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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
H. E, THE GOVERNOR.—There is no hurry about this Bill as it is not proposed to bring it into force until 1st January next year.
The postponement was agreed to.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.-The Council stands adjourned sine die.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
Following the Council, a meeting of the Finance Committee was held, the Colonial Secretary presiding.
Votes totalling $249,755, contained in Message No. 8 from H.E. the Governor, were considered.
Item No. 37:
THE HON. MR. J. J. PATERSON.—With regard to the charging of salaries of existing officials of the P.W.D. to loan work, it strikes me as rather unusual.
THE CHAIRMAN.-They are charged to loan work in the estimates, and this is a vote to put them back under personal emoluments.
THE HON. MR. PATERSON.—Yes, but it also indicates they are going back again to loan work.
THE CHAIRMAN.-It is in accordance with the regulations that when you are employing officers on loan works their salaries can be charged to those loan works.
THE HON. MR. PATERSON.-I understand that, but I think it is wrong. It is not in accordance with public life elsewhere outside the Government, for the salaries of only extraordinary people are charged to extraordinary work, by which I mean that if extraordinary work is done by existing officials their salaries should be charged in the ordinary way, and it is only people imported from outside to deal with extraordinary work who can properly be charged against a loan.
THE CHAIRMAN.-Surely you will agree that the salaries of existing officers, if they are seconded to these special works, are a proper charge against such loan works.
THE HON. MR. PATERSON.-You cannot do that on municipal affairs at Home.
THE CHAIRMAN. You certainly can in Government work.
THE HON. MR. PATERSON.-Oh yes, the Government can do anything. (Laughter).
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