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HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Council was then adjourned and the Bill considered clause by clause in Finance Committee, the Colonial Secretary presid- ing. The Bill passed through Committee without amendment.
The Committee then considered various Financial Minutes.
Cheung Chow School
The Officer Administering the Govern- ment recommended the Council to vote a i sum of one hundred and ten dollars in aid of the vote Education, A.- Depart- ment of Director of Education, Other Charges, Cheung Chau School, Rent.
THE CHAIRMAN The old school was reported unsafe structurally and other premises were rented.
The vote was agreed to.
Fire Brigade
The Officer Administering the Govern- ment recommended the Council to vote a sum of three hundred dollars in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments. M. Fire Brigade, Other Charges, Re- pairs to Engines and Plant,
The Officer Administering the Govern ment recommended the Council to vote a sum of four hundred and twenty-four dollars in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, B.--Fire Brigade, Other Charges, Repairs to Engines.
THE CHAIRMAN ---These suns are 10 quired for extensive repairs to the fire float due to the bursting of a tube in the boiler.
The votes were agreed to.
War Bonus
The Officer Administering the Govern ment recommended the Council to vote a sum of two hundred thousand dollars in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services. | Special War Allowance on Salaries.
THE CHAIRMAN-I understand that members wish to vote this sum and desire that a proposal should be sent to the Secretary of State that there should be a ten per cent. increase all round on all salaries.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER The Officer Administering the Government stated in his address that hon. members had already considered this scheme. I do not recollect it; at what meeting was it discussed!
THE CHAIRMAN It was considered by the 'nofficial members.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER--At private meeting?
THE CHAIRMAN - Yes.
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THE COLONIAL TREASURER Upon what principle is the discrimination made --- 10 per cent. for married men and 5 per cent. for bachelors.
THE CHAIRMAN-It is not so much an allowance on salaries as compensation for the increased cost of living, and it was thought that in the case of married men, possibly with children, the expenses would be higher than in the case of bachelors.
And
THE COLONIAL TREASURER what is the reason for the discrimination between those who get ten per cent. and those who get nothing at all?
THE CHAIRMAN —Every one gets ten per cent. or five per cent. throughout the service.
HON. MR. HOLY AK- The Colonial Secretary does not come in the scheme.
THE CHAIRMAN-No; there are five senior officers excluded.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER What is the argument put forward?
THE CHAIRMAN That their salaries are comparatively large, and the rise in prices has not so directly affected them
THE COLONIAL TREASURER-How was the distinction drawn between those receiving about the same salaries ?
THE CHAIRMAN--A broad distinction was made between those holding what are known as staff appointments and those who are not.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER-· -A dis- tinction in name only. I think the vote comes under the wrong heading. It should come under charitable services.
The vote was then agreed to. Council then resumed.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY reported that the Finance Bill had passed through Com- mittee without amendment, and moved its third reading.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
Chanell then adjourned sine dir.
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