BUDGET DEBATE
(Continued from Page 9.)
THE HON. MR. W. E. L SHENTON.
PLEA FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY
ALL ROUND.:
HONG KONG DAILY PRESS FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 1931.
Turning now to the Estimates, on page there is a statement Revenue for the past ten years. In item 3 Licences and Internal Be- venue, etc is included the revenue derived from the Aguessment Tax. Colony venture to suggest that The Honourable the Colonial Trea- by this the time has arrived, excopter has courteously supplied in in exceptional cases, for retirement with the figuras for the past ten on pension. Besides keeping the years. In 1921 the rates collected. service in a state of high efficiency amounted to $2,330,858, and for the
it insures a continus] stream of
younger men into the responsible positions instead of ne often hap pons, responsibility does not come until the recipient is already too far advanced into the groove of his pre- decessor. I as a member of this Council hope that this ancient Ordinance of the Colony is being adhered to and that each Govern
Your Excellency,We have again strived it that period of the year when it is customary to bring the past under review, and make our calculations for the future. It is the occasion when the Unofficials of Your Excellency's Legislative Coun- cil are given an almost unfettered opportunity, of a roving criticism over the phat and the future-inment. servant, as and when the age inct I believe one of Your Excel- of 55 years in attained, has kis
surer
year 100 34,209,277. With the amount of new building that has taken place in the past ten years, and the considerable rise in the value of property. I expected to and a bigger increase, I hope the Asscasors have been assidions in their duties and that the returns reflect the correct rateable value of property in this Colony.
I am glad to see that the New
COLONIAL SECRE
REPLY.
GOVERNMENT & MERCANTILE
SALARIES.
The Gover
the
itten:
The Government consideration to: Momber suggestion mittes be appointed to general Education poli
Loud Recruitment of Civil
urable friend Mr. Bell bia confine hin nitention for the most to rands, and some of his ro- marks are denit) with in replies the to other members." Ho fers parti
Turning to the comments of my
launchies the question of proceeding with the expenditure provided in the estimates for new launchen and Government. special repairs to launcher. - Thủ The Colonial Secretary y said --- increase, in the estimate for fuel | " Bir-In riding to reply to the for the Harbour Department is dus criticisms of my Unoticia! friends which uses a different type of coal to increased cost. The Railway, I should like first on behalf of the from that used Iaunches, is also Government to thank them for their paying moro per ton for its coal appreciation of the efforts which but has been able to secure a fubl Mave been made to present them of better quality with which it hopes with the fullest possible information to be able to maintain its services in the most readily necessible form; without increased cost, the methods adopted to raise the and for their general approval or additional rayonun which they agro as necessary in order to balance the Budget.
Marine Surveyors,
As regards the sum provided for
Honourable friend Mr. Bragt, in so far as I have not already dealt with them, I find that the first part of his speech deals largely with the
nced not Cenlarge upon ita I
in our proceedings.
cularly to the Shaukiwan Road, The Government is anxious to see the uncompleted part of this road pressed to a conclusion. There is, however, much preliminary
and much rock cutting involved be fore rapid progress will be possible. Should the finances of the Colony improve the Government hopes to
lency's predecessors once described dossier brought before Your Female Gool bas st, last become for the most part, tor matters of on with all possible speech Fire Ishould, howover, perhaps cor.
vexed question of local recruitment. be able to allos, further funds for As Your Excellency is only too well this work at a later period of the aware the subject is one to which year. With regard to my Honour much time and thought have been able friend's comparison of the r thetraining of one Government The main criticism of the Budget Marine Surveyor the Governinent sich The Government is in on- is congerned with the question of com only way way this system attire sympathy with the desire for venue from certain, taxes with the the payment of sterling salaries at forced on it by the fact that trained the larger employment of local per-expenditure on roads. I should current rates of exchange, a subject officers cannot be obtained in any unnel The matter is however, perhaps, point out that he ha
in and of considerable difficulty but omitted to dedust from the revenue with which Your Exqeliency pro chesper way. poses to deal. Apart from that, theThe preparation of a new Public understand Your Excellency pro the amount duo for military contre- poechos of my Unofficial friends. Health and Buildings, Orusted poses to refer to it at a later stage bution a matter of nearly $167,000 may be said to confine themselves already in haud and will be
detail, which discloss a close Regulations regarding certain stand how conditions have been scrutiny of our proposals and types of buildings have already rect the misunderstanding which absent friend the Honourable the sincera regret, which the Govern been issued. The possibility of a might rosult frour the Honourable Senior European Member, whose allowed to remain as they have mont shares, at secing so many further codification of Fire Re Member's remarks when he spoke been, for so many years-conditions desirable works postponed to a gulations will be considered of the increase of junior clerical remarks, as is only to be expected future date. Leaving in Your Ex- The Government shares the desire service of 48 posts. As the foot from one so keenly interested in which I can only describe as discelleney's hands some of the most of my Honourable friends to see nota shows, this is due to a trans public affairs, range over a wide graceful
important items I shall now endea greater provision made for anti fer from this Statistical Depart your to the best of my ability to tuberculosis work and the matter ment. There is actually a net do field. His suggestion that an Un- answer the various questions rais will not be forgotten when funtis crease, in 11 posts as I have pointed official Member should be present. ed.
are available, but I need hardly out in my speech
at the preliminary discussions on remind Honourable Members that it
the Budget is in the opinion of the will mean an increase in Personal
consideration
it, as the "Unofficiala half holi Executive Council for day" Personally I have alway regarded it as an occasion, when n mass of mathematical calculations in the shape of the Estimates, and a series of highly technical depart mental reports, are placed in our hands with the intention, that wo
should travel through their intricate
and varied rammifications, with
Bound up with the question of the standard of high efficiency, is the question of inter-changeability, of is a matter which has received the officers with other Colonies. This
strong recommendation of a Royal Commission known as the Warren Fisher Report. One cannot help thinking that the Colony is bene
reality," "It is difficult to under-
It is also pleasing to learn that a real start is going to be made with the New Gaol, when it will be possible to carry on our prison administration on modern lizos. I hope, building is completed. My it will be pressed on with until
Superintendent of Prisons and his
The Roads.
Taking first the speech of the Emoluments.
Honourable, the Senior Member, attention is drawn to the danger of regarding pete as a luxury. The Government does not so regard it and is not unmindful of the neces-
The Government associates itself with its Unofficial friends in their appreciation of the work of the St. John Ambulance Association and of the New Territories Medical Bene
pass, Bir, to the speech of our
My Honourable friend has favour ed us with a long list of the press ing needs of Kowloon. A new Post Government neither practicable nor Olles and better postal facilities necessary improved polies protection," addi- tional typhoon signals, now fire ap pliances, a car park at Yaumati, increase staff and accommodation
gi?Full Rasponsibility.
"the object of gaining some intel-fiting by the following of this policympathies will ulwars, bo with the
figent knowledge, of how the public in the past, and I personally hope revenue of this Colony has been that it will receive a greater Staff, in any troubles that may spent, and, the manner in which it I stimulus în the future, it is, how- I am sure we shall all desire tosity for cheap-transport. It does volent Society, The Honourable at Kowloon Hospital and additional | Mamasend is proposed it should be allocated ever, necessary that a change of meet the Superintendens of Prisons got, however, consider that the Mr. Braga suggests that a special bathing facilities. I think that
Fosts should not work financially to the detriment of either transferee.
occur.
petrol tax has been unduly raised grant be made to the Medical or that the cost of transport will Benevolent Society. Full considers be seriously affected thereby. The tion will be given to any applica- Hon Member and some of his tion which this Society may make colleagues have referred to the for assistance, amounts provided for roads. The excellence of the Colony's roads is remarkable and we hope that it
The Government must take tho
responsibility
without exception these matters Budget as a whole, have all been before the Govern ment in the recent past and several afford full information to Un- have actually been considered in official Members when the Bidget connection with the present esti-is presented, and is ready at all mates and have only been omitted times to supplement that informin for lack of funds. They will be retion to the best of its power, ahould. considered as funds, become avail-
in the coming year.
Our senior member has already expressed our appreciation of the clarity with which the Estimates and accompanying memoranda have been presented this year, and it is unnecessary for me to add anything
will still be possible to maintain a Reference is made to the Railable, and there be any points on which un
I regret that the Honourable official members may desire more to his eulogy. I should, neverthe Colony's interests are inextricably we are passing the secret service] high standard with the funds pro-way estimates in the speeches, Member does not see eye to eye]
Liaison Officer With Canton. This leads mo on to the question, of whether it is not desirable to have a liaison officer or officers be tween Hong Kong and Canton, this bound up with those of Canton, sad
Jess like to commisorato with the Houpurable the Director of Public Works, inasmuch as I find on perasing his Notes on Estimates, that so many of his most cherished toys have been taken from his shop window, and placed on the obscure shelves of the future, but I never theless appreciate his very real desire to economise, as shown by the substantial pruning down of his Estimates, and the savings appear ing in his report, some of which however, 1 find it difficult to agree with. I sincerely hope the econo- mies in road maintenance are not too drastig, and there are some other items with which I will deal later where I should like to have seen. Before dealing with the Estimates either some provision made, or in detail there are certain matters ferger allocations.
arising on the Reports to which I should like to draw attention.
Our system is not without its dif-
ficulties for the Unofficials, a mass. of detail is placed before us, and ont of this maza of figures we are expect to commitments for expected to follow the Govern
with the Public Works Committee on his return from the voyage of discovery to Malaya and Shanghai
I notice on page 40 item 50 of the Estimates, that there is a pro- one saving in the secret service vote. I hope the amount asked for is afleient, because I consider that in the difficult times through which plays an important part.
Railway Estimates.
vided. The suggestion that a road the Senior Unofficial Member and
The question of the age of retires an inter-change of officers between urgent claim on one na early start the Honourable the Senior Mem points raised have for the most part of public lighting. There are cer
The Hospital Authorities have an fund be created, which I read into of the Honourable Mr. Bragh The with the Government on the subject detailed knowledge, this Government and His Britannicando with the New Gov- bor's speech, is open to serious ob already been carefully considered tain ronds on which the Government to which my Honourable Majesty's Consulate at Canton, cutient Civil Hospital, a ruatter rections as all must know who have by the, Hallway Department. Steelmont considers there has been ex- friend refers, is altende under should have beneficial results in which we have long neglected our followed the history of the road fund has not been adopted for rebuilding poses to take action to correct it. ference to the Secretary of State
travagance in lighting and it pro 1 note from the speech of the dat
in England.
the Body work of old coaches on- Honourable the Colonial Secretary, The fact that a sum of $50,000 is lo Bearing in mind that Your Ex-account of expenses and of the waste The Honourable Member's view for the Colonies. that it is anticipated that there be allocated, to the first section of cellency will deal more particularly of much material which can be re-shows how moult it is to obtain Interchangeability of officers in will be a qualified Cadet Officer, the new 100ft. rond between Cause with the question of Civil Service built into wooden coaches but unanimity in matters of retrench
the Colonial Service, a matter available for the post of Assistant way Bay and Ming Yuen Gardens, Salaries which feems so large in, the could not be utilized if they were at Land Beles. Attorney-General in the Spring of is a master for congratulation. Our speeches of the Senior Unofficial rebuilt of steel. The Honourable
which is receiving much attentio next year. The Incorporated Law short sighted policy in this respect Member Lad of the representative Mr. Braga'e suggestions of last Society of Hong Kong "view with has held are the development of pfo of Chamber of Corner 1 year were acted upon The design The Government takes note of the at home, and is one with which apprehension the holding of any ofperty right through Shankiwan, and shall confine payegit to remarking of the coaches has been improved Honourable Member a view regard Government has every empathy, the legal positions in this Colony the Government has lost, much re-that my references to business arms and they are built on teader. The ing revenue from land sales, and but it is fraught with considerable by persons who have not been in vease thereby. I should like to see were based on the only inforumtion Government is advised that it is will consider his proposals when difficulties, not the least of which active legal practice, and I desire an even greater allocation. then available to the Government more economical in the long run next year's estimates are being pre in the necessity for knowledge to express the views. of the Society to Your Excelleney,
and the information was derived for the extensive repairs now repared, but I am afraid, his sugges Education.
From entirely reliable sources.quired to certain locomotive: boilers tions for preferential tariffs for of the local vernacular in all ex- was particularly careful to qualify to be done by the expert locomo Hong Kong products is impractic cept the senior posts of the service, I will how speak on the Education my remarks by the words so for live builders in England who have able unless he, is prepared to sto An interchange of officers between side of the Estimates, dar as the Government is aware. It the exact machinery required. The gaural customs tariff for Hong
am glad to End that we are must not be forgotten that busi- question of whether a cheaper form Long by which reciprocity can be the Colonial Government Servico able to continue our grant in aid of neas firms do not publish annual of railway fencing could be adopt given. I doubt if he is prepared to and the Consular Bervice under the... $350,000 to the University of Hous estimates and Blue Books with deed with advantage was referred to travel so far from the traditional Foreign Office is fraught with oren I am sure my Honourable friend greater dificulties, but this too has there is no way of giving to the employees, and the Government is informa me that there is no camper the Director of Public Works will recently been under consideration, Kong. I venture to suggest that tails of the omoluments of all their the Manager of the Railway who free trade policy of the Colony.
in our civilisation, than through our ita information on such details as to prove satisfactory; University and our Schools espe- the firm may choose to communi- Business firms can hardly Technical Head of Sanitary Boardcially in Hong Kong where the cate
In the Police Report we find an extraordinary increase in the value ed, with persons placed in it past of property stolen, mostly connect
development.
the coming year. For some weeks tion of trust very disconecetiz Chinese what we believe to be best for the most part dependent for form of fence which would be likely do his best to improve any cornera The Government notes the views.
hefore the Estimates are presented, a Government Committee on which the Unofficials are not represented. it in judgment on the financial requests of the various Government departments, we are, unaware of the arguments brought forward for this or that item of expenditure, but eventually the decisions of this Committee are brought before us
Hooded.
The New Gaol
on the Taipo Road winch are ob
scured by brushwood, but I cannot of the Jacorporated Law Society of offer any hope that the Honourable Hong Kong regarding the qualifica- Member can look forward to all Superintendent is to be housed early commencement of the Baitions for certain legal posts and closer to the Gael and the question Kung Road. I do not think that trusts their apprehension will prove of moving the Police Training the motorist can complain that he unfounded. School to the same locality is does not not get a fair deal as already under consideration regards roads in this Colony, and tion of the future constitution of No representations have so far the Sai Kung Road must wait till the Sanitary Board awaits the re
student is able to study the Sciences have been unaware that the Gov- of the West in his Eastern Seerument would have welcomed in As regards the new Gaol the ting. I cannot do better than refer formation on any recent changer in Economic Mission which on pages payments of their employees. Your Excellency to the Report of the the emoluments and methods of 104 to 107 and 120, deal with the I would refer to only one other cultural relations with China-this point on this subject. My honour able friend, Mr. Mackie, quotes the
Further consideration of the ques-
Sanitary Services we have the voice With the Director of Medical and calling in the wilderness, Why is the Chairman of the Sanitary Board in the bald form in which they that this position ought to be add this, that in my opinion Hong Treasurer, as saying that payment reached the Government regarding we can recommence development on turn from leave of the Director of appear in the Estimates. It has been found desirable to appoint a occupied by a person possessing Kong is doing her duty in this re- of salaries at ourrent rates will
Cadet My personal view is all important subject, but I would
the notice calling for tendern for the more extended scale on Medical and Sanitary Services.
It has not been customary to
ambll committee of two Officials and technical knowledge. I fail to be- spect, and that it is up to the Home causa an additional tax on the passenger and vehicles ferry, Aublish the names of all Committees
Chater Collection
that the items 21 to 28, and the ring in conformity with modern not yet been sufficiently recognised figure must be reduced proportion The Honourable Member who re been fully discussed and it is held trace and identity every item said
proved by this Committee.
Unomials and the Estimates Committee
not stop there, because there are many other sources from which the University; might reasonably expect
assistance.
appro
two Unofficials to assist the Honour.lieve that a specialist possessing Authorities and pubic associations revenues of the Colony of approxi- representations which may be re able the Harbour Master with his ordinary intelligence cannot adapt there, to make substantial contrimately one million dollars next beived will be given full considera of Enquiry in the Gazette. The
"himself" to the susceptibilities of butions, as they stand to beneft year-additional, that is, over
tion
Government does, however, he a My Honourable friend refers to requirements, and I have little the Chinese-when all said and greatly by the work of our Univer- paying half at 1/ed and half at
The question of converting the general rule make known the cap the valuable bequest known as the doubt that other departments of the Government might benefit by done, times are changing rapidly, sity and our Schools,
currant rate. But that figure will per cent, loan has already receivpointment of any Committees of Chater collection of Pictures. This collection was handed over with unofficial assistance on a similar Chinese, are demanding in their of
I venture to suggest that the only apply if the average rate for ed consideration but no "action is public interest.
The question of, publishing Hists somewhat inadequate catalogue, basis. I should like to be assured, diary daily life, conditions of good work of our University has the year is a 1/- er under. The possible before the latter part of
next year??
of tenderers and their tenders has but it has been found possible to new furnace and combustion chamilemanding the assistance of the the University for the Boxer In-
ideas of sanitation-Nanking is at homp grateful. as I am sure, ately as the dollar risen.
presents the Chamber of Commerce to be contrary to the public interest to have been handed over except ber to Police Launch No. 5 also.
Betrenchment Report, sa indeed has my bonourable friend to publish more than the name of one small portfolio. There is no the new launch for the Sanitary world's experts in her public health demnity contribution, but it should
Mr. Paterson, has restricted him the successful to greatly
reason to suppose anyone ““ purloid- Department, appearing on page 25 work, and I refuse to believe that
ed?' the portfolio, and there is no, the Chinese of this Colony do not
Reverting, Sir; to the speech of self to two aspects of the Budget The Government of the Estimates have been wish for similar facilities
the Honourable the Senior Member Salaries and Harbour Dredging I clatos the continued interest of my thing in the Auditor's deport to Again we have the insistent de
I share his regret that it has not have already referred briefly to the Honourable friend the third Chinese justify the suspicions engendered by- mand for special facilities for the
been possible to, publish the Re salaries question and as under Member in all matters affecting the the Honourable Member use of the word purloined Careful cure of tuberculosis, and. I hope 1 Plea for Kowloon, British School, trenchment Report in time for his stand Your Excellency will also poorer classes of the community and am not, disclosing anything that la
debate. The Government will give deal with the dredging of the har particularly in the affairs of the search is being made for it and 1- kconfidential when I say, that the I should like to have seen more full consideration to his request hour, it is only necessary for me New Territories and in Education av every hope that it may yet bo traced on I have often wondered whether it Committee which sat to advise on than the sum of $50,000 provided that a atatement of savings should to say, in fairness to the Govern This internet is reflected in his As regards the Assessment of the would be practicable for one of the the site for the new Government for the Kowloon British Schools accompany the Bepprtment, that the Wharf Company remarks this afternoon. The Gov- Unoficials to sit with the Govern Civil Hospital, asked that special That Institution carries on under The only question raised on the entered upon their project for a ernment will certainly look further Colony the Honourable Member will ment Fatimates Committee. there provision should be made to deal great difficulties-it is an absolute revenue side of the Budget is on new wharf with full knowledge of into the question of facilities for be aware from my opening speech are eight of us and the work could with this all prevalent disease. necessity, and a new and adequate certain items of Harbour Office the depth of water available and the transport and marketing of New that we propose to strengthen the
Assessment Department: 15 be judiciously distributed. It our The promised Report of the building is badly needed. It caters Revenus. The estimates for 1931 after a warning from the Govern Territories products, and if it ap I note that the Honourable Mem tainly would be, of substantials Director of Medical, and Sanitary for soction of the community were based on certain increases in ment that it could not promise to pears that a Committee is likely to Isistance in considering the Esti
mates if we were aware of the Services has long been waited for which has a real and just claim on the charges made, and there was undertake special dredging to pro be useful will readily appoint one be welcomes the improved Prison arguments and reasons put forward some day I presume we shall receive our funds and one which we should small overestimate of the effect vide access to that particular wharf It would, however, prefer to explore accommodation and prosses for the in these fees in the matter of for specially large vessels. The the position further before coming commencement of the new Hospital and the new Kowloom British by the varies departments in it it may of course be, we shall not overlook
Robmol, The - Government entire justification of their applications, find that in our present financial I see that the Honourable the Light Durs and Buoy Ront The whole question will be reviewed to a decision on this point.
agrees with the Honourable Mem- I will not deal with the question position we cannot afford it, but at Colonial Secretary refers to the larger over-estimate in the item when adequate data are available
Education Bratletion.s
bor na to the need for these new of sterling salarios: as this matter least we shall know the worst. good work done by the grant in Engagement and Discharge of from the harbour survey. It is in in the hands of my Honourable The absence of plague a ro aid schools and the desire of the Henmen is due to the fact that hoped that sufficient data will be
Government to increase the present a full year's incrcase was allowed available at an party date
The Honourable Member will buildings had hopes to undertake Collesones who represent the Gen-asuring, 9.
The Auditors Report has already granth The Diocesan Boys School for, whereas the "rovision of the Tim Government, Sir, welcomes am sure, apprcolate the fact that there as soon as our finances per eral Chamber of Commerce, but if the Colony is to be called upon to been referred to. It is, however, in one of them and naturally wha charges did not take effect fill the the suggestions of my Honourable I cannot supply him the afternoon mit implement the Salaries Commission, impossible for me to pass it over, happy in the idea that they would let of August, 1031 Even so there friend the second Chinese Member with the Education statistica for I cannot close, Bir without thank then obviously the Colony is on without mentioning the Chater benefit from the Government's munt was a considerable over estimate for improving the form of the Fati which he aske. They will however, ing Honourable. Mambera, for the titled to demand a state of high Collection of Pictures a generous licence unfortunately the scheme Allowance who in fact made for mate. We are always aiming at be prepared and seat to him. The kind reception which they hayo rhetency should like to draw gift of grent historical interest to as promulgated benefits them only an estimated reduction in the such, improvements and while I do question of how far the Government to the Budget a hole with Your Excellency attention to Or this Colony. This matter was dealt to the extent of $286 which I am amount of shipping using the port not go no far se to say that we should provide Secondary Education the one exception of the Civil Servios dinatice No. 9 of 1609, Sortion 2, with by me in the Legislative Cons sure was not intended by the Gov in 1931 and a further reduction may can adopt every one of his sugges is as the Honourable Member Ralpries and for the constructive Cahould also like bortake this op unter which Your Bacallenoy incil on the 30th December, 1027 ernment to be expected in 1938 unless conditions we can certainly go some way paintal out a controversial one. The character of most of their oritiekuna. 24 Council, with the approved of the when the then Honourable Colonial In conclusion, may I wish. Your tions in the shipping world improve towards meeting his wishes I do Government has attempted to steer Secretary of State, can Kanense Secretary gave, in answer to ques Excellenes every good wish for the The Government takes note of not personally agree with him in a middle toured and while support portunity of thanking the Trossirer orith the service of way Government. tione put by me, most emphatic coming financial your and express the wishes of Unotheist Members his objection to what he had terming private schools, has, in its own Prvant at say, time after he has undertaking for ante custody and the hope that it may be a successful regarding the Cadet Service the ed omnibus beads. The advan-comparatively few schools, endea attained the age of 15 How by posservation. I sincerely hope that and gaperons ons and that at the Senior Clerical and Accounting tager to he gained by, reversion voured to achieve a high stand the time this age, je reached at every effort is being made, to get conclusion we may and ourselves Staff and the Treasury and wild to the old system seem to me to of education. Te dy The be outweighed by the, increase of admirable work done in Feast 30 years service has bom i blok, any missing pictures from with substantial and satisfactory va due weight to their recommen-
cash balances,
rical work involv in most cases entirely in this those who have purloined thers.
riation
sff and the stall of my own the versable asaiplance va so cheerfully rendered in