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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
We must not be forgetful of the fact that those responsible in the past have handed down to us an inheritance almost unencumbered, a position possibly unique, and posterity will have every right to look to us for a similar stewardship. We must also bear in mind that posterity may have legitimate claims for borrowing, or circumstances may arise in the future, as in the past, which may call for claims on the Colony's credit, consequently it would be undesirable to borrow up to the full extent of the Colony's resources. I notice that the Govern- ment has not confined its borrowings to money in the past, for on page 66 of the estimates (item 19) I find we have borrowed a mechanical device, now in operation at the junction between Des Vœux Road Central and Pedder Street, for keeping the public of the Colony presumably in the right path.
The period through which the Colony has now passed has been a very difficult one for every business concern, and though we appear happily to have turned the corner, and there are signs of better times, nevertheless a very considerable improvement will be required, before the former position is again reached. At the present it cannot be denied we are chiefly suffering from the disturbed conditions in China, but there is, nevertheless, a general all-round want of confidence, which is assisting to stagnate every market. Every effort, whether by legislation or by individual effort to restore the old confidence and re-establish institutions and concerns to their former position, should be the aim and object on all sides.
A matter of great concern and undoubtedly importance, is the continually rising cost of living in this Colony. It affects everyone, but more so that large body of essential residents, who are employees, and without whom the Colony cannot exist. This matter should receive special consideration and it might be possible to hold a repre- sentative Inquiry to ascertain, if possible, its causes, also to appoint a permanent official to keep a continual watch on the position and investigate generally. One of the troubles would appear to be the various profits which are made from the time foodstuffs arrive in the Colony until they reach the ultimate consumer. Efforts might be made to bring the retail consumer into more direct contact with the supplier. It must be borne in mind that the facilities and induce- ments for spending money have much increased in recent years, also that the residents of the Colony are living at a standard of luxury hardly contemplated fifteen or twenty years ago.
I note that it has been found necessary to detail an officer specially to look after the accounting and financial work of the Supreme Court. I have difficulty in understanding this necessity because in years past when the business of the Courts was greater than it now is, no such provision was made or considered requisite.
I have noted with particular interest the provision which is being made to deal with malaria, and instructing the villagers in sanitation and hygiene. Unquestionably in the past the ravages of malaria have
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