THE
HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER
27, 1934.
Sir William Peel Replies To Unofficial Members' Criticism
ASSESSMENT REFORMS
OPPOSED
VICIOUS PRINCIPLE OF LIVING ON GOVERNMENT. SUPPLUS
SUGGESTIONS STUDIED
H.E. the Governor made a lengthy reply in the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon to the Unofficial comments on the Budget, dealing at length with the financial position in regard to the suggested reduction in
rates.
II Excellency the Governor said: which might fittingly be describedt
and I feel that once! Honourable Members-The Budget as ensential has been donlt with o adequately again we must regard the Bulget a by honourabla members, official and in a measure unofficial, that it would be almost hopeя, unkind of me to burden you with further comments on details. therefore restrict myself to a few salient features,
congratulate
13
I will
Much Work in Hand.
of the
consideration and the new agreement less than five years ago, but also already doing excellent work, but de was signed by myself and the Minis-that Retrenchment Commission, velopment is necessary in certain
of mainly
Unolicials, directions for which it has not been ter of tailways of the Chinese Gov.consisting erament on the 15th instant.
which I appointed only a year urijussie hitherto to make provision. A take this opportunity of coh-two ago, found itself unable to re-Vicational instruction is an import- gratulating the ropresentativos who commend any very drastic reduction ant desideratum, but the prosent pre- participated in the Conterenco, not of establishment. We are, however,mises are not large enough for what merely on the successful consumma-carrying out a scheme of a local is required. Tho Building Contrac
and tors' Association have generously Lion of their efforts to roach an branch of the Senior Clerical
scheme.
agreement acceptable to both sides, Accounting Staff and are endeavour- come forward and offered to con but also on the spirit wilen pervading to train local sanitary inspectors. struct a now building at cost price, ed the negotiations. Both parties Further, I hope that it may be posthus appreciably reducing the expen set out to arrive at an arrangement sublo to train local nursing sisters lituro to be faced by Government. which would be to the mutual ad- and so reduce the large, number of With this generous offer before it vantage of both sections and avoid-nursing sisters recruited from Eng-and having regard to the essential ed any temptation to get the better land. I propose to go into this ques-nature of the work to be carried out,! of one another without regard to tion with my honourable friend, the Government has considerd it neces with the the main issue.
Director
and Sanitary wary to preceed at once of Medical Services,
need hardly point out that the The Hongkong Naval Volunteer The proceedings of the Conference rise in the dellar has reduced con- Force which was instituted nearly a cess and some increase has been' al- and the spirit in which they were siderably the local cost of the ateri. year ago has so far proved, a suc
Ing catablishment.
lowed in the Estimates for the Force. model. Both Bections can, I think,
The Admiralty, who are anxious to carried out might well serve as 0
see this movement dovolop on right There are a few increases in the linea, has allotted a sloop as a head- now look forward with confidence to increased prosperity which should be further enhanced when the Canton Police catablishment which have been quarter ship for a year in the first Hankow line is finished-probably found to be unavoidable, owing part-instance.
vince.
Kowlooniankow,
to the
.
The Police,
ot
The University..
some argument of the
Commenting on Mr. Kotewall's suggestion of a by the end of 1938-and linked up ly to the Institution of the Iemand
with the present line. The question Home, a new Police Division change both in the amount and method of the assessment, of completing this link was not con- Shamshuipo, the traffic needs in the Under the heading of Miscellane ous, honourable members will see that the cost to be met from the Colony's surplus funds, Sir sidered to be within the purview of New Territories and the Registration
ja reasonable to assume sunt it w In referring to this department I the Government has again provided William Peel said he considered this involved the vicious the Conference, but I think that it of Persons Ordinance, principle of living on capital, to which he was entirely be completed in due course. t ap should like to associate myself with a sum of $250,000 as a grant to the pears to me inconceivable that a wise the tributes paid by my honourable University. This grant in anuject to opposed.
and far-sighted administration would friends, the Colonial Secretary and consideration annually. There might hesitate to complete a link, the ab- the senior Unofficial member, to Mr. possibly have been His Excellency, however, said Mr. Kotewall's pro-senes, of, which would to a largo Wolfe, who is shortly going on leave for reducing it, in view
Province or prior to retirement from the post of Colony's financial position, but the Mr. fluances of the University aro far posals had been referred to the Economic Commission, extent deny
Kwangtung obvious benefits of a line Inspector General of Police. the recommendations of which would receive full con-constructed at considerable cost for Wolfe, who originally joined the from satisfactory and many urgent the further development of that pro- Malayan Service a year after my needs of the University remain un- sideration by the Government.
self, has had a long, honourable and fulfilled. I am glad that it has been distinguished enreer in this Colony. possible to carry out a few neces Expenditure.
The post of Hend of the Police in hary extensions, but there appests Hongkong has been by no means antle prospect of the University be I would Turning to expenditure, the grave of many
ensy one. Not only have the pro-ing able in the near future to in- vf Public Health. invito altention in the first place to blems been varied and important, but stitute a Chair I cannot but the fact that the estimated expendi- the staff is of such an heterogene. The absence of this ture, exclusive of Public Works Ex-
ous character that special qualities regard as a serious stigma on the As honourable members
and the final payment are called for in the lead of the Colony. I have more than once, ap- however raordinary
for financial help for the will ace, there are many important for the Naval Arsena' Yard but in- Department if the machine is to be pented
cluding departmental special expendi- maintained at a high standard of University, but unfortunately with- honourable works in hand and the total to be ture, in rather more than covered by felency. It will be readily conced out result, I realize that times are friend, the Colonial Secretary on his spent en public works, extraordinary the estimated revenue excluding thee that Mr. Wolfo has maintained bad, but I should like to express the able speech introducing the Budget and loan works is substantial.
A special receipts from land sales and such a standard and thus bins and his officers for you are aware, I have, during the the proft on exchange transactions. well look back with satisfaction, to of those who reap the benefit of such and that he can hope that when they improve some the excellent work which they have past few years, carried out the policy The margin, however, le small, and his record of service in this Colony, Improvements will give generously done in connection with the preparn- of submitting a special supplement this fact added to the fact that we
towards the support and develop→ In striking this personal note tion of the Estimates. I also thank Budget before the middle.
have to draw heavily on our balalso wish to associate myself the Hon. Colonial Trensurer and the year when our financial position has ances in order to carry out special the tribute paid to Mr. ficines, the 2ard as a great asset to the Colony withment of the University, which I re-
such a step safe. This Hon. Director of Public Works for rendered their useful memoranda, Further, polley has been approved by the public works in my opinion renders Crown Solicitor, who also is retiring and one which undoubtedly adds to I do not feel that I can the lustre of Hongkong; though that wish to express my appreciation of Secretary of State and this Council it quite impossible to make any fur-sext year.
adequately express the extent to lustre is likely to be diumed unless the good work done by Mr. Butters and I hope that it may be possible tier reduction in taxation.
which Government has been Indebt more support is forthcoming. In connection with the Budget. Ile to follow it again next year, though
et to Mr. Holmes for the valuable.
Central British School. has had a lot of difficult detall to this will depend in a large measure
My honourable friend, Dr. Kote- advice and assistance which he has contend with, requiring much assidu on the position of exchange.
In addition to works under the ous work, and he has performed the policy has enabled us this year to wall, has made certain notable pro-rendered. He has been a most de
heading of Public Works Extraordin- accelerate the work on the new Gov-pounts. He recommends a change in voted Government Officer
arv to which duty most efficiently.
have already refer I am indebted to honourable mem-ernment Civil Hospital, Shaukhwan both the method and amount of never spared himself
red, the sum of three lakhs is pro sessment which would have the effectservice. bers for their careful consideration Rond and other services.
of reducing our revenue by nearly?
Public Health.
vided for the new Central British i of the Budget and for their helpful
two and a quarter million dollars.
School. This, as has already been In accord comments and criticism.
Referring to the Medical Depart stated, has been put in the hands Among the most important works I have already shown that what may
trust ance with the traditions of this Caun-
revenue only ment it wilt be seen that some of a private architect and eil the Unoffeinl spirit has through which was deemed necessary to be called recurrent
will be satisfacti the Wanchai Market, barely covers recurrent expenditure; creases have been provided for due that progress out been sympathetic and tolerant of postpone are
In large mensure to the taking and that this new school, the need Hospital and ü now and we have therefore to call upon over of the Tsan Yuk Hospital, the for which has long been appreciat the efforts of Government to full Mental
our surplus balances to a very con- its daty in the best interests of the health centre at Bonham Road.
extension of the Kawloon Hospitaled, will be successfully completed in shall certainly consider whether a siderablò extent to enable us to pro- Colony.
On behalf of my wife and myself start may not be made en ene or ceed with necessary public works to and increased health work particular-the not far distant future.
My honourable friend, the .Colonial I thank the Unofficial members for more of these if the financial posi- most of which we are already comly in connection with Infant Welfare
Centres. Much, however, still re-Secretary has already informed the the kind and graceful reference toition towards the middle of next year mitted. In spite of this he advocatening to be done. Meanwhile I may Council of the progress on the Shing
by the appears to Justify it. I am indeed that we should grant concessions Us made on their behalf
Our res say that the work done by Dr. Selby Mun Water Scheme. This report in- prepared to go further; and, if the which will further reduco Sentor Unofficial member.
Unofficial menibers are in favour of venue and so necessitate a further and others at the venereal disease dientes clearly the good work that The dificulties which it, to enter in committee some pro- reduction of our surplus balances in clinica has been admirable, while the has been done. vision for Wanchai Market. It is a order to meet recurrent expenditure.extension of Infant Welfare Centres have been encountered have been con- This is the Afth Budget which very urgent work and should prove That appears to me to involve the both in Hongkong and Kowloon have siderable, but progress has
been thoroughly justified, These satisfactory and I am confident that has been submitted to the Council remunerative.
vicious principle of living on capital,
centres are increasing in popularity in the able hands of the Resident since I assumed my presant post and
In regard to revenue which hasja polley to which I for my part ani and there can be no doubt that they Engineer, Mr. Hull, we can look for- it is not too much to any that the seriously diminished during the past entirely opposed, His proposals an-
ward to the conipletion of the schemo position has become increasingly two years, that deriyable from duties pear to be based on two assumptions are most valuable contribution difficult. The trade depression hangs would appear to have reached its one that the assessment in urduly the health of the Colony. At pre-within the estimated. time and with- very heavily on us and there has lowest level and I trust that we shall high under the conditions which ob sent centres are established in rent-in the estimated cost.
ed premises; but I trust that next been little or no sign of it lifting soon see an upward tendency. Part tain to-day, the other that tho say year there will be special centre since. the last Budget. I am, how of the reduction is, of course, duo gested concessions would have ·
an incurable optimist and to the fact that certain duties are marked beneficial effect on the gen-in existence at Wanchai generously think that it is parmissible to hope based on a one and eight-penny dol-eral situation. that we have almost reached bettam, lar and converted at the current for although the revised estimate of rate," revenue for the current year is over.
ever,
Dimeult' l'osition,
two million dollars below the ori-i
year.
The Balances,
tobacco,
Postponements.
Opium Revenue.
Water Revenue,
The
the pro
The Assessment.
Taxation Moderate.
and has
in the public
provided by private contribution and handed over 10 Government when completed.
Fanling Centre.
Government Civil Hospital,
Loan Works.
been
IN OUR WINDOWS
THIS WEEK
we are showing three kinde
of light weight dress shirts,
each one suitable for the
present humid weather, cach
one undoubtedly correct.
A soft pique fronted shirt with two soft collars to mutch, as now being worn at the Ambassadors Club, London.
A shirt with soft marcella or pique front and culls with a light weight body.
A stiff fronted shirt of extra light weight, most suitabla for mess wehr or the more formal 'tween season functions.
MACKINTOSH'S
In connection with loan works, 1 honourable members are aware that Government decided to take advan- tage of the favourable state of the } ---- money market to raise a loan to re-
lon
по
It is true that he admits that
I take this opportunity of express-Imburso the revenue account in res- The Opium revenue has fallen very much un effect would probably be in ginal estimate it is contemplated that, apart from the accumulated seriously and I am afraid that there a large measure psychological, but ing, the thanks of the Colony to the pret of funds advanced for
and to make provision for proceeds from the profit on exchange can be no doubt that this is due in even an I am compelled to Join issue various Chinese hospitals and dispen- works
in with him on both points. I main-saries, and also to the St. John Am further work. The flotation may be transactions, the revenue for next a large measure to smuggling. year will be approximately the same my opinion this has a distinct effect tain that taxation in this, Colony is bulance Brigade, for their great as- regarded as a great success, though ns the revised fizure for the current on the proceeds from the duty on very moderate and I feel very strong-sistance in connection with matters; I should like to have seen a larger It is note-number of individual subscribers. I ty that the concessions proposed by of health and discase. My experience, both here and in Malaya, has been that, when him would have very tile effect on worthy that a new health centre was take this opportunity of thanking my less oplum is used, more tobacco is the present economic depression. Dr. opened early this year at Fanling, honourable "friend, the Colonial Tres- and the smuggling of Kotewall argues that If Government the cost of which was defrayed by surer, for the services rendered by in connection In view of the serious shrinkage smoked, of revenue It is very fortunate that opium could be reduced 1 feel sure were to apply a temporary palliative Sir Robert and Lady, Ho Tung to him to Government
in roal due. In addition to the money pro-1 I cannot usefully add anything in we possess substantial credit bal that the amount of tobacco import-of a reduction of 4 per cent. in the whom the thanks of the Colony are with the flotation of this loan,
Such measures assessment rate confidence ances, though the drain on them dur-led would incrense. ing this year will seriously diminish are possible are taken in regard estate would be restored. He states vided for the building and its equip-regard to the Government House and that people will not buy property ment, the donors also gave a sum, City Development Scheme, Provision them. This happy poultion is due to muggling and the Superintendent In a large measure to a policy of of Importa and Exports, Mr. Lloyd, because they are uncertain about the the income from which will pay part has been made for proceeding with view of the state the property not bastily spending our reserves in may be trusted not to relax his able future, I do not see how that posi of the cost of running the Institu- the first section of the work, but in the pious hope that to-morrow will efforts. Owing largely to our peca- tion will be ameliorated by a reduction.
tion in the rates, which would admit-
market in Hongkong to-day it is pos alble that the scheme will take lòng- seo an improvement and that all wilar geographical position
tedly be only temporary and which bo well, I realize, however, that ex-blem in very difcuft.
would almost certainly havo
that was originally to be There has been a notable developer to complete, avoided.
anticipated. I have, however, cessive caution should be
reinstated in the comparatively near ment of hospital buildings in the doubt that, from a Annacial point of There are crities of our polley of
future. I am prepared to agree that, Colony during the past few years, maintaining a balance not less than Some reduction is anticipated in if such concessions were to result in and Government is doing its part. view, it will be a success. ten million dollars, but I am strong the receipts from excess water supa large measure of general relief, Tho now Government Civi Hospital: ly of opinion that this Sgure is not ply owing to the concession of Gov- the mere fact that they would neces- is progressing satisfactorily and excessive having regard to the ernment of a rebate of 15 per cent., sitate a serious inroad on our sur-when completed should provide Hong- A considerable sum has been in- mutability of exchange and the fact on accounts which are promptly paid, plus balances should not be a deter-kong with one of the finest insiltücluded for dredging in the harbour that we almost invariably have I shall be surprised, however, if such rent; but I am not convinced that tons of its kind in the Far East and, for works connected therewith. heavy commitments extending appre rebate does not result in a slightly they would effect the general relief Kowloon Hospital, which is an ad.This dredging will deepen the ap clably beyond the year for which we increased consumption, which may which he would claim nor, more csirable institution, has been steadi. proaches to several existing plors, are budgeting. I submit that the compensate for the concession grant-pecially having regard to the surly extended and a new out-patients thereby affording adequate facilities policy is sound; and, were it noted.
cons of a recent offer of investment building to now on its way. Honour for deep draft vessels to go along- for the fact that such substantial I am still of opinion that the prin- in real estate and land development,able members however, must realize side. The question has been raised resources exist to-day, we might well ciple of a free allowance of water am convinced that the confidence that these enlarged and improved of how far the cost of dredging in be perturbed in regard to our ability is unsound. The system tends to of the public in landed property is buildings will necessitate a perman- the harbour should be borne by to meet futuro liabilities in respect bear more heavily on the poor than at such a low côb, as ho has statent increase to the staff.
public funds. of works on which we have already on the middle and upper class and ed.
I may say, at onco However, Dr. Kotowall's pro- It is indeed probable a charge, lower than that which now posals have, I understand, been re-
The Municipal Side.
that I accept the general principis that such dredging as may be neces that we shall have to reduce our obtaina on excess supply, on the ferred to the Economic Commission balances to below the prescribed whole of a metered supply would be which la now sitting, and I have no ference to the estimates of the Sani-shipping in the harbour should be I do not propose to make any resary to afford adequate facilities for Ilmit for a short period.
more equitable. ..
doubt that the Commission will fully tary Department, but I would take regarded as a liability to be met out consider them. Any recommendation this opportunity of informing the of general revenue, I am not, how- that the Commission may make will Council that receive the full consideration et Gov-have been under consideration
important proposals ever, prepared to admit that if any
chooses fer company or Individual crament,
some time in regard to what might construct either a pier or a wharf The Civil Service.
be called the municipal side of the such company or Individual, has I and my advisors have given care- Colony. These proposals are in a thereby the right to demand
embarked.
·
Grave of Many Hopes.
I am not averne from this, part-
The l'ost Office.
Post Office receipts continue
to
ly because in times of depression it fall, partly due to the depression and is desirable that Government should parily to a reduction in certain pos- do its utmost to afford employment, tal rates. I regret that further re-
friend,
The Harbour.
to
that
doop
Justify our postponing our most ed but on the other hand we are aloin personnel but have felt unable to frland, the Director of Medical and or wharf at any stato of the tide Partly because, our resources do not ductions, are not possible at present fut thought to possible reduction large measure the outcome of schemes dredging cle to approach wich
put forward by my honourable draft venacle to such plor sential works and partly because wing at giving improved facilities as- can look forward to the realization pecially in Kewloon and the New effect any reduction having due ro Sanitary Services, but the subject is should naturally be carried out en
gard to efficiency, I am prepared a very difficult one and though legls-tirely in a few years' timo of cortain as-Territorion.
at public expanse. Govern- sota which will reinstate our bal-
to admit that the cost of adminis lation in being prepared it is not ment, as the trustes of the public, ances at the figure laid down. Thego
The Railway.
tration is on the high stile largely finally ready for submission to the before spending is money on such owing to the number of sterling pald Council assets have been referred to by my
a purpose, must satisfy itself that honourable
tho Colonint A bright feature In the revenue officers, The problem of reducing,
such pier or wharf is necessary to Secretary, and include the present estimates is the increase of revenue this is a very dimoult ons and. I
Education.
afford adequate facilities. for ship- no hesitation in saying that Naval Arsenal Yard, part of the expected from the Kowloon-Canton hava prosent site of the Government Civil Railway in spite of the fact that there are a large number, not only A notable feature in regard to ping, and that it is not superfluous Hospital and Victoria Gast. With we have conceded to the Chinese of Officials but also of Unoficiale, Education is the development of the to the facilities already exiting. the best will in the world, however, Section an increased proportion of who hold the opinion that auch Junior Technical School. I regard. The construction of such worke may it has boon Impossible to avoid a the receipts on through traffe. As policy would not be wire. I would the development of this school on possibly be to the advantage of the severe pruning of public servicos. It honourable members are aware, the remind honourable members not only proper lines as one of the most im company or Individual who carries has, to my Borrow, 'been unavoidably raviston of the Railway Working that existing rates of salary were portant matters connected with adult out, but it by no means follows
(Continued 'on Page 5).. pspooksul lavanda AKAMent has recently been under recommended by Sotarios Commission-cation in the Colony to-day. It j
MEN'S WEAR SPECIALISTS.
TAYLOR'S. LONDON DRY GIN.
SUPERLATIVE
V.
Sole Agents:
TAYLORS London Dry GIN
GANDE, PRICE & CO., LTD. St. George's Building. Ice House Street. Tel. No. 20135. Hongkong.
Canton Agent:---
5. LILLICRAP;- 72, British Concession, Canton.
THE
σUALITY
HONG KONG
PENINSULA HOTEL;
HONGKONG HOTEL: REPULSE BAY HOTEL; PEAK HOTEL
SHANGHAI
ASTOR HOUSE; PALACE HOTEL:
HOTELS
LIMITED.
In association with the Grand Hotel dos Wagons Lits, Peking
Penang
The Scenic Gem of Malaya
Runnymede Hotel
Malaya's Promior Hotel
also under the same management -
THE CRAG HOTEL Penang Hill
(A health station) CABLES.“RUNNYMEDE" RUNNYMEDE HOTEL, LTD: