1921-11-15 — Page 11

TUES A NOVEMBER 15, ∙ 1 1921. (

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

YESTERDAYS BUDGET DEBATE.

UNOFFICIALS INQUIS ́TIVE.

GOVERNMENT REPLIES TO CHITICISM.

A reported in yesterday's China. Muit, the Hon. Colonial Secretary's motion in the Logislative Council for the second reading of the Budget Bill provoked a lengthy delate on the Government's programme for the coming year. While expressing greement with the Budget as a whole, the un- ollicil members offereg certain criticism and asked a number of questions, which were answered in detail by H.E. the Governor, the Hon. Colonial Specetury and the Hon. Director of Public Works. Yesterday we gave ä” comlensed report of the first portion of the debute but for convenience of our readers we now give below the complete account of the proceedings,

The CGLONIAL SECRETARY: 1 beg to move the second reading of a Bill" intituled an Oerligamer to apply a sun nôt ex Genting Ste 150.141 to ite Habtie serVR- of the year 12 and in doing so 1 kas to point out for the information of hon. Sumbers but two numrisent errars has

ben discovered in the draft estimates which will affect the ligures in the Bill The first pris na page 6 of the draft estrimates in the Bueation Department

other charges cander the sub, heul where a funre in the sred volumu opposite the salt bend Students Training, drankos miversity: man- Lelatice alonil de $hd nistrad of

2

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kas atsike, I understand, arge from fine fart that is the manuscript drift the page there was a bail, wi tren heure in the tip above. That will lead to rertain conseguenta? card. meals and copt totals will have to be amended. The serutal eraar is on pe Neler Now long-Canton Hallway.

X

The beta m The right hated lunar shutil her 61,421, instead of This misinke was ride to an error in aceteri.com i will involer certain changés in the day on pages 26-92 In cou square of these errors it has been nueя- sary to aritud the Abstract of Expendi ture which was inel on the table at the

thank members have Last modi

fore it the amended Abstract which shows the apertions. The general an Muut is that the total Petite of time expontiane Lay 1922 is $204,195.980 1-

th I will move sted of Son qui lese. necessary miniments in emitter. beg Lagnose the second-reading of the 2018.

The CONTAL TREASURER:

ཐཱ'༣༠) ཝཱ ཏྟཏྠཐཱཀྐཾ

$ng fo

MR. POLLOCK'S SPEECH.

UNOFFICAL VIEWS VOICED.

1

Hen, Mr. J. E. POLLOCK, K.C.--Sir, I am expirasong, in the first part of my spe vh, the inter views of my nolicial Later theges as well as of myself.

on, fali be ahi ng stam prisonal res marks of my own but rgy colleagites who Baddow, nae will do likewise.

Whilst the dia! moobers are in gema agment with the Budget as a whole, they desire to ffer reitain critic

In certain questions. 18 and egard to the form of rescuing the draft estimates we desire offer the following W think that it would observations.

auges 6-12) if an have bwa kuliare at addie! Valom had been inserted We Recisad Estimate, 1921. hearted

で

also think that it is advisable, in dealing with Puble Works Extraordinary, that there should be a nehditional column, leaded Estimated expenditure to com. in the absence of plet work,

colon. it is in many cases dill. cult to make out whether the stum voted for 19-2 gmplet the work in question Faritare, it is a matter of To the Finape of intered, in regardl future years, i kines how much prospe- nditure we shall have to incur rive in future years in connection with works mw in hand or being begun.

As regards the Liversity, we should like to know why the sum of $600,000 does not appear as liability in the statement of abilities and ass of the Colony: and, while on this subject, we would ex- press up earnest, hype that, in faluze, po additional financial assistans from the revenge of the Colony, beyond that already agreed upon, will be required by The University.

+

Co-

mrged in item 4 on pige 12,

we would like to servatov eontra Esc know bir il coines about that the estimate for 12 809.700 so much exceeds the ap- proved estimate of $14,600 for 1921,

WANCHAT GAT TRAMWAY".

Angels the projected tanmway to Warelmi Gap, the ineficial members would suggest that the, question be, gone into as to whether it would not be pre- ferable to carry up such tranzway (a little to the East of Wanchai Clap) almost in the top of Manuit Cameron, as it would seen posible that with branch ronds (rick- sht rails) at intervals from the stations En such

au increase could tramway. bapade in situ vailable for building at

ferent levels ou Mount Campen. first station from the bottom being on Black's Link, the second and third at dif ferent levels above that, and the fourth. slation being at the top of the Tramway. It may also be pointed out, if it be aug- geslid that the bine is bardly ripe for ༢༠༠༨

i a tramway, that the tramway would fake some time to construct and father- wore that, when the present Park Tram- "way was opened in May, 1888, there were

then

Role alunt a dozen Houses in th Peak District and half a dozu Tours in The Magazine Gop District. Moreover a bum is obviously the only fasible means of approach enabling those «of moderate mengs to reside in the Mount Cameron District and, is also indispens als for the transport of provisions and teat

Regresarios,

I read to Public Works recurrent, we congue in the reiniks which will

· pre- sently k mit by the Seater Chinone Unofficial Member on the subject of level- ting

rl from No. 7 Police Station the back of the Gna Works and also us to thi

wview of Mirability. from the point of

of the motoring.

of the Government resuming. the Paylian at the junction of Park Rond and ̈ ham Road

(.) Rites 5 and 18. namely new Offices for the Public Works Department and proposed Volunteer Rifle Range, we should like the Government to make it a matter of special urgency to push on with.. these Works, and also with item 57,-the Kowloon Hospital, the commencement of work on which has been very much delay- d. In fact when the speaker was recent ly over in Kowhion the site was absolutely antoneh d by the hand of man.

Road G9 As regards fe 21 (a) Frome Winchal to Magazine Gap" we should like some explanation as to why the original estats for this item was 1 seed from $20,000 to $70,000.

free! As wgards item 25. Construe Elven of new Queen's Stalne Pior this is another of the Works which we woult suggest mal to be pressed ou, in the in ter sts of the public. We understand that the $97,000 mentioned is the total contract price for cotopletion, and we would ask why is he contract date for completion. () As regards the Prayn East Re- mation Scheme, we regret to leten that theantart time for the coupleting of his work is 5 years, and we would inquire what steps the enutractor hits undertaken to adopt ze locumotve trueks, ete.. for the hastening on of the work.

CONTRACT QUERIES. (ri). As regards item 71 fog ↑ Extend- ing Coronation Road northwards through

(formerly K. P.L. 19" we regret to thin less progress than hand been anti. cipated is being made this year and we would inquire whether the estimated sam of size for 1922 will complete the work. 1. (nd) Ro 1Cent 16 Diaphone fog signalling installation, Waglan, We shambl lake to know what is fler contract date for completion,

(r)-Room 107 **Refuse dump. Chengshawan we should like some in- formations to the nature and purpose of this work, and as to why the estimated exploditure of $10,000 in 1021. has dwindled down to $5,000.

With regnest to the item $5,000 for Locat Puble Works in the Northern District of New Territories on page 15, we would sug ges, tha a similng suur in lieu of the suggested sum of $500 i handed our to the District Offiore South for expendi ture in the saint of Cheung Chau, where- the residents spend a certain amount of their or money in what would normally

regardh das public purposés,

A question has been raised as to whether- the Government is now deriving as much pesun ary benefit as it ought-reasonably aight de Fran the running of the Perries to Sunshu Po and Yaumali and the. Theia! Meniers would be ad if that question could be carefully inquired into before the present period of licence or extension of fence expires, especially in Views of the recent considerable decrease in the price of coal.

News has been received here from time to time to the effer that Hongkong is to by included in the Imperial Wireless ehaia and the Unofficials would be glad to learn what information the Govern ment, an give them on the subject.

Aunther subject. es to the progress of which we should also like to be informed" is one which has frequently been men tinued in this Council, namely, the pros pet the Kowloon-Canton Railway bing linked up with the Canton Hankow Railway

the

41

In conclusion of their joint remaks. holicial Members would strongly arge upon the Government the imperative for discouraging the tomation Produce Exchanges in this Colony. Such Exchanges come into existence for The more purpose of gambling and not intended to meet the legitimate re quirements of trade and have been most trongly condemand at the recent menting of the British Associate Chambers of Commerce at Slangiai, the following re solution having breu passed in regard to them

"The Conference views with serious con- een the establishment of a large number of prad.ce and stock exchanges inShang- hai tas reason to believe that the njority are not founded to meet th legitimate requirements of Foreign and Chinesa merchants engaged in trade in Shanghai but are enterprises of speculativo and gambling nature, and as such are a standing

monace

to the financial stability of Shanghai. The Con renco urges the Consnlar Body to po-operate with the Chinese Government by supporting the Municipal Council in any steps taken for the licensing.. registration and control of these Exchanges.

Those, ir, are the general remarks of the oleil members and myself upon the Budget will now proceed to make a few remarks of my own on various sub. jeels

1. The first remark which I have to make is that I hope that the Government will most vigorously press on, the settle- ment of the terms of agreement for the transfer of the Military Establishments to, the mains, and thus give the Colony greater ropte for expansion pu'this side.

My second point is in connection with the opening up of King's Park for building sites. Some two or three year ago the unofficial members of this Coun ell went most enrefully into this matter with the late Director of Public Works Mr. Chathap, and recommended that. apart from the golf links, the whole of King's Park, including the Rills Range, should be thrown open for building pur puses. In fact at that line all' many

Dealing now with Public Work of schemes were being suggested by, local

ordinary, seriations, we have to nako:--

following"

res tem de "Victoria Hospital Matnnily. Block, we should like some explanation as to how it comes about that the roy sed Estimate so far, exceeds the original Estimate.

architects for utilizing the available area to the boat, advantage, but the hole question soms to have been allowed to Inpea.

3. My third point is to suggest a query as to whether the Government le wish in aproading out its expenditure over o many items, for it must be remembered

i

THE CHINA MAIL.

that on uncompleted items of work, whether they be Government buildings, o Quarters for Officers, or even motor randy, the particular work, whilst still in an uncompleted state is of no warth or utility whatever, and merely repre sents a loss of so much interest on the money expended on it. This point scoius to use to be specially worthy of conpid eration, in view of the stupendous" proli gramme of Public Works for 1929- programme which, although it looks well on paper; admittedly is not likely to be carried out in anything like its entirety.

In connection with delay in comple tion, the new quarters for Government Servants now approaching, completion on the Severn Road are a most glaring in stance of delayed completion, and should like to be informed:-(1). When work was first beguh on the sites for these houses; and What is the total amount expended to date on these three louses (3) What is the total amount expended to datos on the thren tennis courts appertaining to these three houses? (4) What was the contrhot date for, the completion of these three houses and tennis court, and whether there was any penalty clause in such contracts and whether it was enforced; and if not, why it was not enforced? (5) 1 should. also like to ask why it was considered necessary to have a separate tennis eourt for each of those houses. Such a procedure savours of absolutely wasteful squandering of public money,-I refer ta the tennis courts,

4. The question of the expensiveness of the Official Quarters, on Severn Road naturally leads me to remark upon the very large sums which the Government is extending for the housing of its Officers at The Peak and at Leghion Hill. From itris 1 and 3 (on page 78 of the Estimates for 1922) it will be seen that the estimated total expenditure on such Quarters for 1921 is $600.000 and that we estimated expenditure for sch Quarters in is $590,000., roughly speaking, sis lakhs of dollars for each of the years 1921 and 1999R.

For my own part. I regard such ex penditure as being very extravagant from the Colony's point of view, having regard to the present high cost of build-- ng nad to the fact that officers not entitled to free quarters, who occupy quarters supplied by the Government only pay rent for such quarters at the rate of 6 per cent. upon yalary and not at the rate of 6 per cent. upon the cost of the building.

Speaking for myself, think that this system of expensive housing ought not 4 extend beyond the completion ur rrection of the Ollicers' Quarters, of which the Pubhe Works Committee have already had notice.

In this connection I consite that the Public Works Departupeni are very much to blame for setting up a very expensive standard of Officers' Quarters, beth as regards number and size of rooms and the provision of tennis courts.

The average Peak resident in this Colony lives in a five-roomed house with out any tenis court, but the Govern. ment Servant, who has taken his chaner of housing with the average resident für many years past, is apparently to be played in a much better positron than tha ayerage resident.

...

Sir, po making these room Ës in my ggardly spirit.-la fact a few. moments reflection will suffice to show that the Unofficial members of this Council are disposed to treat the Civil Servants in a very liberal spirit. Only afow years ago, a system was brought in by wluch Goverutnent Servants could enjoy, when on leave a much longer period of full pay than formerly. Ther a payment of return passages scheme was made generally applicable, involving the Colony in considerabin cxpenditure. Then a considerable percentage was added to the suturies of Civil Servants, in pursuance of the reports of Com mission, to make up for the increased cost of living. Next there is the payment Sof Govertiment Servants at the very.

favourable rate of 12 dollars to the when the dollar is 28. U. or, under, and although it may be that the sliding scale is not much more favourable than, the old rate of four-fifths at 1s. 9d. aud: one-fifth at the rate of the day, it is more favourable the 10 dollars to the Evini serted in mereamite agreements. If, on the top of that, we are to house all off t officers in superfine houses at vast ex pense, and at a very inadequate rentki In return, I think, Sir, that that would prove to be too heavy a charge upon our fature revenue. That is the point at which I think we must draw the line as regards, committing ourselves further,

lower ex more especially as with change, the charge for Personal Emolu ments of Governtent, servants will fall heavily upon our Revenue. -

5. The last point which i shall eriticize où my own behalf is in connection with the following remarks of Your Excellency in introducing the .Budget. You then snid :-

"Under communications' the first five items are for works already in pro- gress, and it is expected, that all ex- cept the first item will provo: remun- erative undertakings. I may mention that one piece of land opened up by the new road to the Peak sold it low days ago for 880,000, which is exactly the estimated east of completing they Fond La Victoria Gap."

I regret, Sir, that I mal criticize. these märks because I think they have been made under a misapprehension of my personal position in this matter. I was in favour of a rond being carried tip to the Peak. as far as Wanchai Gap, beenuse was under the impression that in connection with, it, aid, as a most important feature of that rond and spe thing absolutely necessary for the develop ment of the Mount Cameron district, that a runway should be run up the Wanchai Gap. I have been a consistent opponent of the road being carried from Wanchai Gap up towards the Peak H.E. Tun GoVERSOR: The rond?

The Hon Mr. Potock: I mom the rond, from. Waushi Gap, to the Penk. The cost of enrrying on rond, from Wapchi Gap to the Peak bonies to a sym of roughly 6276,000-slightly hors, fynd 1- may remind you in connection with that, that the datimuted cont of a frizurag from Queen's Road East to Wanchéi Gap: was $100,000 only in fact from the re Port of the Director of Public Works for 10go recentis laid on the table, page 17

on 101, we are that a survey pid longitudinal section were made and also the bedssary working drawings for the trick formation, and tho v1920, estimate Was $150,000. Therefore, it was not altogether a rough estimate by the Public Works Departmente They had.

the necessary working drawings tɔ gọ upon. Well, Sir, continuing with my clicious of Your Excellency's remarka I wont further to point out that the extension of the motor, roads. castwards from Wanchai Gap to Victoria Gap is not likely to cause any houses to be built which would not be built otherwise, with the exception possibly of a house for the Captain-Superintendent of Police on Mount Dough Hill. With regard to your remark that there was a piece of land sold for 880,000 on the road to the Peak. that piece of land was to the eastward. of the Wanchai Gap. It was on the lower part of the road not on the road to the Penk proper, which, 1, have always ob- jected to.

With regard to the possibility of "the further addition to the road between Wanchai Cap and Victoria Gap which is now contemplated, that is to say from "The Mount down to Victoria Gap, I would point out that it is impossible to conceive that that will open up any fresh building sites having, regard to the fact that that piece of road is in the Pokfulam drainage aren, and, therefore, buildings would not be allowed to be erected on that road. I thought I had better make theso remarks in order to make my personal position clear upou the question, and so that it may not beimagined that I am in any way departing from my previous position or compelled to depart from it which is that the road ought not to have gone ets of Wanchai Gap. As regards the piece of road at the back of Stewart Terrace and above the Peak Church, I think everybody will agree that the road will have the greatest difficulty in fore- ing its way through there and that it certainly will not open up any new situs. With these remarks i beg to express my ngevement with my unoffeint colleagues.

MR. LAU CHU-PAK'S SPEECH.

CHINESE VIEWPOINT OUTLANED,

Str.-In The Hou, Mr. Lau Cu-PÁK: supporting the remarks which my hon. friend apposite bus made on behalf of the' unofficial members, max. 1 add a few words in reference to some other subjects which affect the Chinese Plenty of capital would be forthcoming from private sources for the development of the waste

and from Co Long to Fauling and Taipo for the purpose of farming, build. ing and industrial enterprises, if greater facilities and encouragement were given to intending investois.

A NEW TERRITORIES SCHEME.

A scheme which my Chinese colleagues and and several friends,-by way of encouragement to new comers-have pro. mised to support financially, is one" for reclaiming a large tract of submerged and partially subinerged land in a cur tain part of the New Territories for the purpose of growing paddy. This should suffice to meet all local demands for live or six months π year, thus rendering outside Hongkong less dependent on sources for the supply of 'rice. The seleme has been under the consideration of the Government for several years. More than twelve months ago, we were led to expret that 11 lense would `be granted, but we have been waiting for this elusive lease up to this very mo met. Unless radical inprovenient is introducet in dening with 'applications for land in the New Territories, 1 fear that the development of the place will be slow, indeed. The scheme I have mentioned should do aneh towards the prosperity of the locality, in that rice- mills, vegetables-farms, fish-ponds, and even village cottages for settlers coming frem across the border, would spring up in a short space of time.

While on this subject, Sir, I should like to mention that certain natives of the New Territories, who owned land and bouses at the time when the area wAS taken over by Great Britain, and who still own such land and houses, have been Buch perturbed by certain rumours, which may or may not be true, that the Government would shortly enforce in the villages in the Territories, certain secr tions of the Public Health and Building. Ordinance requiring the employment of qualified architects and the submission of plais to the Public Works Depart ment for approval, before any old house could be reconstructed or new house built. Most of the people in the villages work from hand to mouth, and cannot afford to pay for what, in the circum- stances. Inake bold to call such luxuries. Under the present law, they can build a small house for a few hundred -dollars; but if they were compelled to comply with the requirements of the Ordinner, they would never be able to re-construct their present houses, much less to build new ones. I recollect that shortly after the New Territories were taken over a special type of house suit- able for the needs of the natives was devised in order to save them unneces- sary expenses, while enabling them to comply with the law of sanitation. Why ant resnacitate this design from the pigeon-hole of the Building Authority's Office, and see whether it could now bo Those who can afford to introduced?

build mansions, and such new settlers as prefer European building, could be inade to comply with the Ordinance; but I res- peptfully submit that the poor villagers, .who. constitute the majority of the population should be left with as few. legal encumbrances as possible.

LAND RESUMPTION. ' There is another matter about which the people of the New Territories have recently spoken to me, and that is that they would not in future be allowed to gell any aur without having first obtain

the consent of the Government. They ennnot understand this proposed law. They say that for certain land, which has bech resumed by the Government, they received only one cont. a squaró fool, while the land could have fetched to 10 conta a square foot, it sold to private individuals. I do not know whe- ther this is true or not, but if it is, the owners have certainly bean unfairly trented. They connect the rumour about tho propused law with this matter of resumption and this attiliide of mind i hot conducive to the, contentment of the people. If there is no fgtndation in the rumour, I hope that a contradiation will bo mundo as soon as possible.

MOVING THE MORTUARY,

:

last announcement made by the Gayern- mont was that it was difficult to find a suitable site to remove it to, and that „as the cost of removal and rebuilding would be rather heavy, the applicante should bear a share of it. Since then many more Chinese buildings have been erected in the neighbourhood, and I sub- mit thri, if for no other reasons than that of public health alone, the martuary ahould no longer be allowed to remain when it is. The site, when sold, should Radlicies:y compensate for the expenses involved, as the value of kind is that loenlit, has risen to more than 82 n foot, Es commed with about (at most) $1 when the last official ganoongement con- Seitable berning the site was made. sites are, 1 think, available in more iso- lated places, such as long the Pokfulna and Jubilee Ronds, or somewhere in the neighbourhood of the Kennedy Town Hospital.

~TRACFIC DANGERS.

I would bring to the notice of the Hon. Directue of Public Works the gradient of that part of Queen's Road Weet between the No, z. Police Station and the Gas Works, which renders motor, traffic dif ficult and dangerous. The corner of Pok- Fulum Rond and Queen's Rest West im mediatey in front of that Station should bo rounded off for the same reason, There is n present a private pavilion standing in the junction of Bonham Rond and Park Road, which is a source of danger to the public. The site is somewhat in the shape of a triangle, with a very sharp corner on the west

sade.

To make the place, worse for traffic, the point is further sharpened by a rockery. The walls and the building. on the site obscure the view of people or vehicles going up or down Park Rond. Accidenta, more or less serious, have already take plaen at that spot, and they were entirely due to the existence of this pavilion. Park Road is very uncl used in going up to Robinson Road and from there down to Bonham Road. 1 strongly urge that the place' should be at once resuined by the Government, or if that could not be dour (though I do not see why), a considerable portion of it should be sliced off. It is not a ques- tion whether or not the traffic in that lucality is such as will justify the cost of the resumption; it is a matter of public danger which will grow in the bear future, when the new St. Stephen's Girls College has been built in the im- mediate neighbourhood.

DEPORTATION ORDINANCE

Take this, opportunity to say a few words in connection with the Deports- tion Ordinance, recently introduced aud passed. Many Chinese view with alarm the possibilites of such enactient. Under it, any one whether he is n British subject or ut. is liable to de portation by the mandate of the Exceu- tive. I do not say that the law would be enforced arbitrarily, but when it exists, it affords a chance-however re- The mute-for its being so exercised. law, as it now stands, affects certain scetions of the Chinese more than it does any other people, more than even the English, for they can return to their Dative land, whereas the native of Ilong- kong and of the New Territories have their pornnest homes in these two places only, and would have nowhere gise to go to if forced out of the Colony. I submit this point for the favourable consideration of the Executive so that the liberty and livelihood of the native- born at this, Colony may be better

assured.

In conclusion, Sir, I may mention that the Chinese are now very keen on open- ing more vernacular schools for the Since pourer class of Chinese children.

the opening of the Man Mo Temple school by Your Excellency many more schools have been founded all over the Colony but their muncher is still innde- quate to meet the needs of the people. The grant for such sehobis is butud to in- crease in future years.

THE HON. MR. HO FOOK.

THE VOTE FOR EDUCATION,

cer-

The Hon. Ho Foox: Sir, 1 desire to rudois the remarks of my Chinese eol- league in so far as they relate to the advis bility of giving facilities for the development of the New Territories, ro- moving the Mentuary, and exercising great caution in the banishment of tain class of British subjects. It will be gratifying to the Chinese community to know that provision has been made in the Estiinates for an increase of $69,000 in subsidies to the elementary vernacular IchoolB Situstel, as the Colony is, within a store's throw of the mainland, compulsory education stoms to me to be out of question unless it is enforced simultaneously in China, but I would respectfully submit that it is the duty of the Government gradually to increase the voty for education from year to year until there will be enough schools for all the children whose parents desire to give them some education

HOUSING PROBLEM.

MIK. BIRD CHAMPIONS SMALL. SATARY MAN,

The Hon. Mr. H. W. Rinn:-Sir,-I. wish to associate myself fully with the words which have fallen from my col-- leagues and to join in the congratulations to the Government on the Budget which; is now before us. I propose to make al few further remarks which may or may not have the approval of the other un afeif members on matters which 1 con- ́s der of importance,

regret to see that further money is to be spent on the Government Civil Hospital, building which is a standing disgrace to the Colony. It has been said by

Officials whon the question Government

I

of its removal has been monte We can't find a

site.

suggest, Sir, that a portion of Morrison Hill when out down be utilized for the purpose, and that an aron enfficient to accommöinto the Hos pital and Lenstic Asylum, bo left so that the buildings when completed would be slightly above the others in the

neigh bourhood.

I hope the Government will make a new, garden for the Penk Childron na súớn♣ As tito

new motor road is comploted;

their

· princijal playground, having

ieto

destroy novoriment doutside the advies

W

I would bow deal with the public ability of providing seats in Statue Squafe martuary at Shek-tong-tsul. For years to go that the children who are so frequently the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, 'am"),ken in that neighívurhood need not have agcount of the unplenanut, ólgur shu de, to sit in the gutters? A policeman might pressing sights, have repeatedly asked the small ho stationed thero to provent tho Government to have it removed. The wants being occupied by coolles

The question of the removal of th King'e Park Ride Range should be con sidered immediately, or failing its entir removal some alteration in the lay out Biray of the ranges should be made. bullets, probably richechets, have been found from time to time in the walls of the Kwong

ong Wah Hospital, and the Sto Laundry, and 1 have with me a builea that went through a window in th latter building a few days ago at a height aft, din hom the ground-about the He g ght Fa man's head. A coolie working on the roads in Yaumati was actually struck by bullet recently and was luckily : net se by injured. It would Be to

be possible to alter the direction of the ranges by placing them F. & W. instruk N. & S. As Ht present. Some change in the layout of the Kowloon Golf Course would probably be necessary.

1 is to be wil give

A

&list

for an

that the Government consideration to International Race

and Recreation Ground at Little Hongkong. A track 13 miles round could by laid out here with simple room for anda and stabling the inside of the trak could be utilized for football. ereket and hagebali

tion grounds of the Cols. The recna.

are at present taxed to their utmost, and sume fresh out- let is urgently needed,

With regard to Land Sales, the Govern- meat was asked to dispose of land by private treaty in non-urban districts nod we wein told that the Government could not ree their way to do so; they wanted to cbtain the full value of the sitraði I vetme to make a further suggestion which is that the original applicant for Belard should have the option of pur- ehrsing the site lot at the price at which it is eventually knocked down. I believe that thin syatent, obtains in Macao.

CHEAP ACCR SIBLE HOUSES, With reference to the Housing Problem. I would ask the Government to give more assistance to the prospective bonschulder. At the close of your speech, Sir, when introducing this Budget and touching on the Housing Problew you remarked:

CO

wide roads, gond drainage, an adequate water supply, and cheap and efficient Jarans of transport are some of the ends in view. The read programme in this year's Budget is a fine one, and I admit That rods are the first consideration, but -1 afraid the Government does not always behave sympathetically or operatively with regard to the other items viz. drainage, water-supply and trans port. For inafaner, the Government will sell a site and make a stipulation about the water supply that either damns the wirdle me cr als it causes intens ritation to the building owher. I quit understand that the Government cannot he expected to carry a water or drainage service to every isolated spot on which some individual many choose to build, but I can'

district which the quote a case in Government is fully aware is going by built over to a large extent, and wa they have undertaken to lay on a

sufficient when they consider

ser of

houses are erected--vet there the dollars in owner spend over a thousand tak ng his own pipe there to provide water. Why not do so at once! Whilst ou the subject of water supply. gest to the Government the laying. of a pipe across the harbour at the earliest moinent to bring water from the

possible only this year, in spite of

fact that we have had 18 inches rainfall above the average, the F.W.D., at one time seriously contemplated putting certain districts on the rider mains. The supply of water from the inalaland is, I believe. inexhaust bie, so the sooner we bring it across the harbour the better.

Amthor

gr avance against the Goveru- ment on behalf of the prospective house

twner is the upsat price of land in outly. ing districts-that is to eny for pioneers. The first lot sold in Taipo was sold at $100 per acre, and that is a reasonab rate. No sooner was that lot disposed of than the price was immediately raised in #cuts per sq. ft., with the result that To further and has been sold theo 'sue.

It would appear, Sir, that the Government is afraid lest anybody should make any money out of these transactions Pineers in a district must have pre forntial treatment to compensate then for the risk that they run in investig their money in a lccality which may turi ont to be unsuitable.

Th

prevent cost of building is a su get which deserves more than a pussin consideration, and 1 believe the Gover ment could do something to help the p lie in this matter. There was a Societies Ordinance which prohibited the formation of trude societies without permission. That Ordance was repealed, I under stand, some time last year and since ther Any number of societies have been forme in the building trade, all of which t to increase the pries of building and to krep now workmen from settling down hi the Colony. To give an example. I am erufibly informed that

any scaffei builder are ving in the Colony has to foto the bamboo workers' guild: and has to pu

an entrance fee of $30. Now it will h understood that few men in the reality sation of life have $30 to spend in joi ing a guild; eonsequently new scaffold workers do not arrive, and this appli

I would ask th to other trades as well.' Government to replace the Societies Odinance on the Statute Book.

I was glad to see in the estimantes sin provided for a landing stage opposit Wing Wo Rond, which is designed to he

us a temporary dump for b materials on landing. This will be ermed by the contractors for they wer always being harried by the police ard: fined for dumping materials On the Prayi when landed from

rom junks.

One my sure that the contractor, takes this in recount when making his lender and

s one of the items that goes towar increasing the cost of building.

Another item which often is costly Un building owner is the disposal" 24" surplus spoil during the formation n site, and I would ask the Government to give more assistance in this matter gr ot impose such drastic conditions wh

tis granted. It is to be noi ny permit

overnment builds a road 1). when the

to be dumped over si apparently without let or hindran any private owner doing so is imm Loly mileted in a fine. The matters have mentioned if sympathetically der with would go for to help to reduce cost of buiding in the Colony.-

Reverting one more to the Hous Problem it would seam that the pr urgent need at the moment is to provi accommodation for the small salar THAN that is to ady small houses wi gardens ens ly nonsible are required Ponial of from 200 to 200 a month, cluding taxes, and I still maintain the the reluoval of the Dairy Farm is d holation of the problem. The tramway Wancha Cap will not help innityra len enuse the cost of fiilding at that t is too high; also the pites (anve a vet

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