CO129-505-12 Estimates of expenditure 1928 1-9-1927 - 12-1-1928 — Page 50

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COLONIAL SECRETARY

The

REPLIES.

for improving the local supply of vegetables and similar commodities. These matters have received much consideration from Government in recent months, and the Honourable the good work being done by the Member himself drew attention to New Territories Agricultural Show Committee. The Government hopes which it desires to encourage in that the labours of the Committee,

Colonial Secretary said The very favourable reception ac- corded to the Budget by my unoffi- cial colleagues has robbed the task of replying to the debate of most of its difficulties. I would first every possible way, will stimulate like tɔ. thank my

honourable the interest of the farming com- munity and lead to increased pro- re- duction.

friends for their very kind ferences to the way in which the Budget was presented and explain- ed. It is to my staff rather than to myself that any tribute should be paid.

The Government is highly gratifi- ed that its policy of economy com- bined, as we hope, with no loss of efficiency has met with such un- animous acceptance by the Unoffi- cial Members of the Council. We are glad to find that our loan pro- posals have met with approval, and in this connection I would like to remind some of our outside critics that even loans have to be paid for. Our modest loan of $5,000,000, and we admit it is modest, will cost us ultimately $634,000 per annum, and moreover, although we have reas n to believe there is ample

money

in the Colony to have enabled us to raise a larger loan, we do not wish to drain the money market of funds which ought to be held in readiness to finance the im- proyed trade to which we are all confidently looking forward.

re-

Water Supply and Meter Rents. The Honourable the Senior Un- official Member drew attention to an estimated decrease in the venue from water excess supply and meter rents of $70,000. The apparent decrease is due to an over-estimate for 1927. The actual revenues have been as follows:-

1924

1925

1925

$540,534

$533,025 $471,679

For 1927, in view of the increase in the charge for water to shipping and for wharf and building sup- plies from which an increase of $100,000 was expected, the estimate, based on normal years, was placed at $640,000. The year has not been normal and We now expect to realize only $520,000 from this source in 1927. We hope for a bet- ter year in 1928 and have estimated our revenue at $570,000.

The Government will not over- look the views of Honourable Members on the advantages of afforestation and on the necessity

The Government is glad to find that its proposals for the increase of the Police Force meet with ap- proval, and welcomes and endorses the recognition of the good work of the Police and District Watch tendent of Police and Secretary for Force under the Captain Superin- Chinese Acairs respectively.

Harbour Proposals.

The Government is pleased to find that its proposals with regard to the Harbour as set out in Sessional Paper No. 5 of 1927 have been approved by Honourable Mem- bers. It is also gratified at the ap- proval shown towards its proposals Sanitary Services of the Colony, for improving the Medical and

but regrets that practical difficul- ties prevent it from acceding to the request that private practitioners be allowed to practise in Govern- ment Hospitals.

The question of the Vehicular but it is an expensive undertaking Ferry has not been lost sight of,

and more investigation has been found necessary than was at first anticipated. The information will be laid before Honourable Members as soon as it is available.

As regards the Water Supply, that very busy officer, my Honour- able Friend the Director of Public Works, is engaged on the prepara- tion of a comprehensive report on the various possible schemes for supplying the inhabitants of this Colony with that most precious of all commodities, good water, and the results of his labours will in duc course be laid before you for con- sideration. When the necessary information has been collected His Excellency intends, as he promised last year, to appoint a Commission to consider the whole subject.

The Government is very pleased to find that the Council so whole- heartedly endorses its efforts to pro- vide the Colony with an Aerodrome suitable for modern aircraft, and amount of the suggested Imperial trusts that the hopes of the full

Contribution will not be disappoint-

ed.

Turning now to the remarks of the Honourable the Second Chinese Member, I can assure him that his representations on the subject of the Assessed Taxes will receive the most careful consideration from the Government.

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