HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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The Hon. Colonial Secretary informs us: "The special effort at Retrenchment of Personnel now required needs close and prolonged study, with a perspective not limited to the inside of Government offices: the Commission as constituted is particularly well qualified for this work, and can be depended upon to do it thoroughly."
This is all to the good, and I am glad to learn that meanwhile close touch is being maintained with the Retrenchment Commission.
Leaving then salaries as settled (as unfortunately we canrot at present do otherwise), and leaving also the findings and recom- mendation of the Retrenchment Commission until their labours are completed, we have still the question of the uncertainty of exchange to consider, and what the effect will be if the figure of 1/4 dollar is not realised?
Exchange Factor.
During the last four months Exchange has but momentarily touched that rate, the average monthly rate has been:-June, 1/3%; July, 1/3.1/16; August, 1/3.9/16; September, 1/3.11/16.
This question, however, will be more fully dealt with presently by my friend the Hon. Mr. Lauder.
Miscellaneous Items.
I will now follow the example of the Hon. Senior Unofficial Member and draw attention to some of the items in the Estimates.
Included in "Other Charges" in most Departments is the item Conveyance and Motor Allowance, varying in amounts of $130 under "Treasury" to $50,000 for the Public Works Department. I make the total to be over $116,000. I have no doubt the Retrenchment Commission will have this in mind as one for investigation,-the aggregate is a high one, and could in my opinion be considerably reduced,
Harbour office, Sub-head 2.-Coal and oil fuel for launches $274,130, an increase of $64,000. A more precise explanation than merely "considered necessary" is I think desirable, as also under Sub-head 12:-Repairs, Minor Improvements and Stores for Launches and Boats, an increase of $40,000 is also "considered necessary." Under Sub-head 18, coal for offices, an additional $1,000; does this mean more office fires, or can it be lower exchange? Under Sub-head 22, training expenses of Marine Surveyor in England, $16,200. How much longer are these charges likely to appear?
May I commend to your Excellency and the Government's notice an article on the subject of education which appeared in the Daily Press of the 11th instant? I am at present not concerning myself with the relative claims of the institutions referred to in that
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