CO129-519-1 Estimates for 1930 5-9-1929 - 14-11-1929 — Page 31

3.

31

The full provision as entered in the Estimates was ultimately allowed to stand without a division on my giving an undertaking that no money would be expended on the items to which objection had been raised without further reference to the Finance Committee. The opposition was I think inspired mainly by the dislike of spending this considerable sum of money on the present unsatisfactory Gaol Building. There is strong local feeling in favour of building a new Gaol, and I sympathize with the feelings of the unofficials in this matter; but, as I pointed out in the course of the debate, a

and

new Gaol is a very expensive undertaking, the new Government

which

^

Λ

Civil Hospital is even more important and must take priority. It will, therefore, inevitably be many years before the new

Gaol can be ready for occupation.

7.

A difference of opinion between the unofficial members and the Government arose over the sum provided in Head 31 Sub-head 110, Circular Eastern Road, First Section, Kowloon City to Ma Yau Tong. The proposal for this road is explained in the memorandum of the Director of Public Works and I dealt with it fully in my remarks on the 23rd instant, to which I refer you. The view of the unofficial members (excepting the Honourable Mr. J. P. Braga, who resides in Kowloon, and who supported the policy of the Government) is that the work, though in itself desirable, is of less urgency than other works to which they drew attention. I am, however, convinced of the urgency of this work, in view of the rapid developments taking place in Kowloon and along the whole northern shore of the harbour. I was, therefore, unable to accept the unofficial view; and, on a division being called, the vote was passed by the official majority, Mr. Braga alone of the unofficials voting with the Government.

8.