56
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
from Tytam is governed by a conduit designed to carry seven million gallons a day, through which the engineers are now passing eight million gallons a day, and every possible step is being taken to mitigate the admitted hardships of the poorer classes. These steps include the opening of eleven new fountains, which are as many as the engineers consider practicable, and the patrolling of the restricted areas by waterworks overseers to ascertain and so far as possible mitigate any exceptional hardships.
The introduction of restriction during the hottest of the hot weather is, not unnaturally, giving rise to questions as to the policy of the Government in connection with the increase of the water supply. As Honourable Members are no doubt aware, the question is one which His Excellency Sir Cecil Clementi took up within a few days of his return to the Colony as Governor. A careful survey of the situation convinced the Governor that the proper course for this Colony to pursue as regards the water supply on the Island was first to use all the available resources on Hong Kong Island itself. These resources were exhaustively examined on Sir Cecil's instructions, and the Aberdeen water supply scheme was considered to afford the best possible improvement of the Island's water supply. The scheme was submitted to the Secretary of State for the Colonies with the least possible delay, and has received his provisional approval.
When, however, this scheme was considered by the Public Works Committee of this Council it was found that the scheme did not meet with full approval. I have now referred the views of the Committee by telegraph to the Secretary of State, and am awaiting his reply before seeking the approval of this Council for the financial provision which will be necessary to carry out such scheme as may be approved. The matter will be brought before the Council at the earliest possible date.
PAPERS.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H. E. The Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table the following
papers:-
Rescission of the Order declaring Bangkok an infected place on
July 17th, 1928.
Regulation under section 95 of the Liquors Consolidation Ordin-
ance, 1911, on July 19th, 1928.
Order under section 2 of the Crown Fees Ordinance, 1870, on July
19th, 1928.
Air Navigation (Colonies, Protectorates and Mandated Territories)
Order, 1927, on December 20th, 1927.
The International Air Navigation Convention, 1919, on October
13th, 1919.
The Medical Report for the year 1927.
73
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.