CO129-463 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1920 [10-12] — Page 216

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HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Tobacco duties are expected to produce an additional $60,000 owing to increased consumption. Water should bring in an extra $250,000, the increase being partly accounted for by a proposal to charge excess supply against houses on the rider main system. That system was introduced to cope with the situation when water always ran short in the winter months, and the method was to cut off the rider mains except during short periods in each day. Now that there is a constant supply houses in the rider main areas can draw off water continuously and in any quantity, unchecked by the system of meters which prevails elsewhere; and the wastage is very considerable.

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length of service so that they can be utilised according to their individual capa- city and the requirements of the Public Service without regard to questions of seniority. A Cadet can now rise directly from a salary of £350 to a salary of £1,200, subject to two strict efficiency bars which he may not pass unless his service is wholly satisfactory.

Provision is made for four unpassed cadets, who are required against normal wastage and the increase in Government work consequent upon the expansion of the Colony.

Changes at the Treasury

It is anticipated that increased business Under Treasury, on page 20, an assis- at the Post Office will bring in an addi- tant treasurer and a European Accountant tional $70,000; also that increased traffic are provided for. The latter will even- on the Railway will result in a gain oftually take place of the Cashier, who is Widows and Orphans Pension shortly due for pension. The separate contributions are higher by $14,000, owing office of Assessor of Rates is abolished, and to higher payments on increased salaries; the work will in future form part of the and it is anticipated that an additional general work of the Treasurer. $100,000 will be received from Land Sales.

$66,800.

Estimates of Expenditure for 1921

which has been laid on the table.

Harbour Department Changes

In the Harbour Master's Department, The expenditure for next year is estimat-

un page 24, provision is made for a ed to amount to $17,349,150, being

European Deputy Shipping Master, whose $2,462,677 more than the original estimate

work will include all matters appertaining and $3,580,320 more than the revised to ship's crews with whom he will be estimate for the current

The in- brought into constant contact. On page year. creases and decreases under each depart-27 are shown two Lighthouse Keepers and ment are set out in the sessional paper dollar salaries. It has been decided to three Apprentice Lighthouse Keepers on supplement the European Lighthouse Ser- vice with local men, of the type which mans the Lighthouses on the China Coast. It is anticipated that considerable economy with no loss in efficiency will be thereby secured. Provision is made on page 29 for the pur- chase of a motor boat which is required in connection with the expanding traffic in the harbour.

It will be seen from page 2 of the draft estimates, that the members of the Cadet Service, who were formerly included under the various departments, are grouped separately under the heading "Cadet Ser- The change in classification is desirable for accounting purposes, as under the previous system much confusion was caused when an officer of the Cadet Ser-

vice."

ment, on page 32, the increase of $300,000 In the Imports and Exports Depart- for purchase of raw opium is accounted by the Government of India. for by the increase in the price charged

Under Royal Observatory, on page 33, provision is made for the purchase of a Seismograph.

vice was transferred from one department to another. The new system of payment of cadets is based on the principle of con- tinuous increments. Under the system pre- viously obtaining Cadet appointments were grouped in three classes, and this system had serious disadvantages. In the past the incidence of promotion has been very uneven, a good officer being frequently kept waiting for promotion because there

Grants to the University was no vacancy for which he was specially fitted. Under the system which has now

Under Miscellaneous Services, on page been introduced Cadet Officers are paid 34, Hon. Members will see that a grant on a scale of salaries dependent on their of $200,000 to the University of Hongkong