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Under such system of computation the "free" supply of water in a Chinese house inhabited by the lower classes would have been about 2 gallons per head per diem. Experience in Kowloon proves that 7 gallons a day is enough for the lower class Chinese when there is no waste.
It was anticipated that rather than pay for the extra 5 gallons per head occupants would give up their house services.
8. The Bill in this shape was read a first time and its object was misunderstood by the Chinese. They imagined that the aim was to raise revenue. Whereas the real object was to check waste.
The Senior Chinese Member Dr. Ho Kai had an interview with the Colonial Secretary and Director of Public Works on the subject and pointed this out, and stated that in his opinion the Bill would fail in its object as landlords in order to make their houses attractive would keep the services in them and would arrange to charge the tenants for their excess consumption by additions to the rent.
Dr. Ho Kai urged that the Chinese would be better pleased if Government declared their real object and took steps to attain it by direct legislation, at the same time increasing the free supply to such premises as were allowed services.
9. After careful consideration I adopted the same view in which my Executive Council, with the exception of the Treasurer, agreed. I recognised also that the meterage system would