(
C. S. 0.
M.F. 237.
>
tories offer, but the abundant evidence of material progress at every turn that contributes to the comfort and well-being of the inhabitants. The service rendered by the public utility companies in efficient mass transporta- ion by land and water, the public ighting on the Island and at Kowloon all contribute to secure better ameni-
ties and appreciable public improve ments that present themselves as the collective efforts of private enter- prise in collaboration with the various Government Departments. The con- stant betterment of the roads can be pointed to with pride since they are as nearly perfect as climatic condi- tions will permit in Hongkong. The orderliness of our teeming popula- tion, the excellent regulation of the harbour traffic, the dignity and unpre- tentious simplicity of design of public buildings and their mainten-
of such
or three days or the possibility oI missing the connection, thus detract- not, or whatever the consequences, he ing from its advantages. I feel quite will most likely have to face a Court sure there would be a great increase of Inquiry. The S in the air mail sent from Hongkong Courts of Inquiry have not, so far if we could see an air liner leaving, as my recollection goes, had any un- say, once a week from the aerodrome pleasant repercussions here, but such at Kai Tak-on which, incidentally, has not always been the case in other countries. It is common the Colony has spent a great deal of
the results have money and people knew that, bar- ring accidents, their letters would be delivered in London within eight days.
when
the
knowledge that sometimes been, in popular opinion, a grave injustice to the individual.
The essence of all this is that the
It is quite true that the service .G.P. besides administering a very would not pay at first and, therefore, arge force of men doing different no private company could undertake duties may, and does, have to take to provide a service without a sub- the responsibility of a decision under, stantial subsidy from the Govern- repeat, unusual and difficult cir- ment. In time, however, I am quite cumstances which may involve human sure that the service would pay its life, and I maintain that with that way. The general public would very his post is entitled to
grave responsibility resting on him as large a soon become air-minded our
tremendous saving in time both as salary as any Government post other than the very highest. I would ask regards passengers and mail was ap- the Government, therefore, to preciated. I believe that the Govern- ment have done their best under consider their decision on this point. difficult circumstances, but I trust that the absence of the provision for a possible subsidy does not mean that they are in any way relaxing their efforts.
ance, the discipline and fine physique of our guardians of the peace and, lastly, the admirable cleanliness of our roads and sanitary services bespeak an excellence of co-ordination in the public and private services that re- flect the greatest credit on the Colony. For this credit I wish to subscribe my humble quota to the unofficial appreciation voiced by the Senior Un- official Member of Your Excellency's administration of the government of the Colony during a period fraught with difficulties and perplexity.
AIR SERVICES.
Hon. Mr. Bell Stresses Their Importance.
THE I.G.P'S. SALARY.
would
The Hon. Mr. W. H. Bell said:-I re- gret to find that no provision has been made in respect of a subsidy to com- mercial aviation, and I would like to support the remarks made by my Honourable friends, Sir William Shen- ton and Mr. C. G. S. Mackie on this subject. It
appear from this
is that there immediate prospect of Hong- kong being linked up with any of the main airways of the world. This is not a pleasant prospect, because commercial aviation is going ahead at such a great pace that it will not be long before most of the great com- mercial centres of the world
omission
no
are
I.G.P.'s Salary.
officials were to
the
pro-
The reason.
Poor Street Lighting.
re-
And now, gentlemen, I ask you to imagine that for a few moments the mantle of the Hon. Member for Kow- loon has fallen upon me. That very useful body of citizens, the Kowloon Residents Association, have been on the Government the Fressing necessity of better lighting in Kow- loon citing more particularly Nathan
of the main Road, one
of staff
to the attention of the
to the in England worse than no
matter Government seven years ago but still
lighting of that the
important thoroughfare leaves a great deal to be desired. Now according Ministry of Transport "Bad lighting is lighting" That conclusion is reach- ed in their findings and recommenda- tions on fatal road accidents in Eng- and during the first six months of 1933. I take it, gentlemen, that you will accept that finding and will not wish me to take up your time labour- ing the point.
I regret to see that the salary of the Head of our Police Force and Fire Brigade is in future to be reduced. If the salaries of all Government
be reduced portionately-as has happened in thoroughfares. They brought this practically every mercantile firm in the Colony-then no exception could be taken. This, however, seems to be a solitary instance and one naturally enquires for Government has, for a number of years, been building up a trained police officers and I under- stand that this process is nearing completion and that when the present I.G.P. retires the custom of appoint- ing a No. 1 Cadet to the post will cease. The Salaries Commission re- commended that when the change was effected the proposed reduction should be made. The recommendation is I understand that the Government given in Clause 112 of the Report by are awaiting the result of various the Salaries Commission. It is un- experiments in street lighting, but I fortunate, however, that no reason is am somewhat perturbed to find that given for the recommendation. With the current year's vote of $40,000 is all due respect to the very able to be increased by only $2,000 for gentlemen who composed that Com- 1935 according to the Estimates. mission, I cannot find myself in That is a very small increase indeed when we consider the great expansion agreement with them.
of Kowloon.
Amazing Progress.
The Police Force consists of a number of men of different nationali- ties functioning on land on the Island
am tempted here to digress for a moment to expiate on the expansion of Hongkong, Kowloon, and the New Territories, and on sea within the of Kowloon, but I will content myself waters of the Colony. In addition the with stating that I explore the hinter- at land of Kowloon about once a year linked up by air. We cannot possibly post of I.G.P. carries with it, contemplate Hongkong being left out. present, the position of Head of the and each time I am amazed at the Fire Brigade an important post. I know that there are a great many The Water Police are provided with progress made. I feel that full marks must be given to the Town Planning difficulties, but surely they cannot be
functioned insuperable. It may be argued, of launches some of which are armed Committee which
years ago and to the Government. which was occupied by market gar- In particular do I miss that zone
for commercial services, but I feel course, that there is no great demand quite sure that a demand would spring up rapidly if the facilities were pro- vided.
It is quite possible that the amount of air mail sent from Hongkong is not very large, but it suffers from the disadvantage of having to be sent by steamer to Singapore or Saigon where there is either a delay of two
with 3-pounder guns and machine have to deal with acts of piracy with guns, carry searchlights etc., and in the waters of the Colony.
Big Responsibility. It is obvious that the Head of such a force must have great responsibili- ty. Riots have taken place in this Colony when the I.G.P. has had to take the great responsibility of
under difficult and unusual cir- decision-and a very quick decision
a
cumstances to order the forces under him to fire. Whether he does so or
some
deners. I find wide streets and fine houses where formerly the roads passed through low lying gardens from which the pungent smell of Perfume de Chine arose on the even-
ng air. That is unforgettable.
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