CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11] — Page 154

Rak

Kowloon-Canton Railway:- (Continued)

Abstract E. (Contd.)

1 5th Grade Accounts Clerk.

1 Police Constable, $215.

The

40303

151

Fanling Branch Line.

2 6th Grade Head Men (graded)

1 Coolie, 156 (increased from 8144)

2 6th Grade Drivers (graded).

1 Fireman, $216.

10.

In the last sheet of the Abstract showing the differences between the Estimates of Expenditure for 1914 and 1915, headed 'Recapitulation', the total increase due to the creation of new posts is given as X135,535. The enclosed statement, which gives the more important offices to be created, shows how the amount is made up. Some items are counter-balanced by savings in other directions.

11.

The principal items in the nature of "Special Expenditure" which require your saction are $1,500 for a new piano for Government House to replace an old instrument which is unserviceable; $2,500 under Royal Observatory for apparatus for ,the distribution of Time Signals by Wireless Telegraphy, which has been rendered necessary by the adherence of Hongkong to the Radio-Telegraphic Convention; 3,840 under Prison for the purchase of machines and tools for the printing-shop in order to cope with increasing work and to secure greater efficiency; 1,500 under Medical Department for the equipments necessary for the examination of cassia and anise oils, the expenditure incurred being recovered from the fees paid for the examinations; under Sanitary Department a further sum of $10,000 to permit of a continuance of the policy of the removal of ceilings as a plague-preventive measure, and $1,250 for the purchase of two four-wheeled water carts to re- place two of the old two-wheeled carts which unduly tax the strength of the bullocks, and are continually in need of repairs;