1921-09-02 — Page 9

FRIDAY: SEPTEMBER 2, 1921.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

CLEARING OUT MILITARY ESTABLISHMENTS.

COMMITTEE TO TACKLE BUILDING PROBLEMS

NC LIST OF BILLS,

An unusually big agenda paper confrosted members of the Legislative Council at their meeting yesterday afternoon. In addition to some interest- ing queries put to the Government there were resolutions by the Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock K.C., dealing with the question of moving the military establish- ments in Queen's Road away from the centre of the city and with the speeding-up of building generally. As an outcome, a committee of three was appointed to consider what measures can be taken for dealing with present building problems. Then there were eight Bills to be read a first time and one measure to be put through the second reading stage. Two Billa had to be postponed to the next mesting.

A meeting of the Legislative Council was held in the Council Chamber, an September 1st. There were present:*-.

GOVERNOR (Sir HIS EXCELLENT THE

REGINALD EDWARD STUBRE, K.C.M.G.) NON. THE OFFICE COMMANDING

Hon.

THE

Troor (Major-General Sir Groter H. KIRKPATRIar, K.C. 8.I., KOR),

CLAGD SEVERN, 6.1.0.. Mr.

(Colonial Secretary).

Hon. Mr. J. H. KEMP, K.C., C.B.E.

(Attorney-General).

Hon. Mr.

Hun.

(Colonial

3lel. Mesare. O.B.E. Treasurer).

Mr. A. IRVING (Director of Education)

Hon. Mr. S. B. C. Ross (Secretary for

Chinese Affairs).

too. Mr. T. 1. PARKINS (Diretor of

Public Works).

Hen. Mr. H.

POLLOCK, 5.0.

Hon. Mr. 1. H. HozyoIN

Hon. Mr. LA CAL-TIK

Bon. Mr. No Fook.

Ron. Mr H. W. BIR

Mr. S. R. B McELDERRY (Clerk of

Councils).

Her. Mr A. G. Sitenes (alan.t).

MINUTES.

The minutes of the last meeting of the Cuncil were approved and signed by

President.

PAPEIS

The COLONIAL SECRETAL, by contaatid of H.. the Governor, laid on the table the following pm: Report of the See retary for Chines Affairs for the

year and 1980; Report on the Botanical Forestry Department for the year 1920: Report of the Superintendent at Prisons

for the year 1920: 7 of the Captain

Superintendent of

For 1990: Medi

cal and Savitary Reports for the year 1920; Report on the Finances of the year 1990 Report on the Assessment for the Fear 1591 1692

The COLONIA SPRETAT, by command of HF. the Governor, also faid on the table the following papers:- An order made by the Governor in Council rating to rates of postage un parcels for Meso- potamia and certain places in Persia; an amended regulation made by the Governor in Council under the Ferries Ordinance, 1917: Rules made by the Governer in Council under the Prisons Ordinance; a Regulation made by the Gior mor in Council under Section 3 of the Merchang Shipping Ordinance 1809: and Regulations made by the Governor in Council under the Dogs Ordicance." 1583; an Order made by the Governor in Council under the Post Office Ordinance revising the rates and postage on parçels posted at Hongkong to certain countries. All these rules and regulations have been published in the Government Gazette, Also Report by the Water Carriage Ex- tension

THE SALE OF BUILDING SITES. The Hon. Mr. H. W. Rien asked;

With reference to applications for building sites in non-urban districts. will the Government, in fairness to the pul

applicant who has frequently Вителя

to considerable trouble and expense in selecting his site, consider the advis ability of disposing of such sites. private

instead of by public treaty Auction The COLONIAL SECRETARY replied: – Sales by private treaty are not infre quently effected in special cases. but, the Government is not prepared to abandon the general principle of sale by auction, that being as a rule the only method which ensures that the community obtains the full value of the land.

SEA-WATER FOR FLUSHING, The Hon. Mr. POLLOCK, K.C. asked :--

Jx not the Report of the Committer appointed to go into the question of the twe of sea-water for flushing par poses now ready? If not, when will it When will such Report be be ready? published?

Th COLONIAL SECRETARY replied: The report is printed and has been laid before

to-day- IMPROVEMENT OF THE HARBOUR.

The Hon. Mr. POLLOCK asked:

What information can the Gore- sment give to the Council with regard to, Sir. Maurice Fitzmaurice's Report on the Improvement of the Harbour? Cannot the Government take steps to expedite the obtaining of such Report? The COLONIAL EXCRETARY replied :- It is anticipated that no complete report can be received until the detailed in- formation asked for by Sir Maurice Fitz maurice has been obtained and forward.

sos, pich entails:-

() confiderable number of borings

in the bed of the Harbour, (0)-Additional soundings, (c)-Extended tidal observations, has rendered it necessary to engage additional staff and to indezt for the necessary additional

gear. One of the Assistant Engineers engaged for this work arrived on the 8th of August and another is expected at an early data. The gear has not yet arrived. THE REMOVAL OF THE MILITARY ESTABLISHMENTS.

The Hon. Mr. Postock in accordance with notice previously given, moved the following resolution:

in

Thut view of the shortage of Euro- pean vilice and business accommodation in this Colony and in view of the short-

ge

of

for

mises in this Chinese business pre-

Bites

it is imperative that Mitary

the

Establishments along the Queen's Road should be transferred from thele present site in the centre of the City to some

other site

Liter earliest possible date,

ΟΙ

at.

The zaid: Sir. at

The

the of my speed I desire to remind

ontact your Excolerey, and the Council that brought up this matter before the Council on the 29th of January last year. that occasion I moved the following resolution -

On

“That, with a view to giving facilities, for commercial expansion a Committoc of the Legislative Council be appointed,

1

two

eral Officer Commanding, and consisting of His Excellency the Gen official and three unofficial members of the Legislative Council, for the purpose of considering and reporting to this Cennel upon the resuraption by the Hongkong Government of the Military- Establishments on the Queen's Road. and the terms and conditions of such resumption."

On that occasion. I painted out the great shortage of offer accommodation that then existed and, as is well known to the mem bers of this Council, the shortage of oliev accommodation which then existed has been since very much accentuated; and I think it is a matter of common know. Tedge that sings the beginning of this year the rents of European offer accommoda- tion have gone up considerably in this Colony. As regards Chinese buriness; premises. I think, sir, that it is equally a matter of common knowledge that such business premises are being

"keenly com peted for. In order to satisfy ourselves of that fact we need do no more than real of the cases from day to day the accoufore the which an now being tried Paine Juder, which connats show that there is great competition between busi nese men for the possession of business premises. The landlord ng the one side is trying to get rid of the tenant and the tenant on the other side is extremely anxious to remain where he is

From the motion which I have just read, which I made on the 29th January, 1920, it will be seen that the desire was to have a

ng Committee appointed,

of offeinl and unofficial memb

of

this Council and I cannot help thinking that perhaps we should have got further on than we are at the present moment if such a Committee had been appointed. tiwing to the purely technical reason that i some application would have to be made to the War Office for His

Excellency, the then General Officer Commanding to serve on that Committee-a ples which. I pointed cut, was rather a belated one haring regard to the fact that I had given my notice of motion on the 3rd Decem- ber. 1910, and there had been plenty of time to telegraph in the interval the Government could not accept the resolu tion which was then put forward.

Well, sir, the next stage so far as I was concerned, that happened in the matter, was that I was informed on my return from Canada in the middle of October last

last year that the War Office had accepted generally the principle of a removal of the military establishments. Then, on the 17th February this year, in view of the increased shortage of after accommodation which 1 referred to, I put the following question to the Govern. ment-

In view of the present need of room for further office accommodation in this Colony, will the Government ap- proach the Military Authorities with the view to the military parade ground being handed over to the Government an early date1"

The answer was: The Government is in correspondence with the Military authorition on the subject." Well, Sir, from that day-to this we have received- no information or intication in this Council as to the effect of that corres. pondence, or whether it has bad a

EDV effect at all. That being the state of affairs at the beginning of last month, on the 8th August over 13 months bar: ing clapsed since I made my motion of the 9th January, 1920-1 gave notice of this motion which is now before the Council. I have slightly amended the mation since, but not in any very mate- rial respect. My

My present motion iz: That, in view of the shortage of Euro- pean Sc and business accommodation in this Colony and in view of the short- age of sites for

businces Chinese aces pre- mises in this Colony,blishments should imperative that the Mitary Estal be transferred from their present site in the centre of the City to some other site

date.

or sites at the earliest perough to

I think, Sir, that I have sai

of Commerce: 4.

this resolution Els resolution

show that this matter is a very pressing and argent one, and I believe that my honcurable friend, the member for the

who will Chamber

second will

fully con say that there is an wish on the part of the inhabitants of this Colony-the civil inhabitants of this Colony-that this removal we are asking for

which

firm me when extremely strong

should take place at the earliest possibl date in order to give room for commer cial expansion. I am in hopes that be lore the Council closes this afternoon, the honouracle and gallant member on will be able my left (H.E. the

to give us some in with regard

I'

adut

THE CHINA MAIL.

agreement with the object of this mola, tion and therefore needs no convincing in the matter. Que naturally feels diffident in criticising land occupied by the Mili. rary Authorities so recently after the lat war, but I am sure that my honourablá and gallant friend will not misinterpret the admiration which we ati have for the ferees in the Colony and the value which they are to us It really is a purely economic problem-from that point of view alone we approach it-and 1 sm sate he will, without sentiment upon either side. I do not hesitate to say that the occupation by the Military Authorities, or by the Naval for that matter, of D large a portion of the very centre and heart of the Colony, dividing it as it is 10-day, is an absoluta economic bar to the progrem and development of the Colony. With the vast quantities of land which could provide suitable occupation both on the Island nad the Mainland, the diff culty should be faced and. I think, in all deference, it can easily be overcome. It was prophesied at the beginning of this year that the exclusion of the Germans from this Colony would directly lead to erapty offices and empty bouses. To-day. sir, it is well known to all of us that it is extremely difficult to find an office ar any house whatever--a house cannot be obtained no matter what price you are prepared to pay--and that rents hara soared higher and higher as the rears! have gone by, and so long as the present pressure remains is likely to do Therefore, in the interests of the entamer cial progress of the Colony, upon which both the Government and the people as well as the Military and Naval Authori ties live-indeed that is why we are here it is a problem which should be freed with little mom outward show of hurry than has been apparent in the past. ig with a feeling that this is realised by the Government that refrain from *peaking at greater length upon the sub- jeet, because the need is so crying that it speaks for itself. No one who is familiar with the history of the Colony, or who has watched its development even in the war years. can fail to be impressed with the urgent and crying need of greater- office, warehouse and housing accommoda- tion for the Colony, especially in the -central district.

The GENERAL OFFICE COMMANDING E Your Excellency, I am very glad to have this

opportunity of

railitary position, the Militars the

position

are

and attitule, on this question; and I would hasten assure you the mover and secunder of this resolution that we are' trying to move with the times and that we have no desire to binder the

progress of this Colony so long as the military eficiency in Do

Way suffers quite pmpared to "mret you in this matter, and we have already formulated

bread outline of

scheme to do so. stems desirable that the Council should have a clear idea of the principle upon which we are prepared to act. ID the Erst place, as is evident from this is at the

+

11

resolation. there benent of the

cxpense of and

Colony, Accordingly. no cost whatever should fall upon Army funds.

It may obviously be desirable and possible tu carry out arrangements for the transfer in sections, as pcnvenient to both parties.

time the At the same time scheme will Brit of

fall, to Be considered as a Our military establishments in Victoris and Kowloon are healths; they provide the soldier with the amenitice of life and facilities for recreation.

L

for this much-needed improvement in the Colony.

The motion was then put to the meet. ing and declared by His Excellency the Governor to be carried unanimously.

TO ENCOURAGE NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.

The Hon. Mr. PoшLock in accordance with notice previously given froposed :--- That, with a view to encourage the construction of new houses, in this is is desirable for the Govern Colony, stent to pass an Ordinance exempting. for years after completion. from liability to pay rates, any new build- ings, the plans for which may be sent in for the first time after the com mencement of such Ordinance." The Han, member said: It has been put forward against the Government from time to time as a matter of griticism, that the Government is very anxious to get as much money as it can, and that, on the other hand, it is not prepared to give anything by way of facilitating the build- ing of new houses in this Colony, and it it with the view of removing that re- proach from the Government that this

I de ma resolution is brought forward. think. however, there can be any question that new developments in this Colony are very urgently required. The recent pre- - liminary census has shown us that prob ably the normal increase of the Colony's population is about 20.000 a year. and we also know that any disturbances which take place from time to time in the neigh- bouring provinces are liable to bring an influx from the mainland of China. regards the principle of exempting from liability to any rates any new buildings, I believe such principle is adopted in some of the States of America, and. a your Excellency is aware, the Home Government--though I do not know that it has adopted that principle has adopted the principle of raising loans for build ing bones in order that money may in advanced at a moderate rate to those desiring to build new houses. That pria- ciple has been adopted at Home and the other principle has been adopted. I think. in the United States of America. I think. sir, that this

principle of exemption franı rates would be, in view of the present state of our finances. perhaps the easiest way of granting facilities for the erection of new buildings I think the term of three years after completion, which I have suggested, is quite a moderate term. waa aaxious. I may say, to make the term moderate because, embarking upon what is a new experiment one's tendency is rather to be conservative than to launch out and bind the hands of the Government to exempt from rates for a longer period of years than three years. I understand. sir, that my honourable colleagues on the Council are in favour of this resolution, and I will now ask my honourable friend. the senior Chinese tinoffcial member, to second it.

The Hon. Mr. LAC CHUPAK: Sir, I beg fo second this resolution, and in doing so desire to endorse the remarks of the senior unofficial member. Whenever there wa land to be developed on the mainland of China, whether for agricultural or dwell ing purposes, remission of taxes of every description was granted. I believe this practice is still in forse on the mainland Personally I have several plots of land in Chizeze territory exempted from taxation ar, kiad for 15 years. This resolution. accepted by the Government, as it meat to people to build new houses in should be, would serve as some induce

which will be required will have ose view of the fact that new hous's would

to be

re

unneces

by

be

my

equally healthy. of the most modern type, provided with all the amenities con sidered necessary

for the soldier of to-day as well as all requisite facilities for military training and recreation. They will have to be conected with mechanical transport routes, with

No establishment will 1 points we shall specify be vacated until the rew establishment complete, ready and fit for overpation by the unit concerned, until that new establishment has been passed as ft by the

War

Department. hare said enough to show you that the transfer ze- ferred to in this resolution would be costly and will take time. You CLADOS -baile

barracks, with all their accessories, in a day. So far as we are concerned xe are quite prepared to go ahead with

workable scheme.

The rate

of BER gress will depend upon the rapidity with which the Colony makes up its mind to meet our needs. We will talk business you are prepared to find the money, It seems to me, therefore, that this solation could

carry more weight-a little more meat in it-if it contained clause requesting the Government to new bo make such financial provision as

16 may Decessary to carry out the transfer..

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR: must say that I think it will be une

the sary to sdd words

proposed honourable and

and gallant colleagues cause everybody knows the Government has for years beca pressing the Military to clear out of the land occupied by them- selves and their manies, and have always been res

put up whatever money

matter will

not re- y because very great deal of money it can only be done by degrees, and as the Military move one step we can

sell: the land and probably recoup ourselves for the expenditure incurred A lairly considerable amount of money will have to be put up in the first instance, but there will be no diffenity bent that. The financial question will require a certain amount of thinking out, as well as the circumstances under which of these Iands came to be vested in the Military. I am not sure I altogether entirely agree with, the views of the General Oliver Commanding. I should hesitate at the moment to commit myself to the state- ment that

the Colony is prepared to

to do everything required by

Military Authorities even Military Authoritie are not always entirely reasonable but

can-ay we will do every thing that is reasonable and necessary. I think it le unnecessary to say morn

than that I am entirely in sympathy with the resolution and I see no reason why you should not-pašą ft.^^.

18

quire a

Am Bird

£0

some

the

to what has been and is about to take place with regard to this important question. I think that everybody in this Colony who is interested in the business." welfare of the Colony will be anxious to hear what is being done. L-is think generally, that it is very necessary

in this matter that we should burry up all speed. The demand for office with all accommodation in this Colony has over taken the supply, and it is very neces

The Hon. Mr. POLLOCK: With your indeed, at a very early date, to have 547

Excelleney's permission, I should just these sites for

commercial expansion

like to say a few words, and that se, it, this in possession of the Government of

seems to me that there is one phrase Colony. I do not think, Sir, I need say under

which Hit Excellency, the General a right of more now, I have

reply the

Officer Commanding, used which was it. 1 rules, and want to supplement

hopeful in the direction of progress, and my present remarks I will do so then. I will

that call

be spoke of carrying out -that is honourable. will now

my

the arrangement to transfer in sections. friend to second this resolution.

Well, Sir,

venture to HOT YOAK: The Hon. Mr.

Bir: I have

to suggest Might I the honourable and gallant member that resolution

the brat section that we shall deal with is the section with 12 4 dealt with by this motion, thak

· fishments along Queen's Road... Aiure- gards any question of reasonable -- pay", ment, I think I can' senare your”. Exsi- lency on behalf of the Unofficial members that whatever is reasonable / the Un- official members will be prepared to vote.

the hostar of

seconding -proposed by the honourable member repre

senting the Justices of the Peace.

it

been necessary, sir, to convines the

Government of the public feeling on this, matter, it would have beco amply demop strated by calling a public meeting, when the feeling would have been shown in in very marked manner; but we are fully convinced that, the Government is fully in

hat is to say the

the Military estab

very often take a long time to build, particularly in New Kowloon and in out- lying districts such as Shaukiwan and Aberdeen, where land is waiting to be built upos. The houses would have to wait at least two or three years before they can all be let out. After completion one at here and another fat there may be taken up at once. Then rates had to be paid on the whole house and even for those which remained vacant, although in the latter case the rates would be refund ed should the house still remain un- occupied after the quarter for which the rates have been paid. Meanwhile inver- tors have to put up with considerable ess in interest on capital and wages for caretakers. For this reason, sir. I submit that the resolution should be favourably entertained by the Government.

The Hon. Mr. HoLYOAK: Sir, I rise to support this resolution because I think that it is common knowledgo to us all that the passing of the recent Renta Ordinance has for the time being very, badly shaken the confidence of the invest ing Chinese public, and anything that can be done to restore that confidence will be

step

in the right direction. The Reuts Ordinance was necessary, and we there fore passed it as a measure which wo regarded as a temporary one, and the sooner it can be definitely announced by the Government that it is a temporary

and will cens One

at the end of the year,

the better. For the reason that I believe it will help to increase con fidence in the investment of money on the ernction of houses which ZTE BO NECERsary, I support

option. The Hon

COLONIAL SECRETARY: Sir. when I saw this resolution placed upon the paper I was surprised to think that Any incentive was required to people to build houses in this Colony in view of the rush_there is" whenever a new building is going up to occupy them. I think it in common knowledge that in every block of buildings every

single house that has

this

boca put up in this Colony for some years past there have been tenanis almost before brick has been laid, and I cannot. imagine that anything that has happened recently in the way of legislation is going to put any check on the demand for ney bouses being erected in this Colony. The amount of building that is going on at present for office accommodation and domestic tenements in the Colony is quite unprecedented, although during the nine or ten years I have been here the building. that has taken place has been in excess of anything since the Colony was founded. That being the case, I kaunot imagine how an exemption from the payment of rents amounting to 13 per cent of the annual value of the house is going to either encourage or to step the building which is proceeding or which is contemplated. The building which is contemplated is enormous sa is shown by the next resolu tion which is coming before you The plans that hava been forwarded to the building othee dry such that it is almost. impossible to kerp pace with them. The staff of the building office is working much overtime are increasing it. but even with the increases we contemplate there" are bound to be some delays

To say that any encouragement is needed for the corebruchros of

of new houses is extra. would almost say, ridicalons: Droidekas" "hich has come before us

The of the development of any urban district being in any way checked was in the care of 50 hopes hich it was proposed 10 eccot indentral position, the Garozas ment was told "that some of the-promoters

* mere nervous that legisla

thout which would with the economic

tion m

problem of supply and demand, and the „Government were asked to give an asHIP- ance that nothing that they would do would interfere with that position. The Government replial at are that there was no legislation in contemplation which would affect those who wished to build new buildings and it would only be by some extraordinary emergency, where the public interests were very seriously pre judiced, that the Government would ever Think of interfering. It seems to me that there is no case made out for this at all. Look at the rates in this Colozy-13 per cent. If you were to ask any householder aud I happen to be one-in the United Kingdom what his rates are, he would tell you they were about 3 per cent, and I think there is hardly any urban district at present in England where the rates are less than 50 per cent. Here they are 13 per cent., and I think that

far as the East is concerned that they are the lowest rates existing in any large city in any British territory. I cannot see what the object of the motion is Supposing we do say that new buildings will be exempted from rates for three years after their construction t presume this motion applies to both business premises and domestic tenements Is that so

I

The Hon. Mr. Pox: To all of them. The Hon. CoiONIAL SECRETARY: Sup- Losing wo agree to exempt them for three Tears what will be the result! Does the landlord exempt the tenants from all Tent: Does he say I am going to charge you 13 per cent. less than I would have charged you 17. Not a bit of it. He will simply take the whole of the rent and pay no rates. I think the mover and seconder and hon members who have brought this motion have a wonderful iden of the altruistic motives of the landlord. If they think this exemption of rates is going to make any difference except that it will reduce the revenue the Govern- ment will receive, and possibly further taxation will be proposed later to make un for it. I do rot say that it will, but still it is the logical result if this resolu tion is passed. I am afraid the Govern- ment is unable to accept the resolution as it stands.

H.E. THE GOVERNO: I am afraid I Ingst express my agreement with my bon.. friend in saying that the Government can not accept the motion. But I do not feel so catirely unsympathetic na my bon. Iriend. If I were quite sure the effect of some such measure would be to encourage the construction of new houses I would be inclined to go some way to meet hon. members. I must confess that at present I am extremely doubtful on the point. As the Colonial Secretary pointed out, it is a very small thing indeed and it is a little dificult to believe that any landlord will refrain from building because if he builds the tecants will have to pay 13 per ceat, more rent. The hen, senior Chinese member rather startled me by saying that it was the common practice for premises to remain vacant for a year or two after they are completed. That does not quite agree with what we heard of the shortage of housing accommodation. As he himself pointed out the rates are refunded an brildings which are left vacant so that' the only loss to the landlord is that be is out of the interest on an extremely exiguous sum of a

short period, Det more houses remain month. daring

uninhabited. As

As I if I were sure people,

however logical would be encouraged to increase the number of buildings in the Colony by the fact that their tenants would be exempt from rates I would sympathise with the résolution. It would be very difficult to discover whether this encour agement had been given, or cot. It might be possible to get a line by con- sidering what is the average number of- new buildings and seeing whether,

than

a resolution as this were to be enforced such temporarily whether the number of bouses

increased. allowing the natural growth of population. It is pos sible that the excess of the houses so constructed over the average previous years might give some indication of the amount of encouragement being given by the exemption of

think, be worthwhile

and it might.

try something

of that kind. I should in any case hesitate to suggest that we should pass an Ordinance making this a permanent factor. We trust that this shortage of accommodation and reluctance to build is bot going to be permanent, and I think a further period of three years in any case is much too long. What I should be inclined to

contemplate would be something of a more experimental nature, in saying, that in the case of houses, the

the plans of which are handed in within

a certain period,

riod, they will be excapted from rates for one

year. think that would afford

considerable encouragement, if encouragement is need- rd, and it would prevent such an Ordin- ance remaining permanently on the Statute Book

with the concomitant

tee of revenue which the Colony

now and will need more in the future. I do not make this as an actual proposition, but I should like to consider the matter. I should not like to commit myself at the present moment, 1 am afraid I cannot agree with the hon. member's motion as it stands.

The Hon. Mr. Portoca: Bir, with re- ference to this motion I would' point out that a good deal of the argument of the Hon. Colonial Becretary tends to. show that instead of asking for three years exemption we ought to have asked for six years, because be as it is

low

very

18 &

rate here a very trivial thing.

If that is 10, then we are asking for something which is very moderate indeed concession on the part of the Government, because we are asking the Government

to agree to a comparatively small matter.

ELE. THE GOVERNOR: No, that is hardly so. It is a small matter to the landlord, but to the Government it be comes large.

The Hon. Mr. POLLOCK: I think

my friend, the senior unofficial Chinese member, made a very good point indeed," We have had experience of it at Hung- how and Prays Past that, when you develop in outlying places and so as I can me there is not much room for development except in outlying plates it is difficult, as my hon, friend has pointed. out, for the builder of houses to at once .get

to. tements

pocupy then, or if he can get tenants, to occupy them at an ade quate tent. I think, Big, that in view of fact that my hon. friend, who, of Course, has a very long experience of this Colony, has been, for so long a member of this Conncil and is capable of speak- ing for the Chinese, I ought to press thus motion to a division

The motion was then pat by H.E the 'Governor who declared it last.

The Hon. Me... POLLOCK salad for, names. Five Unoméíais voted in lavour and seven Official: members Agnize

FACILITIES FOR BUILDING The Hon. Mr. POLLOCK_puremat notice then moved:

Also that a Committee of three Members of this Council be appointed for the purpose of considering what MERKITE can be taken:

(.) To facilitate the prompt nequisi tion by applicants of sites which they require:

(1) To faci

facilitate

the prompt passing

of building plans. He said: With reference to the firs part of the resolution, I cannot help expressing my regret at the answer which the Government bare given, to day, to the question which was put by y hon. friend Mr. Bird. It is clear

Was

at

from that question that the hon member only asking in respect of building sites in con-urban districts, and I can scarcely imagine that, in these cases, it 13 necessary to put up the land for ane- tion for the

of ascertaining the Purpose Azact som which it

fetch anetion. Another point I

have to in that

to urge. is that it is commen connection, knowledge

that

some months, as are expended from the time

an applica tion is sent in until the land is put up for auction. During these moutha the applicant is held up, possibly put to

And,

great deal of iconreak this morn

a case only mentioned to me ing, the applicant, because of the delay of six months which took place in put ting up the land to public auction was to a very considerable amount put

af expense by reason of the fact that the

building went up very consider ably in that

six months. The

price

ence of that gentleman is not. & soliters

It is commou during the past

one.

solitary knowledge that

pries of hoild- to

ing has gone up, has do so, and,

ono

quite

tencency therefore, in the building of large business premises, dreads to think what eam of money would be lost by such

28 bare

that the

now

been experienced. The scor tars mentioned, just Building Office was overflowing with plans for new buildings and the staff is working over

overtime and there is not really sufficient staff cope with it. Wit all deference to the Colonial Secretary. it acers to me that such a state affairs is a rather serious indictment to hring against the Hongkong Govern meat, because, if the staff is inadequate to cope with the

situation, then it ought to have been increased. I think that, if committee of this Council were ap

painted, it is hkely that one of

13

од

I have

the points we should

could fx upon would be that the

staff in Building Office was inadequate, and the same opinion has

・指 been expressed to me, as a matter of fact, by an architect to

whom I with reference to this :

motion. It very probable that we should find. that the surveyor's staff was insufficient H

3190

It is not only a ques tion of surveying land; sometimes the surveyer may have to go out to the New Territories, and, though the job may not

Occupy half

an hour, it will cut considerably into his day's work. 1 think the Government should very care fully consider whether they will not: in the case of non-urban sites, refrain from

putting the land FP at public auction

It occurs to me that perhaps there is not sufficient decentralisation in the Public Works Department. We all of us

years

appreciate the fact that: for works has

past, the Director of Public

been

be

not

a very hard-worked, almunt an over-worked, oficial, and it seems to me time to adopt some system of decentrali sation in that department. Far too many things are referred to the Director of the Public Works which need not necessarily be so referred, and one the questions which may be considered by a committee will

whether advisable to create a separate Building department and a separate Surveying department and make the heads of those departarents responsible for the speeds of the work of this kind carrying pas of instead of the over-worked Director Public Works being the party ultimately responsible for everything. have thrown out a general suggestions

ani

look

which I think the con

committee should into and report upon. My honourable

friend Mr. Bird, who will second, will no doubt be able frour his expert know. ledge to pass a criticism on the present system.

The Hon. Mr. H.W. BIRD. I trust this resolution will meet with your gym pathetic consideration because there is no doubt that some steps should be taken to deal with the matters referred to therein. With regard to clause (1) of the resolution, the state of affairs that exists at present is most nusatia

Three or four months, m factory,

med is a general period that clapser before any reply is received from the Government and, when the reply arrives, it generally takes the following form, that the Government, not

made up their minds how this ar dis application

trict is to be dealt with, the au cannot be con: siderad at present. I sab that the Government ought to look round.

and find out suitable land, decide upon there lay-out, and what means of

applications to

The

transport and water supply can be They should not wait for They

to come along before they begin

to think about the matting the Attorney-General, when introducing Rents Bill remarked that he thought the lack of bouring accommodation ver

dae, in some messure, to the lack of private enterprise. I entirely disagres with that suggestion. Pritate

enterprise has never been lacking in Hongkong and if it is given a fair show it is a horst

can back without fear... B

BEL perhaps, little fretial and nervous,

is,

and, if you keep him hanging about on the post, the chances are that he will not start at all. An incident of this nature, occurred, recently, worths for plicant, after waiting 32 months

reply the

from Government lost interes in the project and withdrew his appli cation: As regards clause (2) of the resolution, if you should decide to

to op * paint a committee venture to suggest

the that passing of the plans would be greatly facilitated if some permanen pommittee were appointed, consisting oi the Director of Public Works, two ab- official members (one European and one Chincio) and two

architecte. That would reheve the building authority the responsibility of "exercising powers of

modification and

exemption and E would suggested to scation d that a few more The Halth and Building: ss to free you. Biz, and Ordinance the Executive Council, of the trouble. Find anxiety, of having to decide, when a

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