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114
We depend Sir for our prosperity now as ever on
peace and prosperity in China and particularly in South
China; the removal of the chief soat of trouble further North
has resulted in a slight alleviation of our difficulties
here, but our own clouds cannot roll away until the horizon
in China once more becomes clear and serene. It is tho
carnost hope of every well wisher of Hong Kong and of China
alike, and this Government numbers itself among the well
wishors of both, that that happy event may be cons unmatcd
at no distant dato.
Before closing my remarks I should like again to express my indebtedness to Heads of Dopartments generally and especially to the Colonial Treasurer and his Assistants,
and to my staff in the Colonial Secretary's Office for the willing help they have given in the preparation of this
Budget, and not least to Your Excellency for the personal
interest and advice with which you have assisted me throughout.
I now move the first reading of a Bill intituled
"An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding Seventeen million.
four hundred and fifty thousand one hundred and three Dollars
to the Public Service of the year 1928".