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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
country." There has been too great a tendency for the "sons of the soil" to be passed over in Hong Kong. This tendency ought to be checked, and a new policy inaugurated whereby qualified local men be afforded facilities for advancement in the Colonial Service.
We have a shining and outstanding example from amongst the unofficials of this Council of the benefit and advantage accruing to the public service in its recruiting of local talent. I refrain from mentioning any name for fear lest I bring a blush on the cheeks of my honourable friend. In point of recognised ability, linguistic attainment and untiring energy there should have been no limit to his promotion; but the discouraging and discriminatory service regulations stood in the way. I may say that these regula- tons do not excite any great enthusiasm in local enlistment for Government service.
For a long period of years a position of trust and responsibility was held by another local officer who retired with a unique record of 55 years' service with the Government. His successor was another Hong Kong man who has honourably earned his retirement on pension after not many years short of 40 years in public employ- ment. His place has been filled by a Cadet Officer drawing emolu- ments on a basis the computation of which affords evidence opposed to the clamour for retrenchment and still more economy.
Furniture in Schools.
I suppose there must be ready acceptance of the recommendation of the Board of Education "to raise slightly the fees for some of the higher classes in the public schools." While acquiescing in this recommendation, it may not be amiss to enquire if the Medical Officer for Schools is quite satisfied that the furniture in some of the Government schools is all that is desired. For instance, enquiry may be instituted to ascertain whether the desks and benches are of the standard type and so designed as to be free from danger of injury to the health of the little children attending certain Government schools.
Kowloon-Canton Railway.
On certain items of special expenditure under the Canton- Kowloon Railway vote, comments have been brought to my notice as representing the considered opinions of a number of residents living out in the New Territories. As they form fair criticism, no apology is needed for submitting them for consideration. In the first place, the Railway Administration is congratulated on its foresight in the provision of $1,840 for the Approach Road to Fanling Station. It is very desirable that this road be placed in proper order.
In the absence of any explanatory note, the item of $8,250 for a new air compressor and motor is queried. It is held that if the
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