119
Brought forward.................
29.-11, Post Office and Wireless, (B)-Wireless :-Other Charges. Special Expenditure. Bicycles
In order to enable the staff of messengers of the Radio Branch to cope with the increase of traffic which is now nearly double what it was a year ago and to effect speedy delivery of the messages, it is considered necessary that the messengers be provided with bicycles. No provision was made in the Estimates for this expenditure.
Radio receipts in 1930 amounted to $432,000. Up to 30th April, 1931 $238,000 had been collected. (C.8.0. 2861/22.)
$ 16,587.00
500.00
30.-32, Kowloon-Canton Railway :-1, Personal Emoluments.....
Provision made in Estimates (page 97 sub-head 1)...$ Provision made by Supplementary Vote (Message
No. 1 item No. 3)
7,732.00
362,776
2,100
Total..
.$ 364,876
The Secretary of State for the Colonies has approved of the salary of the post of Manager and Chief Engineer, Kowloon Canton Railway being increased from £1,500 per annum to the rate of £1,400-£50-£1,600 per annum, and also that the present holder Mr. R. Baker be permitted to draw salary at the rate of £1,550 per annum from 7th July, 1931.
Provision in the current estimates was made at the old rate viz. £1,500 at exchange 1/4. While on leave from 28th March, 1931, Mr. Baker will draw his salary from the Crown Agents, the sterling payment being shown in the Crown Agents account at the current rate of exchange approximately 114d, also from 7th July 1931 the salary will be at the increased rate of £1,550 per annum.
A supplementary vote of $7,732 is therefore required. (C.S.O. 1 in 32 in 3240/29.)
31-32, Kowloon-Canton Railway :--Other Charges. 8, Conveyance allowance to Railway
Provision made in Estimates (page 97, sub-head 8)......$
188.00
435
Owing to an oversight no provision was made for the conveyance allowances payable to the Manager and Chief Engineer of the Railway during the absence on leave of Mr. Baker who holds both posts. At the same time a revised scale of allowances has been introduced as from April Ist, 1931, involving a total increase of $84 per annum over the approved scale. The sum actually provided in respect of these allowances is $211 and a further sum of $188 is required to make up the deficiency. (C.S.O. 6 in 626/23.)
32.-30, Public Works Recurrent :-6, Item 3, Hong Kong Water Account (Meters). Provision and fixing of meters
Provision made in Estimates (page 90 sub-head 6
item 3)
50,000.00-
.8 35,000
Numerous applications for new metered services are being received on account of rapid development especially on Praya East Reclamation.
Carried forward............$ 75,007.00
Brought forward............$
The vote is revenue producing and further expenditure up to a total of $135,000 for all services has already been approved by the Finance Committee and by the Secretary of State.
A supplementary vote of $50,000 is requested which will allow for the provision of approximately 400 new meters and general maintenance. (C.S.O. 3245/20.)
33.-30, Public Works Recurrent ;- -13, Item 2, Kowloon Water Account (Meters etc.). Provision and fixing of meters
Provision made in Estimates (page 91 sub-head 13
item 2)
75,007.00
50,000.00
40,000 $
Numerous applications for new metered services are being received on account of the rapid development on the Peninsula.
The vote is revenue producing and further expenditure up to a total of $135,000 for all services has already been approved by the Finance Committee and by the Secretary of State.
A supplementary vote of $50,000 is requested which will allow for the provision of approximately 400 new meters and general maintenance. (C.S.O. 3245/20.)
34.-34, Miscellaneous Services:-3, Census Expenses..
Provision made in Estimates (page 109 sub-head 3) ...$ 50,000
The original estimate of $50,000 was of an arbitrary nature. Number of staff required and duration of work were indefinite at time of estimating and the vote has proved inadequate.
It is hoped to complete the tabulation of statistics from the Census enumeration by the end of September but it may take a little longer, and it is considered necessary to apply for a further sum of $10,000 to com- plete the work. (CS.O. 5750/29.)
10,000.00
TOTAL...
.$ 135,007.00
1190
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