(vii)-Re item 96 "Diaphone fog a gnalling installaton, Waglan,' we
should like to know what is the contract date for completion.
(viii)-Re item 107 "Refuse dump, Cheungshawan," we should like some in- formation as to the nature and purpose
· of this work, and as to why the estimated expenditure of $40,000 in 1921 has dwindled down to $5 000.
With regard to the item $5,000 for Local Public Works in the Northern District of New Territories on page 35, we would sug- gest that a similar sum in lieu of the suggested sum of $500 be handed over to the District Officer South for expendi- ture in the Island of Cheung Chau, where the residents spend a certain amount of their own money in what would normally be regarded as public purposes.
A question has been raised as to whether the Government is now deriving as much pecuniary benefit as it ought-reasonably might do from the running of the Ferries to Samshui Po and Yaumati, and the Unofficial Members would be glad if that question could be carefully inquired into before the present period of licence or extension of licence expires, especially in view of the recent considerable decrease in the price of coal.
News has been received here from time to time to the effect that Hongkong is to be included in the Imperial Wireless chain and the Unofficials would be glad to learn what information the Govern- ment can give them on the subject.
men-
Another subject, as to the progress of which we should also like to be informed is one which has frequently been tioned in this Council, namely, the pros- pect of the Kowloon-Canton Railway being linked up with the Canton-Hankow Railway.
PRODUCE EXCHANGES.
In conclusion of their joint remarks, the Unofficial Members would strongly urge upon the Government the imperative necessity for discouraging the formation of Produce Exchanges in this Colony. Such Exchanges come into existence for the mere purpose of gambling and are not intended to meet the legitimate re- quirements of trade and have been most strongly condemned at the recent meeting of the British Associated Chambers of Commerce at Shanghai, the following re- solution having been passed in regard to them :-
"The Conference views with serious con- cern the establishment of a large number of produce and stock exchanges in Shang- hai.
It has reason to believe that the majority are not founded to meet the legitimate requirements of Foreign and Chinese merchants engaged in trade in Shanghai, but are enterprises of a speculative and gambling nature, and as such are a standing menace to the financial stability of Shanghai. The Conference urges the Consular Body to co-operate with the Chinese Government by supporting the Municipal Council in any steps taken for the licensing, registration and control of these Exchanges."
PERSONAL OPINIONS.
Those, Sir, are the general remarks of the unofficial members and myself upon the Budget:-I will now proceed to make a few remarks of my own on various sub. jects:-
1. The first remark which I have to make is that I hope that the Government will most vigorously press on the settle- ment of the terms of agreement for the transfer of the Military Establishments to the mainland, and thus give the Colony greater room for expansion on this side.
2. My second point is in connection with the opening up of King's Park for building sites. Some two or three years ago the unofficial members of this Coun- sil went most carefully into this matter
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