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Council
criticise their methods. Representing as 1 do British interests, I contend we cannot fulfil our part, either in China or at home if we do not realise that we must provide sufficient funds to establish and mantau an euuca- tional link which will be inseparable from our home universities, so that we shall have a succession of British students returning, who will believe that the first engineering works in the world are British, that the finest products are British, and that the finest public schools are British. There is room for competition between us all and we must work, if ' may say So, with Friendly rivalry and in a apirit of co-opera- tion. It was for this reason, Sir, we welcomed very particularly, as a begin- nin the grant to Holy Trinity College, Canton, which we will vote and which is the beginning of such an outline of educa¬ tion as I have emphasised. I am quite cer- tain that the burden is too great for either, China or Hongkong and must be sup- ported by Imperial grants. Subscriptions will be raised, but I am firmly convinced that the Imperial Government will also come to our assistance.
You, yourself, sir, have referred to the fact that the schools here are seri- ously understaffed and that so far it has been impossible to find suitable candidates to fill the vacancies. We should like to know whether it is not a fact that this is not entirely due to war conditions, but to the fact that the salary offered is not sufficiently conducive to attract suitable candidates. We impress upon you the necessity for filling these vacancies at the earliest moment.
In connection with the Police Depart- ment, we have noticed with interest the proposal to establish a training school in connection with the new gaol in the Kow- loon Reclamation site. We should like to impress upon the Government the im- portance of training Police officers who can satisfactorily handle the traffic of this ptace, which is of growing importance. Anyone who has been to the North, in Peking or Shanghai, comparing the sys- tem of traffic control we have in force here with that which obtains even in Peking to-day, will recognise that the system which obtains here is yet in its infancy, and that we have much to learn.
We welcome the vote made under the heading of Government House exten- sions. I myself have previously referred to the condition of Government House in this Council, but owing to war conditions it was not possible then to ask for a vote. We are glad that it is possible now to bring Government House more into con- formity with the dignity of the Colony. Personally speaking I would like to see added to your garage a suitable limousine for the conveyance of your guests in a manner worthy of the dignity or the Colony,
I now come to the question of finance in regard to public works, I am well aware that the Colony is free of debt and that for years ast great works have been car- ried on out of current revenue. But I do contend, and as you have learnt from The Senior Unofficial Member, we are agreed that necessary works have been held back in the past, by this policy which, we contend, is not sound, I suggest for your consideration that large public works which are necessary to the growing deve- lopment of this Colony-the best days of which, in my opinion, are yet to come--we must take large views of the future, in connection with dock deve- lopments on the other side of the harbour and the harbour developments which will possibly be recommended by the expert, Bir Maurice Fitzmaurice," whom we welcome amongst us to-day. These works should be carried out on the principle of debenture loans raised locally and redeemable in part year by year, and possibly by premium loans with which our Chinese friends are well BC- quainted. By such means development would take place more rapidly than it otherwise would.
I have looked in vain for any reference in the estimates to the wireless station for Hongkong. This subject was also dis- cussed at the conference at Shanghai. I has long been felt by the Chamber of Commerce here that the facilities we have in Hongkong are quite inadequate, compar- ed with the facilities in Manila and Shang- hai, and is only at our disposal through the Courtesy of the Admiralty, for any com- mercial purpose. We have had to rely on occasions upon Manila for current prices of stocks and commodities wireless- ed from the Pacific board via Honolulu, and we feel we cannot too strongly emphasise the importance of having a powerful wire- less station in a Colony like this where shipping is the life-blood. We must have a wireless station which can pass on mes¬ sages to reach London within a reason- able space of time. We hope, sir, you will make these representations to the Imperial Government in connection with the Imperial wireless scheme under con- sideration and urge prompt action.
In conclusion, I would like to refer to the impending retirement of the Director of Public Works, because this is the last occasion of a budget debate at which he will be with us.
I do not feel competent myself to refer to the many years of loyal and distinguish- ed service he has rendered to this Colony. Many of the magnificent buildings which must impress everyone who lands on these shores, and the roads, which are un- equalled in any part of the world, are standing testimonials to him. In parting, we would wish him all the happiness and health in the retirement to which he is justly entitled. I also wish to thank the Colonial Secretary and the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, who are going on leave, for their invaluable services to the Colony. The Chamber of Commerce especially in its relations with the Colonial Secretary's Department has appreciated his untiring efforts, and zeal, often under trying con- ditions, and great courtesy. This Colony is grateful, and we wish to show it by a tribute to their services. We wish then a pleasant voyage and holiday at home.- (Applause.)
HON. MR. PARR.
The Hon. Mr. E. V. D. PARR said:- Following the remarks of my unofficial colleagues, I think the most striking feature of the Budget is the proposed expenditure, exceeding the estimate for the current year by some $3,500,000 in spite of the expected decline of some $2,000,000 in the opium
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