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TRADE STATISTICS.
I am glad to hear that some arrange ment may be made for the continuance of the figures in connection with the Imports and Exports Department. I was asked to raise this question by interest- ed merchants who are, perhaps, more interested than they appear to be. The real fact is that in almost every other port in the world you have Customs. In Whilst it is Hongkong you have none. true that the Chinese Maritime Customs function they do not function fully as far as Hongkong returns are concerned. If it was desired to find out in two years time what effect the strike had had on Hongkong trade it would be impossible tc get the necessary information with- out these figures. The argument that the Import and Export figures are not reliable is no argument against the need for keeping them but is rather an argu- ment against the method of compiling them. Without such figures it is im- possible to make a comparison between one year and another and what is more important there is no means of compar- ing the imports into this Colony of com- They are part of petitor countries. world trade statistics and Hongkong should not be lacking in that respect. We do feel that the cost of the Depart- ment is preposterous and that the cost ought to be very much lower than it has been.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY: There are a tremendous number of items and it is purely physical work in recording them.
DANGEROUS BRIDGES.
Hon. Mr. HOLYOAK: With reference to the Taipo Road bridges, I agree with Your Excellency's remarks as to speed, of course, but for a long time past the first section of the Taipo Road has been a menace to safety. From a motorist's point of view-and I speak as one who drives, the bridges are a positive dan- ger. They should have been one of the first improvements undertaken. A large sum of money has been spent in this Colony during the past twelve months on roads which should have been spent on the main road in the New Territories leading to Taipo. We submit that the improvement of the road ought now to be amongst the first of new works under- taken. The first three bridges are ex- tremely dangerous and very narrow.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY: The bridges between the Reservoir and Shatin ?
They are Hon. Mr. HOLYOAK: Yes. very dangerous however carefully you- drive.
The Bill was then read a second time. Council went into Committee to con- sider details of the Bill. No changes were made in Committee, and upon Council resuming,
The COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the third reading of the Bill.
The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
Council adjourned sine die.
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