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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
The figures of infantile mortality among Chinese children are abnormally high, and it must be overwhelmingly apparent to all that the contributory cause is poverty with the resultant bad accommodation and insufficient food.
The Society is just undertaking that kind of work which will, in time to come, effectively minimise this mortality rate; but it is handicapped by inadequacy of funds. I take this opportunity to appeal to the public for their support; and in the meantime I sincerely hope that Your Excellency will see your way to increasing the Government grant to $10,000 a year so as to enable the Society to carry on work which, as the honourable senior Chinese member has said, is so essential for the social well-being of the Colony. (Applause).
THE HON. MR. W. H. BELL:-I would like to suppport what the Hon. Mr. Shenton has said as regards Aviation generally and, in particular, as regards the provision of an Air Mail service, which can be done by linking us up with some of the already established Main line Air Mail Services. We have always prided ourselves that Hong Kong has kept well abreast of the times and has been a progressive community. It is obvious, however, that we are falling behind in this most important matter. It is generally recognised that Governments have to take a leading part in initiating aviation enterprises. I would, therefore, urge upon this Government the adoption of a more progressive policy in this respect.
I am
one of those who regularly enjoy the radio concerts. broadcasted from our local Studio. I am disappointed at times however, to find that there is nothing but a Chinese programme for me to listen to, and unfortunately my musical education did not include Chinese music.
I would be the last to endeavour to deprive my Chinese fellow citizens of their enjoyment: indeed, I would like to see an increase and an improvement in the Chinese programmes.
Quite recently a new transmitter has been installed, and I would like to suggest that the old one be retained in use also. In my opinion it was perfectly satisfactory as a transmitter as far as Hong Kong was concerned, though I doubt if it is powerful enough to reach any great distance. By using the two transmitters we would be able to have two entire programmes-Chinese and European. I would like to see the use of radio encouraged amongst our Chinese friends, and I can well imagine that it would form a useful means of broadcasting occasional lectures on sanitation, public health, and other matters of public interest.
It would be useful also in times of trouble to broadcast instructions, reassuring information, etc., etc. It may be urged that our Chinese friends are not much interested in radio, but this attitude could doubtless be changed by giving them more and better
programmes.
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