21.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH FRIDAY OCTOBER 4 1907.
an extra vote to mest the needs of the railway `I am quite sure the unofficial membahu wilt be only two glad to give it their support. It was hoped that when the railway was commenced that the work would be completed within thies years, but at the prescot rate of progress 1 do not see how it would be completed before five
LEGISLATIVE COQECIL. A meeting of the Legislative Council was held in the Council Chamber last Thonday. Present His. Rxcellency the Governor, Sir Frederick Lugard, K.GMO, Hon. F. H. May CM. (Colonial Secretary), Hon, Mr. W. Red Davies (Attorney General), Works), Heu. Com. Basil R. H. Taylor he want of trained foremen to supervise, the
for
regard t
.ta
325
ever, lies, aut in raling amongst painful quality they possess, in mercado reminiscences, but to give point, to Dr. Eital's has always commandad my deep admirationg concluding sent nes that very little was done by and that is their pallent philosopale beating the citizens of that day, to profit by the lessons under circumstances of trial and anffering
In their name, Sir, and apart from the com taught them and I wonder to myself how far the future historian will truthfully pen
aspect to which I bave. alluded, ig words of un, proton beam and name of thousands who have already subered,
The" history of:
of Hongkong,
moog. Siz is burdened in silence the malsory wrought by these destrace,
such mercial:
Hon Mr.W. Chatham, c.M:o. (Director of Public and I understand that it is not a wint of | of the land. at present occupied by this to bare-some-reflable-post-office-under-with-records-af-these-dangerous-klarms; mean«-give÷atorzon, Iappeal to your Excellency than
which is responsible for the delay-bet | Court and Post Office.This is very banary practical reasons that merchants-wish- (Harbour Master), Hon. Mr. A. W. Brewin detailed work 1 understand that Your Ex vory much to the delay, the fact that the works send: thair through which they cao (ing) so much to those whose lives are passed there should be no further delay in giving them
harbour;. so much to shipping, the life blood, duty to provide, at de
pro the frail, craft that ply the waters of our the shelter which it is our clear and houndon as we are apt to put it, of a Colony boasting the largest tonnage in the world.
(Registrar-General), Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, M.B,
CNO Hon. Mr. E. Osborne, Hon. Mr. Wei Yuk, Hon, Mr. E.A."Hewett, Hon. Mr. Henry Keswick, and Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher (Clerk of Councils).
„AUSENT.
His Excellency Maj.-Gen. Broadwood, B., (the General Officer Commanding the Troops)
Hop. Mr.A.M:Thomson (Colonial Treasurer): Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock, C.
MINUTES.
"
PAPER. The Colonial Secretary laid on the table, the following paper :-
Repon of the Committee appointed to coo. sider and make-suggestions for dealing with the Cubicle Question,
FINANCIAL HINUTES,
co sioce the last meeting has visited the whole route of the railway and as it is a matter very near to your heart we feel confident that every effort will be made to press on with the work
under your guidance. As so are aware it is of vital Importance that
that the railway should be constructed
and opened at the earliest date.
It is catimated that within three possible years the section from our frontier to Canton will ba completed and it is imperative, that our portion should be ready at the same time, Those of us who have had
in North experience The minutes of the last meeting were rend China, Japan, and Indo-China are aware of the and confirmed.
great development which follows the opening of railways and the enormous advantages" to ways in the Far East. We are confident that trade which accrues from any system of rail. f*
the early opening of this railway_must_beatfit | not only the Colony, but the Hinterland as well. With regard to the floating fire Gagine, the vote for which appeared in the Estimates last year, and has been re-introduced this year, pointed out last year that, in my opinion, a floating fire engine was a luxury. It would be good thing, as a second fire engine is required so rarely, that the money should be expended in other directions. It has been suggested that further improvements are required in the fire department-that more powerful engines are The Attorney-General moved the first rend required do not know whether it is tire cage
given this matter your parandal aitantion. It is imperative that more fand would suggest that the money can be betier spest in other directions than in building land engines. With regard to what your Excellency stated with regard to loans and taxation gese rally the unofficial members are entirely of one mind that it is inadvisable to pay for public works out of loans unless absolutely necessary. We also agreed that it is most inopportuna to That accessity has not arisen at the moment.
If a
it be ingresse taxation.
necessary to raise fresh funds during the course of the next year the unofficial members are unanimously agreed that it would be advisable to do so by means of a
The Colonial Secretary laid on the table Financial Minutes Nos. 45. add 47. It was agreed, that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
The report of the Finance Committee (No. B) aunanimously adopted.
EXTRA COLONIAL "COMPANIES' REGISTERS.
a
then
www the
A
THE D. P. W'S REPLY, YOUR
wo general terms, FERMA made in
which have not been undertaken so far are the Tytam Tuk scheme, second section, which is entered with an estimate of $100,000; Brasch Post Office, Wanchai; $6,000; Blake Prer Shelter, $20,000; and resuming and filling in the fish pond I at Taips, $9,000* With these exceptions all the works appearing on the estimates have
And what have wo, with the lessons of 1874 The Director of Public Works-With regard to the remarks of a somewhat severaly criticar and subsequent typhoons before on, what have nature which have fallen from my honourable we dons to nourish this life blood, to protect friend opposite, I would offer some observa- the craft to essential to its belog: to preservations. He made a general statement first of that port against the evil reputation of being all that works were entered in the Estimates dangerous anchorage?
and carried over without anything being done. From the records of the Observalary now z
now 25 This statement, years old, it would be interesting to feare
it might baya been how many times during that period, somewhat easier to reply to it. As a matter of have suffered actual contact with typhoons fact, in the present year's estimates the works and how many times they have, so to speak, grazed our door, and the Colony baire-brendia. And what have caped by we done during those 15 years? absolutely nothing; indeed, worse than nothing because we have permitted the Causeway Bay shelter, built in 1889 by men who, notwithstanding Dr. Eital's strictures, were in this respect better men than we, who have permitted this shelter baan began. It had been decided that the second section of the Tytam Tuk scheme to silt up to such an extent, that at low water should not be gone on with, and therarore large proportion of it is dry land.
that is sufficient reason for not having in- agreed that a new shelter was a work of urgent Office at Wanchai, it has also been decided to
A year ago public and official opinion were tha
curred any expanditure. The Branch Post necessity and a new shelter was accordingly post page. With regard to Blake Pier, an | decreed, but, a year has gone, Sir, and this
indent has gone home for the necessary mater werk. of urgent necessity, has apparently not rial to erect a covering, but it is not passed the initial stage of plans and discussion. That it will be received in time-to-be erected
From your Excellency's remarks when in-
and filling in of the fish pond at Talpo, the water is to cost $1,400,000 of which $75,203 necessary resumption has been carried out, bot
Agures, are ominous; fourteen hundred thousand dol: it has been decided to employ the funds intend
ed on works of greater importance. In place. fars, at $15,000 a year, meaus so years to cout of these works we have undertaken the building plate, and were it not for your Excellency's
af a slaughter house and animal depot at Kow- promise that more than '515,500 will be spent toon at an estimated cost of $70,000. “This was if needed, I should be inclined to judge from rendered necessary on account of the Railway Its beginning, that the end of the scheme was a very long way off.
ing of a 1 entitled, an Ordinance to amend sol, but I believe that Your Excelief with the situation, It is incredible that after annoying`to have an experience such as i bad troducing the Estimates I gather that the break. I during the current year. As to the resuming ·
The Colonial Secretary seconded and the vided then they should be purchased pros two to three thousand years our Publicnection with cemeteries. I expected to fiod 1. are provided for next year. The..
the Law relating to Companies,
Bill was read u first time.
Whereas many companies registered under the Companies Ordinance, 1865, carry on business in places outside the Colony and dealings in their shares are frequent in such places, but there is no provision for keeping local registers of meuibers, and it is expedient that such provisions as this Ordinance contains be made in that hehalf. The bill follow generally the lines of the Companies (Colonial Registers) Act 1883. The Governor-in-Council empowered to relieve a campiny from the neceísity of keeping its r gister at the register- ed office in Hongkong. In such case the register kept at the head office of the company is to be deemed the register kept, under Ordinance 1 of 1865.
THE APPROPRIATION BILL. The Colonial Secretary moved the second reading of the Bill entitled, An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding four million nine handred and ninety-two thousand nine hun. dred and fifty-three dollars to the public service of the year go
The Attorney-General seconded. Of the unofficial members only the repre. sentative for the Chamber of Commerce (Mé, E.
if not
small loan instead of hy increased taxation. With regard to the question of revenue, as Your Excellency showed in your speech of a fortnight age, our sources are 'very precarious, and we have reason to believe they will be still muie precarious in the immediate future. I think it would be opportune, representing the interests do in this Chamber, to remind Your Excellency, of the views of the Chamber of Commerce. A letter was addressed to the Government quite recently concerning the state of the opium trade. The attempt made by the Chinese, Government to put down the coltiva tion and consumption of opium, in their owa ed by the Treaty Powers of China-certainly by the British Government-if the movement were a genuine one, but we must not allow the Chinese Imperial Government to take advant age of this movement which has arisen parily in China and pastly at home to benefit their own trade at the expanse of foreign trade. We know that the trade for many years has been very impor sot not only for this Colony but for the great empire of India, and we also know. that the Chinese provincial officials have done everything in their
many years past
Works Department should not have learned the
Sir,
It has always appeared to me that, consider. ing the modest sum generally available for public works, we spend too much in the
work. We now have undertaken the erection
of officer's quarters at Taips, estimated to cast
over $10,000. The extension of the medical
The last two SCAIDRS we have had late raigs time as was left over was devoted to the direction of permanence and view no doubt / been in vogue for some time, and a connider... .
· A. Heweit) and Mr. E. Osborne (Gavernment country would. I feel sure, be warmly suppori Excellency in the first place informed us that Couris S768,000," but nothing to show whether luxury in other work. We seem to be capabia let in July 1903. Some delay occurred, S2.5..
nominee) addressed the Councilon the Estimates for 1968 Their remarks are appended.`.
MR. HEWETT'S SPEECH. The Hon. Mr. Hewall-Your Excellency, the Estimates have now been before the unofficial members of the Legislative Council, and having had the advantage of hearing the remarks that Your Excellency made a fortnight aga, the unofficial members have since discussed these estimates and 1 have been requested to reply for them, though some of the others will have remarks of their own to make. In the first place I think we may sincerely congratu late Your Exceliency on the prey satisfactory noancial condition of the Colony as set forths in the Estimates now before us. Of course, as we are aware and as Your Excellency ba polated out, a very considerable proportion of our revenue is of a precarious nature, more
sales and from the opium monopoly. At the present moment it is unquestionable that trade
for
to discourage the opiam trade, not be
years to complete and the Post Office sonable to ask ratepayer to incur any acces. seven or eight perhaps more, and in the sireexpenditure for such a service. It is part of meantime, the Government are paying, renta system of postal agancias, which the British for the large building where part of the Government have maintained in different parts Government offices are incated. A large profit of Ching and it has been repeatedly set forth has been lost to the Government dasing all that it is a most important office to maintain these years through delay of the sale or rental if only on account of Imperial policy but also
their own flag financing There is another point: that adds
correspondence. With are each in the hands of one contractor, and the Observatory unofficial members do set con- that contractor is allowed practically unlimited rider that it is necessary to have a committee time in which to carry out the work. In addi: appointed provided you are satisfied that tion to the time spent in laying the foundations equipment.is all that it should be. We are pre- and preparing the plans, etc-presumably the pared to leave the matter in the hands of Your foundations are laid after the plans have been Excellency. I can only state that wo much completed there is „ deal of delay. tise appreciate the steps you have already taken to
of the builod
material. The delay
clay improve communication with Indo-China. I preparation wh which is caused by bringing rough stone from think it may be worth your white to consider the quarry and putting it is the narrow open
whether communication cannot be improved be. spaces in front of the buildings to be dressed
tween Manila and Hongkong. The number of telegrams is limited, but it could be increased if before being placed in position is incredible. My office is near the Post Office and I can see the Government are prepared to give a small that the work does not progress as it should,
sum. In any case we feel satisfied that entirely while the cutting of the stone is a serious friendly miations will continue with those cuisance to anybody living in the neighbour. Jestli Fathers at Sicawei and Mapila to whom hood and affects a large section of the business budget. I spoke on the question of salaries and we owe such a debt of gratitude. At the last community at the present time. I have marvelled ever since I came to Hongkong, I am glad to find that aloce à the many years ago why Goverment building of State has agreed to the principle that for the Secretary should be erected on this happy-go-lucky prin presoat the members of the Civil Service should ciple. One would have thought that they would not be paid less than ten dollars to the £. have drawn upon the wisdom of the ancients Coming to the form in which the estimates are and would have learned possibly to prepare presented, there has been as Your Excellency building material in advance, so as to get on 10 years. There are one or two small is aware a very great improvement during the rapidly with the work as did the ancient builders of whom wo raad: The stone was made points to which I would like to call attention. ready before it was brought so that there was
to the first place there is the question of index- neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of ironing. I am afraid that the indexing of Govern fieard in the house while it was in building-meat-documents-is-very-defective. To a man hatThat seems to be the practical way to deal who wishes to consult estimates in a burry it is the other day. I was looking up the inder in lesson. I can only say that no business firm the item I was searching for under the heading would undertake to build a new office for itself of "c" but after some trouble I found it under and wait eight or ten years for the completion. I cannot possibly conceive an index of the building. It would be most unbusiness draws up on there lines. Another point in the like. They could not afford to build on these estimates is under the heading of public works, times. It is with very great regret that I learn under which three overseers were mentioned. that the second section of the Tylam scheme. Evidence given before the late, Commission has been delayed, It quito frue we have to
showed that the whole time of an Executiva cut our coat according to our cloth. “It is true Engineer was taken up in attending to work that at the moment we have plenty of water. for the Building Authority while such little
staff quarters was rendered necessary by giving up the private nursing institute which which have filled the reservoirs at the beginning question of a garbage destructor or to the From the Engineer's point of
able amount of time has been devoted to the of the dry season. In the past we have had a resumption of insanitary properties. All duties
the most expensive work is in the long run the preparation of particulars with regard to the succession of dry season and if we are 14 carried out under the Building Ordinance. cheapest, and it certainly reflects greater credit boat refuge ap which my honourable. friend at bwe another diy spell it does not follow
There are no doubt others equally engaged, on its author; but frans the other point of view, the head of the table has said a good deal. Com- that we shall not have another severe water: If the 3 overseers are placed under a special
that of the community, chafag at delay in the famine. It seems inost: desirable that the hending, why not all. They are sti P.W.D.
about which my hon, friend opposite stated work prosecution of municipal improvements, 1 ing now, Sir, to the works that are in progrest scheme should be completed as quickly as
officials who are doing special.sanitary work, think, although I yield to no man in recognise that great delays had occurred; I would preface ing the value of imposing and substantial posible. The same applies to the reclamation Of course, the recommendation of the Coin-
my remarks by stating that according to re- of insanitary areas, which is stopped for want of mission was that they should be transferred public buildings, I think, in our circumstances, cords in my possession the Hotel Mansions funds far another year. Another small bus to the Sanitary Department. I would like we would profit more were we to utilise what cou
ware nearly six years in construction, and St. most important point is in connection with the to point out to Your Excellency it would little money we possess, rather in salisfying George's and the Royal Building seven years. raining of auliaha, for which there is an be a very great convenience if it could be
the people's needs than in gratifying our own
The foundations of the Law Courts was laid in allowance of 5.00% I trust that everything arranged that when presenting estimates before natural but expensive appetite for splendour, July 1933, and it is expected that it will be possible will be done to proceed with this work the Council a statement should be given show. The people's most pressing need is this typhoon completed to 1910, or ten years from the data as soon as possible. With regard to the typhoon ing where cafimates of works are likely to be refuge, and as such the work calls for speedy of commencement. The present contract wo shelter, it is most disappointing that Your exceeded. We find hare, for instance, Law completion, even at a sacrifice of architectural
connection with that contract. When tender the present estimate for the wark is nearly this sum is likely to be exceeded. In one case only of extremes. For years we endured were called for, the lowest that could be obtain double what we were led to believe it would be, Tylam Tuk first scheme exceeded the estimated ramshackled, insanitary, quitable markets,
ed from a reliable contractor was for $610,000, It was also disappointing to be told that during cost by $150,000. That is a very large excel). fit only for the flames, then, having funde, wo
I could not see my way; Sir, to advise the the next eighteen months it was not expected to The original estimates may also be exceeded indulge in structures like the Central and
Government to let such a contract. After spend more than the small sum of $25,000 wlies in connection with the Law Courts and Post Western markets, too costly for our purse some delay in which an attempt was made to the typhoon shelter is urgently required, We Office, Another suggestion' wish to make in unnecessarily good for their purpose. Kowloon carry out the work departmentally a contract trust that the work will be proceeded with as connection with public works, in order that the asks in vain for a market, but nothing short was let for $483,200, a saving of $145,800. promptly and rapidly as possible. The Legis
finances of the Colony Le best administered, is of a similar building will suffice, when in reality Even if the work has taken, a little longer un- lative Council is entirely to the dark as to how that the original estimates should be adhered | Stop:owill give all that needed. Blako pierharder contract, I submit the delay is justided by the sum of $1,120,000 has been arrived at, to. If there is any reasonable ground for
ever been shelterless except for an occasional the saving effected. The buildings, Sir, can when a previous estimate of $850,000 was put supposing they are not, it would be well that matched, erected in honour of Royalty or to scarcely reasonably be compared to those before us. We do not want anything elaborate.
a statement to that effect should be made. welcome a new Governor; and so the Public We want an efficient breakwater sufficiently had it in my notes, Sir, to refer to the blisters is the sun, because nothing short of surrounding, because it is of no entirely cause they were opposed to opium but because hịch to give protection to all the boats in the
manner to which expenditure on the rail mas
magnificence will suffice, when in reality all different character. The foundation is of stone with huge granite blocks from the top to the they saw in the foreign opium trade a very
way was colered in the financial statement, that is needed is a small unpretentious covari harbour and to look abead for the next 50
bottom. Every surrounding with some slight Active agent working against their own parson-years. In the meantime, whether the scheme
+55,000. al interests. Is is to the interest of the Chinese i completed or not, it is still desirable that a
been entered. The original financial state-
And than it
owners by the Building Ordinance as regards opium cultivator that the foreign opium should small breakwater on this side of the harbour
has referred to an industrial future for Hong the use of granite on the ground Roor, is built ment, as placed before the Council, showed a not compete against them. Foreign opium is should be main gal, and that beag sa Cause loan of one million one hundred thousand odd kang. Industrial success, Sir, needs cheap of brick and plaster, and if the Colony desire, particularly that portion-derived-from-land-carried throughout the whole empire-free-of-lay-abould-be dredged. At the present-ma---pounds, and against that the sinking fund of land, cheap dwellings for the workers, which is such buildings can be erected-at-a-much
likin and other dutie, on the passes issued by meat it is so shallow that about one-third is £220,000 is entered. As Your Excellency-ex-
tura necessitate the opening of new areas by: the Imperial Maritime Customs. That repre lost and a large number of boats are compelled plained in your speech, the sinking fund did roads. But no new roads are forthcoming be greater speed than granite buildings. The designs for the new buildings were prepared senis so much. Inds to the provincial officials to lie outside. On nine out often occasions not exist as that money was being devoted to
canon our policy is to make spacious drives and they do not like it. We know that many of the protection afforded is sufficient, but leaving the railway. Your Excellency further referred them are taking advantage of what ought to be out of the question the disastrous typhoon of
such as Gascoigne road, too feet wide, metall- by eminent architects at home under instruc tions from the Secretary of State, and it cannot in your speech to the possibility of a further ed from kerb to karb, when the wiser course,
be said anybody here was responsible for them. an honest attempt, to benefit their own interests. last year I remember a number of typhoons loas having to be raised, and mentioned the It seems to me, would be to plan the roo foot
With regard to the Post Office the foundation We have reason to believe that many are not which have blown heavily from the west and
sum of 44,500 for interest which, supposing the road, but metal only such portion as is needed
contract was let in December 1973, and it is sincere in their wish to put down production boats which took refuge outside would have
new loan is raised on the same terms as the far immmediate traffic, thus permitting expen expected that the building will reach comple their own pockets. With regard to sub idiary consider the dredging of and consumption of opium but are working for been inevitably wrecked by such storms, We
last at 71/- per cost. per annum, represents the diture on other roads through undeveloped Causeway Bay is 2. sum of £125,000, think it would be certain districts, as should be done la the direction or tion in 1917, or eight years after it was under- coinage, we hope that the experiment made by matter of urgency. With regard to the condily interesting if Your Excellency would ex- Lai Chi Kok and Chin Wae. It may interest takon. Comparing that, Sir, with the surround. the Government in spending $30,000 to $40,0 tion of streets i spoke on that subject last year plaiu whether it is probable that an extra sum your Excellency to know that no road coming buildings I don't see that there is much to a year in purchasing Hongkong subsidiary, and I am glad to find that certain suggestions of this amount will be asked for. I would munication exists with the large suburb of cavil at in the case of that building
venture to say that it is of a very superior class ting our coinage at an early date. We are not yet however, are only details, the question of the coldage will have the desired effect of rehabilito which I made have been acted upon. These, suggest that is future proper statements should Kowloon known as Sam Sui Po.
to those immediately surrounding it. The be made of the amount to be expended during And so with the Harbour Office, Law Coons in a position to whether it will be a success or
any
general condition of the streets remains the the current year in the case of any very in-and so I fear will it be with this typhoon shalier hon, member said there must be a great less to the Government through the delay in selling not. if it fails the Government will have to
I maintain we should no longer bave
portant public works. "At the present moment, unless your Excellency applies a ruthless reconsider the question. In the meantime we macadamised roads in the colony. It cannot owing to the way the estimates are put before pruning. To pay for this work the Govern land. I can only say in reply to that, that if land was available for sale at the present are anxiously awaiting the repon of the com- be contended that the question of wood paying the Council, no one could possibly suppose ment proposes, i understand, to draw on the moment, my advice to the Government would millee
by Your Excellency to con- appointed
the Government were engaged in an important Colony's reserve, which I think a pity because be not to sell it as the time is not an opportano sider this most important matter. The Cham fact tunt different sections have been laid
In page 88, under the Reserves should, as a matter of principle, be ber of Commerts addressed the Government
one for selling land lo my opinion, and I don't down in Hongkong for a considerable time,
somewhat discouraging fast May on the subject, ale pointed out that lo uther cities where similar climatic conditioni and charitable sprvices-1. trust that is not
yet at our last resource, there is, for instance, loss. As regards the preparation of building stops may be taken by the Hongkong prevail wood paving has proved absolutely
prophetic-is mentioned the sum of £3850 on under weigh hage and expensive waterworks material, with the tools, available here it is Government can only be of a local and tem- satisfactory. Wood paying would be particular railway construction. That is the only reference scheme, concerning which it seems to ma eco-almost necessary to execute on the site, other. porary nature. We cannot possibly dissociately useful on many roads in Hongkong and it
madein the estimatest the fact that the Govern nemy might be effected and here I disagree wise the delay, I fear, would be greater than our coinage from that of the enormous empire might be laid along the tramway track. Atment is engaged in a big railway schema go- with the Honourable Member for the Cham under the present system. Take the case of to which we are in close proximity. The only--present-the-condition of this track is most uning to cost five or six millions. I regret having ber of Commerce for assuming the present the Law Courts: the stones are not interchange- real cure is to insiz upon carrying out the pro- satisfactory and will remain so under existing detained this honourable Council
storage capacity to be sufficicut, as I uo. visions of the Mackay Treaty so that all mials conditions. As a case in point I might refer
able to aby extent, andas occasionally happens but it appeared desirable to make the remarks derstand is 'the case, to giva
To when one stone gets damaged it is necessary shall be placed under imperial control and that
the section in Ice House Lane from Queen's that have occurred to me. There is yet one derate allowance per head throughout the to wait natil another is brought across from Coming to the very important question of there shall be a universal coinage for China.
Road to Des Voeux Road which is subject 10
more subject to which I will refer. In Happy dry season, then further expenditure on the
the quarry, No obvious gain would result Valley there rest many who have done good scheme is uncalled for, until we have money heavy-traffic and is constantly undergoing усту public works, on which a large proportion of repair. It would be interesting to know, what work for the Colony-not only for the Colony,
from a change from the present system to any spare. The to correct solution of this water our revenus is spent, I regret to say, that after cost has been incurred in repairing that small- bot for the Empire at large. And it should be problem is, I sabmit, to allow the Chinese in other. As regards the draining of nullaks, careful and deliberate considemtion, I cannot section during the past twelve-months. I think our pride'as well as our duty to maintain the their houses an unlimited supply
for a good many years, and if the hou, member all satisfactory. Year by year we see important wards wood paving. The initial expense of are really is excellent order, 'but many of the
non-Chinese also, to street hydrants, during will refer to the estimates he will see that a expenditure has been incurred on it large wood paving is heavy, but once laid it would works appear in the estimates and then with
graves have been allowed to gradually drawn; nothing done, or very little done last for years. Respecting the Land Office nt pear into flower beds and shrubberies. I think months of scarcity. The funds thus freed from during the past year. Regarding the typhoon", waterworks would be available for the typhoon refuge, Sir, the hon. member stated that and the estimate carried on till next year Taipo, I trust that it will not be long before careful examination of the ground will justly refuge, and I submli, Bir, that on every ground
and so it goes on. I think, myself, and permanent buildings are erected there. Pre- the assertion made. Within the past few years of economy and equity, fands so applied in the members were not in a passion to Judge how the estimate was arrived at. It certainly. Bas after all due deliberation, that a great part sumably isipo will remain the headquarters sum has been set aside for the re-lettering of protection of life and property, are more rightly not been the castom to give hon, members of this delay might easily, be avoided. There of the Government in the New Territory and graves, and it is not unreasonable to ask that a applied than in providing a constant flow of detailed estimates, nor do I think it would ba » is unquestionably delay in the construc that be so permanent buildings should be
larger sum ba voted for the entire restoration of water for ignorance and stupidity to waste. tion of Government works, notably the Law erected. At the preient time some of the staff the graves of all grades from the high official
On the question of taxation again disagree prudent course to adopt. Regarding the dredg Courts and the Post Office. They are very are living in bungalows which is not a to the bluejacket and private soldiers who lost with the honourable member and shall pro log of Causeway Bay, it has been before the
a propor prominent works at the present moment. Apart form of dwelling for Government officials who
their lives through wounds or disease in the bably find myself at variance with most people. showed that the cast was so very great that t Council on previous occasions. The estimate. from the necessity of preparing plans, sending have to work hard during the day. Besides service of their country, and also a large num Excepting
is the for the Chinese this Colony them home for approval and
paving of our streets is mere question of with again, there has been unnecessary ceiling them it is most wasteful, as they are often destroyed ber of civilians who have done good work for permanent home of very lows almost all sie was decided not to do anything with it. The
delay, 'I find by typhoons, to say nothing of occasional fires the Colony, I think we should keep their ms-
here in the hope, and
the in that the estimates for the Law Courie appeared the bee experienced a few weeks ago, mory green by retaining the memorials of those quiring sufficient wealth to enable them to me was intended to include in this in 1990 and wo were told by Your Excellency On the subject of a Blake Pier shelter i trost it who do generously sówed where we now reap,
gelt it for their native land, at the earliest op year's extimates a small sum of money for laye down wood paving in Ice House. Street.” that two years longer would be required ta is introduced in the estimates.for the last time.
THE TYPHOON SHELTER.
only differ from complete the Law Courts. At the present It is a small affair and there is no reason why Mr. Othorne, said :-Sir,-Do the evening in that their homes toe sy Conveniently tear That, Bir, was struck out as the; mancy at time, supposing the estimate is not exceeded, it should not be carried
As I have already stated the Talpo Land in excessive. There is one charge which falli
leave, the question of under the head of military contribution, with $100,000 pat down for next year, the sum of public works I can only repear that I con-
Dr. Estel's History of Hongkong, the the day of their death. Hongkong is theit which I am entirely is accord. That is the $550,00 will have been spent. There still aider the works are unduly prolonged and kong since 1841 was a typhoon of th
sEverest disaster that ever befall Hong place of business, the neighbouring mainland Office, one of the works appearing in this their home, and the nearer Railway develop rear's estimates, is in progress. With regard vote of 46,000 towards the Volunteers. I will remaine $100,000 to complete the building. dragged over an undue period of years. It precedented suddenpass and power, which re- ment brings their home, so much the more will the classification of the staff in the calle maten, '1. would say that the mère statement not repeat what I have already said on this I think it is quite reasonable to suppose that is a wasteless and thriftless sort of policy lied in business being at a complete standstill they cease to have interest in Hongkong ex. with regard to the Buliding Ordinance over
the Law Courts will take at least another, subject. It is very pleasing to learn that re
to follow. Every year important public for several days. Over 2,000 lives were lost cept as a counting house, workshop or safe seers is not in any way peculiar.: if hoo.
withie the crailing is going on satisfactorily, but it is disc or three years before they are completed, works are demanded and still works ten or
members will look at the estimates they will y in their anchors, ware wreck- Mf then such be the case, if the Colony exists see that the subordinate staff is divided under proposas to found an infantry company in few appears in the estimates in 1953-lere again very glad to hear that Your Excellency hard or badly injured. The screams of Chiness purly and simply as a trading centre, then the various heads In "hich khayate.com. of the younger members of this community we have. 5500,000 included in the estimate at last soived the question of communication to distress on the water ware, beard, by re- obviously the community's interests lie in the played, and the senior officers all appear under come forward. I feel very strongly on the for
next year, that is to say that in 1908 hardly with Gap Rock and though a caule is not a very sidents on the upper levels of the town, to direction of industrial development, and seeing the heading of englear wat The graven subject of the Volunteers from my past, ex- more than half the appropriation for the Post satisfactory means of communication it seems riss above the terrifle din of the storm. The that development in our case is impossible in Happy Valley, are, now, receiving # perience. I
I can only trust that the younger asked to believe that it will be completed in two stances, We trust that the communication will
Office shall have been expended. We are to be the only one possible under the circum
amount of property destroyed in Hongkong without taxation, then it seems to me that the certain amount of attention as regards keeping members of the Colony will come forward,
Il castisse knowing that the Government is straining years, but it is more likely to be three, or four speedily be restored. The new system of storm within those 6 terrible hours was estimated at community, in its own intarest, is eminently the headstones in order, and that will
fira million dollars.
one to be taxed; and this typhoon shelter, as a to be done. Some, unfortunately, are in, noch Every nerve to improve the status of Volunteers, years before it is inhabited. I submit that it is signals has proved entirely satisfactory. Your But very little was done to utilize the lessons phase of development, if not passible under condition that it would not, be possible to and enlist as they should do. With regard to fands, that such large sums have been put Office at ficatsic which, it appears from the
an absolutely unpeccessary waste of public Excellency has made no reference to the Post taught by this typhoon.
ordinary sources of revenue, should be paid for
restore them. My hon. friend at the end of the the Kowloon Railway, to which there has been
Change these figures, Sir, jato & duration of by additional taxation T
the permanence grandeur very considerable seference, we are all agreed into public buildings from which we get no Press, was to be closed. It would be interesting two hours, exacting a toll of probably 19,000
During a rather long residance in the Colony, of the pabile works in Hongkonan that it is sound business policy to press forward retard. We understand that these sums have
to have so official statement on the matter. In liver with twenty millions worth of property, hava bad exceptional opportunites for coming. I submit.in that respect they are, not peculiar. the construction of thst railway as promptly as to be spent and these buildings should by the present estimates there is the sum of $3.19 and Dr. Eitel's picture of 1874 portrays exactly into contact with the boating papalation; and in every town, wherever you go, public build, possible and if Your Excellency during the accupied as quickly as posible. Thus the for the Tientsin agency. Speaking for the Cham- the disaster that batdit this Colony just over a though like most humanity their character is wings are always prominent by reason of thaử followion gearshould find it necessary to call for Law Courty will have taken nine or ten ber of Commerce we recognize that it is not cus- gurage. The purpose stay qualsidan, bawa blend of the good and hay bad, there is one character, and i don't skick it would appani la
10
the
and business in general any order of that pressed. If we required any proof of that statement it is found in the fact that all firaj class stocks are much depressed and the as sessment of propest in the city of Victoria is some four per cent, below what it was last It is very evident that that increasing year. expenditure and still further reductions in the revenue to which Your Excellency has referred this year and to which your pre- decessor referred last year may continue and that the whole of the Grances of this Colony will have to be reconsidered. There is there- fore, one point to which I particularly-with direct attention. I refer to the question of i military contribution. This way, k vory old and burning question, as long ago as the six. ties, when ons of my predecessors in this Colony first resisted the imposition of the military contribution by the lome Govern ment upon this Colony, and later the same gentleman has spoken against it in the Hou e of Commons, Since then it has been repeat- edly discussed and unofficial members have repeatedly complained of the excessive amount which we are called agan to pay by means of this military contribution. We are aware that the presence of a garrison adds to our
Our pro sperity, but the garrison ja pot maintained for our purposes but for fuperial needs and entirely for the benefit of the Colony. We do not consider that because we happen to be a Crown colony we should be called upon to military contribution, especially when we see salf-governing colonies infinitely wealthier than ourselves only paying a very talling amount or nothing at all towards a military charge.
ge. With all due respect to the power who bas levied this exaction upon the Colony I cannot but compare it to the nature of the stand-and-deliver demand from the highway man who suddenly appears before us, pats a pistol at our heads and says "pay twenty cents in the dollar" while we have to seek what con solation wa may find in the thought that we have still Bo cants left for our owna needs. Tho question of the military contribution is one which deserves consideration at an early date. I for one think and have always maintained that it is correct that the Colony should con- tribute something towards the Imperial troups, but for a small colony the sum of. $1,200,000,
whatever
sante.
or raibar,-the-way-in-which-it-bed-not--ing co with roads. Your Excellence exception, the exception being imposed on the~~~
is still in the experimental stage in view of the ailway construction heading of non-effective utilised only as a last resource' and we are not see that the Government is suffering a great
10
Jong 10 Sir,
stribura ope-fifth of aur total revenue forsider that the present state of affairs is at it probably would have gone a long way ta- monuments erected over them. Thà gardens 1 months of plenty and to limit them, and that is a work that has been sctively carried an
disap
intention, of aç-
· as is the amount of our contribution this you the Law Courts cost seven lakhe. Including as possible. Before rough as speedily l ́ol 2zod September, 1874, to, quote from that they are able to make use of the place till required for mors vryent and important worke
6
'couraging in find that when the Government. And the same with the Post Office. It frst fifteen years old are in the estimator. I am. I vesnis, tro hours, and 35 foretum deposit,