Thursday,
HONGKONG TELEGRAPH
February 20, 1941.
UNOFFICIALS' COMMENDATION AND CONDEMNATION OF NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET
OUTSPOKEN COMMENTS BY MR D'ALMADA ABOUT MANNER IN WHICH IMMIGRATION DEPT
Satisfaction in the budget insofar as it affected. Kowloon residents was expressed by the Hon. Mr Leo d'Almada, Jun., who appreciated that provision was made resurfacing roads, a new public mortuary and disin- fecting station, and the promise of a new police station, as well as an agricultural station in the New Territories.
However, Mr d'Almada found reason to complain of the late start made in A.R.P. work, the lack of tact in handling the evacuation, and the manner in which the Immigration Department was functioning. He spoke of incivility and inefficiency.
The Hon. Mr Leo D'Almada, jun.j bak:
fot
Your Excellency,-From the point} of view of a Kowloon resident there is much in the Budget that is grati- tying. There is generous provision
ronds, work) resurfacing our which a long overdue; a new pubile
station disinfecting mortuary and buretted for; the promise of a police station for Kowloon Tong raises a that that district and the Prince' hope Edward Rond area will enjoy some measure of police protection in the near future; and an agricultural sta- tion in the New Territories
shows that here again Government is at last paying some heed to those who have constantly advocated the develop ment of our resources for food pro-
duction,
Mr Shields Suggests Freighters Instead Of Admiralty Ships
The Hon. Mr A, L. Shields expressed doubt about the wisdom of setting aside $1,700,000 for the purpose of bullding Admiralty ships, pointing out that it was possible we should be celebrating a glorious victory before they could be constructed, whereas freighters were needed at the moment,
The Hon. Mir A. L. Shields gaid: St regrettable that the Unometala
Your "Excellenes-In the Budget In Select Committee have thought it expedient in the light of the pressal now before us we have the estimated situation and of the Colony's finances revenue of $60,784,000 the highest en record, but, nevertheless, the pro- to curtail to some extent the
for this poned public works expenditure both estimated defcit is $3,850,715, on the mainland and in Hongkong, matter of grave concern
and the Public.
dence.
This is all I have to say on the Budget.
and
u
[an item which once incurred will be
recurrent,
MR TAM SAYS ESTIMATES
ARE EXCESSIVELY GLOOMY
IS RUN
The Hon. Mr Thomas Tam made pointed reference to the manner in which Government funds were being allowed to remain idle, and complained that the Estimates were exclusively gloomy and displayed ultra-prudence.
He also attacked the working of the Imnilgration Department and expressed doubts about the proposed new night-soil scheme. He suggested an alternative scheme.
The Hon. Member also called for more strenuous efforts in the prevention of crime and gambling in the Colony, complaining that at the present it was necessary for everyone to sleep behind bars in order to protect themselves.
this
The lion, Mr W. N. Thomas Tam said: Your Excellency-The Hon. Financial Secretary. In his speech introducing the Draft Estimates for the coming fiscal year, stressed the advisability of steering a middle course
between ultra-conservatism radient chiange.
With "golden mean of practicality," It is dimcult to disagree; but while the Hon. Financial Secretary has adopted Praiseworthy polley in deciding what matters his Budget should
no would follow cover, he middle course when it comes to estimating Revenue
and Expenditure. In his estimates of our income, is observable; while,
as regards expenditure, he exhibits the quintessence of ultra-conservatismn
pessim-
th
such
This is a costly experiment at a time when War Expenditure is a one which I understand will mean heavy drain on our resources and time carry on the present system owing to the inability to proviticism, Extreme caution bids him not content with including under I sincerely bc
are meant to provide for a longer hope the measure will be postponed expenditure for one year, items wilch until we can afford it. I am not infor
about the provision perlod but to go further and put away
vessels
a few hidden reserves. of $4.700,000 presented to the Admiralty.
is anticipated for was authorised last year but no ex- financial period ending 31st March this year although the Imperial Government is in urgent need of escort vessels for destroyers or
at the majority will agree that inhere are, however, some rays of improved receptacles. o doing the Coinmittee has followedf De dictates of commonsense and pru-hope in this gloviny picture, first that the recent and very necessary War Expenditure may be reduced and finally disappear, second that actual Revenue for the past three years has areatly exceeded the forecast and also they very eyes as been
reserves written oir and slauld not prove to emergency be a total loss..
Our annunt Budget debate, how- ever, has long been regarded as the proper occasion for the ventilation of grievances and complaints, and of these have a a few.
less for congratulation.
In
Some Criticism
I will mention only three matters
Some months ago, it was deemed advisable to establish a department for the control of Immigration. Here been Liave again. It appears to thought necessary to lay emphasis on race distinction, for, if I remember rightly, in advertising for immigra- Lion officers Government, made it clear that these ponta were open on
only to British subjects of pure European descent. Now, Sir, this might possi- bly have been excusable if these were positions of comparative im- portance or of a specialised nature, but
More
Uils is not so Imenigration-of- cers have been recruited from every walk of life, and the fact that they are paid only $400 a month is an other indication that the job is not one calling for any alleged superior- ity of blood or intelligence.. than once have I advocated that Gov- ernment should draw no invidious and totally unnecessary distinctions in engaging Its employees. But suppose the policy is so ingrained that only where it is impracticable le pursue it will Government reluc-. tantly adopt another.
5800.000
high prices
Hon. Mr A. L. Shields
penditure
The
15, I answer
came from Home.
to be This
Two Examples
1
on which the Hon. Financial
twelve months would be
this
a factor
Hon. Mr W. N. Thomas Tam
Excessive Gloom
}
Ruilds, have polliloned Government expressing their readiness to intro- tuce improvements in transport and in receptacles and to meet any re- quirements which Government may stipulate. It therefore does not ap- pear that Government should have any reason to be apprehensive of a luck of progress.
Expenditure Not Justified
Finally, even if it could be shown, which many of us doubt, that it would be to the best interest of the Colony that departmental collection should be adopted, it nevertheless still re mains for Government to be satisfied that the use of
use of public money is necessary, particularly where further
Is involved. taxation
The people who have recourse to the present system have never re-
ties which must be encountered la retting up a new depaniment with the wide ramineations involved, in the short time assigned and perhaps with
fused to pay. Take the poorer classes, in insufliciency of staff and office whom it is intended to benefit. In space. The public would not mind their case there will be no refiel; as the delay and would be prepared to we know, most of them are merely co-operate by suffering reasonable in-sub-tenants and it will only meant
convenience, provided it is satisfied the principal
that
tenant, who makes is doing is best business out of sub-letting will be
Fund is 15 ththetic towards the spared a legitimate expense and will
Pront
of
that the department' hardships of
thereby; while but the com- derive a bigger plaint is that far from being helpful, on the other hand, tenants
Dro- !! the officials of that department have perly with a water carriage system shown nothing but incivility and the will be penalised by higher rates. result is the creation of considerable Can this be said to be an encourage. resentment on the part of the public, ment to the general Introduction of which is now clamouring for satis- water closets, or is it not rather an fuellon,
inducement to cling to the old anti-
In fairness to the head of the de-quated system? partment, I must quality what I have said by stressing that whenever I
Water Closets And Drains
have been deputed by my colleagues Government has attempted to jus- to see him. I have found hin notify the use of public money by only most affable and considerate but claiming that it is through the use of ready to meet any suggestions which public money that drains have been we might have submitted.
1x0
inid. There is an obvious fallacy in this argument. Firstly, the drains Finally, I would like to draw the
are there whether water closets use Government to the them or not, they serve to carry away necessity of maintaining a low price storm and attention of
sullage water and secondly, for the three commodities which the drains alone do not make a water Chinese community considers essen-
to install water
Vice And Crime
a shock after the agreements of $45,840,000 dices not take into full night do more, ve cuongkong? unistaction that it has been decided i missioner of Police is doing all he can:
reached Inst year.
War Taxation Revenue exceeded the estimated figures and the Finance Committee voted all supplementary expenditure for Defence. The Budget since its introduction has come within sight of being
balanced. ir further War
expenditure is re- quired this Colony will not grudge it, but let it be raised within the frame- work_of_the_existing Tax Scheme by revising the rates of tax.
det may be noted
A
Must Sleep Behind Bars
I do not propose to go into great detail here, as the points in justifica- tion of my statement have already what I have referred to as hidden been raised by my colleagues and reserves. myself on the Select Committee to I do not know what Government I wish to think your Excellency
which the Draft Estimates were feels about ita last twelve months'
In the ordinary course of events tial for life, namely, rice, frewood closet system; whereas Government, for agreeing to omit or reduce several convoys.
give two Yeature, to
tile criticism would be levelled at and peanut oil. I know from in- in cases where the owner of property understand, Freteres. administration in this Colony. In my items of expenditure in the draft opinion, apart from revenue, there Estimates as suggested by the Un-difficulty or delay in getting steel
The Hon. Financial Secretary, in Budge: drawn on these lines, as it formation which has been furnished have not thought At little room for complacency, much official Members of this Council and special equipment which has to his Revised Estimates for the period a sound policy for the guardian of the to me as a member of the Finance cast of a system which takes the pluco
considerable steps sitting in Setect Committee.
New Police Headquarters Can we not help the cause more extending from January 1, 1940 to public purse to be prudent; but while Committee that
of a deficit is understandable, it is two; but it is my earnest hope that water carriage system. I refer particularly in the proposed quickly and more efficiently by build-March 31, 1941, a period of fifteen prudence which leads to the showing have been taken as regards the Arst of but is far less satisfactory thon a y to which Government has laid -new Block.nt Police Headquarters ating standard ships which are also months, gives the figure for Ordinary time to call a halt and to ask for more will be done in the near future;
Revenue, that is, apart from. Warm
return to a sense
of proportion when while as regards peanut oil; 'may 1 self open to criticism.
can probably which
be urgently required?
Taxation, as $57,300,000. Using
that prudence becomes
I now come to matter which excessive, Its First, a very late start was made built for considerably less when the We may be celebrating a victorious
consideration.
affects the good name of the Colony to provide air raid shelters.
and with which my fellow. Chinese ing a picture so gloomy that a call Cost of building materials comes / pence before these special vesselsgure na a basis for calculation and use is certainly not justified in paint suggest that it should also receive | Next, a most lamentable lack of dawn to norinal. This question of are in commission whereas freighters existing state of prosperity Sect for further sacrifices will be un- Collection Of Nightsoil members have asked me specially to turists displayed in the handling cost of building also appiles to the will be in demand long after the try himself relics, the proportion for challenged by a community, already
deal. Many a resident, alarmed by $45,040,000. of evacuation. Government has al-proposed Infectious Diseases Hospital war is over.
Perhaps the most controversial of the serious prevalence of crime and ready been severely censured for this at $1,000,000 of which it was propose Meuntime the liability for $4,700, This amount, although three lakhs burdened by greatly increased costs
a war for the first time in the Budget is the press Government for more energetic only because it should be included a liability of $1,400,000 on an un- Is a large enough sum to influence larger, would seem at Arst one toor living and bearing, albelt cheer- the items which are now appearing vice, has repeatedly approached us to by the public, and I mention it. here to provide $500,000 in 1941/2 leaving 008 remalus in our commitments and
responsibility.
provision for
a scheme, known as action. We on our part have made estimate
ate of $45,530,000, which has If a gloomy outlook is intended to departmental collection, whereby repeated representations to
Govern eny debate which involves the re- completed building for the following any inquiry into the necessity for me approximate and to bear out the fully, added taxation as
been given on the prospective Ordin-stimulate fresh efforts to support the Government
will employ
coolics, ment, sometimes as the result of view of the past year's policy and year with a contract placed at present creased laxation, activities.
ary Revenue for the twelve months war, then Income Tax Bogey
ary
direct exhortation to the some 2,000 in number, · for the specific requests from members of The Hon. Financial Secretary's re- commencing from
April 1, 1941 and
to exert itself further would removal of nightsoll, the cost of the our community but more often than
have marks, when introducing the Budget, ending on March 31, 1042; but it must probably
grenter efficacy, project to be met by an increase of not on our own initintive. The post- raising the bogey of Income Tax came be remembered that the former figure Although as individuals, some of us one cent in the rates. My Chinese tion is now getting from bad to worse,
certainly cannot colleagues
I learn with deep We know that the and
Hon, Com→ account the increase in petrol, spirit do too much, so far as and other duties which have operated whole is concerned, we have no by Government that this scheme but we feel that something more must for only a portion of the nitren need to be ashamed of the effort we should stand over until further con- be done. months and more particularly the have made. $10,000,000 per annum sideration has been given to the The
of gambling,. suppression increase in postage rates introduced by way of War Taxation for a tiny matter and that Government will particularly of "Tse Fa" lotteries, as recently as the first day this colony, with a dearth of agricultural refrain from expenditure without the which are fast becoming an open month,
produce, few major industries, a total consent of the Finance Committee. scandal, the eradication of open absence of precious metals and next This decision is in our opinion, a soliciting in the streets, the placing of Conservative Estimate
tis no mineral wealth, is no mean wise one.
clicct the prevention of robbery on the activities of escort My submission therefore is that effort. theat increases in taxation had
bureaux, Taxation System
We venture to suggest that, before and larceny..especially petty thieving operated for the whole of the fifteen We have been criticised for the committing itself. Government should and snatching in the streets form the The War Taxation Committee has montis, the revenue for that period unfair incidence in our form of taxa-examine carefully and find out exist which we have been asked to been reconstituted under the pretext would have been Immeasurably tion. There are few of us who do actly what are the improvements and bring to the attention of Government, of an unbalanced Budget and we can higher; the difference between the not admit that there are faults as advantages attached to departmental only await the result of its delibera-gure obtained by using that revenue there are in every system. Neverthe. collection. All of us realise that the tions but I believe any proposal to as a basis and the figure given by the less, while others are still in the present system is far from satisfan- Introduce Income Tax for ordinary Hon. Financial Secretary as a forecast process of deliberation and searchingtory. We would welcome a change The stories of the existence of lands revenue purposes will meet with even more opposition than did the suggest would then be accentuated and the for an ideal, Hongkong bas, for over for the better; but how is the pro-where one may sleep with one's frant posed system better one? Surely door open and not be robbed: where ed Income Tax to find money to assist conservative nature of his estimate a year been fulfilling its obligations.
would be clearly
arly demonstrated.
It is regrettable reference has been not because some 2,000 coolles, one may leave a parcel in a tramcar in the prosecution of the War.
In this connection, The items of expenditure which
that the Hon. Financial Secretary inade to this subject and to the com- Į hitherto free-lances, would thereby and have it returned the next day, have been cut in the Estimates now merits of an Tax.
No good can
come out of resuscitatinging by the many representations wonder and envy. It is and to think before us might well have been push- Estimated Revenue of $50,780,000, a controversy long dent and buried. which have been made, the coolies that we in Hongkong must sleep bes ed through if we had Income Tax, by which includes War Taxation and do not intend to dwell on the sub-themselves do not supear to show hind iron grilles and bolted shutters Inefficiency And Incivility
Government estimates of cost art the simple expedient of increasing new or additional dulles; but ns 1ject, as I am confident that the any enthusiasm.
and yet not be free from depredation. If this constant discrimination were apt to be largely exceeded owing to the rate. In spite of the wish of the have not maintained that these new War Taxation Committee which Your
No one is respected, be he magistrate productive of something of value, If "unforeseen circumstances" and to Secretary of State for the Colonies duties should be included in the Excellency has reconstituted will Average Tenant's View or policeman, be he talpan or ordin- for example, it made for a high stan- changes found necessary as work that development, social services, etc. fifteen month period for the purpose make every endeavour to remove Im-
ary shopkeeper. Nothing is free dard of effelency, there might be proceeds. The postponement of the should not be curtalled in war time of comparison, my remarks remain perfections and to evolve as sails-
From the point of view of public from flching. It may be only health how can it be said to be pro- plank from something to be said for it. This Hospital contract may perhaps enable we have to face hard facts.
unaffected.
factory a system as possible.
staircase, a hook for however, is far from true, as Govern- unanimity to be reached on what is We must keep tight rein on ex-
Immigration
Kress when the came old method and fastening a window or a short length 1934 Dollar Loan ment knows from complaints in re really required, a subject about penditure by Government Depart
which the working of the the same old set of coolles are em- of wiring, the saleable value of Coming to
ployed? In fact, Bu far to administration brought to its which, rumour has it, there is some nents on their pet schemes which Fard
In summarising the financial pesi newly established Immigration De-
as the is infinitesimal though the replace- attention by Unofficials and through difference of opinion.
may endanger the solvency of the
tion of the Colony, the Hon. Financial
the coolie work cars,
or cars, fountain pens and honourable
prefer to deal with Ifcence My
ear rings, Hospital is an urgent Colony at a time when we need some
request which my Senior Chinese
inst for himself, who in all likelihood these are stolen, or pleked from the gen- would
humbler the inefficiency and incivility to in isolated blocks on the lines of sources of taxation to meet further stand instalment of the 1934 colleague has made regarding
a für be a
day of than the same
individual pocket, or snatched in open coolle working the fight. be met with in the Immigration De- the huts in St John's Place? These calls for defence and I hope offence. Dollar Loan was to inst June, speeding up in the Issuance
The lack of support for the last it was necessary for Government It-immigration certinentes. A simplific
role partment. Complaints with regard appear to n layman to be much more
of a Government servant. At It all crime were the result of to it are heard on all sides, Govern- suitable as children with say mumps Government Loan should be a warn- self to take up $5,700,000 namely, ntion in the rules of procedure ap-
now, when a a tenant has a poverty, the search for a cure, dit- goes to a feult though it may be is not im- iment's excuse so for us incfelency or measles would not be under the lng. The Publle is deeply concerned more than half of the total, and that pears to be the solution.
At present, before un applicant can neutral party; but with departmental possible; but if a gambler steals to is concerned will doubtless be the same rest with cholera or small-box
be issued with certificate, he has collection, he will be faced with the get staire money and a dope fiend to plea that this is a newly created de- patients.
There are I feel sure several items way in which Government spends its satisfaction, it appears to me to be a he has to obtain an application form: head of a Government department far more complex
Far from being a cause for dis to fulfill your requirements. Firstly, task of laying a complaint before the satiate his desire, the matter becomes partment with a heavy volume of work to cope with. Whether this is under Public Works Extraordinary money.
case for congratulations, that the second! a valid
excuse can only be ascer on which further economies can be
Anances
of the Colony should be in secondly, he must have photographs against one of his subordinate officers, Mr Lo Criticises
Immensity Of Problem which are in accordance with speel two totally different propositions, tained on
on inquiry; It is
and is no answer effected and I hope the Hon. D.P.W.
that happy state whicreby. It could heations; thirdly, he must send in to the charge of incivility.
wili do his besi.
(Continued from Pape 5.)
finance itself out of its surplus application form properly completed It appears to me that there is 'i some! We realise the immensity of tho Complaints of inore serious
Costly Experiment
My colleagues on this Council de-balances. The volcing of dissatisfac-and fourthly, he intust apply for the confusion of thought as regards the problem confronting us. Apart from nature have been made against this I understand that at least one of
While improved the question of arrest, which is a lorni and other departments and I do not my colleagues will speak on the sub sire me to state that they wish to on, I ány, must surely apply to the certiflente. In order to comply with issues involved.
associate themselves with the tri-] 101
oney market think I am exaggerating when I any Ject of nightsoil removal being under-butes I have pald, and the views I particularly to the local taxpayer, son, in addition to his visit to, an represent an improvement. in the can be found without taking into ac- mure these requirements, an ordinary per transport or improved buckets would police matter, no permanent solution that more in not heard, it is be-taken by a Government Department chuso the people of llongkong are at a cost of $304,900 for-coolles only, have expressed. In due course the duties as to render in pouch authorised photographer would, in all method of collection and will be count the provision of adequate pri- Honourable Mr Tam will peak on dificulties as to render his response probability, he compelied to line up beneficial, the change in the status coll accommoxlation, the creation of to the many fallings of
the question of removal of night-soll to an attractive form of investment in a queue, in fair weather or foul, of the coolle is unimportant and is decent employment and the introduc-
in sun or rain, for three consecutive not a condition precedent to the tion
general education. The regard them almost as part and par- not heard reports of matters which and the prevalling lawlessness and un favourable terms, so meagre,
and the
occasions before he could obtain his setting up of adequate supervision.
higher the ethical standard of the cel of the system, to be borne with have already reached even Govern- insecurity of the Colony,
Using Idle Money Honourable Mr LI will spenk
people as a whole, the less there is resignation.
certificato-prestaning that no hitch inent's reinole ears, and which cry
So far as Government in concerned, had occurred.
Alternative Suggested of crime; and it is by going to There is perhaps one other reason for investigation. Stories are circu- primary education, and I desire to
with their no loss has been incurred. Govern
fundamentals that it can be hoped why one does not hear more.
regarding the maladruluistra-express my concurrence
ment is only making use of its idle
As an alternative and a more satis- to efface all the Borca with which The Press in the usual vent for tion in departments whose Import-views on these subjects.
factory solution, I submit that the this Colony is beset. Fully realising the true character money; and the restoration of its cashTM nt the publle feeling, but newspapers being ance is vital
Urban Council should license the The leavening of the masses takes: subject to our very strict laws of is the cominon bollef that bribery Britain and her Empire, the Chinese yearly redemption of the bonds from certificate may be obtained in existing coolies or a number of fore-time; but there is no need to remind libel, to, the misfortune of the public and graft are rife; and the head of n in the Colony have willingly and, in- funds which are allocated for that short a period as twenty-four hours, men to provide coolles; that the Coun- Government of the urgency, of the in such a case no this, are not un-department has been credited with
dted, enthusiastically co-operated purpose out of revenue,
This is certainly welcome news, feil she ld take a deposit from them problem. Next to the prevention of naturally careful, sometimes over the practice of nepotism in its ugllcat with Government in all measures Incidentally In this connection, true; but there are still other aspects and see that they carry out their invasion from without in the proven- careful, as to what they pubilah. form.
to which attention duties which Government has deemed it provision has been made, under Head of the problem on early date: I ha mant Sir, were those laws relaxed, and
by Anc
the payment within. were there any
the grown accustomed to associate with Britain's war effort, whether by re-on account of Pubile Debt, for the refer to the assurance that
which will be guaranteed by the We therefore trust that Govern- airing of complaints and chargos sure Latin' or Balkan States, with sponding to the calls made for ter- payment of a sum of $104.300 as arrival, the return of deposits made deposits suggested, with the cancel-ment will undertake its just res- which were not mere groundless and what justification I care not. That vice in the Volunteer Corps, Police interest on this particular loan. by persons entering without certi Intion of Ileenees in cases of grave ponsibilities and will make more wicked rumours would result in it should be permitted to exist in the Reserve, A.R.P., Fire Auxiliary. Sot There is no doubt that, as Government ficates, the method of collecting and or repented offence. We would most serious and more strenuous efforts to something boing
done, the correspon-Government of a British Colony is vice, St John, etc., etc., or in other is the holder of more than half of the fixing of the amount of these respectfully urge Government to try stamp out crime. We owe it to the dence columns of our dallies would surely matter calling for the most directions. In view of their deeds this be full of the most interesting dis-searching inquiry. I suggest, Sir, trust, Sir, that it is not necensies for inte denn, over two lakhs of that deposits and the necessity of paying this alternative solution before, em- innocent and the law-abiding to re- Interest will be payable to Govern-deposits In Hongkong currency. barking on scheme of departmental move from them a constant fear of closures and revelations. As things that Government emulate the dicta me to pledge to you once more the ment itself; but nowhere is mention Incivility Encountered collection.
and a growing concern for lawless- are, one cannot expect. Uils, but to- tors in one regard, and take men-willing continuance of that co-opera- made of this attractive sum on the I believe the general publie is fair- Further, I have been informed that ness and insecurity. day there are few people in Hong-zures to purgo its ranks.
income side, a 'perfect example of minded enough to zeullee the difficul- the present coolles through their
(Continued on Pago 9),
other .Kources,
the
-
friend. Mr M. K. Lo has alrendy dealt ❘ necessity can it not be built quickly | dollars in the diff and some untapped/Secretary deplored the fact that whepartment, I would like to support the average tenant is concerned, he would ment cost be high. As for motor
with
Goment that they have come talkong who either do not know or lave
inting,
over the high cost of Government, cash was obtained only to the extent
of Pensions, elé, and about the carefree $8,040,000.
On
And
Other Complaints
I have learned that modifications
prezent Line; it of the struggle now being waged by position is gradually assured by have now been introduced so that
Pleast, int to make. Be
Such a late of affairs one has necessary to carry out in furthering | 22 of the Draft Estimates, as a charge should be examination of ships on for unishable any delinquency to tlon of lawlessness and disorder from
tion.