HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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I doubt whether we are justified in pinning him to a literal interpretation of his words. If taken too literally it might mean waiting indefinitely for the experience of Hong Kong has shown that growth of population usually outstrips any increase in the water supply. The full supply contemplated is now much nearer and may be regarded as a certainty in a few years' time. We have the choice between continuing and perhaps making even more confused the rather confused state of things which now exists and beginning to right it only after Shing Mun is complete or else of deliberately continuing a reasonable system which has already had its foundations laid and having it completed by the time that Shing Mun can give us more water. The Government has no hesitation in choosing the latter course and in believing that it is in the best interests of the community, rich and poor alike.
In passing, it may well occasion surprise that a system which is subject, as Dr. Kotewall admits, to severe restrictions for long periods at a time should be preferred to the proposed system which provides a much more equitable distribution throughout the Colony and at the same time may confidently be expected when completed to reduce the necessity for restriction at all. Further discussion on the wastefulness of the rider main system is I fear unprofitable for in the absence of the meters of which I have already spoken there is no satisfactory method of comparison. I must however accept the views of our water authorities whose general experience convinces them firmly that the system is wasteful of water.
It is gratifying to learn that the Chinese Unofficial Members are after all prepared to accept the principle of the resolution and it only remains to discuss the two years delay for which they apply. In the view of the Government it would be unwise to accept this suggestion. The position at the moment is confessedly confused and should be righted with the least possible delay. To allow it to drift in the manner implied would mean that the confusion would become worse, for the whole of two years there would be no orderly scheme for abolishing the rider main system and differences between those with meters and those without on any section would be accentuated and the work of the water department which must necessarily be exceedingly heavy for sometime to come would remain infinitely more difficult as it would be impossible to organize it.
The Government therefore regrets that it cannot accept the amendment proposed by the Senior Chinese Unofficial Member. The Government however readily accepts that part of the amendment moved by the Senior Unofficial Member which deals with the payment by the Government of the cost of installing meters and of connecting them in all rider main districts. We must be guarded against the view that this payment is anything in the nature of a right conceded but the Government is anxious that the important change now contemplated should be made with the least possible
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