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HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
The detailed expenditure is shown in Appendix I. The following are the principal items of increase :-In Abstract A Repairs of Station Buildings, etc." $2,920. Abstract B and C: An Assistant Locomotive Superintendent, $3,397. This is a new post, approved by the Secretary of State, which has been rendered necessary by the increase in the number of locomotives. Coal shows an increase of $18,800 due to the rise in price. Oil, tallow and other stores are estimated to cost $3,100 more than last year. This estimate is based on the actual expend- ture of 1913 and the revised estimate for the current year.
"Materials, mainten- ance and renewals of Locomotive Engines is increased by $8,348 to provide for increased repairs next year, as it has been impossible to spare the engines during the current year for this purpose. Three new locomotives will be available next year, and the old ones will then have a thorough overhaul. Under "Repairs and
and renewals of coaching vehicles" the items wages, power and materials have been increased by $2,265, $1,238 and $2,740 respectively.
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Abstract D: A new printing machine at a cost of $3,000 has been provided for and a sum of $1,000 is provided for hire of 1st and 2nd class coaches from the Chinese Section for week-end traffic.
The arrival of the new rolling stock will obviate this expenditure in future.
Abstract E: A post of "Inspector of Station Accounts " has been created at a salary of $2,400. A sum of $2,500 has been entered for house allowances pending the erection of quarters for the European Subordinate Officers. It is proposed to build quarters next year, which will be occupied free of rent.
Charitable Allowances
Two new items appear under this head, namely, a sum of $1,047 being the equivalent of £96 a year which is being paid to Mrs. Evans, the widow of the Chief Officer of the "Tai On," and a sum of $120 to Mrs. da Silva, the widow of a Portuguese Guard on the same vessel.
The Balancing of the Budget
In order to balance the budget for the coming year it will be necessary to appropriate from surplus balances a sum of $1,079,139.
This is a larger sum than has hitherto been taken for this purpose, but, until the large public works in progress and in contemplation have been
completed, it will be difficult to avoid drawing annually on our assets. There is also the possibility that the course of public events during the next few months may render it necessary to curtail our expenditure very considerably, and there are several items in the Estimates which could be postponed or reduced, whereby a large saving could be effected.
I would suggest to the Unofficial Members of the Council that in consider- ing the Estimates during the fortnight which will elapse before the second read- ing of the Supply Bill they would do well to consult the Colonial Secretary, the Treasurer and the Director of Public Works on any points about which they may wish for further information, so that when we meet again there will be less need for explanations, which can only be given somewhat inadequately in the course of debate.
The Bill was read a first time.
un-
THE
ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordnance to amend the Jury Ordinance, 1887. In doing so he said-Members of the lunteer Force have to give up a portion of their time every year in those of them who are employed by others, connection with the annual camp: and
portion of their employees' time for the in their case the employers may lose a
burden, which no doubt in many cases is same reason. That, Sir, is a public cheerfully born but it seems not reasonable to reeve those who have to bear that burden to some extent from any other public duty from which they can be conveniently relieved The object of this Bill is to exempt from jury service all officers and non-commisioned officers of the Volunteer force, and such number of other efficient members of the Force as may be approved by the Governor-in-Council. That is the main object of the Bill, Sir. It is also necessary to mal a slight amendment, which is rendered desirable by the
recent passing of the Dentistry Ordinance, in another portion of the section.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY second- ed, and the Bill was read a second time.
Council then went into Committee consider the Bill clause by clause.
On resuming.