CO129-469 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [9-12] — Page 424

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same time, I may say it is not intended really to deal primarily with Chinese. The world is in a disturbed state at the moment, and it is absolutely necessary that we should have the power to get rid of the presence in this Colony of Bolshevists and revolutionaries of various kinds, whatever their nationality may be. I need hardly say that the question of punishing a man whose only home is here will not be approached without the greatest hesitation. If a man is only technically a British subject it will rest with him to prove by his good behaviour that he is worthy of being regarded as such. The Ordinance will certainly be used against him with the greatest care.

The Hon. Mr. Stephen raised the ques tion of town planning to which the Direc- tor of Public Works has already replied. I must say I should hesitate gravely to employ the services of a town planning expert who has probably been only used to planning towns on the flat, and prob- ably had never conditions such as we have in Hongkong, and he would have to reside in Hongkong for some years at considerable expense before his advice would be of any use. If the idea is to lay out plans in advance the phenomena already referred to by the Director of Public Works and the marvellous in- crease in the value of land along contem- plated roads would make any system of development in the future prohibitive in cost.

Reference was made to the old question of loans. I do not consider that the majority of these public works could pro- perly be dealt with by loans. They are not recurrent, although they are more or less of a recurrent character. There are some of them I would have no hesitation to meet by means of loans if it were necessary, but when we have balances I submit it is not sound finance to raise money in a market where everybody is bidding for money, and we shall do better to see how far the balances will carry us before we resort to loans. Of course, the question of harbour development will come on shortly, and that will cost a sum beyond any balances we may have. I think that is all the remarks I have to make. I have to express my thanks for the kindly and exhaustive criticisms you have made.

The Bill was then read a second time, and Council went into Committee to con- sider the Bill. The amendments indicated by the Colonial Secretary were made, and on the Council resuming the Bill Was read a third time.

THE ADJOURNMENT.

TRIBUTE TO THE HON. MR. HO FOOK.

H18 EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR: It is a little uncertain as to whether there will be sufficient material for another meeting shortly, and I therefore propose that we adjourn sine die. Before doing so, how- ever, I desire to draw the attention of hon. members to the fact that the Hon. Mr. Ho Fook, to my regret, has decided, that his private affairs will not permit him any longer to remain a member of the Council. I have already received intimation of Mr. Ho Fook's decision and I was successful in inducing him to delay his resignation in order to be pre- sent at this meeting, for which I tender him my thanks. I beg to thank him on behalf of the Council for the way he has assisted in past years in our deliberations, and express the regret of us all that he has found it necessary to withdraw him self from us in future.