Page 2. Governor $5000 is put down for Furniture instead of $2500 as in Estimates for 1907. As there was a Supplementary vote for $10,000 this year (37091/1907), it would seem either that the furniture of Government Houses had been allowed to get in very poor condition (which Sir Henry Blake is hardly likely to have allowed when he was Governor) or that Sir F. Lugard is being somewhat extravagant. However we should hear all about it in reply to despatch of 29th October on 37091/1907.
Page 23. Colonial Secretary Provision is made for the 3 cadets just sent out.
Page 24. Registrar General Two small allowances are granted to Police Inspector and Sergeant at Yaumati for registration of births, etc., work.
Page 25. Audit Department. Provision is made for increased salary to Local Auditor and for salary for the new clerk on $720-$900 but not for the other clerk approved on 35935 at $960-$1200 for railway audit.
Page 31. Postal Agencies provision for Tientsin Agency retained.
Page 36. Harbour. Steam Launches. The halving of the vote for Stores and sundries is explained as being due to upkeep of launches farmed to engineers in charge - a rather peculiar arrangement.
Page 39. Miscellaneous Services The £100 to the London School of Tropical Medicine granted in 1903 for 5 years ceases. In 40437 however the Governor proposes to make an annual grant to the Seamen's Hospital Society Greenwich of $200. We should approve this.
The £200 a year for 5 years for 1906 asked for as contribution to the Imperial Institute Research work is voted.
I think we should have this alone (PR para ll despatch to Lon on 3784/06 Ceylon).
Other Miscellaneous Services $20,000. I think that this is too large a sum to leave to be spent anyhow - the only reference to this vote which I have found in former estimates is at end of Mr. Fiddian's memorandum on 41680/01. We objected to Ceylon having a considerable vote of this indefinite kind and I would do the same in the case of Hong Kong.
Redemption of Subsidiary coin. $36,000 provided for this.
The increase in the vote for "Refunds of Revenue" from $25,000 to $38,000 is explained as due to "more vacant houses and godowns".
Page 52.
Page 57. Fire Brigade Special Expenditure $50,000 is provided for a Floating Fire Engine. This vote was attacked by Mr. Hewett (see debates) and defended by Mr. May.
Allowance of $600 to Dr. Sibree who is in charge of midwives see Appendix page 92.
Page 66 & 67. Botanical and Forestry Department. Appointment of a Chinese forester and allowances to Police officers for forestry work - see Appendix page 92.
Page 70.
Page 74.
Page 76. Education - three more assistant masters provided for the Saiyingpun Anglo-Chinese school in addition to the one mentioned in 32211/07 - due to increase in numbers attending school.
Queen's College provision made for sanctioned Normal Master.
Military Contribution - I have sent on a draft informing War Office of estimated amount.
See Debates for attack on the contribution.