CO129-519-2 Estimates for 1930 19-9-1929 - 19-9-1929 — Page 177

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

ment for the making of golf-links by members of the Chinese com- munity. They understand that this will be one of the points re- ferred to by the Senior Chinese Unofficial Member in his speech.

Before I resume my seat I would like to express my great gratitude to my honourable friend, Mr. Shenton, who has supplied me with a very large portion of the material for the speech which I have just given. (Applause).

HON. SIR SHOU-SON CHOW.-Sir, The views I am expressing, with the exception of one given by way of personal explanation, are the joint views of the three Chinese members. The Honourable Senior Unofficial Member having so fully and ably represented the collective opinion of the unofficial members, it only remains for me to touch upon a few points affecting the Chinese principally.

In the Estimates of Revenue, we desire to call attention to the increase of $400,000 in the item "Tobacco Duties" over the approved Estimates for 1929. We assume that the increase is due to the new scale of duties introduced in February last under the Tobacco Amendment Ordinance of 1929; and we hope-though we are by no means sanguine-that the anticipated revenue will be realised.

Representations have been made to us by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Chinese tobacco trade, that under the amended scale of duties 75 cents per pound is now imposed on tobacco, irrespective of the quality, and that consequently the lower-grade Chinese tobacco cannot stand the competition of the higher grade tobacco, resulting in smuggling of the former on an extensive scale. The effect of this would be a loss of legitimate trade in the lower-grade tobacco, with the loss of revenue to the Government.

In order to counteract this adverse factor we suggest that the Superintendent of Imports and Exports may make a thorough investigation into the matter in co-operation with the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce who would, I am sure, be found only too willing to assist in every way they could.

Turning now to the Estimates of Expenditure, we express grati- fication at the provision of $50,000 for a Harbour Dispensary Launch. The boon to the large boat-population must be inestimable, particularly in the treatment of communicable diseases.

It is a matter of common knowledge that the boat people are either indifferent to medical treatment, or unable to leave their craft and go ashore for treatment, in cases in which immediate medical attention is an urgent necessity. The floating population come into the scheme of things to a far greater extent than can be imagined from the angle of public health; and since the mountain cannnot go to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain. The new scheme is therefore one that must have the support of all classes of the community.