Extend
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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The two items "Subsidies to Schools in the New Territories" and "Subsidies to the Elementary Vernacular Schools in Hong Kong" in the Education Estimates show a decrease of $5,000 each; and no explanation is given for the reduction. In the absence of any explanation we are unable to offer any intelligent comment on the matter, but speaking generally we consider that the subsidies hither- to provided are by no means too large.
We also note that on page 102 of the Estimates the grant in aid of the University School of Chinese is reduced from $46,000 to $40,000; but, again, no explanation is given. It would be in- teresting to know what has happened since the 1929 Estimates were framed to account for this reduction.
Su shon-son Cheri
stasiate account tenis
The Honourable Senior Unofficial member has given the reasons for the unofficials' attitude in opposing the creation of a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. These reasons are that the Reserve may, to a certain extent, detrimentally affect the Volunteer Defence Corps; that the Reserve is unnecessary here; and that naval work should be left to His Majesty's Navy.
In addition to these arguments, the Chinese members also consider it impolitic to embark on further military or naval ex- penditure, albeit such is specifically for defence purposes. At a time when the thoughts of all are concentrating on Universal Peace, it is somewhat disconcerting to find in the Estimates a com- 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"?
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 ac- 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.
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