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HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
There
completed, it will be difficult to avoid drawing annually on our assets. is also the possibility that the course of public events during the next few months may render it necessary to curtail our expenditure very considerably, and there are several items in the Estimates which could be postponed or reduced, whereby a large saving could be effected.
The detailed expenditure is shown in Appendix I. The following are the principal items of increase :-In Abstract ARepairs of Station Buildings, etc." $2,920. Abstract B and C: An Assistant Locomotive Superintendent, $3,397. This is a new post, approved by the Secretary of State, which has been rendered necessary by the increase in the number of locomotives. Coal shows an increase I would suggest to the Unofficial of $18,800 due to the rise in price. Oil, Members of the Council that in consider- tallow and other stores are estimated to ing the Estimates during the fortnight cost $3,100 more than last year. This which will elapse before the second read- estimate is based on the actual expending of the Supply Bill they would do ture of 1913 and the revised estimate for well to consult the Colonial Secretary, the current year.
Materials, mainten- the Treasurer and the Director of Public ance and renewals of Locomotive Works on any points about which they Engines is increased by $8,348 to may wish for further information, so that provide for increased repairs next year, when we meet again there will be less need as it has been impossible to spare the for explanations, which can only be given engines during the current year for this somewhat inadequately in the course of purpose. Three new locomotives will be debate. available next year, and the old ones will Under then have a thorough overhaul.
of K Repairs and renewals
coaching vehicles the items wages,
power and materials have been increased by $2,265, $1,238 and $2,740 respectively.
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Abstract D: A new printing machine at a cost of $3,000 has been provided for and a sum of $1,000 is provided for hire of 1st and 2nd class coaches from the Chinese Section for week-end traffic, The arrival of the new rolling stock will obviate this expenditure in future.
Abstract E: A post of " Inspector of Station Accounts has been created at a salary of $2,400. A sum of $2,500 has been entered for house allowances pending the erection of quarters for the European Subordinate Officers. It is proposed to build quarters next year. which will be occupied free of rent.
Charitable Allowances
Two new items appear under this head, namely, a sum of $1,047 being the equivalent of £96 a year which is being paid to Mrs. Evans, the widow of the Chief Officer of the "Tai On," and a sum of $120 to Mrs. da Silva, the widow of a Portuguese Guard on the same vessel.
The Balancing of the Budget In order to balance the budget for the coming year it will be necessary appropriate from surplus balances sum of $1,079,139.
to
This is a larger sum than has hitherto been taken for this purpose, but, until the large public works in progress and in
have contemplation
been
The Bill was read a first time.
moved
Jury Amendment Ordinance
ATTORNEY-GENERAL THE the second reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to amend the Jury Ordinance, 1887." In doing so he said-Members of the Volunteer Force have to give up a portion of their time every year in connection with the annual camp and those of them who are employed by others, in their case the employers may lose a portion of their employees' time for the
same reason.
burden, which no doubt in many cases is That, Sir, is a public cheerfully borne, but it seems not un-
reasonable to relieve those who have to
bear that burden to some extent from any other public duty from which they can be conveniently relieved. The object of this Bill is to exempt from jury service all officers and non-commissioned officers of the Volunteer force, and such number of other efficient members of the Force as may be approved by the Governor-in-Council. That is the main object of the Bill, Sir. It is also necessary to make a slight amendment, which is rendered desirable by the recent passing of the Dentistry Ordinance. in another portion of the section.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY second. ed, and the Bill was read a second time.
Council then went into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.
On resuming.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL reported that the Bill had passed through Com- mittee without amendment, and moved that it be read a third time.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY second- ed. and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
Specia! Police Reserve Ordinance
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inserted in the Estimates for next year, but this minute is taken in case any of the money may be needed this year.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $200 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Lighting, Extension of Lighting.
585
THE CHAIRMAN-There has been a considerable extension in the number of public lamps, and this is to provide for their upkeep.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Bill entitled, An Ordinance to provide for the forma- tion of a Special Police Reserve."
In
The Governor recommended the Council doing so he said On the first reading of to vote a sum of $500 in aid of the vote this Bill, Sir, you explained the objects Public Works Department, Other Charges, and reasons for it, and with your permis-Electric Fans and Light. sion 1 propose to say nothing further, but merely to move the second reading.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY second- ed, and the Bill was read a second time.
Council then went into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.
On resuming,
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL reported that the Bill had passed through Com- mittee without amendment, and moved that it be read a third time.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY second- ed, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
HIS
EXCELLENCY-Council stands adjourned till this day fortnight.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
A meeting of the Finance Committee was then held, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding:
Public Works
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,000 in aid of the vote Public Works
New Extraordinary, Territories, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Works.
THE CHAIRMAN--This $1,000 is a third of the estimated cost of a bridge which is being built by the villagers at Shatin, and special reference is made to it in the Governor's address in connection with the Estimates for next year. A sum has been
THE CHAIRMAN-A great many new fans and electric lights have been pro- vided, especially fans, and this is to cover the cost of extra current. Sixteen lights, four ceiling fans and thirteen desk fans have been installed during the current
year.
Harbour Expenses
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $160 in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, D.- Steam-Launches. Other Charges, Stores.
THE CHAIRMAN--This is for certain improvements which have been made in the steam tender Stanley.
Medical Contributions
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,548.39, the equivalent of £150, in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Grants-in-aid of Scientific Institutions, Contribution to the Endow ment Fund of the London School of Tropical Medicine.
THE CHAIRMAN-This vote of £150 is for the contribution of the Colony to the London School of Tropical Medicine Endowment Fund. The vote is shown under
Miscellaneous the heading of Services, and there are not sufficient savings under other items to cover the contribution which the Colony has agreed to make, so it has been necessary to take this vote.
HON. MR. HEWETT-Was it taken as a separate vote, or was it lumped in?
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.