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47
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Complaints
of a more serious nature have been made against this and other departments and I do not think I am exaggerating when I say that if more is not heard, it is be- cause the people of Hongkong are so enured to the many failings of Government that they have come to regard them almost as part and par- cel of the system, to be borne with resignation.
There is perhaps one other reason why one does not hear more.
Public Feeling
The Press is the usual vent for public feeling, but newspapers being subject to our very strict laws of libel, to the misfortune of the public in such a case as this, are not un- naturally careful, sometimes over- careful, as to what they publish. Sir, were these laws relaxed, and were there any assurance that the airing of complaints and charges which were not mere groundless and wicked rumours would result in something being done, the correspon- dence columns of our dailies would be full of the most interesting dis- closures and revelations.
As things
are, one cannot expect this, but to- day there are few people in Hong- kong who either do not know or have not heard reports of matters which have already reached even Govern- ment's remote ears, and which cry for investigation. Stories are circu- lating regarding the maladministra- tion in departments whose import- ance is vital at the present time; it is the common belief that bribery and graft are rife; and the head of a department has been credited with the practice of nepotism in its ugliest form.
Such a state of affairs one has grown accustomed to associate with some Latin or Balkan States, with what justification I care not. That it should be permitted to exist in the Government of a British Colony is surely matter calling for the most searching inquiry. I suggest, Sir, that Government emulate the dicta- tors in one regard, and take mea- sures to purge its ranks. (Applause). GLOOMY PICTURE
Hon. Mr Shields on Need For Economy
SHIPS FOR NAVY
The Hon. Mr A. L. Shields said: Sir, In the Budget now before us we have the estimated revenue of $56,786,000, the highest on record, but, nevertheless, the estimated deficit is $3,856,715, a matter of grave Council and the concern for this Public.
There are, however, some rays of hope in this gloomy picture, first that the recent and very necessary War Expenditure may be reduced and finally disappear, second that actual Revenue for the past three years has greatly exceeded the forecast and also the very heavy expense for emergency food reserves has been written off and should not prove to be a total loss.
I wish to thank His Excellency for agreeing to omit or reduce several items of expenditure in the draft Estimates as suggested by the Un- official Members of this Council sitting in Select Committee.
comes
I refer particularly to the proposed new Block at Police Headquarters at $800,000, which can probably be built for considerably less when the cost of building materials down to normal. This question of cost of building also applies to the proposed Infectious Diseases Hospital at $1,900,000 of which it was proposed to provide $500,000 in 1941/2 leaving a liability of $1,400,000 on an un- completed building for the following: year with a contract placed at present high prices.
Building of Hospital Government estimates of cost are apt to be largely exceeded owing to
"unforeseen circumstances" and to changes found necessary as
work proceeds. The postponement of the Hospital contract may perhaps enable unanimity to be reached on what is. really required, subject about which, rumour has it, there is some difference of opinion.
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If the Hospital is an urgent necessity can it not be built quickly in isolated blocks on the lines of the huts in St John's Place? These appear to a layman to be much more suitable as children with say, Mumps or Measles, would not be under the same roof with Cholera or Small-pox patients.
There are, I feel sure, several items under Public Works Extraordinary on which further economies can be effected and I hope the Hon. Direct r of Public Works will do his best.
I understand that at least one of my colleagues will speak on the sub- ject of nightsoil removal being under- taken by a Government Department at a cost of $384,000 for coolies only, an item which once incurred will be recurrent.
This is a costly experiment at a time when War Expenditure is a heavy drain on our resources and one which I understand will mean- time carry on the present system owing to the inability to provide improved receptacles. I sincerely hope the measure will be postponed until we can afford it.
of
Vessels for Admiralty
I am not happy about the provision $4,700,000 for vessels to be presented to the Admiralty. This was authorised last year but no ex- penditure is anticipated for the financial period ending March 31 this year although the Imperial Government is in urgent need of destroyers or escort vessels
convoys.
for
The answer is, I understand, difficulty or delay in getting steel and special equipment which has to come from Home.
Can we not help the cause more quickly and more efficiently by build- ing standard ships which are also urgently required?
We may be celebrating a victorious peace before these special vessels are in commission whereas freighters will be in demand long after the war is over.
Meantime, the liability for $4,700,- 000 remains in our commitments and is a large enough sum to influence any inquiry into the necessity for in- creased taxation.
The Hon. Financial Secretary's re- marks, when introducing the Budget, raising the bogey of Income Tax came as a shock after the agreements reached last year.
War Taxation Revenue exceeded the estimated figures and the Finance Committee voted all supplementary expenditure for Defence. The Budget, since its introduction, has come within sight of being balanced.
If further War expenditure is re- quired this Colony will not grudge it, but let it be raised within the frame- work of the existing Tax Scheme by revising the rates of tax.
Income Tax Proposals
The War Taxation Committee has been reconstituted under the pretext of an unbalanced Budget and we can only await the result of its delibera- tions but I believe any propos to introduce Income Tax for ordinary revenue purposes will meet with even more opposition than did the suggest- ed Income Tax to find money to assist in the prosecution of the War.
The items of expenditure which have been cut in the Estimates now before us might well have been push- ed through if we had Income Tax, by the simple expedient of increasing the rate. In spite of the wish of the Secretary of State for the Colonies that devel ment, Social Services, etc. should not curtailed in wartime we have to face hard facts.
We must keep a tight rein on ex- penditure by Government Depart- ments on their pet schemes which may endanger the solvency of the Colony at a time when we need some dollars in the till and some untapped sources of taxation to meet further calls for defence and I hope offence.
The lack of support for the last Government Loan should be a warn- ing. The Public is deeply concerned over the high cost of Government, Pensions, etc. and about the carefree way in which Government spends its money.
VICE AND CRIME
Vigorous Action Urged By Hon. Mr Tam
NIGHTSOIL REMOVAL
The Hon. Mr W. N. Thomas Tam Hon. Financial Sir-The said: Secretary,
his speech intro- Draft Estimates
ducing the
in
for
the coming fiscal year, stressed the a middle advisability of steering course between ultra-conservatism With this and radical change. "golden mean of practicality," it is difficult to disagree; but while the Hon. Financial Secretary has adopted this praiseworthy policy in deciding what matters his Budget should such cover, he would follow middle course when it comes to estimating Revenue and Expenditure.
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