CO129-505-12 Estimates of expenditure 1928 1-9-1927 - 12-1-1928 — Page 100

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the cost of three armed launches for anti-piracy work in the delta has already been before the Finance Committee. The agreement terminates in March of next year, but as it

is possible that it may be renewed, provision for the whole year is made. The cost is admittedly heavy, but it is essential that the commerce of this Colony should be protected

from piractical attack.

A small vote has been inserted for extra clerical

assistance to avoid trivial items of supplementary supply.

Subhead 24- Chinese Faculty at the University of Hong Kong'. Your Excellency is keenly interested in the promotion of higher education in the Chinese language at the University. At first the beginnings must be small, but in time it is hoped that the faculty may attract students from China, Malaya, and elsewhere. For the present it cannot be expected to be sclf supporting, and provision is made

for the salary of an advisor, the Reverend H. R. Wells, O.B.E.,

and one lecturer.

The allowance for teachers to subordinate officers

studying Cantonese has been increased to $15 per month. It

is most important that officers who have to work with and amongst the Chinese should have some knowledge of the

language.

Subhead 27 has been raised to $17,000 to cover

the cost of the increased allowance.

The increase in subhcad 29 - Other Miscellaneous

Services' from $23,250 to $200,000 is due to the fact that the Emergency Vote which was omitted from the Estimates for

1927 was later found necessary and had to be furnished to the cxtant of $200,000 by Supplementary Supply. The outlook is still so uncertain that expenditure on this account is likely to be unavoidable next year and it is preferable to budget

for

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