10
SANITARY BOARD AGAINST
OPENING
OF WELLS....
THE HONG KONG DAILY
Wong Kwong Tin's remarkı,
HEATED DISCUSSION AT YESTERDAY'S g no efforts to obtain sup
MEETING.
DOES CONTAMINATED WATER HURT CHINESE PEOPLE?
PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1929.
Ha would like to know why the officers of the Government who sat
Sympathy With Sufferers.
on
these
inotiona were
་¢
MR. M. K. LO'S QUALIFIED SUPPORT. Mr. M. K. Lo also felt that he proposer
"RILEY THE COP.”
AMUSING GLIMPSES OF “STAGE" EUROPE.
A COMEDY OF THE POLICE AT THE QUEEN'S,
KOWLOON COURT CASES.
MAGISTRATE'S ADVICE TO GIFFORD.
The additional sentence of two months' hard labour imposed on [BY OUR FILM CRITIC.]
Douglas Gifford (convicted of ob- taining money by threats and given "Riley the Cop," a large sin three months imprisonment) by Mr. American-Irish policeman goes to T. S. Whyte-Smith at the Kowloon Europe to execute an extradition Magistracy last week in default of warrant and the film is a comedy.payment of a bond for good be-
THE GOVERNMENT CENSURED IN WORD tions shou.d. not be carried to the Economic Reacurses Comg was the could not of the motion, and the Baiting the policeman is a good haviour which defendant signed last
AND BY IMPLICATION.
A hested discussion occupied the members of the Sanitary Board for well over an hour yesterday on the following motion proposed by Mr. Wong Kwong Tin: That, in order to reduce the demand on reservoir, water, this Board recommends that the Government should instruct the Building Authority as a tempor aty measure to approve of every application for the sinking and re-opening of wells, except in cales where existing structures may be endangered, the water derived from such sources to be utilised for washing and cleansing, reserving reservoir water for the pur pose of drinking and for the preparation" of food."
The Chinese members Messrs Wong Kwong Tin. T. N. Chau and M. K. Lo, were strongly in favour of re-opening old existing wells, on the ground that possible danger therefrom of an epidemic was to greater than the present "danger arising out of the use of nullah water and from aspects of the shortage of water.
The Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga, speaking against the motion argued that the yield of water would in any case be small, and gave an interesting summary of reports on 14 of the 39 wells which might possibly be opened. Of this 14 only 5 were, he said, of any use.
WHEN DOCTORS DISAGREE.
Dr. Koch made several pointed references to the attitude of the Government in the past on the subject of the water supply of the Colony..
Dr. Koch vated for the motion, although he said that he could not go all the way with Mr. Wong Kwong Tin.
Dr. Fawcett the Medical Officer of Health, opposing the motion, pointed out the extreme danger of "re-opening, condemned wells. If the proposer of the motion would explain to him how he was to cope with an outbreak of cholera he would be prepared. to reconsider his decision to oppose the notion tooth and nail
The Director of Public Works also reminded the Board that
," dozens of wells had been opened."
Four inembers voted for, and four against the motion and the President Mr. W. J. Carrie giving his casting vote against, the mution was lust.
DANGER OF TYPHOID AND CHOLERA?
MR. WONG KWONG TIN'S ARGUMENT.
Simple and Effective Remedy. In moving the resolution Mr. Wong Kwong Tin said:-The pro- lem we have to face is not that we have insufficient water-we are -surrounded by water-but that we
have insufficient water go a specific purpose, that is for drinking and for the preparation of food. The fret abat there is a shortage of high Arade water
should induce the strictes; conservation of the supply, what do we find? Such water is still being put to other uses: Tap water, which should be re served, is being used for a purpose which wel water would adequately fulfill.
The water supply of this colony bas now reached a crisis. The most pressing question is not what we
he had not the alightest doubt that
I emphatically disclaim any un- the re-opening of old wells and the sinking of new ones should de much sympathetic attitude towards the at the meetings while, the Board
real hardships caused by the water spoke to relieve the demand on the defamine. He must, indeed, be a muzzled, "They sit and say pleted reservoirs. He continued hardened, callous resident who is nothing. A fortnight later we get It is true that the Government is indifferent to the appealing scenes
a polite and curt note from the Government to say that cur resolu of long quenes of working people plies from various sources, but, such waiting patiently for hours for
tion has been noted, and thecking supplies will not be sufficient to their daily quota of the precious us for our interest." dispense with what we can secute Auid which it takes many long, "I am in favour of Mr. Wong: from wells, especially on the higher wearing hours to obtain. More Kwong Tin's motion," he conclud levels. While I appreciate that
than once at this Hoard have I pro-ed, though I cannot go as far as every precaution should be taken tested against the luxurious waste he does.". to ensure that the well water should of filtered water from the mains for not be the modes of spreading flushing purposes when the poor disease and should, as far as po people were reduced to short com- sible, he conned to washing and
mous and I say that, had the re- cleansing purposes, such precau commendations in 190 of the length of prohibiting the opening of any wells whatsoever.
It they were correctly reported, the Hon. Dr. Katewall and the Hon. Dr. Tse in an interview with the Press a few days ago, said that His Excellency the Governor had no objection to the opening of any well provided the Hon. Director of Medical and Sanitary Services reports to him that its water is good. I earnestly appeal to all members of this Board to give the experiment a trial which, after all, is only a temporary measure net the present emergency: which has the merit of being simple and economical; and which, in addition, has already provided for it the safeguard imposed by H.E, the Governor.
MR. J. P. BRAGA OPPOSES.
to
which Sir Robert Ho Tung was Chairman. been acted upon by the shelved as they have been, the Government of the time and not Colony might not be in the sorry plight that it is to-day Besides the Chairman, the Report was also signed by the late Mr. Lau Chu Pak, and Messri. D. O. Russell, G. T. Edkins, K. E. Greig and Sir Show Son Chow. The following is an extract (p. xxii):-
thought that they should be more old English port which seems to balanced in their discussion, avoid have spread to America, and there year, was yesterday remitted by the ing both the exuberance of Mr.as in England, the police of Euro-Magistrate, Wong Kwong Tin and the dark pean countries are the best joke of foreboding of Dr. Koch,
In the section of the ordinance quoted by Mr. Brage it was clear that the Building Authorities must that wells might be opened, and judge, each case on its merits. In any case & further section provided "The (Aberdeen paper) Mill is that if the well proved to be con- nader agreement with the Govern-taminated the Board could step ment to supply water from its forward and close it. reservoir to all the inhabitants- He had reason to believe that the the resident as well as the floating Building Authorities regarded these population of the whole Aber sections as meaningless; no per- deen village aad Aplichau. There mission had ever been given for is ocular evidence that the popu- the opening of any well since the lation of Aberdeen is increasing | date of the two motions quoted by and mure water for potable pur- Mr. Braga. 'poses will be required and the The Hon. Mr. H. T. Creasy question arises whether the exist (Director of Public Works): ing reservoir is sufficient for both Dozens of wells have been open-
vi supplying the ed purposes, Braga
needs of the village community
Mr. Lo: T
am glad to and also of the Paper Mill. The that." labour force for the Mill is not
A Baan Gasta. more than 100 persons, and as we
Mr. Lo continued that he con- are of opinion that the popula-sidered that the Colony was in any tion in this locality is increasing case at present facing a menace to independently of the Mill's re
health in the water shortage, and quirements of labour, there is per te urged the Board to adopt the haps ground for asking the Gov. motion as a gesture from those who lived in the meter districts to those who lived in the rider main districts when it really meant so little and yet would mean so much to those in the rider main
Smail Supply And Great Danger.
The Hon. Mr. J. P. opposed the motion. In addressing the Board he said this was the third time within the past twenty years that a motion similar to that under discussion has been brought up at A meeting of the full Board. In 1000 the Hon. Dr. Tso's resolution was defeated. In 1922 Sir Shou-son "Chow's motion met a similar fate, That the Chinese members should feel deep concern over the acute water shortage no one would dis pute. Indeed, it speaks much fer. their public spirit that they are exhibiting so much active interest in the matter. The Chinese concern and anxiety are shared by all classes of the community alike,,, whose sympathy for the difficulties and triala of the industrial and working classes is only equalled by their eagerness to provide a solu sion for a problem in which the best talents in the Colony, gathered from all sections of the inhabitants, are combining in order to devise the quickest and the mist efficient re- medial measures to meet a situa- tion without procedens in the his tory of the Colony.
eriment to find some other means of water supply either by an enlargement (if practicable) of the existing reservoir, or provid ing a new reservoir, or by a line of pipes from the Government's main water supply. We are also of opinion that it might be a matter for enquiry from the Public Works. Department whe ther there is anything in prospect that would alleviate the present. "situation."
ewer-
hear
one
all. "You are introduced to two American policemen. Irish American and the other German well as a cat likes a dog. Then the American, who like each other as passing of fifteen minutes gives you
After announcing his decision his Worship said, ""I often used to wonder why you were constantly in Court here. I did not know then. about your previous conviction, and a picture of German policemen in I used to think that you were a the rough in their native land, person
of leisure interested in but although they are presented accriminology or something of that cording to the traditions of the comedy stage and comic opera, they kind. I see now that any interest are at the same time shown to be of that kind that you have had a very kindly body of men. Our
was of a sinister natare. I advise policeman hero is not allowed to return home, however, until his you that when you come out of French brothers of the truncheon prison you should get some more have had a good showing.
Riley himself is a fat goodnatured useful employment instead of sitting. old ruffian and his prisoner (David in Court here. Will you take that to Rollins) has considerable difficulty heart!"
in keeping him on the straight and narrow path back to "dry"
PERMIT.
America. A plump and jolly girl ON W.D. PROPERTY WITHOUT from a Manich beer garden also makes it hard for. Riley to go and subsequently follows him to America.
Riley is played with humanity and
A Chinese employed on night duty
at the Whitfield Barracks was fined
a considerable sense of humour by $5 for being found on the Barracks Farrell MacDonald, while Louise without a pass. Defendant pro- Fazenda plays the siren of Munich.duced a permit, which the prosecu The story moves quickly and has plenty of amusing incident, a good tion stated he did not have in his deal of which is provided by Billy possession at the time. Defendant Bevan as the Paris cabman. While was also seen taking water out of the Cop quite as amusing a Brotherly Love," it is, none the less, a picture which is well worth seeing if you enjoy a laugh.
districts if they gave them what I cannot say that I found "Riley the barracks in company with some they asked.
I ask you," he concluded, to vote for this motion knowing that the Colony will not all die of dis ease if you do support it."
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
31
SORRELL AND SON.
STORY OF ENGLAND AT THE STAR THEATRE.
other men, who had managed to escape.
WOMAN BANISHEE'
SENTENCED.
A Chinese woman who was banish. ed for ten years was found in the Colony and arrested. She pleaded that she came back to settle ber late father's affairs.
A sentence of one year's imprison-
BAD COMPANIONS,
With beautiful scenes filmed in Londen, the screen version of War wick Deeping's story of England ment was imposed. after the war, Sorrell and Son," comes again to the Star Theatre on Sunday. The picture follows closely wells had been refused by the to the original story, and the open- Building Authorities. Applicationsing scenes find Captain Stephen for the re-opening of wells were Sorrell, M.C.. returning from the refused, on the ground that they
war to discover his pleasure loving had been closed by order of the wife in the act of running away. Sanitary Board.
With his young son to bring up Captain Sorrell sets about getting work, but in the end he is compelled to accept the position of hotel bar porter. How he "carries an" for the sake of his son, whose future is his chief regard, makes the story.. Produced by Herbert Brenon, the. director of Peter Pan," "A Kiss for Cinderelin" and "Beau Gesce,"
A Matter for the Executive, I am open to correction when I say that, among the water geney measures now adopted, the
MANY NEW WELLS OPENED. Executive is alive to the fact that if wells could be opened with safety
The Hoa. Mr. H T. Creasy; the Honourable the Director of perhaps in order to prove that he Medical and Sanitary Services is was not muzzled," said that he the proper official to submit his re-knew of no occasion when an ap commendations in this matter to plication for the opening of new the Government. But it is a most hazardous risk for this Board, dians of the public health, to adopt a Resolution framed with the best intentions in the world but fraught with dangers the responsibility re garding which this Board should not be called upon to assume. "I, for one, convinced that, it is not in the best interests of the Colony's inhabitants, will vote against the adoption of the motion. Indeed, I go further and say the interest of the mass of the people in Hong Kong is best safeguarded by the disused wells remaining closed. If they should be opened, I fear such be a case of the cure being worse ill-advised action might prove to than the disease..
Assuming, for the sake of argu- To that my answer is, if a person
drink anwholesome ment, that the resolution just, pro- 2000905 to water, there is nothing to prevent posed and seconded is adopted, do him from doing so. Supplies of its supporters believe that" the unwholesome water are available becefit derivable from the re-open-whose functions are those of guars now. What are. coolies obtaining ing of a few wells in the urban from the hill nullahs but in the areas of the Colony is going to main cast-off water of some Peak field any appreciable quantity of water so as to afford relief to the mansion? Can it be mid that well water is more contaminated then poorer inhabitants commensurate atter water mixed with kitchen with the risks involved to "public refuse which is now being drawn health in an outbreak of typhoid or for use from the nullabs beside cholera traceable to sewage-con- Can teminated water At best the yield Peak Road and generally? thaw prevent the drinking of is so negligible that it need not be water from such sources! It is my saken into account for all practical contention that if people were ad purposes. vised to drink only reservoir water and to use wel water for washing shich advise would be observed.
The Wells Examined.
Two prominent Chinese residents in their public spirit submitted Is Contaminated Water Dangerous?ist of 12 wells on different sites which, it is suggested, might be The second argument arises out of re-opened. Additional to this list the first, that if well water were another was circulated giving the used for drinking, it would be location of 27 other wells, known to difficult to prevent outbreaks of
have been in existence before the cholera and typhoid. I venture to
general closure went into force. assert that even if well water were Minute examination and reports s used, outbreaks of cholera or hold are not bound to follow.
were called for from the district
DR. KOCH'S WARNING,
Danger from Flushing and Washing Water.
are going to do about the future Health and other Medical Experts reports were made the eubject of said that he thought the mover
of course it is welcome news to learn that a pipe line is being laid aeross the harbour-but what are we going to do now? It is instant rellef that the public seeks. we provide instant relief?
ed it has not been carried out long before now. Is it because it is too simple t
Adequate Safeguards?
THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF
HEALTH.
A young Chinese boy was convic ed by Mr. E. W. Hamilton of steal- ing a gold bangle from a girl living at the same But. The boy said that he fell in with some roughs who forced him to join their guild and to steal the bangle to pay for the membership.
HOME CRICKET.
Strongly Opposes the Motion. Dr. Fawcett, Medical Officer of Health, prefaced his remarks by saying that after all that they had heard it was difficult to pick out the picture has a big cast led by NOTTS DEFEAT MIDDLESEX. points, but he felt that some big H. B. Warner, Anua Q. Nilson, things had been overlocked. There Carmel Myers, Lionel Belmore, Nils owing to the present water short- had been talk of the risk to health Asther and Alice Joyce,
age but he could not think this so serious as the dangers of re-open-
DREAM, OF!
ing condemned welis, and he would THE WINNER WE ALL He had been amazed to hear mem oppose the motion teeth sad nail.
bers proposing a step which would bave shocked medical mea thirty or even fifty years ago."
Purification Not Possible.
$15,193 DIVIDEND AT "KIANGWAN.
A WORLD'S RECORD.
(THROUGH ERUTER'S AGENCY.]
ห
SOUTH AFRICANS
BEATEN.
(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
LONDON, June 10. Notts, playing at Nottingham against Middlesex, batted first and knocked up 387 runs.
Middlesex responded with 187, Barratt taking six wickets for 03
rung,
In their second bid Middlesex were dismissed for 110 runa. A. Staples took five wickets for 34
ruas.
Notts won by an innings and 20
Dr. Koch, who spoke in favour of Inspectors and in every case the the motion, with amendmente, Would our Medical Officer of
critical comments by the Medical referred especially to opening new
weils if sites could be found. Well these wells was far more difficult The purification of the water in maintain that the opening of wells Officer of Health A summary of and such epidemics go together as
to less than fourteen separate re-
water could be above suspicion, and than these members seemed to cause and effect; would they say ports from the Board's officers re- he would not be in the least against realise. A special stuff on full time Can that as soon as wells are opened veals the following facts:-6 well such a proposal, but when it came duty would be required, for as the there will be an outbreak of cholera sites were on private land and are to re-opening old wells which had treated water was drawn fresh or typhoid I, on the other hand, of no use; 1 well was too shallow been closed after careful considers polluted water would enter to take It seems to me that the motion am bold enough to declare that as
and is "no good"; private well, tion by the Board, he felt that Mr.
SHANGHAI, June 11. I am bringing forward is a simple, soon wells are opened, immediate water distinctly polluted; 1 built Wong Kwong Tin's optimism was
its place. A man would have to effective remedy. Little or no cost reliei will be given to the water over; 1 illegally opened and now
A world record for pari-mutuel runs. exotic." There was not the least be present at each well pouring in need be incurted by the Govern-situation.
established this i use; available at Fung Yuen doubt that if the water from these disinfectant, which was not a prac. dividends
Kanta v. Leicestershire. ment and the remedy I am support. Then I might ask, what do they Lane; 1 could be used at 41, wella was used even for flushing was difficult in a few words course when Robledo came in first:
tical proposition.
afternoon on the Kiangwan race-
Playing on their own ground at. use in Macao and in a great part D'Aguilar Street; 1 might be and washing, diseases in an epide to explain the danger of shallow paying. 315,181 ing is so simple that, I am astonish.
Leicester, with Hampshire as the of the mainland but well water, and available at 210, Queen's Road mie form which would be very daa- wells. A shallow well derived ite
visitors, Leicestershire went to the There was only one backer, the wicket first, but scored only 138. are there outbreaks of cholera or West, in premises used as a Chinese gerous to the Colony might break water from subsoil or surface; and jockey, Billy Tingle, an athletic Boyes was responsible for 8 wickets typhoid there? Have not some of restaurant; private well at the out. He did not refer only to this supply must be contaminated instructor at a public school" for u who have visited Caston seen Rope Factory with 2 or 3 ft. depth typhoid and cholera, but to other I have framed the motion in the the floating population using river of water used for the Company's diseases which were uncomfortable. because it was obtained solely from boys and formerly a prominent
leakage from sewers, the street boxer in Australia and Shanghai. form of a recommendation, because water for drinking purposes and boilers and W.C.'s. Two pumps and dangerous. although this Board is empowered surviving? The secret appears to aro installed in this well, one of With reference to the plea that drains and the rain water which to order the closing of insanitary be that however unsafe water may which is used by the people for people in Macao and Canton drank percolated through the dirty sur wells, no power is given to this be it immediately becomes safe on drawing water,
river water, hé would point out face soil. There seemed to be an Board to permit of their be-being boiled, a habit generally ob Fourteen out of the 39 well sites that there was no evidence that asumption that one had only to serious menace to Europeans than ing opened, auch power being served by the Chinese who make up in the combined list are thus ac they suffered no damage. Because dig a hole to get water, but the it was to the Chinese who seemed have become practically im- rested solely in the Build 3 per cent. of the Colony. counted for; the others have either the speaker had seen a man drink only water on the Island was what to
been built over and, therefore, no and had not seen him at once fall
fell on it. If a man dug a well munt, and the presence of a aum ing Authority. Further, the re- medy suggested is introduced as freely dug, the possibility exists traces could be found of them or down dead did not prove that he he was taking water from another ber of young men and women out that some may contain polluted are otherwise unavailable for re-suffered no ill effects. He could man's well, and his sewage. If the from Europe in the Colony seemed His mis- water and I suggest that heavy opening. Of the 14 mentioned only not see the practicability of purify mover of the motion would explain to him very important. doses of Choride of Lime be used five ure of any use, and of these ing the wells, unless the water was how he was to cope with an outsion on the Board was not to cure
break of cholers he would recon- actually in use in contraven pumped from them into a
but to prevent disease, and he felt sider his decision.
that the risks in opening the wells. tion of the Board's orders, and-of | works." dem mag
were far greater than the very the remaining four that one within The Government Oriticised.
doubtful benefit."
a temporary measure in order that
any member of this Board, whe doubts the advisability of permit ting a continuous supply of well water, may be assured that as soon as condition again become normal; these wells will be closed.
I must admit that if wells are
in such cases.
Inaction Must Be Fought Against,
the
water
Typhoid Menace." He had received excellent sup-
for 24.
Hampshire were accounted for when 150 runs had been run up. Geary took 3 for 43.
In the second «venture Leicester- hire faced even worse than before, the whole" side being disposed of for a total of 100. Boyes again bowled well, taking five wickets at the cost of 33 runs.
Left with only 98 runs to win Hampshire got them for the loss of only two wickets, thus winning: the match by eight wickets.
Gloucester v. Somerset. Gloucestershire won by 64 runs. Scores :-
wickets. Scores
In my opinion the opening of the Rope Factory's compound is He was gratified to notice that The motion amounts to a general wella is the best solution and if any now serving the people who go to at last the Government seemed to port from Mr. Braga to all of
An Appeal to Chinese Members. granting of permission to open member can suggest a better scheme, the pumps and draw their supply be acting on the advice of experts which he agreed. Mr. Lo had said The President, Mr. W. J. Carrie, wells, except in cases where danger shall only be too willing to up-from the well.
port it. It is inaction that this
If they had done so before the that the Board bad power to xe said that it was a pity that in the might be caused to some existing
No Springs on the Island.
present-crisis would not have close a well which proved to be a wording of the motion the sinking structure. When a well is opened Board has to guard against. The it does it does not necessarily pass publie needs water pressing need expert who was invited by the put forward a scheme to save water
Moreover in the opinion of an arisen. Several years ago be had danger to public health, but that of new wells had been combined was locking the door after the with the re-opening of old ones. cut of the control of this Board, indeed, and I suggest a means of sup. Government to visit Hong Kong by having a rain water took at batse had been stolen. A well might He felt he had to oppose the which has still power to order its plying it. Let others come forward and report on the possibility of tached to each house. This report be in use for days before its open motion as in his opinion any other closing if it should prove in with their schemes, but let no one sinking artselan wells on the Island, had been shelved, but perhaps the ing came to the notice of the means of obtaining water was pre-
anitary
attempt to pull mine to pieces that expert could not find any suggestion, which he proceeded to Board. If a man chase to be so ferable to the re-opening of welis. without bringing forward construc- Two objections have been puttive suggestions.
springs in the geological formation elucidate, might be thrown out foolish as to drink contaminated He trusted that the Chinese mem- forward. The first is that once well
of the Island-my old friend Mr, again, for at long last the Govern water and he got typhoid, he did bers would do their utmost to Carrying Precautions too Far?" water is made. available, there is
Tse Tsan Tai notwithstanding to ment had realised that it was not either particularly care, but he prevent illegal re-opening of con- Avaniaprte Chaucereizgroupor hecheartapetube attentaksenophoprophechakacherialzand watchin apronding the.demned velit
.The motion was lost by one washing and cleansing it will motion said that although he was soil water can be found in appre- and who had been here for don disease Typhoid was a much more
key's years.
vote: most likely be used for drinking. I not in agreement with every one of 'ciable quantities.
(Continued on next Column).
Gloucestershire: 184 (Wellard e for 82), and 223 (Wellard & for 93). Somerset: 144 (Gouldsworthy for 47), and 219.
Essex v. Glamorgan. Essex heat Glamorgan by 10
Glamorgan: 133, and 123. Essex: 252 (O'Connor 100, Jones & for 50) and 8 for 0 wickets.
Lanenshire v. South Africans. Lancashire beat South "Africans
sintasan South Africa: 193 and 150. Lancashire: 101 and 145 for 4
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