THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS FRIDAY, APRIL 11. 1930.
DISCRIMINATION OPPOSED BETWEEN] STERLING AND DOLLAR MEN.
STRONG "PLEA MADE FOR EQUAL TREATMENT TO SMALL
OFFICIALS IN MATTER OF H.C.L."
HON. MR. J.-P. BRAGA SPEAKS OUT AT COUNCIL MEETING.
CHARGE OF PARTIALITY MUST BE AVOIDED.
A yote for the sum of $377,400 as a high cost of living allowance for Government officers" paid on a sterling basis was the subject of a protracted discussion at a meeting of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council, held yesterday afternoo3.
The Hon. Mr. E. R. Hallifax, CMG., C.B. E., presided and others present were Hon. Mr. C. Mol. Messer, O.BE., Hoo. Mr. H. T. Creasy, C.B.E., Hon. Sir Shou-son Chow, Hon. Mr. W. E. L. Shenton. Hon. Mr. R. H. Kotowall, C.M.G... Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga, Hon. Mr. J. Owen Hughes, Hon. Dr. S. W. To, O.E., and Hon. Mr. C. G. S. Mackie.
The total votes passed amounted to 8079, 173 and it can be seen, therefore, that' the sum required for the high cost of living allowance was one of the biggest items on the list. Mr. Braga urged that the dollar-paid Government servant should be considered. "I am for equality of treatment," he said. It would be illegieal to grant an allowance to the sterling branch and deny it
to the dollar people."
CLERKS" "PRINCELY STIPEND" OF 20 CENTS AN HOUR!
Twenty Gents an Hour!
A sum of $236 was asked for paying members of the clerical staff who have to stop in their offices while they are cleaned out by coolies of the Health Service In telligence Bureau., It was explain. ed that overtime payment should be made to officers who have to stay
At the cutset the Chairman said:-Gentlemen, before we begin, I have to express regret that these papers should have been circulated rather later than should have been the case. If you will note the various items you will see that the more important ones are the items that have been already circulated to the members of the Finance | in on Saturday afternoons and
Committee, and the others have Sunday. such full and simple explanations that it seems that the shortness of the notice can be excused. If mem bers of the Committee desire that this meeting should be postponed there should be no objection.
The meeting indicated unani- mously that they were prepared to
go on..
Wireless for the Blo
The first discussion arose in respect of an item of 81,809 wanted "to provide broadcasting receiving ects in Government Hospitals." Against this vote the following ex planation bad been printed " It is proposed that wireless, receiving Bets and headphones be provided in hospitals under Government control to enable patients to listen to the brendenst programmes".
Hon. Dr. Kotewall: Is this amenity extended to persons of all nationality t
The Chairman explained that the receiving tets were for the hospitals mentioned in the paper before the committee, e., Victoria Hospital (25 headphones), Government Civil Hospital (37), Infectious Disease Hospital (4) and Kowloon Hospital (20). He also added, in answer to Mr. Owen Hughes, that the scheme was capable of extension.
Dr. Kotewall expressed the hope that the receiving sets, would be available to non-Europeane and nsized if the Government would give his suggestion due consideration.
The Chairman: Yes, certainly.... Dr. Kotowall: Thank you, sir. P.W.D, Workshop.
·
A vote of $5,040 was approved in connection with rent due the Government Waterworks Workshop in Praya East. It was explained, answer to questions by Dr. Kotewall, that the rent dee was in connection with a workshop which was erected prior to the Reclame- tion scheme. The workshop will soon be removed to Government areas on the Reclamation. The present workshop will then be demolished. The participants had agreed to allow the Government to remain in posscasion of the old Areas upon payment of rental until the completion of the new build- ings.
Polics Training School
An item of $182,760 was asked for in connection with the Police Train- ing School. The paper before the committee stated: The opportu- nity now offers of acquiring the property and so obviating the necessity in the near future of erecting new buildings for the Police Training School. The pro- perty is valued at a total of 8301,228, which it is proposed to cover by an exchange of land (two lots valued at $83,312.50 and 833,210 respectively) in part payment, and a cash payment of $182,750. A yote for this
Hon. Mr. Braga: "I figure out from the note appended to the item that there are fifteen and half hours for each week, and this Com- nittee is asked to vote the princely emolument of $3 per week, in other words, the payment per hour works out at less than 9 cents. I' should like to know whether, in all con. science, the Government considers less than 50 cents an hour on 4 Saturday afternoon or a Sunday moraing adequate remuneration for overtime?
|
of, the commission on Civil · Ser- vants' Salaries." In these circum- stances, Sir, frstly the recommen=" dation is temporary to bridge over a period, and, secondly, it is only until the recommendations of the Committee were considered. I there- fore am of the opinion that the vote for the whole year is unnecessary and I move that the vote is for aali
3 year only.
The Local Men.
Hon. Dr. R. H. Kotewall:
beg to second the amendment. I think that an amount sufficient to cover the necessary disbursements up to the end of June is all that should be voted for the present. As pointed out by the Hon. Mr. Shenton, the Finance Committee recommended this extra concession
My noficial clleagues will pouk | Mr. Braga Batura to the Charge.
for themselves. So far as I am The Hon. Mr. Brags at this point, personally concerned, Sir, I would said that it the Honourable member like to make my attitude perfectly mesinge nader item 41 he would find would refer to Page 6 of the clear so as to remove the posibility |the words "High Cost of Living of any misunderstanding of any | Allowance" That stood out op- bias on my part in favour of one posite the figure 8377,400.. If the section of the public servants of this vote was not for High Cost of Colony as against the other.
Living Allowance, then he did not
In the whole course of the private know on what ground was the Com discussion, I have taken the un-mittee asked to deliberate on a vote equivocal attitude that, it sterling of nearly four lakhs of dollars. It men in the public service have been was a matter of "quibble" in Mr. hit by the depreciated dollar, so Braga's mind whether to attribula have the men in the humbler--the sum to the high cost of living though no less indispensable-bran or to restrict the allowance to sterl ches of the Service been affected as ing paid officers by calling it an rogards higher living coats in the allowance for the fall in the sterl Colony The extent, however, is ing value. There was no denying one of varying degrees only. Noan the fact that but for the cost of escapes the blow dealt by the sudden living and the fall in exchange, this. and sharp fall in the dollar value, vote would never have been brought To deny this, is a deliberats and before the Committee of the Coun
a hopeless attempt to refusadeil. No question would then have mission of facts that are patent to
arisen as to the high cost of living even the least initiated in the and, therefore, Mr. Braga would vagaries of exchange fluctuations say that he felt perfectly justified. and their influence,
e on living costs to bring to the closest consideration in this Colony.
of the Government the view, that I have been given to understand the dollar-paid man should be just- that on a similar basis of compenly remunerated for what is per antion, it requires $300,000 to pro- fectly obvious-the high rate of vide the full allowance for the living in Hong Kong caused by the dollar-paid branch of the Civil depreciated dollar. Service The amount is less than
On the matter of whether unoffi- we are now called upon to votë. Oncial members should or should not a commuted basis, even less than discuss in public, he must say that 8300,000 will be required. I excpest-
|that was entirely a matter of I trust the Government will see the opinion. He respected the opjaion force of the argument on behalf of of the Honourable Member, but, on the clerical and other subordinate the other hand, he thought that free. departments of the Service.
and public discussion of matters Standards of Living.
whore money' was concerned was Quite recently the theory of the much better, and the questions standard of living has been brought could then be thrashed out in the up in order to support the argu- open public and in that way the ment against consideration of the Committee would disarm suspicion local men. This argument was put that the deliberations of the Coun
* forward on behalf of the Chamber eil were held in a hole of Commerce. I have a perfect re-corner way.
The Hon. Mr. Owen Hughes gave collection of, the occasion, not so long ago, when, Sir Cecil Clementi it as his opinion that it cbviously spoke at a public meeting of the
must be impossible for the Un- very same Chamber of Commerce official Members, having their own advocating a standard of living duties to perform, to be able to that would conduce to the greater arrive at a decision to be brought prosperity of, and happiness in, eventually before the Chairman of this Colony. Our late Covernor, the Finance Committee or before whose views and considered opio-the Council without preliminary ions are entitled to the greatest discussions. As his friend respect, cited the case of America Shenton had pointed out, there was as one for Hong Kong to follow.
no question of secrecy, as eventual- His Excellency was loudly applaud their deliberations were brought
ium was either sincere in its ap plause of Sir Cecil Clement's speech at the time or, then, the spokesmen for the Chamber of Com- meree have since undergone a com plete change of opinion on the question of Hong Kong's living standard. On this volte face, the public can be left to form its own
and
Mr.
Mr. Owen Hughes went on to say. that mention had been made more than once of the remark which had been made by Sir Cecil Clementi at the Chamber of Commerce. He felt. sure that at the time Sir Cecil did view the situation not have in which had since arisen in the Colony.
as a temporary measure pendinged on that occasion. The auditor-before the public's view. the consideration of the report of the Salaries Commission by the Legislative Council, As a watter of fact, it is so stated in the message before us. By the end of June, the general question of salaries should be disposed of, If, The Chairman: This has been by that time, it be considered neces- arranged according to the suggessary to continue the concession be- tion of the Salaries Commission. yond June, it would not be difjudgment.
tary sote taken fcult to have a second supplemen-
follow that the recommendations of Hon. Mr. Braga: It does rot
the Salaries Commission should be binding on the Council. I don't
I should like to add that, in agreeing to this concession, the feel that I should be asked to vote Chinese members of Council ex- twenty cents per hour for a mem-plicitly reserve to themselves the ber af the clerical service. I should right of representing the case of like you to consider the matter and the local men for, an increase in see what more can be paid?
their salaries by reason of the rise in the cost of living brought about by the fall in the value of the dollar. We consider it proper to state it here publicly that as soon as we have given due consideration
The vote was eventually passed, the Chairman promising to consider the point raised by Mr. Braga.
Civil Servants' Salary.
The item which caused the longest discussion during the afternoon read as follows:- "Miscellaneous Services:-
High Cost of Living Allowance
14
9377,100
1030--
All Po ats Considered.
My reason for bringing in the Chamber of Commerce in my re The Chairman said that the ques marks is because, in the course of tion being before the Finance Com- the Unofficial Members delibera mittee, there was no limit to the tions, the opinions of a Sub-Com-discussion or to freedom of speech. mittee of that body were brought as", had been noticed during the forward to weigh in the minds of afternoon. Mr. Braga had made the Unofficial representatives on point of the condition of the Gov this particular question of the high ernment servant paid in dollars. cost of living. The deliberations He would say no more on that then were held in private. I a point exept to remind Mr.. Braga, glad of this opportunity to declare that the Salaries Commission had that an open policy has all to com- considered their position, and he mend itself. It, at any rate, dis- hoped shortly that the report would be brought before the Committee and eventually before the Legis .for both branches of the Civillative Council. That report, the Service the sterling and the dollar. Chairman added, covered all the In the stand I then took up and points raised.
The Chairman, said that be would take up now in this Committee one of percentage only is the deciding not go into the words.High Cost issue. If this Committee passes of Living," was that was perhaps this vote of nearly four lakhs of a misnomer. It was difficult to get dollars as a further allowance, ona name that exactly covered the account of the high cost of living point.
to the matter, we will ask the Gov-arms suspicion. ernment to extend to the officers I consistently advocated allowance in receipt of dollar salaries some amelioration in their emolument, with retrospectivo effect as in the case of officers on sterling aalaries.
Mr. Braga and Secrecy. The Hon. J. P. Braga mid- Sir,-On this vote of the rather large sum of 8377,400 to compensate oficers in the Government service on receipt of sterling salaries on account of the drop in the exchange value of the dollar, I hope I may be permitted to say a few words. Were 1 to remain silent on the ue- casion of a public debate by the Unofficial Members of the Council on this question, my silence may lead to a wrong interpretation being put on my attitude ia regard to this matter.
A mount voted for $120,000. The scheme of per centage increase on existing sterli ing laries which was brought into feree in 1928 did not contem- plata fall in the value of the doar below 1/9. The Secretary of State has approved of the con- tinuation of this concession down to exchange of 1/6 from January 1, 1930, pending the con- sideration of the Report of the Salaries Commission by Legis lative Council. A vote is, there- fore, requested for 2377,400, the . estimated excess on this item for
the whole year, on the assumption I may say at the outset that this that the value of the dollar re-all-important question was, discuss ed in the fret instance by Unofficial In the event of the approval Members within closed doors. This of the recommendations made in secret method of conducting public the Salaries Report, the sum of business in which large sums of $377,00 now requested, with the public money are concerned does $420,000 already voted in the not command my admiration, and Estimates for 1930, will become desire thus publicly to condemn part of the provision necessary it. When all is said and done, Un- for putting the new salarica official. Members of this Council
majus at 1/8
scheme into. force.
are but, the representatives of the Mr. Shenton's Amendment. community. As such, they are res" ponsible the community for the Hon. Mr. Shenton: I desire to move an amendment to this item expenditure of puhlie money which, after all, comes out of the pocket My amendment is: "That a sum of $183,700 be voted under item 41 of the ruto payers. The people who find the money to meet public ex- for the period January 1, 1930, penditure are entitled to know upon temperary measure and subject what grounds their representatives to any decision which may be ar- have decided to vote for or against rived at in regard to the recom
the sanctioning of any sum in mendations of the Commission upon respect of any specific vote Civil Servants' Salaries."
In this particular instance of the high cost of living, allowance, very important principle is in volved It is the principle of dif paid servants of the Government - bence of the ratepayers and the sure, servants who receive their salaries in dollars.
The latter part of the frat para.. graph of the item reads:" A vote is therefore requested for 3377,400
to officers of the Government who, As regarded Mr. Shenton's re- since July 1928, are in receipt of marks, it would be noticed perhaps 12 per cent. increase and "are that the conditions included in the numerically very much smaller in letter from Bir Henry Pollock that strength than the rest of the Ser this was a temporary measure were vice, while the claims of the dollar-very clearly set out in the words: paid men are under consideration" In the event of the approval of for nearly a year, I cannot resist the recommendations made in the the observation that the Finance, Salaries Report, the sum of 8377,400 Committee of the Legislative Coun- now requested, with the 8420,000 cil lay themselves open to a charge already voted in the Estimates for of partiality. I disclaim guilt of 1930, will become part of the pro that charge. I am for equality of vision necessary for putting the treatment. Equality of treatment new Salaries scheme into fores." engenders contentment, and con- The conditions asked by Sir Henry tentment ensures a more proficient Pollock, said the Chairman, was We included in a former minute and and efficient public service. should, at any rate, be consistent. the moment the Salary Report was It would be illogical to grant an finally dealt with, this question allowance to the sterling branch would have to be re-considered. In and deny it to the dollar people. making a final minute under the Hon. Mr. Shenton: "In the terms of that letter, 'it would be absence of Sir Henry Pollock, I impossible for the Governmens to really must make one comment put in any figure there other than which might have been misunder- the one that had been put down stood. This is not a high cost of for it. To refuse to accept it as living allowance. This is a temproposed was an unimportant mat- ter, but he reason for refusing, said porary exchange compensation to bridge over a temporary period and the Chairman, had been rather dif was so stated in Sir Henry Polfeult for him to grasp. Was it that the unofficial members present were lock's letter as follows:-"It was also pointed out by myself as Chair suspicious that the officers would be man in the course of the discussion getting this High Cost of Living of this point that it was incorrect Allowance as well as anything that to describe the percentage might be granted under the Salaries
Increased High Cost Allowance. Commission report ed as Extension to the table of Such percentage should be describ
I want it to be quite clear that what the Finance Committee recom- mended in Sir Henry Pollock's letter was not a High Cost of Living allowance but exchange, com
mount is therefore request the estimated excess on this item ferentiation between the sterling. Preleged rate of exchange.
as
for the whole year on the assump Hon. Mr. Shenton: I desire to tion that the value of the dollar minute the fact that I regard the remains at 1/8." This matter was allocation of the Police Training referred to the unofficial members School on K.LL 1632 as a tem of the Legislative Council at a Prima facie the Unofficial Mem-pensation allowance of a temporary porary measure because in my meeting at which Sir Henry Pollock bers, in consenting to the payment nature for a temporary period. opinion, the Police Training School was chairman and a decision was of this additional increase of dust be situated on part of the come to which is contained in Sir 8377,400 in the dollar equivalent of site ultimately chosen as the site Henry Pollock's letter to you, Sir, the sterling paid branch of the Civil for the new gaol. I support the dated March 25. It is intended Service-based on the old scheme vote because I regard the purchase that the recommendation should be of percentage increase that had as a favourable one from the Goya temporary measure and should received the sanction of the Bere erament point of view and the pro be enforced pending the consideratary of State for the Colonies and perty can eventually be used for tion of the Salaries Commission brought into force in 1923-might to ascertain amongst themselves all ather: Government purposes, and if Sir Henry Pollock's letter reads: be assumed to have ignored the Required at a Inter date will, in And should be subject to any claims of the dollar-paid employees all probability, cost the Government decision which may be arrived at of Government to any compensation in regard to the recommendations by reason of the depreciated dollar. more money
Mr. Shenton: The position is that we are not prepared to grant more than six months at a time. What we feel is that voting a year ahead is more than we are prepared to vote
The Chairman: Perhaps it would be a simpler matter, and it would reach the same result, if the Gov ernment were to promise that no ex- The second point which Mr.penditure on this necount would be Braga makes is the question of made after June 30, except and by secrecy. I can only say this, that reference to the Finance Committee. so far as the unofficial members are That would reach the same result concerned it is absolutely essentia and would save a whole lot of that they should meet together un trouble
This course was approved by the officially to discuss matters, SO B
meeting when the Chairman an the general views on the various nounced: The whole vote stands, questions: There is no secrecy be but there must be no expenditure cause we are here to-day to discuss after June 30 without reference to
the Finance Committee:: this very item
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