HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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launch for the carriage of stores and relief to cost $40,000, is required or not.
In connexion, Sir, with this item I am sorry to say I have a "grouse" to make. I appreciate the fact that no intentional trap was laid, but I do consider the words "carriage of stores and relief" extremely misleading. I took it to be for carriage of stores and relief work, which could be done periodically, and that was why I suggested the employment of the Kau Sing. It did not convey in the least bit to my mind that this launch was to be used as a relief launch for the numerous launches under the control of the Harbour Department. I do submit that it is eminently a matter for the Harbour Board to decide whether this new launch is required for the carriage of stores and relief. It is a launch we seem to have done without for some time past.
I presume in that connexion the Harbour Board will also consider the question of whether for that purpose or for any other purpose better use could not be made of the launch Lila which, I understand, is placed at the disposal of the Harbour Master so that he can go afloat at any time by day or night. I do not know whether the Lila is required exclusively for this purpose or not, or if she could be worked in for the purposes of the Harbour Department for the car- riage of stores or relief or for any other purpose the Harbour Board may consider she is suitable.
With reference to the number of launches required by the Govern- ment Marine Surveyors Department, so far as I can gather two launches are only left available for the G.M.S. to do work afloat in the harbour. If that be correct, it seems to me that what we are proposing to do in the Estimates is to double the number of launches for the G.M.S. Department work afloat. I do not profess to say whether it is necessary to have two more launches for the G.M.S. Department in addition to the two they already have, and I do not think it is right to ask this Council to decide it.
It is quite obvious, Sir, that we must be very careful with the means at our disposal to cut our coat according to our cloth. There are many important matters, like the Hospital, the Gaol, broadcasting and the 100 foot road between Causeway Bay and Shaukiwan, and the further work to be done in connexion with the road from Quarry Bay to Shaukiwan, to which your Excellency referred just now, await- ing attention. The time has come now when we must scrutinise the expenditure very carefully. I therefore beg to move that the ques- tion of the necessity of incurring this expenditure in items 23 and 28 which I have referred to in my notice of motion, be referred to the Harbour Board. That would be by way of amendment to the vote put before us. The Harbour Board is a competent body to decide this matter and I think we might leave it to them.
HON. MR. W. E. L. SHENTON seconded.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.-If, Sir, the hon. members are not prepared to accept the advice of the Harbour Master in this matter,
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