HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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main districts not yet disconnected, and on the same terms as to costs of installation and connection as set out in the above condition (1).
3. That, owners of houses in the rider-main districts, who desire to be supplied with meters upon the terms aforesaid, be required to send in applications for the same to the Water Authority, on or before the 31st day of October, 1932.
4. That a free supply of water be continued through the street fountains.
The European Unofficial Members accept the abolition of the rider-main system, because—
(i) They agree with the Hon. Colonial Secretary's remarks at our last Meeting to the effect that, considering the sums which the Government has paid for the maintenance of the rider-mains since they were first installed and the matter of wear and tear, the original contributors to the cost of the rider-mains have had "value for their money," and
(ii)
Because they feel that, in view of the large sums which have been spent in the past (as detailed by Sir Cecil Clementi in Hansard of 1929 at pages 147-149), and in view of the further large sums which are now about to be spent upon reservoir construction, it is no longer advisable to continue the supply of free water through the rider-mains to some residents whilst others, who are metered, have to pay for excess consumption. In future those who want free water should, in our opinion, resort to the street fountains.
Whilst, however, I and those for whom I am speaking are of opinion that the rider-main system should be abolished, we are nevertheless of the opinion that, inasmuch as a privilege of long standing is being taken away, the Government ought to take every reasonable step in its power for the purpose of inducing those who have hitherto enjoyed the privilege of free water through the rider-mains, to come forward promptly and apply for meters, and it is with that end in view, that we have inserted the conditions as to the Government paying the costs of installation and connection as set out in conditions (1) and (2) of our amendment.
Condition (3) is inserted, because it is felt that the Government would naturally desire to knów, at a fairly early date, how many meters are being applied for.
Condition (4) requires no comment.
With these remarks, Sir, I beg to move this amendment.
HON. MR. W. E. I. SHENTON seconded.
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