1936-03-20 — Page 9

THE CHINA MAIL, FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1936

"FALLACIOUS DISTINCTIONS" POINTED OUT

SIR T. SOUTHORN REPLIES

COLONY DECLARED NOT OVER TAXED!

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

WELCOMED

14

were

י

IN MR. LO'S SPEECH

on which

ous distinction between salaries adopted in conformity with our Assistant Government Analyst sity of Hong Kong. The great pose the lery. The Government and other forms of expenditure obligations to the League of Na-from a certain Chinese from Can-majority of these students sre is taxing its own servants to meat land to consider the question of tions has, at the same time ton On the appearance of this non-European. but to make them what it hopes is a temporary, whether the taxpayer receives an diminished our revenue and swol-candidate, as his qualifications, proficient to replace Europeans emergency, and it is exploring adequate return for his expendi- len the population of our gaulk

prima facie satisfactory, a the engagement of Europeans, as every possible means of economy: ture as a whole, whether the Co-

Third Question

telegram was immediately sent to in this instance, is necessary. The fit is at the same, time considering lony has undertaken services I now turn to the third of the the Secretary of State for the Co-appointment in question is not every possible method of increas- which it cannot afford and whe questions I suggested as matters lonies requesting that the recruit-that of a special sterling-paiding the Colony's revenue. In ad- ther the services it provides could for consideration viz. whether the ment of a sterling, officer should be officer as official anaesthetist, but dition it is considering the grant. be provided more cheaply than at services rendered by the Govern-postponed, That officer had, how-of a Medical Officer with special (ing of facilities to officers to retire present without undue loss of ef-ment could be performed marelerer, already sailed. The Govern experience in the administration before the normal age limit, and ficiency. Now these are matters cheaply without undue loss of ef-iment Analysts do important work of anaesthetics to fill a vacancy in except where it is absolutely which the Government baa always ficiency. The Honourable Memfor the mercantile community aslite medical establishment for a necessary, it is not appointing new in mind. It believes that the tax bar's arguments on this point well as for the Government and European medical officer, and it officers for whom provision is payer does receive an adequate re-aimed chiefly to show that the full qualified officers are neces was with a view to econom som-made in the estimates or filling

to proceedsary and the Government had no bined with efficiency that the idea vacancies as they occar or renew In his reply to the speech of the Hon. Mr. turn for his expenditure, the ser- Government ought

vices It undertakes have been ask-{more| rapidly with the replace reason to believe that a local can- of engaging a medical officer with ing the contracts of officers on a M. K. Lo, proposing a motion in the Legislative ed for and indeed in most cases ment of an admittedly expensive didate with the necessary qualif-special training in anaesthetics temporary basis. The Honour Council yesterday afternoon, that the civil ser-demanded by the public and have European sta more particularly cations was available for the va was conceived. Such ab officer is able Member asks that Govern in all cases been approved by this in the subordinate grades, by caney. In this connection I would available in the Medical Department should not engage any more vice of the Colony is more expensive than it can council. Sach services could of Asiaties. Mr. Lo quotes state remind the Honourable Memberments of the Straits Settlements persons un a sterling basis with- the Federated Malay out consulting this Council, and afford, the Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Sir course be curtailed, but the Honments by the late Governor and by that one of the existing Assistant and of

States, and the lack of a specialist that vacancies should not be filled Thomas Southorn, after congratulating the Honourable ember has wisely re- the Acting Colonial Secretary. The Analysts is a local appointee.

frained from specifying the serGovernment stands by these state- Disappointing Experiment in Hong Kong has laid open to without similar consultation. Member on both the manner and the matter of vices he wishes curtailed, except ments but as the Honourable Mem- I regret to have to state that serious criticism the carriculum That to a large extent represents the present practice. The annual his maiden speech," remarked that in his opinion for a hint that the Government ia ber must realise the process is an the initial experiment of employ-for the instruction of students.

As I said before the Honourable estimates, by which the expendi-- giving greater medical facilities (extremely slow one. The Governing Chinese Sub-Inspectors of Po- Mr. Lo's premises were a complete "non sequitur" than the Colony can afford. Iment has the matter constantly inlice proved unsuccessful, and that Member appears to ignore the ture of the year is definitely limit- from his arguments.

My Honourable friend the mind but there is a transition the services of the officers employ-growth of the Colony within re-ed and arranged, are submitted to He spoke about a "fallacious distinction between salaries Director of Medical and Sanitary period in which we now are whealed in that capacity had to be discent years, a growth which I hope this Council and in respect of any, and other forms of expenditure, and remarked that the Hon Services has replied in detail to the we still have the Europeans more continued.

and expect will continue. That application for supplementary ex- Member seemed to contemplate a "static Colony, which has most of the points raised by the or less as teachers and the non- The Mover and Seconder of this growth alone accounts for the in-penditure the approval of the reached the end of its growth." The Colonial Secretary objected seconder of the motion in connect-Europeans still more or less in motion have both referred to the crease in several departments, and Finance Committee. to this implication, with which the Government cannot agree."ion with the Medical Establish the capacity of pupils: This is the subject of bribery and to the need to this must be added the inter there is an unofficial majority, is In support of his argument he quoted the figures of growth ment of the Colony. On this sub-case in the. Sanitary Department, for some change in the conditions national obligations which the almost invariably sought in the in the medical and education departments, required by an ject I shall confine myself to more where local Sanitary Inspectors of-employment which would make Colony has had to undertake first instance. estimated growth in the population of the Colony from 695,500 general remarks on the

The Honourable Member who points have been and are being trained. it easier to dispense with an would mention in passing the In-] Mr. Lo's figures of revenue, the raised by the mover. in 1924 to 966341 in 1935.

Now, 'Sir, how-ternational Convention for the seconded the motion It is also the case in the Medical officer's service..

suggests speaker said, also represented the "estimated minimum revenue

Services Reformed

Department in respect of Nursing over desirable it may appear that Safety of Life at Sea, which has that an Unofficial Member should of the Colony at the nadir of a period of depression, which cannot

The Medical and Sanitary De-Sisters, but there are other rea-the services of Government ser- entailed, an increase in the work be appointed to the Appointments. be taken as the standard for future years."

partments have during the last sons why it has not been found vants generally should be deter-of the Harbour Department, the Board of the Senior Clerical and few years been reorganised with possible to reduce the number of minable at the discretion of the Factory and Mui-tsai legislation, Accounting Service. In replying to the Hon. Mr. Lo, it".

It is assumed that the Hon. Mem- the Colonial Secretary said: 1 The Honourable Member has de-what was thought to be the sup-sisters- and increase the number Governor-in-Council. the Govern-which has necessitated an Inspec- should. Eke in the first place to voted a considerable part of his port, if not the encouragement, of of nurses. There is no difficulty ment is bound by the Colonial torate under the Secretariat for ber refers to the Appointments congratulate the Honourable Mem speech to an attempt to prove that the unofficial members of this with regard to recruiting proba-Regulations covering this matter. Chinese Affairs, the development Committee which deals chiefly it is more than doubtful of Aying with its attendant in-with promotions and with the fl- bers on both the manner and the because 60 per cent of the Co-Council, a reform which culminat-itioners for the local nursing staff; and matter of his maiden speech in loay's revenue is spent on what he led in the recent legislation cover-in fact there is a large waiting whether the Secretary of State for crease of staff. not only under ing of vacancies

onlying all matters of public health.list. In spite, however, of the the Colonies would grant a special Air Services but also under Royal These are matters for which the this Council. It Was said, I think calls "salaries" leaving

It must be remembered that in salaries given, which are higher dispensation therefrom in the case Observatory, the development of Government must accept complete. by Disraeli, that no Government $3,500,00, I quote his words, "to

offered in other of one Colony. Criminal proceed-Wireless services, entailing more responsibility. The can last without a strong opposi-cover the whole cost of Civil Ad-1924 the estimated population of than those

including social Hong Kong was 695,500 as against institutions. and in

spite of ings, as the Honourable Member work in both the Post Office and does not deal with the creation of tion, and this Government wel ministration,

excellence of

may not in certain the Public Works Department, the jaew posta or with salaries. These ac-points out comes criticism of a constructive services and the thousand and one 966,341 in 1935. In 1924 the public the nature, such as has been advanced items of essential public expendi-health organisation of the Colony commodation

the cases be successful, but a difficulty increase in the Volunteer Defence matters the Government is oblig- in the speech to which we have ture," therefore the existing Civil was considerably below that deem majority of nurses leave Eospital exists in that if an officer were Corps and the inauguration of the ed by the Constitution to refer to just listened.

Service is too costly for the Colonyfed normal for a first-class Colony soon after qualification. This found guilty by the Governor-in-Naval Volunteer Force. All these the Legislative Council. It does of an offence which additional commitments have been so refer them and the Legislative Mr. Lo's case. expressed suc to bear. Now I wenture to assert such as Hong Kong then was and exodus has been very disappoint-Council

Doing. especially

teaching clearly criminal he might well undertaken by the Government Council after receiving sach, in- einetly in his own words, is "that that there is a fundamental fallacy still is. In 1924 there was

3.8 it may consider the Honourable Member's Government Hospital in Kowloon, staff who have worked so hard to protest that the Government did with the approval of this Council. formation the Colony cannot afford to main-in

Police Force.

necessary to justify the proposals tain the existing Civil Service" (dramatic contrast of $14,000,000 which had then a population of train the nurses and u hold the pot venture to bring the case be

fore a Court, so that he might The Honourable Member refers must share with the Government ̈ and that it must "cut its coat ac-spent on salaries and $9,500,000 140,000. The only medical assis-standard required. cording to its cloth. The Governor the whole of the civil adminis-tance offered by Government on ber of nurses have married, some take his trial before a public and to the numbers of officers in the the responsibility for the creation Police. The authorised establish- of new posts and for any changes ment would be inclined to concur. tration, including social services. the peninsula was at a small out are in Government employment as independent tribunal

The seconder proposes a far-ment fiftéen years ago (in 1921) of salary scales. The Government if the mover would add the proviso No such contrast in fact exists. patients' dispensary in Nathan public health nurses, others are

reaching change on which he will was one Captain Superintendent feels that the Honourable Mem- "in present circumstances." One The Honourable Member seems to Road. The present Government engaged in private nursing.

hardly expect the Government to of Police, one Deputy Superinten-ber's proposal would not prove to Civil Hospital, soon to be replaced

Trained Nurses is apt to be misled by metaphors imply, that there is nothing

be a fact that express an opinion at a moment's dent of Police, three Assistant satisfactory either to this. Council and

It appears to the Honourable Member show for the large sum spent on by the Queen Mary Hospital, con-

Government will. Superintendents of Police and one or to the Government. seems to contemplate 2 static Co-salaries, but the salaries for the tained two wards less than to-day. Chinese girls like their sisters in notice. The

provision in

Exchange, Question lony, which has reached the end most part represent the cost of the The Maternity block at the Vic England prefer to reside in their owever, give careful considera-probationer. The

the estimates for this year la for The mover refers briefly and of its growth. It is doubtfulTM civil administration and of the toria Hospital had not been erectown home or in their own quar- tion to his proposal.

The mover points the finger of one Inspector-General of Police, the seconder at some length to the There was no Central Mediters where there is more Mr. La consciously intends to put social services to which the Hon-jed.

individual one Deputy Inspector-General, two failure of the Government to fix forward this view, but the view is ourable Member refers. Take for cal Store. no special Radiological freedom than is possible in an in-reproof at certain

Superintendents' of exchange forward for the whole implicit in his arguments. With example the legal departments, Branch or Malaria Bureau, no stitution where routine work un-officers and certain departments. Divisional this implication, the Government the cost of which goes almost en Venereal Diseases Clinic, no New der strict discipline must be mentions the Secretary to the Police, two Superintendents, seven of its sterling commitments for tirely in salaries what are these Territories dispensaries, no Infant maintained. Government trained Director of Public Works, whose Assistant Superintendents and one 1936 at the time when the budget. school nurses are in good demand outside salary is on a scale recommended probationer. It is submited that for 1996 was under consideration. The Honourable Member takes but part of the cost of civil ad-Welfare

re- ministration? Or take the Medi-welfare service, and the Tsan Yuk and there is no difficulty in finding by the Salaries Commission, which this increase is not disproportion-Even supposing such a course had. the figure of the estimated

¿consisted of the then Chief Jaslate to the growth of the Colony, been possible the Government venue for 1936, namely $26,671,-ca! Department, the personal Hospital was not

a Government employment. The time must come tice of this Colony, together with nor is the number of Commission-could not properly have taken it $45, which was calculated with the emoluments of which amount to institution.

when the number of trained: nurses will be sufficient to satisfy two gentlemen who have been jed Officers excessive for a Force The matter, was very fully dis rate of exchange taken at 1/8d to roughly eleven out of sixteen lakhs

Imembers of this Council He re of over 2,000 men. In this concussed at the time. The Governi- The amount of work performed all needs as is the case in Engifers to the Librarian Secretary's nection the Honourable Memberment was in possession, of excla-

cannot agree.

the dollar, which revenue will, if of dollars, or the Education De

Centres and no

Increase Of· Patients

the

provided,

to the

A large num-

as they occur.

Committee

the dollar remains at about 1/322d, pártment with fourteen lakhs for by the Medical Department, that land; when that happens gradoffice, and asks whether the one will bear in mind that times of jsive information as to the pro- be increased by a sum estimated personal emoluments out of just is the amount of service to the uates will be content to continue need be a sterling paid officer and depression are not necessarily bable course of exchange in the at $1.170,000, representing the in-under nineteen lakhs. What are community of Hong Kong, may be their careers in hospitals

The following record shows the the other on a salary of £1,050-times in which the work of the near future. To use that infor creased yield of the taxes based these but two of the social ser-gauged by the following figures

In respect of the Librarian, it Government decreases. On themation to meet a possible budget- bistory of Government} on the conventional dollar, and vices of the Colony? Does he in showing the increase in the num-after

should be pointed out that this contrary, such times frequently [ary difficult at an extremely criti- items of esber of patients treated in Govern-{trained`nurses: asserts without any explanation clude Roads under

officer is responsible for the pre-throw considerable. additional cal moment for the Colony's car- in support that a revenue of just sential Public Expenditure? It has ment Hospitals, clinics and dis-Employed by Government of

paration of Government publica-work on certain Government De-frency, when a transaction such as- over $261 million must be regard-been asserted that under certain pensaries.

tions and their distribution, is also partments, of which the Police is that suggested might have preci- ed as normal, cr, as he says, a modern methods of road making!

pitated a crisis and have caused- Inpatients

the storekeeper of the office and lone, and the Treasury another. representing the cloth according 85. per cent. of the cost goes in Outpatients to which the Government must wages.

cut its coat. It will be remember- Complete "Non Sequitur”

1935 are

ture years.

Strain Of Extra Taxation

The Government agair is un-i Administra able to agree that the Colony can- tion dot, at the appropriate time, stand Economic de the strain of extra taxation. This

velopfhent

'Services

Colony is frequently compared Social

1.

38.00 BLA 414

12.0 13.7

21.8 21.5 24.5 169

Vaccination Operations

whom two are in Govern-

1924 1935

ment Hospitals and four- 6,899

12,510

teen in outside. clipics 66,578 277,188

11,538 Married

16

.17

3

86-4 2,691 Employed by the Society for the Protection of Children

It is somewhat inopportune now Private nursing

Total

<

University Training

41

the

in charge of the Governmest The Honourable Member also detriment to others, appeared to printing and publishing sales quoted figures to show that the the Officer then administering the department. He also performs Government has not implemented Government and to his advisers to ed that the revenue in 1931 was The conclusión drawn by the

the clerical duties in connection its promise to retrench, particn-be little short of immoral. $32,146,724, in 1932 $33,549,716, in Honourable member from his pre-

with the Legislative Council meet-larly in the matter of European The Government, Sir, is now ER- 1933 $22,099,278 and in 1934, $29,- mises is a complete non sequitur, to query the cost, unless the Co-Nursing outside the Colony

ings. It is more than doubtful staff. He quoted the number of gaged in the difficult task of keep- 574,296. The final figures for A far better analysis of Publiclony is prepared to forego the ser-Physically unfit

whether he could be efficiently re- European Civil Servants' in 1935 ing its expenditure within its not yet to hand. The Expenditure is to be found in a vices which it has till recently Died

placed by an officer on a lower as 975, the number given by the means. Its expenditure happens at Government is of the opinion that publication entitled. "An Econo been demanding. In providing Unaccounted for

scale of salary.

Government in answer to his re- the moment to be inflated by com- a figure, which, it is hoped, re-mic Survey of the Colonial Em these services Government in no Training for a medical degree

In regard to the Chief Clerk cent question. That figure in-mitments on large public works presents the estimated minimum pire (1932)" published by His Ma-way wishes to enter inter competi-

who is the bead of the Govern-cludes, however, 52 European Civil which cannot economically be cur- revenue of the Colony at the nadir jesty's Stationery Office in 1934tion with private practitioners, or

ment Clerical Staff, and to the Servants on dollar salaries. The tailed and some of its revenne pro- of a period of depression canhot The figures there giver in respect to provide free what can and

A local branch of the Senior European clerical staff of the total number of European Civil ducing assets are at the moment be taken as the standard for fu-of severs: Colonies are as follows: should be paid for. A recent in- Clerical & Accounting Staff has Colonial Secretary's Office xener Servants has increased from 647 unrealisable. The sudden drop

H.K. F.M.S. Straits vestigation as to the use made of been formed, but considerable difally. it will be remembered that in 1923 to 975, but the proportion in exchange has, distarbed

Set'ments the Government Hospitals by per culty has been experienced in re-this Colony differs from most of Europeans on sterling salaries equilibriura between revenue and sons, other than Government ser cruiting suitable candidates from other Colonies by the fact that the to the total Civil Service in 1923 expenditure, but there, is no rea- vants, able to afford the services outside Government Service.

great majority of its inhabitants was only 965 and it has decreased son for panic or for uneconomic of private practitioners does not

and even of its locally recruited to 952 in 1925. The increase in įretrenchment. › Our “major com-- support the complaint that the Honourable Members are al Civil Servants are not British the Civil Service has been con-mitments should be completed by Government Medical Service 13

ready familiar with the work per-subjects. There is certain sonant with the increase in the this time next year, certain of our with Singapore, although its mu-Defence

merely entering into competition formed by the Electrical Depart-amount of work which in other growth of the Colony and the assets which do not appear in the cipal undertakings are under the It will be seen that the cost of with the private practitioner. It

is true that the fees charged could eat of the Public Works Depart-Colonies may be undertaken by amount of work, municipal and balance sheet should be realisable direct control of the Colonial Gov-administration in Hong Kong is ernment. Honourable Members put at 38 per cent., as against 4741be raised, but the Government is ment in the training and employ-locally born British subjects, otherwise, which has to be per-as soon as commercial prosperity -frevives, and a cautious policy in will remember that the assessed per cent in the Straits Settle raising them, being of the opinioned Chinese expect salaries equal The wing

anxious to avoid the necessity for ment of local staff, but they may which in this Colony has perforce formed by the Government.

be unaware that University train to be performed by Europeans. Decreasing Budget Deficit, the future should quickly restore tax in Singapore is 22-2 per cent.ments. Mr. Lo will of

complexity of The Government regrets that the equilibrium.. that the charges at present fixed a total of 24 per cent, in com- course object that the cost

to those drawn by European Off-modern government is inevitably it has again, as in the case of Unusual Measures are hot unduly low. parision with the 17 per cent., in of administration should be cour

cers. Mr. Lo of course will point reflected in an increase of work sterling-paid officers ́ ́ in: - 1931, Meanwhile the Government is force in this Colony, and in Singa-puted by his method to include

Other Departments to the saving on passages. Leave and responsibility in the Colonial found it necessary to impose a obliged to take unusual and I hope pore there is no free water allow-various other items, but this The Education Department like in England, however, serves more Secretary's Office..

levy on the emoluments of its ser- temporary measures to reduce the ance. The Government cannot would apply alike to the computa- the Medical Department has de purposes than mere recruitment Non-European Students vants, with a view to decreasing deficit in its budget, and these: agree that a Colony, such as Hong tion in respect of these other Coveloped with the times. Honour of health. Many professional of- I am glad the Honourable Mem-the deficit in the Budget. As measures include a temporary levy Kong, in which there is little lonies. The Government's case in able Members will recollect how ficers of this Government devote her referred particularly to the Honourable Members are aware on salaries and retrenchment in direct taxation, where there is no that the cost of administration in Government was urged to proceed their leave of absence to bringing proposed appointment of a sterbill has been read a first time this staff and work where this car be Income Tax, where the duty on Hong Kong compares not unfaith the new Central British themselves up to date in their ling-paid officer as official anaes- afternoon in which legislative accomplished without undue loks whisky and gin is one-sixth of ourably with that of other Co-School. The Police Department, re-particular speciality, and increase thetist He will be interested to sanction is sougit for the levy, on together with an road into the the duty in the United Kingdom, lonies.

garding which I shall speak more in qualifications is reflected in in learn that this appointment was salaries, and in introducing the surplus balances which have been and the daty on cigarettes pro- Fallacious, Distinction fally later, has had new and aner-crease ti eficiency."

advocated with a view to improv But the Attorney General has set built up to meet just such an portionately even less, "is already I suggest that it would be more ous duties thrust upon it, and m The Honourable Member refers ing the facilities for the teaching out the financial position which jemergency, as has now come upon taxed to capacity, if not beyond profitable to abandon this fallaci opium policy, which we have to an application for the post of of medical students at the Univer-compelled the Government to im-jus..

28 13.3

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