for potable ing to Part of the Public Health purposes. There would be no avail and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, and the Powers of the Board under able water for keeping the premises Section 10.
clear, and the problem of keeping motion, I propose to deal with the
As regards the fret part of the the body and clothing clean must question as to what is a reasonable standard as regards water supply from the point of view of" public health.
A Petition of 1902.
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In August, 1902, a petition was presented to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, by the Chinese inhabitants on the Wnter" Works Ordinance, 1909, and I beg to quote
.
34
MR. I. P. BRAGA.
The Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga, in seconding the motion, said:-Sir, I beg to second the resolution so ably submitted for adoption by the Board by the proposer of thu motion. That is not to say, how- ever, that I am entirely in agroe- ment with all that has been ad- vanced in support of the motion. For example, the speaker's fear for the people who have to continue to wait in long queues in a typhoon
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CHEN MING SHU HITS OUT.
FUNG CHO MAN RATED.
MUDDLING UP FINANCE MATTERS.
CANTON, May 29.
Speaking before a large crowd at
or some very bad weather is more [FROM OUR CHINESE CORRESPONDENT,] imaginary than real. At this junc-" ture nothing will be more welcome to Hong Kong than a small typhoon with the torrential rains that usual- ly follow in it's wake. And the perplexing water roblem will have the Sun Yat Sen memorial meeting bera solved for the Colony by yesterday, General Chen Ming Shu, Nature for a period of at least an head of the Civil Administration other year.
of Kwangtung, heartily denounced Mr. Fung Cho Man, the "Finance Commissioner during the Li Tani Hsin administration, for his in- efficiency, and open support of the Kwangsi clique. He said, in part, "When I assumed the chairman of the Provincial Council, my atten tion was first directed to the i straightening up of the finances of the Province, which were in д muddle.
Situation at Kowloon Tong. I welcome the motion before the Board in that it affords me" an opportunity to renew the efforts I have exerted, in the first instance, in other quarters" to seek relief for the intolerable and, I am almost tempted to May, ** scandalous situation that has been allowed to be created in respect of the water supply for Bushing purposes within Apart from the above suggestions, the Kowloon Tong Estate. If need arises for Government revision of I submit that the existing system.
the prevailing system in the interest whereby in the rider main districts of public health, that need becomes not a drop of water can be obtained more urgent and even more en in the houses, and every drop has phatic when the complete break down of an ineffective system ex- laboriously to be carried from the poses the Kowloon Tong Estate streets, whereas houses outside the community to the necessity of hav. rider main districts are given a ing to use potable water from the mains for flushing the sanitary direct though restricted supply, toilets due to the absence of water should be altered. I had always which, by agreement with the Gor
of the contracting been under the impression that for crument, one
parties faithfully and solemnly technical and engineering reasons
pledged to supply in full quantity supplies direct from the mains can- and in the driest season of the year tenure of office. not be restricted without serious for Bushing and gardening purposes. In this connection it becomes damage to the works. But that relevant to quote an extract frota a danger is now being faced and the letter I have received from a re- supply from the mains is restrict-sident of Kowloon Tong. The gen
farther restricted to such an extent ed, and I cannot see why this supply should not it necessary be
as to permit a supply to the bouSTF on the rider main being given for time of acute water shortage it is. a few hours daily. In the present
unthinkable thas any one would
be so difficult that many a poor person must perforce give up the attempt in sheer despair. I submit, therefore, that such "conditions do constitute a menace to public health. directed to the restrictive system So far my remarks have been in force up to yesterday. To-day voluntarily waste any water, and begins a further stage of restriction, cannot help feeling that, apart from the mains being turned off except
substantial waste, few hours'
tleman wrote:-
When the Sanitary Board and the P.W.D. take sach elaborate precautions before granting a permit for a private W.C., we' naturally expected that far more care would have been taken be. fore authorising flush system to. a scheme of over 250 houses."
Sanitary Board Position.
"During the administration of the Kwangsi clique no improvement of any sort was elected. When Fang Cho Man was the Finance Commissioner, all the revenues of the Province were given to the advancement of the Kwangai fac- tion. There was no accomplishment whatever during his entire two years As to his boast Central about rescusitating the Bank of China. notes it must be re- membered that this wLS a thing could have done which any one equaily well. Bringing up the value of the bankrotes to parity was a simple matter, and one done at the expense of the people. There was nothing remarkable in that.
"When I was in conférence with Li Tani Hsin, Liang So Ming, and Feng Cho Man, I spoke strongly of implied reflection on the Sanitary
I would ask members to note the the dishonesty of the different re Board in the citation I have just venue collecting bodies, and pointed made. It is difficult to reconcile the out the necessity of improvement.
pliance with all manner of condi-
tions laith down by the Water-matter, but. Fung Cho Man became Closet, Select Committee is the case angry, because of my pointed state- of an individual applicant for sani-ments.
disement. These militarists knew
nothing about the San Min Chu I; nor about army discipline."
the following paragraphs from the fram 6 to 10 a.m., and 3 to 5 p.m. petition as being relevant to this. I understand that a street hydrant supply to the rider main houses can logic of an exigent demand for com- Li Taai Hain was silent over the l question:
** 15.—That
usually fills only about 30 tins in not appreciably increase the water to the value one hour, and I fear many an un-consumption. It should be borne in placed by the Sanitary Authorities fortunate family will have to wait in England on an adequate water for, and hope for the best from, the mind that there is a lot of unavoid supply being connected with every afternoon ration for the necessary
able waste in obtaining water from tary installation and the condoning General Chen then turned his at-i house it may not be out of place to
water to cook the morning meal.
street hydrants. This fact is too the flagrant breach of the agreement refer here to Section 48 of the I might here inform the Board bricus to the eye to require any with the Government wherei atention to Li Tsung Jer, Pei Chung Act of Parliament entitled An that the Tung Wah Hospital is now
further comment. I believe that ewbole Estate is concerned. The Hai, Wong Shiu Hyng, and “other Act to consolidate and amend the literally oyer-crowded: on May 25 favour of the construction of the see that this unsatisfactory state of prominent members of the Kwangsi |
one of the strong arguments in duty is imposed on this Board to Laws relating the Public Health se patients, and on May 27 60 rider main system is that waste things be rectified as soon as pos- clique, branding them as reactionary in London." The Section is a patients, were admitted to the could easily be detected, and in this sible. Until it is remedied mem- militarists seeking selfish aggran- follows:
Hospital. These figures were equal- 49. (1) An occupied house with-led only on one previous day this connection I would refer to the re-bers stand guilty of reproach that out a proper and sufficient year, namely, on March 28: other Port of Mr. Chadwick dated April may be laid at their door of apathy supply of water shall be a wise the average daily admissions 10, 1002, published in the Govern- in the performance of a public duty nuisance liable to be dealt amounted to roughly about 30. 1ment Gazette of April 11 and quot which, as members of a public body, with summarily under this sincerely hope that these figures are ed in the petition, whiet is as we owe to residents of this Colony.
follows:- Act, and, if it in a dwelling-merely accidental and not sympto-
Regarding the suggestions offered
CENTRAL BANK NOTES. -- · house shall be deemed unßit matic of the result of the people's It will greatly facilitate the by the mover of the resolution, I for human habitation.
The Central Bank of China has reaction to the lack of an adequate application of the existing law, with feel confident that they will receive (2)—A house which after the water supply.
regard to the prevention of waste. adequate consideration in places announced that it will reopen for commencement of this Act is If it were humanly impossible, Arrangements may be made, where- and from persons to whom this business from June 3. The silver has more which was removed to Shameen, newly erected, or is pulled in the existing circumstances, to by the test-meters may easily be afternoon's discussion
than an academic. interest. down to or below the ground smeliorate this regrettable state of applied, when required.
Hong Kong, and the gunboat Po The real concern which His Ex-Pik a week ago, is being brought floor and rebuilt, shall not be affairs, I realise it would be futile
"The detection of waste will occupied as a dwelling-house for me to initiate this discussion. niso, be facilitated. The Inspector acute water problem in Hong Kong
cellency the Governor feels in this back to the bunk, until the sanitary authority But in spite of the careful considera need only apply the stethescope,'
To-day's quotation of notes is! encourages the hope that any prac- have certified that it has a tion this question has already re- to one of the valves, commanding ticable suggestions to relieve the about 72 cents to the Canton silver proper and sufficient supply of ceived, I do feel that something the whole block. If there be no serious inconvenience and great dollar, The authorities are act water, either from a water further might still be done every sound of Sowing water, he can pass hardship suffered by a very large satisfied with this and have decidedi company ar by some other avenue were once again thoroughly on to another block. He need only number of the Colony's inhabitants to bring the notes to parity by explored. And this brings me to the examine, house by house, if he find are bound to commend themselves compelling the owner of each house 19That if an adequate supply second part of my motion.
symptoms of leakage, within the to His Excellency's eartiest con-
and building in Canton to contribute of water in considered a vital I feel that I have myself not given block."
sideration. To the hardships of tens one month's rental to the Provincial necessity for sanitation in a tem- sufficient date to offer any decided
If this question were not reviewed of thousands of our fellow-residents Treasury. It is estimated that perate climate like England how views as to improving the existing much more should not a constant system But may I venture a few and reconsidered and some measure none are so callons as to be utterly several million dollars can be raised
of relief were given to rider main indifferent. Great sympathy must by such methods. supply of water be considered an tentative suggestions?
tenants, what would happen if there' bo felt by all for all sufferers. The absolute necessity to every "teno- Washing: Cisterns Suggested. were to be a typhoon or some very motion is so worded that it must SCHOOLS' CHIEF RESIGNS. ment house in a tropical climate like Hong Kong."
Could people con- commend itself to all who have the To my mind the.. position would bad weather? That when it is remembered be much eased it, apart from the tinue to wait about in long queues least desire to alleviate hardships Education of Kwangtung, has tea that plague has been constant in supply from the mains for potable in such weather, waiting patiently that call for further relief measures. Hong Kong since the year 1894, purposes, another available supply to draw their small buckets of In this confidence I have pleasure in seconding the resolution before Your Petitioners feel the present could be given for washing purposes. water!
the Board. measure is calculated to increase For the latter purpose water boats and not diminish future out-breaks and junka might be made use of
means.
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The Government's Duty, The alarmning shortage of water is of plague, for how with no supply for carrying water from nullah known and appreciated. But I sub- of water laid on to any tene and stream sources across the harmit that it is the bounden daty ni ment, house" can the occupiers, bour. All existing water carriage the Government, regardless of ex- of tenement houses
be expect vehicles might be constructed or pense, to do everything humanly
THE CHAIRMAN.
Some Practical Suggestions,
Mr. Wong Tait, Commissioner of dered his resignation, and left for Macao. He states in his resignation letter to the Provincial Council that the war seriously affected his plans for the improvement of education.
Mr. N. L. Smith (Chairman) said one typhoon would in truth solve ed to comply with the frequent converted for drawing supplies from possible to insure a sufficient supply that the question of the position of the problem by providing sufficient and peremptory requests of the nullahs in the island which do not for bare human necessities. I say the Sanitary Board in relation to water, but pessimism if he had Sanitary Board to keep their go into any reservoir. These vehicles with a due sense of responsibility water, was so often debated that meant that the typhoon would be houses and persons clean by the could go round to the various streets that, in the rider main districts, when notice was given of Mr. M. so serious as to drown the whole constant use of water when every systematically-and-supply-houses the people are unable to get E.-Lo's motion, he had approached Colony His point had been that drop will have to be carried from with water for washing purposes. supply adequate even according to the Director of Public Works. The if there were, for instance, a bad the street hydrants,"
In each of the principal streets, on this lowest possible standard. If Hon. Mr. H. T. Creaay had assured storm lasting for four hours, say the top of the gradient, cisterns Present Position in Hong Kong. might be made with brick and necessary, the Government should him that he was only too glad to from 6. nm to 10 a.m., many people charter steamers, launches and get suggestions from any member would be unable to draw any water, What is the position in Hong cement coating, say 3 feet high junks for conveyance of water to of the public, or from the Sanitary during the morning, supposing that Kong at the present time? Anyone feet wide and 20 feet long, and Hong Kong from available sources Board, on all questions that effect a second storm took place daring who walks along the thoroughfares divided into two compartments (the served by the rider main system size to vary with the size of the outside Hong Kong. As a member ed the health of the Colony or the the afternoon also at the hours when the water was turned on, cannot but be struck by the pitiable street), and into these cisterns the of the public, I can assure the Gov- convenience of the residents;
He felt that Mr. Lo had made This was, perhaps, an exaggerated sight of long streams of women and water carts could empty their enment that the people will be pre-
some practical suggestions which it illustration, but he felt that the pared to foot the bill; men, boys and girls, waiting in long supply
In the hope that something might would be well worth the Govern Government should realise that queues to draw a couple of buckets Tenants of the houses could then of water at one time. I have receiv-wash their clothes in the cistern, be done as the outcome of the disment's while to consider carefully under certain contingencies other ed many complaints that in some using one section for washing, and cussion to-day, and that some small He himself did not propose to vote means would have to be found of
giving people the water streets where the queues are the other for rinsing purposes measure of relief might be afforded on the motion.
Pessimist or Optimist 7-
Mr. Lo's motion was carried, none specially long, one carrier can only Some antiseptic ingredient could be long-suffering and deserving part get to the source of supply about put in. At the end of every day of the public, I beg formally to move Mr. M. K. Lo said that he wish of the members voting against it, twice a day. This information may the cisterns .could be emptied, and the following motion
though three abstained from voting. Those Present. possibly be somewhat exaggerated, the waste water could be utilised but that it has some foundation in for cleansing the streets. It must fact is proved by the following be remembered that now and during illuminating report in the Daily the summer months much of the Press, of the 24th May-
nullah water would 'run to waste if "A noisy scene was enacted at the. some were not utilised. The the street fountain in On Lan situation is serious enough to justify obstruction" that could be Street shortly after midnight yes any. mükkbərday by the gases which had caused and the cisterns could be
formed up at that early hour with easy dismantled when the cond their bucketa Blows were struck, tions return to normal.
ed make a short reply to the speech That, in the opinion of this of Mr. J. F. Bragn, because he felt Board, the present system of that Mr. Braga had misunderstood The following gentlemen werò water restriction constitutes a him on one point and he would like present: Mr. N. L. Smith (Chair- menace to public health, and that to make his menning clear, Mr. man); the Hon. Mr. H.T. Creasy this Board, whilst recognising the Braga had said that in the event C.BE., Director of Public Works, regrettable necessity for drastic of a typhoon the problem of the the Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga, Dr. E. water restriction at the present water shortage would be solved for A Fawcett, Medical Officer of time, nevertheless considers that a year, by nature, was this optimism Health, Dr. W. V. M. Koch, and the Government should reconsider or pessimism 7. It would be optimism Meners. Wong Kwong Tin, T. N. and review such existing system *
(Secretary).. (Continued on next Golumn). ̈
in the interest of public health.
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