HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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it is somewhat disconcerting to find in the Estimates a paratively large vote for the creation of a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. This, it seems to us, is a retrograde step: it is entirely alien to the spirit of international concord and fraternity, which is rapidly gathering weight and momentum. The clarion call is for the total abolition of war, and for the reduction of the weapons of destruction to a bare minimum required for police and defence purposes.
Would it not be a happy gesture for the Government, in this public manner, to abandon this Reserve Force, and thus demonstrate that even such a comparatively small, though important, British Colony as Hong Kong is completely at one with the British Empire in advancing by every means possible the works of peace-in the genuine and noble resolve to hasten the coming of that day when "Man to man the World o'er shall brothers be"?
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The honourable senior unofficial member having already commented upon the overcrowded state of the Prisons, I need only say a few words on the Female Prison. I am told that the commodation is unsatisfactory, and that the lot of the female prisoners can be made less hard. Since Mrs. Southorn and her helpers have undertaken the work of visiting this section of the Gaol, some improvement has been effected, and it is sincerely hoped that they will continue this good work, for which the Chinese community feel very grateful.
While we endorse the policy of the Government in developing the preventive side of the Medical Department's work, may we respect- fully ask that that policy may be carried out in a liberal and sym- pathetic spirit, and with due regard to the susceptibilities of the people? Some medical men who may be highly qualified in their profession,and who may have the best intentions in the world, may be led by their enthusiasm and zeal into the introduction of mea- sures that are totally unsuitable for local conditions.
The Tung Wah Eastern Hospital is ready to be opened this year: but the Government, in the belief that it could not be for want of funds, has made no provision in the Estimates for 1930. We are happy to say that arrangements have been made whereby the main- tenance of the Hospital is assured for two years, thus enabling it to be opened at the end of November next; and we therefore ask that the Government will be so good as to make a substantial grant to this most deserving and much needed institution. If it be inconvenient to make provision in the Estimates now, perhaps a supplementary vote could be taken when the time comes.
The honourable senior unofficial member has asked for the provi- sion of more recreation grounds and open spaces. endorse this recommendation, because in the past this very necessary We strongly provision has unfortunately been neglected, particularly in the heart of the city.
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