1927-09-15 — Page 7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1927.

BUDGET DEBATE.

(Continued from page 1.)

THE CHINA MAIL.

stated that you hoped before long of a partially occupied house gratifying to us to find that our 1908 as compared with 1928, our to lay on the table of this Coun-has to pay a larger sum for the representations have borne fruit. record year, and 1926 is most cil "a sessional paper giving very rates for one quarter than the On behalf of the Director of the illuminating because the figures full information on every aspect rents he receives for one month. Tung Wah and Kwong Wah Hos- show a loss of revenue for the of our water supply problem, The payment for rates is alto-pitals we beg to thank your Excel year 1908 of $930,804, whilst for houses which were in course of and furnishing all the data neces-gether out of proportion to the lency for having sanctioned the the year 1926 only $449,726 or construction or were in contem-sary for formulating our future rents received; and I submit payment of the cost of free favourable to the year 1926 by plation before the outbtreak of policy in this respect," and that that the Ordinance should be so burials carried out by these two $481,076. The position between a Commission would be appoint-amended as to give the Assessor institutiong The Chinese com- the year 1920 and the year 1926 ed to study it. The importance discretionary power, which he munity is keenly sensible of the is too obvious even for compari- of an adequate supply of fresh has not at present, to make a sympathetic interest which your son. water for the island of Hong special valuation in these cases. Excellency takes in their wel- Kong and Kowloon cannot be Happily, such cases are few, but fare. over emphasised and we trust, where they exist, they con- air, that this sessional paper will stitute an obvious injustice. not be unduly delayed.

only proper

The Aerodrome.

Public School Feen..

the strike in 1925, are now com pleted. This means additional areas to be protected by the

Such a state of affairs after Police..

the trying and difficult years The disturbed state of the ad-

Chinese Loyalty.

through which this Colony has joining mainland, too, has caus-

I must not, conclude, Sir, with-passed when disrupting elements ed many thousands of people to

out associating the Chinese com-have done everything in their seek refuge in Hong Kong, and it is inevitable in the nature of

The item "Public School Fees"munity with the congratulations power to ruin it, can only be a The proposal to build an acro- on page 9 shows an increase of as well as the assurance of loyalty matter for mutual congratula things, unfortunately, that these

and support tendered by the tion and outstanding evidence should include a percentage of drome, to which Your Excel- $67,000: When commenting upon Honourable Senior Unofficial of the great strength of its re- bad characters. Therefore, it is lency alluded in your speech at this increase in his speech at the Member. During the troublous sources and the stability of its

that the police the last meeting of this Council, last meeting of this Council, the times through which the Colony constitution. should have the numbers neces- affords pleasing evidence that Hon. Colonial Secretary char- has passed, the community has

Views On New Loan. sary to cope with their heavier the Colony is keeping fully acterised it as "a small increase," been greatly, heartened by the

abreast of the times. When the and said that it could not be practical sympathy shown by His Secretary has in the course of The Honourable the Colonial responsibilities.

The police and the District nerodrome is completed Hong considered a serious burden. I Watch Force also, I may add-Kong will have an important agree that the sum is small when Majesty's Government on more his speech intimated the policy than one occasion. The loyalty of Your Excellency, to finance have performed yeoman service new asset, and will take its place it is spread over the whole which the Chinese feel towards certain schemes of general public during another year of strain as a link in the chain of air population or when it is com- the Government is equalled utility coming under the and anxiety. Their zeal and ways with which the Imperial pared with the amount spent on by the loyally they feel good work must be a source of Government is binding the Em-education by the Government. for your Excellency personally. traordinary, by loans secured on category of Publle Works. Ex- The But to those individuals who The patience, judgment and un- the public revenue. pride to the Hon. Captain pire yet closer together. Superintendent of Police and community's satisfaction with have children to educate, parti- tiring zeal which you have dis-

Colony. the Hon, Secretary for Chinese the prospect of this new acquisi-cularly to those of the working played in governing the Colony in This policy although not new Affairs, to whom we wish to ten-tion to our commercial and classes earning from $30 to $100 these extremely difficult times der our congratulations on the social amenities is increased by a month, the additional fee would have won the respect, admiration to the Colony is exceptional, as able manner in which they have the knowledge that the Secre- be a very serious burden indeed. and, I may say, affection of the the previous policy has been, to applied the firm and tactful tary of State for the Colonies Hit by the prolonged trade de- people. Your example has been meet, as far as possible, all ex- policy laid down by Your Ex-has proposed that the Imperial pression, with the cost of living an inspiration to us all-an in-penditure out of current re cellency,

Government shall bear three- steadily rising, these people al-spiration which has steeled us venue. quarters of the cost, and the ready find it hard to make both against adversity, and renew- We concur with the Govern- Colony one-quarter. It is sin- ends meet; and many parents of ed our faith in the future. ment's policy of contributing to-cerely to be hoped that this pro-large familles are not a little wards the cost of three armed posal will receive the approval exercised in their minds as to Mr. W. E. L. Shenton. launches for anti-piracy work of His Majesty's Government. how they are to keep their

Piracy Measures,

in the delta. It is essential that

Future of the Colony.

children at school when the in-

everything in our power should Before concluding, air, I wish crease takes effect.

Need For Caution.

of this

Whilst it cannot be denied that it is unfair to make the present generation pay for the advantages which posterity will reap the most advantage of, nevertheless in the present con- The Hon. Mr. W. E. L. Shen-dition of the Colony's finances, ton said: Your Excellency, in the utmost care should be exer- be done to protect our commerce to express our entire agreement One inevitable result would be your speech introducing the es- cised in embarking on new from the depredations of pirates. with the sound policy you are that a large number of children timates which are now before us, schemes, confining them as far Two weeks ago the British pursuing in husbanding the fin-would have to be withdrawn you have directed general atten- steamship "Kochow" was pirat-ancial resources of the Colony from school earlier than would tion to a retrospect of this as possible to essential require- ed on the West River. On this while at the same time pushing otherwise be to the detriment Colony's history for the past ments, as against luxuries. Occasion His Majesty's Naval ahead essential public works that of themselves and, consequential-thirty years a period of great In this connection advantage vessels took action against the can be undertaken without un-ly, of Society. Representations, interest, not only to the resi- might be gained from an ex- villagers from which the pirates due financial strain. Hong Kong couched in the most earnest dents of this Colony, but to all amination of our financial posi- came, and it is sincerely to be to-day, with all its troubles, is terms, from all classes of the who are concerned in any man- tion for the past five years by hoped that this will have proved still one of the greatest ports in Chinese community praying that ner in the Far East. Unques- to be a salutary lesson. In the the world, and may look to re- the Government may see its way tionably Your Excellency's Recomparing our revenue against one to reconsider its decision, have view will be closely followed in our calculations for reasons. I existing state of lawlessness ade- gain the premier position

our expenditure, leaving out of quate Naval patrols are of the day. A colony like this cannot been made to my senior Chinese many parts of the world,

have already stated, the revenue greatest value in affording pro- stand still, for to stop is to go colleague and myself; and we No resident of this Colony tained from land sales. In tection to trading vessels, and if back. Hong Kong does not in-feel bound to support this re could have listened to or read the year 1922 the surplus was action can be taken against the it has shown in the face of every ture on education is, I respect-events and figures without a shows a deficit of $276,939.86, tend to go back. The vitality quest. Heavy as our expendi Your Excellency's survey. of $1,006,258.88, the year 1923 haunts of the pirates after a trial in recent years more than fully submit that piracy has taken place we be

money so feeling of satisfaction as to the the year 1924 deficit of justifies our faith in the future. spent by the State should not be stable basis lieve that there will be a great Your Excellency has referred to regarded as a strictly business Colony rests, and a sense of deficit of $5,592,689, the year on which this $4,426,024.58, the year 1925' a' diminution of their outrages.

the wonderful results that can investment, such as, for example, pride in its continuous pros-1926 a deficit of $2,679,469, the Malarial Research, Malaria has long been a seri- be achieved when Britons and money spent on a railway when perity in the face of all adver ous problem in the Colony, and Chinese collaborate in the deve- the outlay must be commensurate sities.

year 1927 an estimated deficit; we welcome the appointment of lopment of a country. An ex-with the direct return expected.

including land sales, of $1,787,- 305 and the year 1928 an es a specially trained malarial re-ample of this is to be seen in Increases Unjustified? Your Excellency has referred timated deficit, including land search officer whose duty it will the prosent splendid co-operation The value of State education to three set backs in this sales, of $2,079,655. be to investigate local conditions between the British and Chin- cannot be assessed in terms of Colony's career during the period and advise as to the steps to be ese sections of the Kowloon dollars: it is in many ways under review, but a close seru on the present basis of figures Canton Railway. The Colony analogous to the governmental tiny of the figures goes to show it would appear that we shall needs only the loyalty and co- policy in regard to Public that although we are at present have used up our present liquid operation which were displayed Health. Your Excellency has experiencing a time of commer-sets. In his speech, but I may say here in the face of the big crisis of ing the point. When replying resources are stronger than the tions prevail for the year 1929, by all sections of the community been even more precise in stress-clal depression, nevertheless its that we hope the appointment

Assuming the present condi marks the beginning of an or- against all attempts to check its the Budget debate last year, you

1925 to make it invincible to the unofficial members during have ever been.. ganised

we shall be faced with having | effort to

The years which Your Excel exercise more rigid economy eradicate malaria entirely from this Colony Progress; and we can assure you, said that money spent by us on lency has chosen by way of com- or look for fresh sources of taxa- where it still takes such heavy ir, with all confidence, that you education was of the utmost parison are:-1906 as compared tion, therefore, too much care toll every year.

can count upon the same measure value to British interests in with 1908; 1918 of loyalty and co-operation in China, and you further express with 1920; 1929 as compared ing on new enterprises.

as compared cannot be exercised in embark- that future to which

we are ed your agreement with the with 1926. looking with steadfast hope and Chinese unofficial members when The revenue of 1906 was

Posterity's Claims, unshaken faith.

taken to deal with the disease,

The Hon. Mr. Shenton will make further reference to this subject

be

once

Hon. Mr. D. G. M. Bernard.

Government Grants.

Colony's Resources.

a

At the end of the year 1928

Victoria Hospital. The Government's intention to admit men as well as women to the Victoria Hospital has our

they id that they did not $7,035,011 and for 1908 $6,104,- We are, however, fortunate in cordial approval, as we consider

grudge the expenditure. Since 207, a difference of $930,804. that the ambitious programme this an economical arrangement

these utterances were made, no- The revenue. for 1918 was which was undertaken in the which might well have been made

thing has occurred to justify a $18,665,248 and for 1920 past, will, I understand; have Jong ago. Your Excellency will,

change of policy' on the part of $14,689,671, а difference of been completed and paid for out we hope, carefully consider our

the Government. I would $8,975,577,

The revenue for of revenue by the end of the suggestion that patients

The Hon. Mr. D. G. M. therefore respectfully but strong-1923 was $24,783,762 and for year 1928. We must not be for- granted the right of being treat- Bernard, said:As the Senior ly urge your Excellency to post-1926 $21,131,581, a difference of getful of the fact that those res- ed by their own doctors if they this Council, I wish to associate sion until times are better. If 1906 were $412,941.58, for 1908 ed down to us an inheritance European Unofficial Member of pone enforcement of your deci- $9,652,181. The land sales for ponsible in the past have hand- so desire. Although that sugges- tion when first made did not re- the address which has just been is placed against the hard- for 1920 $566,349, for 1923 possibly unique, and posterity my colleagues and myself with this small financial gain $69,358.19, for 1918 $299,289.28, almost unencumbered, a position ceive official approval, we feel delivered by the Senior Un-ship to the people who will be $3,488,797 constrained to point out

and for 1926 will have every right to look to more, that its adoption, besides official Member. This is the first unable to bear the extra burden, $286,842.

us for a similar stewardship. occasion on which the views of and the bad effect which the in- bringing increased revenue to

Influence of Land Sales. the Unofficial Members have been crease will have on

We must also bear in mind the Government through more

the com

Land sales, if I may be per-that posterity may have legitim- patients being encouraged to use presented by a Chinese Member, munity through a setback to mitted to say so, should not be ate claims for borrowing, or cir- the hospital, will give greater and I wish to take the oppor-education, it will at once be ap- taken into consideration when cumstances may arise in the satisfaction to the public, with tunity of congratulating my hon-parent that the balance weighs calculating this Colony's revenue, future, as in the past, which whose money it was that the hos-ourable friend on the able man- heavily in favour of postpone they vary according to the whim may call for claims on the pital was built in celebration of ner in which he has performed ment.

of the speculator and are a vary- Colony's credit, consequently it Her Majesty Queen Victoria's this very important duty.

ing factor over which there is would be undesirable to borrOW jubilee.

In his concluding remarks hel There is a further matter in no control. Large revenue from up to the full extent of the drew attention to the necessity connection with education, to land sales unfortunately In- Colony's resources. of co-operation between British which I desire to call attention. dicates either trouble In China The "White Lines.", and Chinese which I think is The Hon, Colonial Secretary, in or an unhealthy financial condi- I notice that the Government generally recognised as being his speech at the last meeting of tion in this Colony. wel-

It must has not confined its borrowings essential for the well-being and this Connell, warned non-also be borne in mind that by to money in the past, for on nurses doing very useful work, therefore especially gratifying to grants under the Grant Code, schemes now in course of deve 19 I find we have borrowed a progress of the Colony. It is Government schools receiving reason of the large reclamation page 66 of the estimates item but they will in time be the find that to-day the Unofficial that in future a limit must be lopment, the demand for Crown mechanical device, now in opera- means of spreading a knowledge Members have been happy to fixed for grants under the Land is likely to be restricted tion at the junction between Des of Western medicine and hygiene leave the expression of their col- Code; and that expansions in-for some time to come. throughout South China.

Vœux Road Central and Pedder lective views on the Budget involving claims beyond Vehicular Ferry.

the For the purpose of my argu-Street, for keeping the public of In connection with the Estim-Member and, on their behalf, I ates would not be admitted by duce the revenue from land sales right path;

the hands of the Senior Chinese amount provided in the Estim- ment, therefore, I propose to re- the Colony presumably in the ate of the Public Works Depart-want to thank him for the able the Government as a legitimate during the year 1923 to a nor- ment we should like to refer to

Want Of Confidence. the scheme for a vehicular ferry. way in which he has presented charge on the revenue. While I mal basis, for the purpose of de- The

The period through which the recognise that a limit must be monstration I shall adopt the Colony has now passed has been set to such grants owing to the year 1926, and the position, a very difficult one for every need for economy, I venture to therefore, is that the difference business concern, and though we hope that the Government will in revenue between 1906 and appear to have happily turned publish when the matter has been The Hon. Mr. B. H. Kote consider special applications in a 1908 was $980,804 between 1918 the corner, and there are signe fully considered.

wall said: Sir,The task of gympathetic and liberal spirit, and 1920 $3,975,577 and between of better times, nevertheless a presenting the. views of the for any action tending to retard 1923 and 1926, after deducting very considerable improvement Another important public Chinese community on the which is doing good work would and adding the land sales of the former position is again reach- the natural expansion of a school the land sales of the year 1929 will be required, before the work which has had to stand Budget has fallen on me over is increased water supply, this year, and my senior Chinese be a retrogressive step, to be year 1926, $449,726, We note that a sessional paper colleague desires me to say that much deplored-

Probationer Nurses.

The increased use being made

of the services of locally train

ed probationer nurses is

come, for not only are these

We hope that the matter will not

be lost sight of, and we await with interest the report we un- derstand the Government, will

Water Supply.

them.

Chinese Views.

E.

Hopeful Auguries,

will shortly be issued on the pro- he associates himself with all Kowloon Water Metres. :: We consequently arrive at this posed Aberdeen Reservoir. If the views and sentiments I am My senior Chinese colleague conclusion that notwithstanding this was the one referred to dur-about to express...

and I note with satisfaction that the fact the revenue In 1923

ing the Budget debate nearly a Arising out of the item $10,000 has been provided in the was about three and a half times year ago as having an estimat "Assessed, Taxes which appears Estimates for the purchase of as great as the revenue in 1908, ed capacity of 200 million gal-on page 6 of the draft estimates, water meters for Kowloon This and the expenditure even great lons, we cannot think that this I beg to bring to your Excel is welcome news in that the er, after deducting the will do much towards meeting lency's notice an anomaly which popular demand, hitherto, made sales of 1923 and the growing needs of the island exists in the present method of by the Chiness without result, is on, the ; basta - as It would increase our storage valuation under the Rating Or- now being met, it only,

842 which capacity by less than 10%... At dinance. This is to be seen in partial extent. We raised the estimates data her that debate Your Excellency some cases in which the owner question last year and it is actual position betwee

M

(Continued on Page 9.)

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