CO129-519-1 Estimates for 1930 5-9-1929 - 14-11-1929 — Page 59

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

launches allotted to the G.M.S. Office beyond the four completed launches above referred to.

In these circumstances we suggest that the unfinished new motor-launch be utilized for other purposes to be determined later and that the second new motor-launch and the new steam-launch be not built at all, seeing that the Kau Sing, which (we understand) is capable of steaming at 91⁄2 knots on one boiler, seems to be eminently suitable for stores and relief work.

We would add that other sub-departments of the Harbour Department seem to have numerous launches under their control and that if, by chance, an additional launch is occasionally required by the G.M.S. Department, that Department ought to be able to obtain it for the special occasion by applying to another sub-department in the Harbour Office.

Incidentally we are informed that the staff of Government Marine Surveyors has grown to such dimensions that it seems doubtful whe- ther there is sufficient ship-building and ship repairing work now going on in the Colony to keep them all fully employed.

(8) On the same page 27 we notice the item "Training expenses of G.M.S. in England $20,945."

We should like to know why the Government is to be held responsible for the training of the Government Marine Surveyors in England and also why the amount for such training has increased from $7,200 in 1929 to $20,945 in 1930.

(9) On page 30, we would ask for an explanation of the new item "Allowances to 17 Diesel Engineers at $120 each."

(10) In connexion with the new item on page 34 "Inspection Officer (Fire Brigade) $5,400," we should like to be informed as to the necessity for such an Inspection Officer and what duties he is to perform.

(11) With regard to the item on page 58 "Launch to replace S.D.3, $30,600," we understand that this launch was wrecked near the Fotau Mun in returning from a picnic excursion, at Shek O—a very unusual route-and we should be glad to learn whether the Government has given instructions in order to prevent a repetition of such costly picnic proceedings at the expense of the revenue of this Colony.

(12) We should like particulars of the "Building grants $60,000" (Item 28 on page 63).

(13) On page 85, item 51 "Kowloon British School," we regret to see that the Government only proposes to spend in 1930 $60,000 on

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