CO129-519-2 Estimates for 1930 19-9-1929 - 19-9-1929 — Page 173

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Whilst we are of the opinion, that having regard to the great rapidity with which the Kowloon Peninsula is developing it is desir- able to provide facilities for further development and expansion, we are of the opinion that there are a number of schemes far more pressing than the proposed Saikung Road, and which need putting in hand and completion before this proposed road is brought under consideration. Many of those schemes we are indicating to-day. For the above reasons, we are of the opinion that it is premature to proceed with the proposed Sai Kung Road.

It seems to us a complete fallacy to suppose that the opening up of motor-roads, with pleasant building-sites on them, must necessarily lead to building development, and in this connexion we nced only point to the Tai Po Road, built thirty years ago, the Castle Peak Road, the short road over the hill to Repulse Bay and the Shek Road.

Sir Shock

Henry Happy Naval Volunteer Reserve.

We see, from page 100 of the Estimates, that it is suggested

Exta that a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve should be created in this

Colony and that in the coming year a sum of $28,265 is there budgeted for as the first year's expenditure.

We are of opinion that the formation of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve may to a certain extent detrimentally affect the Volunteer Defence Corps, and that that Corps serves a far more useful and practical purpose.

We consider that the Royal Naval Reserve is unnecessary here and that naval work should be left to the Navy; and we shall vote against the item for its establishment in the Appropriation Bill for 1930. This item, apparently through inadvertence, does not include the sum of $2,832, mentioned on page 100 of the Estimates, for the proposed personnel of that Reserve.

The sum now budgeted for is only a beginning, and doubtless a larger annual grant would be required in the not distant future.

Canton-Kowloon Railway.

Our railway to the border shows a better return than before, but it can hardly be regarded as a successful venture until such time as the Hankow-Canton Railway is completed and the loop-line at Canton is built.

We desire to take this opportunity of assuring your Excellency that all sections of this community most heartily support you in your untiring efforts to maintain the most friendly relations with the Chinese Authorities in the neighbouring provinces of Kwangtung and Kwangsi and also with the Chinese Central Government at Nanking.

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