HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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On the same page, under the same head, we notice a decrease of as much as $70,000 against the item Water Excess Supply and Meter Rents." There is no doubt that the population of the Colony has materially increased during the past twelve months, and we are, therefore, at a loss to understand why such a large shrinkage in the receipts is anticipated. We shall be glad if your Excellency will give us further information on this point.
The sub-head "Afforestation " under District Office, North (page 19), is increased from $1,000 to $2,000. This, in our opinion, represents a step in the right direction; indeed, we feel that even more should be done than has been hitherto, in the way of increasing forestry work in the New Territories. The aim should be to make the Colony, as far as possible, self-supporting in the matter of its supplies of firewood. This applies also to other essential commodities which can be produced in the New Territories; and in this connection, we would respectfully commend to the Government's notice the good work being done by the New Territories Agricultural Show Committee. Such work deserves the fullest encouragement and support of the Government and the public. The Government might well consider establishing, or at least assisting private enterprise to establish, experimental farms for the growing of vegetables, etc., so that the Colony may be more indepen- dent of outside supplies.
The increase on the head "Police Force" is undoubtedly large. But there can be no cavil at it, because the Colony's expansion makes it necessary. The steady growth of the population, owing to the peace and security that can be enjoyed within our borders, has meant the filling up of a large number of empty houses in recent months; and many houses which were in course of construction or were in contem- plation before the outbreak of the Strike in 1925, are now completed. This means additional areas to be protected by the Police. The dis- turbed state of the adjoining Mainland, too, has caused many thousands of people in seeking refuge in Hong Kong, and it is inevitable in the nature of things, unfortunately, that these should include a percentage of bad characters. Therefore, it is only proper that the police should have the numbers necessary to cope with their heavier responsibilities. The Police and the District Watch Force also, I may add-have performed yeoman service during another year of strain and anxiety. Their zeal and good work must be a source of pride to the Hon. Captain Superintendent of Police and the Hon. Secretary for Chinese Affairs, to whom we wish to tender our congratulations on the able manner in which they have applied the firm and tactful policy laid down by your Excellency.
We concur with the Government's policy of contributing towards the cost of three armed launches for anti-piracy work in the delta. It is essential that everything in our power should be done to protect our commerce from the depredations of pirates. Two weeks ago the British steamship Kochow was pirated on the West River. On this occa◄
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