CO129-525-3 Estimates 1931 and other financial papers 16-1-1930 - 1-9-1932 — Page 54

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

In the absence of any explanatory note, we are similarly unable to tell why "Royalties on Wireless Telegraphy" shown on the same page, is expected to yield nothing in 1931.

Estimates of Revenue, would doubtless have been made clear by short footnotes such as, until a few years ago, were inserted in the These points, as well as innumerable others concerning the Estimates.

Afforestation Needs.

Turning now to the Estimates of Expenditure, we find on Page 20 that the money provided for "Afforestation" in the District Office, North, has been reduced from $2,000 to $500, and on Page 21 the sum provided for the same service in the District Office, South, has been entirely deleted.

Last year the Hon. Sir Henry Pollock, speaking on behalf of the unofficial members. suggested that the figures budgetted for afforestation work in 1930 might be doubled in future years. We recognise that in these times economy must be practised on every hand, but we hope that, as soon as funds permit, the figures standing in the current Estimates may be restored, for in our view the afforestation of the barren hills of the New Territories is a necessary work. Judicious planting would not only beautify the landscape but improve the quality of the soil, strengthen the ground against landslips. and make the Colony less dependent on outside sources for its fuel.

Refuse Launch.

A new launch for the Sanitary Department at a cost of $62,000 is provided for on Page 28. We are glad to have the promise of the Hon. Colonial Secretary that if this expenditure is approved by this Council the Government will not authorise the outlay without further reference to the Council. Thus the unofficial members will have the opportunity of carefully considering whether the launch is absolutely necessary, and if so, whether the necessity is immediate.

Technical Institute.

On Page 74, under Technical Institute, the item "Lecturing Staff" has been raised from $13,000 to $19,470. We should like an explanation of this substantial increase.

Furniture Vates.

On Page 77, item No. 7, "Maintenance and Supply of Furniture" under Public Works Department is increased by $31,500 from $16,500 to $48,000, with the explanation in a footnote that part of the increase was previously included in Public Works Extra- ordinary.

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