CO129-536-1 Estimates- 1932 3-9-1931 - 16-6-1933 — Page 132

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SALARIES AT FULL RATE.

(Continued from Page 10.)

perienced in the past need not be

feared in the future.

Agriculture in New Territories.

The Hon. Dr. S. W. Ts'o will speak on the necessity for more encouragement and support being given by the Government to the growing of vegetables in the New Territories, so that the Colony may be less dependent on outside suo- plies. With his view and sugges- tion Sir Shou-son Chow and I are in agreement.

Taxation.

Lest an omission on my part to

mention the new taxes brought into force give the im- pression that the Chinese have no strong feeling on the subject, should like to say that the Chinese view these wholesale imposts with considerable concern and ap- prehension. The Government has made a thorough revision of all the licences and fees, and has in- troduced many new forms of taxa- tion, which affect all classes of the community directly and in- directly, and to a more or less The taxable capacity of the people, as has been pointed out by the honourable senior Un- official member, has now reached a point where any additional im-

extent.

posts will have an adverse effect

on the economic life of the com- munity. It is earnestly to be hoped, now that the Government has managed to balance

I

SOUTH CHINA

MORNING POST. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1931,

for the big modern liners until a channel is dredged.

be

by

cares

increasing the levy on the already sorely-hit taxpayer, and incidental- ly finding themselves better off than they have ever been at any time during their service.

"That a sum not exceeding $25,- 708,257 in place of the sum of $26,641,787 shall be and the same is hereby charged upon the re- other funds of the venue and Colony for the service of the year; 1932."-(Applause).

KOWLOON NEEDS.

At times, in the neighbourhood of wharves our beautiful harbour reminds one of the muddy water of the estuary of the Yangtsze as seen when approaching Shanghai. The Mr. Braga as Special prosperity of the Colony is largely dependent on the facilities it af- fords to shipping and everything

Another innovation which would suggest is the inclusion in future Estimates of a new state- ment showing the percentage of each head of expenditure to the

done to total estimated Expenditure, ex- possible must be a very

cluding Public Works Extraordin- modern day requirements.

the percentage of ary; and also

the each head of expenditure to tulal estimated Revenue, excluding Lind Sales.

some

difficult Budget. and the rate of exchange is actually higher than the rate on which the draft Estimates are based, the Govern- ment will give the people respite by ceasing its quest for additional revenue. Technical Aspect of the Estimates. Having expressed the collective views of the Chinese Unofficial members, may I, with great defer- ence, offer some personal opinions and suggestions in regard to the technical aspect of the Estimates? I am emboldened to undertake this self-imposed task by the readiness with which the Government has iu the past adopted similar sugges- tions from the Unofficial members, and also by the experience which I gained from the humble part I preparation of the Colony's annual Estimates when I had the honour of serving in the, Colonial Secretary's Office.

took in the

I apologise for the seeming presumption with which I have proffered these suggestions. I have done so in the belief that I might be helpful to the Government in its efforts to produce the Estimates

AN

the A representative of Chinese residents, may I associate the mi with tne pledge of co-

meet

I trust that full consideration will be given to this matter and that essential dredging will be taken in hand at once and not delayed pend- ing the completion of the hydro- graphical survey now being made.

Sterling Salaries.

to the

Ser-

Pleader.

A TARIFF SUGGESTION.

A Comparison. Saying what I have just stated, one is not unmindful of the fact that there are branches of the ser- vice in which it is little short of a

56

clerks.

of

the

The per capita cost of each of the dollar clerks will be $1,433.

It remains to be established whether a clerk possesses the factor of five in efficiency value over the clerk,

Another Analysis.

To pursue the analysis a little more minutely. Take, for example,

Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga said: Your Excellency, The role I propose to assume in connexion with the Budget debate is that of

II. and compare them with the loon. Before however, presenting

me to submit

of

The

salaries

is

are

on

with

a

1932.

actually an average

exaggeration to state,

11

men

coa-

operation and support offered to Your Excelency oy the Unofficial members through their leader? I should also like, on their behalf, to tender to Your Excellency grateful thanks for your kind expression of sympathy with their countrymen in the great misfortune that has befallen them through the series disastrous of unprecedentedly.. i

floods in the Yangtsze regions, and also for the Government's Council during the past several generous contribution in aid of misleading, as, I may state, al- the Executive Council. it is im- draws £460, or $7,360 at Ex. 1s. 3d., patients." For lack of -mecommo- section of the circular road to Sa

Improved Form.

us

If I may be permitted to say so, the form of the draft Estimates

now before

is undoubtedly better than that of any Estimates that have been presented to this

I

Ko

Cab estimates of expenditure of each

tage of decentralisation and hence with the planning and erection of 2-6-4 Type Class B Locos." department contain all the

more costly supervision.

new post office fulfilling the the repairs to the two defective detailed disbursements it has to I maintain this is essentially a

requirements of the large popula- boilers not be effected at one o At any rate, the Auditor work which should be carried out

tion of Kowloon. make.

other of the local Dock Companies, at the expense seems to hold this view; but if the by and

of the

Police Protection.

whose facilities for handling such Government is not prepared to go Government, whose duty it is to

Recent events are still too fresh work are unsurpassed in any por to berths for all

Unanimous Decision.

within to the length advocated by me, provide access

one's memory to fail to of the world, thereby doing away Full consideration to this sub- luxury to retain officers on sterling emphasize the need of a in future steamers trading to this port. Ad- may I suggest that

police with the need for a spare boiler? Estimates, under the head "Sum-ditional taxes have recently been ject has been given at meetings of salaries whose positions can and sub-station in Kowloon Tong. In this way some little assistance Special Expenditure should levied on shipping and the rates and the Committees of the Chamber of should be filled by men and women The growth of this and adjoining will be alforded the premier local mary,

taxes payable by the Wharf Com-Commerce and China Association who can perform the duties with districts has been simply amazing, industry, which should be most be shown after Personal Emolu-

on profits as and of Unofficial Members of this equal if not greater efficiency but, and it was with considerable re- welcome in these days of intensiv ments and Other Charges have pany are assessed

the Company's balance Council. The decision unanimous- drawing their salaries in dollars. gret that residents were officially competitive tendering for jobs. been totalled. Special Expendi- shown in

To better illustrate the campara-informed that, owing to financial

Tariff Suggestion. ture is non-recurrent expenditure, sheet: that is to say they are col- ly adopted was that as the Secre-

tary of State for the Colonies tive cost of the two divisions of the stringency, not only the original In order also to foster local and may show a large amount in lected on revenue from wharves in

has definitely decided that sterling Clerical Service, have compiled proposal to erect a police station, industries every endeavour should one year and nothing at all in addition to pier rents.

salaries are to be paid at Treasury brief summary that goes to but

subsidiary a

proposal to think, be employed to utilise pro- another; to group it with the other

A Government Duty.

rate of exchange as from Janu- show with how much indifference erect two police boxes with ducts of local manufacture in all two recurrent items may cause

ary I next, notwithstanding that the clamour for economy in ad- telephones installed in each, have Government building and a wrong conception of the real At the present time the Wharf

the present basis of payment is ac- ministration is received.

While on this position of the estimated recurrent Company have a grab dredger con-

The members of the Senior and been cut out of the Estimates for struction works.

subject, it would be interesting th expenditure of a department for stantly employed removing refuse ceptable to the Official as well as

the Unofficial members of this Accounting Staff are all paid in

Typhoon Warnings.

learn if there is a possibility of the following year as compared deposited between the wharves from

I have been requested to urge securing for Hongkong the bene with that of the current year. the sewers and nullahs running Council, full justice would be done sterling, while those of the Junior For example, take the Summary down Haiphong and Peking Roads, both to the Civil Servant and to Clerical Staff are paid in dollars. for consideration the, desirability fits and advantages of preferential the taxpayer if salaries are re- The comparison is a striking one. of displaying typhoon warning tariff treatment in respect of pro- attached to the Imports and Ex- That dredging should surely recently

duced by 10 per cent. before con- The Senior Clerical branch was Office on Page 27. From undertaken by Government. ports

Item 36 makes provision for re- I shall there- staffed by 66 officers in 1931 at an signals at the Kowloon Tong and ducts of local manufacture. Although the Wharf Company version into dollars.

in the vicinity of Kowloon City. this you will see that the special

pairs to Galvanised Steel Plath fore in due course, move the follow- estimated cost of $334,113. Expenditure for 1981

is $20,800 Keep a sufficient dep the largest ing amendment to Section Two of of water at

The 1932 Estimates provide for The residents request, made their wharves to allow

year ago, was turned down by Fencing round the Loco Yard, and for-1932 only $6,000; while the

the proposed Bill: the

whose officers

aggregate ap-

Secretary made reference to this total of the three main items Per-vessels to go alongside,

proaches to the berths used sonal Emolumenis, Other Charges,

salaries will amount to $409,634. Government in February of this Hunghom-$10,500. The Colonial these steamers

item in his speech. It is consider and Special Expenditure for 1931,

are by no means

showing 10 fewer officers out of 66 year. The cost of the erection of

ed by some people that the was $948,610, and the total for satisfactory. Anyone who

the two localities is comparatively at an increase of salary of $75,521.a typhoon signal mast at each of

€ laborate galvanised railings The per capita cost to 1932 was $942,341-an apparent to watch the berthing and unberth-

small and should be justified be- Colony of each of the sterling-paid fore the next typhoon season.

which have been placed around of $6.269-when in ing of big mail boats can see from decrease

Fire Brigade.

the Railway property in the vicini- reality the estimates for 1932, if the amount of mud they displace,

clerks will be $7,315. that the navigating of these ships

The provision made in 1981 for

Owing to the inaccessibility of ty of Yaumati Station and Kow computed without the Special Ex-

an in- must cause much anxiety to those

633 dollar clerks in the Govern- the available fire appliances to loon Tong, could have been sub

stituted by some less costly penditure, should reveal

ment pay roll was $916,050.

fencing. It is suggested that any crease of $8,581. With the Special in command.

It is proposed to increase this certain areas in the Kowloon City Expenditure shown separately in

branch of the service to 679 clerks district, it is considered desirable railings required for renewals to this confusion

the railings enclosing the Loca the Summary,

in 1932, whose aggregate salaries that provision be made for

portable fire pump of the trailer Yards should be obtained by lift would be obviated.

will amount to $973,480; or an

type.

Its cost is inconsiderable. an $57,430, with and can be defended by the ing the present railings and re increase increase in personnel of 46 more increased protection afforded to placing them with barbed wire on Item 42.-May I be permitted the lives and property of the properly doped wood stanchions. poorer inhabitants of the Kowloon

when I said: "$40,000 for new City districts, who are least able to re-state my remarks last year bodywork for four coaches Car Parking, to bear any such loss.

There are technical

wilg I am aware that Government advocate that, before incurring does not regard with favour the this expenditure, enquiries migh suggestion of surfacing the road be made of, and tenders invited way and providing a properly from, firms in the Colony capable levelled car park in the vicinity of of building railway coaches, o special pleader on behalf of Kow. the case of Senior Clerks in Class the Yaumati Ferry Wharf. When which there are several. In thi

Turning

of 25,000 hold that the present third-class question to Your Excellency and this hon-, highest class in the Junior branch it is remembered, however, that connexion there are those who of sterling salaries, to which ourable Council a case for the The combined salaries of nine of

this very necessary public imable type for the traffic on th in

a form that would facilitate reference has already been made, needs and claims which the Kow- the former class are estimated at people use the Yaumati Pier daily coaches are of an entirely unsui

Before approving thin reference, and would afford the that is a subject which if judged loon Residents' Association desire: $94,481 for 1982, while 10 clerks of provement should not be long de-fine."

the for modest and the latter group will cost

layed.

item. I would like to know if these community information for which by what one reads and hears-is

Kowloon Hospital.

sugrestions have been acted upon, it has looked in vain in the past.

causing more adverse comment and moderate but, nevertheless, urgent Colony $53,000 next year.

Official statistics obtained of the

Dangerous Corners. Conclusion.

arousing stronger public feeling public improvement for the penin- comparative individual than any other matter raised in sula, great disappointment must are $10,498 and $5,300. It is a number of out-patients treated in

While motoring in the New the Territories one is unpleasantly be expressed at the non-fulfill- matter of common knowledge that the Kowloon Hospital for connexion with the estimates for 1932.

ment of the Government's under- for locally recruited hands to The Hon. the Colonial Secre- taking to economise in the direction attain to the higher class in the corresponding first six months of confronted with the huge quantity of the most dangerous 29 was corners of the road to Taipo. tary in his able general survey in of the staffing of the public service Junior Clerical Service they must 1930 and 1931 give a total of 7,695 af serub and undergrowth on introducing the Budget unfortun- by a larger number of dollar for be of great efficiency and have and 10,085, respectively. It is no same

the seen a long period of service.pointed out to Government last therefore strongly recommend ately when dealing with salaries sterling-paid servants

The commencing salary of the month, that the accommodation is that a portion of the vote of $5,00

Brushwood Clearing pitifully inadequate. The K.R.A. for drew a picture describing the sacri- Government.

I labour under some disadvan-highest class dollar clerks fices the sterling paid Civil

of my $4,800 a year. Cases

in their letter to Government utilised immediately for clearing men of qualified vants had been called upon to bear tage in the formulation in the burden of balancing the criticism, since in the absence of i record

small that many of the out-be done under proper supervision.

The Saikung Road. Budget as compared with the em- the Report of the Retrenchment meritorious service attaining that describes "the waiting room as so the said corners and that the work ployees of the business concerns of Committee, which has been with-grade only after 30 years in patients have to sit on the floor

By contrast held from the Inoscial members Government employ.

I return to the suggestion in the the Colony

sterling clerk upon joining the and door steps until other cases His statements were not at all

of the Legislative Council, except

in Class II. forthwith have been dealt with: this applies forlorn hope of a start being mad

equally to male and

female when funds permit, on the firs convincing and were, in fact, very those who are also members of service

with all privileges of home which the Retrenchment Commit-leave, etc., and the additional cost of in-patients have frequently had Yue Tong. It was only the other Kwongtung. This friendly assist- business and professional ance, rendered spontaneously and munity has been very severely hit, tee had acquiesced in the Govern- to taxpayers that these privileges to be refused. As compared with day that I read in a recent unter

men imply. This a total of 439 operations perform of Motor that the motorist is no promptly, exemplifies the truth of by bad trade and the drop in ex- ment's policy of maintaining an to glorified

expensive personnel on a sterling differential treatment

ed during the whole of last year, change. the lines:

six that "as a ratepayer he contri- "In faith and hope the world will I have sent to your Excellency basis. Nor is it possible to ascer- versus imported hands cannot be there were 313 during the first six xetting a fair deal. It is argued months of this year. This latter butes his share to the roads as disagree.

confidentially figures which show tain how far Your Excellency's in- too strongly criticised.

Kowloon Matters.

figure shows an increase of 167 an average citizen. As a tax- But all mankind's

is that many of the large industrial structions to several departments

In dealing with subjects relat-cases as against last year's 146. payer he pays his full share of charity."-(Applause.)

concerns and business houses (Hansard 1930, p. 227) regarding

The general taxation. In addition have, apart from paying sterling local recruiting have been carried ing to Kowloon none are new to The increase is over 100%.

of another European contributes heavily to motor salaries at a fixed rate of exchange, out. Until the Government give Your Excellency, as representa- addition made definite cuts in pay. In ad- an earnest of its determination to tions have been made to Govern-medical officer and the increase of taxation for the sole reason that the the nursing staff are urgent re- he wants to use the roads," and SALARIES.dition overheads have been re- apply the axe in respect of a large ment from time to time for

duced by a reduction in staff. Ac- branch of the gold section of its past three years. Since the first quirements demanding the imme- yet, as the Senior Unofficial Mem- pro-administration, it is difficult to reading of the Appropriation Bill diate attention of Government. her has pointed out, simultaneous- cording to the Government

Bathing Facilities.

ly with imposing the additional of Civil Servants resist the conclusion that the com- three weeks ago. I have been in posal, salaries

for greater communication, through the hon- Not much need be said for in- Petrol Tax, in Hongkong p will, as from January 1 next, be munity's demand paid at Treasury rate of exchange, economy in the Colony's administra-orary Secretary, with the vigilant creased public bathing facilities in Government has reduced the vita

The committee of the Kowloon Resi- Kowloon.

subject was for roads. All round London are re- tive expenditure has been ignored. notwithstanding that on the

dents' Association.

ver-exhaustively and ably dealt with to be seen examples of roads cut commendation of the Salaries Com-

satile committee, who keep watch in the columns of the Press in the ting across fields of little agricul

road mission they were recently

I must not be misinterpreted and ward over municipal affairs early Spring. If the Government tural value. As soon as the creased by 15 per cent.

as denying to those officers of the on the Mainland, have favoured could see its way to remedy the comes the value of the land is

House A Million Dollars.

Government who by reason of their me with a list of the most im-deficiency before the next bathin increased enormously. This means, according to the professional qualifications, high at-portant subjects which require season, public dissatisfaction would go up, new building and other work is stimulated, and new publią Government attention. They em- be greatly placated figures kindly supplied by the Hon. tainments and technical skill,

Disorderly Houses.

facilities are create. It can be To do this for the last ten years Sir, My colleague, Hon. Sir the Colonial Treasurer, that an should receive a full measure of brace such public questions might entail too much clerical

This is not the first occasion said with equal truth of the New to Kowloon's need of improved postal Senior additional tax on the resources of their value work. hut nerhans a beginning in

of their facilities commensurate with its that I am addressing the Council Territories. If we are to listen to the Colony of approximately one the Colony the benefit this direction might be made with Unofficial member, in his re-

view of the Budget, dealt million dollars will be levied next valued services. As, for example, size: the provision of police pro- on the subject of the presence of the panic-mongers all new road 1931, the year in which the totals with the

$18,000, recover-tection in Kowloon Tong; typhoon disorderly houses in the residen- making and road widening is to When question of Sterling year.

this question of the provision

of Kowloon. The cease. This will check the of the three main items mentioned Salaries and mentioned that I, on

salaries was debated last year, able in fees, for three Consultanta signals in the north-eastern dis- tial areas were for the first time given in

to deal is obvious when it is stated that the progress of land development the estimates of each department behalf of the Hongkong General thanks to the good offices of your in the Medical Department, who tricts of the Peninsula; the need serious objection to their existence development of motoring, and

compromise was Chamber of Commerce, would also Excellency

are professors of the Hongkong of a portable fire-pump

building. the outlying auch houses are in the neighbour-and under the caption "Summary."

reached, although in the opinion University doing specialist and with outbreaks From this Summary the figures speak on this subject. Before ex-

that arrange-consulting work and whose value districts of New Kowloon; the hood of schools for boys and girls. technical journal argues, for the statement can be compiled pressing the views of the Chamber, of the Unofficials,

with which all the Unofficial mem- ment was still too favourable to the to the Colony cannot be over-esti-Yaumati Ferry approach; hospital Their removal to a less objection- better to make use of derelict without difficulty.

Civil Servants. The matter would

and bathing facilities; and dis-able location has been repeatedly fields in suitable areas and open mated. bers are in entire agreement, there

orderly houses in the residential urged in the interest of public them by roads which will creată is another matter of great interest then no doubt have been finally dis-

The abolition of the General areas.

I trust it new land values, and will give 1. morality and safety. to the commercial community which posed of but for the fact that cer- I wish to bring forward.

The Post Office.

will not be long before a suitable homes to the people.” tain members of the Civil Service Works Office of the Public Works

solution is found to this vexed

Gazette Notices. Reference is made by the Hon. forwarded a petition to the Secre- Department, referred to by the

Hon. Colonial Secretary his To deal with the various sub-problem. Colonial Secretary in his speech to tary of State, pressing for pay Budget speech, is an economy mea-jects in their proper order, as long

Public Lighting. I hope there is no truth in the omission to notify in the Gazettą of grouping salaries the manner Development sub-department, which rate.

sure of doubtful expediency. I do ago as September of last year the not know to

what extent, if at all, K.R.A. invited the Government's report that Government contem- appointments of all Committees of he states is at present mainly oc Legally it may be argued that honourable members will share my attention to the absence of postal plates a reduction in the public Inquiry with the names of the norrecting in paint out that in cupied with the Vehicular Ferry employees on sterling salaries are view, but the application of the facilities in the Hunghom, Mong-lighting on the Island and at Kow-members composing such Commite

scheme. Whilst admitting that entitled to be paid in local cur-ins

technical kok, and Kowloon Tong districts loon. If it is on the score of tees. It was Holvoak said that the Unofficial that work is of great importance to

the practice to at Treasury rate of ex-pruning knife to the members were not fully satisfied the Colony, I consider that a matter change, and I feel that there would staff of top-notch men in the pro- of Kowloon. In April last the economy that it is proposed to re-gazette all such appointments, and

will fessional ranks of a highly spe- Committee again complained of the duce the number of street lamps if Your Excellency

be pleased that it was not preferable to debit which requires much more urgent

strong argument salaries of the clerical service to attention is the re-survey of the reallyst that w

main Kowloon Post Office in the interest of public safety let to revert to the former practice the various departments

con- harbour so that the long over-due against that were it not for the cialised department may find the satisfactory state of affairs at at certain hours of the night, then to cause that instructions be given

fact that these same employees Colony, under normal conditions, the formed, on that the Tinofficial mam- work of dredging can be taken in

were paid at a preferential rate bare of dependable men when im The Association is very modest in it be urged that the sooner this feel sure the information will be

measure of false

generally appreciated. bers could arrive at a definite hand without any further delay. when the dollar was standing much portant public works of large its request; it suggests as a tem- proposed

Hitherto the names of sucresse knowledge of the cost of running I understand that one officer has above what it is to-day and when magnitude call for trained techni-porary measure that the accom- economy is abandoned the greater i

of local modation be increased by the will be the sense of security at ful tenderers for Government con it was vastly their benefit to cians with a knowledge ment did not accept this view. In vice. There has been no extensive break away from the actual terms conditions that can only be acquired addition of a structure similar to resent enjoyed by the community. tracts have been published in the

Land Sales.

Government Gazette together with 1929 the Hon. Sir Shon-aon Chow, dredging done since 1928 and had of their contract. One can't both after a few years' residence and the adjacent wooden police build-

would enable professional practice in the Colony.ings, which on behalf of the Unofficial mom-it not been for the reclamation at have one's cake and eat it.

Hitherto the revenue derived the amount of the successful bid be from Land Sales has been put While names are still given, for ber, also drew attention to this Kai Tack that work might possibly

Mistakes of unseasoned men newly postal service in general to

one Rome unexplained reason The cost of living has admitted-recruited from England and unac- considerably extended at a rela- down in the Estimates as

th method and suggested that the not have been carried out even now.

ly not gone up to the same extent quainted with the local physical and tively small cost and better lump sum for the whole of the amounts of the contracts hav public interest would be better

It will serve a useful been omitted. In the Shangha old served by reverting to the

Wharf Development. that exchange has fallen, and any climatic conditions may prove so facilities provided for sorting, Colonv.

for comparison tha

if the Municipal Gazette a full list of the To accommodate the larger one fortunate enough to be draw- expensive as to absorb all the in- etc., resulting in quicker delivery purpose system of embodying in

tenderers la riven and it should to steamers trading estimates of each department all

this port, ing his sterling pay at current ex- judicious savings affected during a of letters. With the completion item "Premia on New Leases' Hongkong and salaries chargeshle to that depart-the

Kowloon change is infinitely better off than period of doubt and anxiety. The of the Ho Tung apartment build-under Head 10 "Land Sales" could not he too much to ask that whe Company, he could reasonably expect to be. advantage of co-ordination obtained | ing and the extension of the be shown separately for Hong- awards are made by the Tender

Y.M.C.A., ment, even if a little more time and Wharf and Godown

Committee Kowloon's kong, Kowloon and the New Terri-Adjudication their exist- Government Servants at Home, in the General Works Office will be Kowloon Jabour were entailed thereby. To Ltd., have extended

other lost by abolition and, speaking as a diminutive post office is complete- tories.

various amounts should be notified build in Ceylon, the Straits and this suggestion the Government ing wharves and are now

The Railway.

in the local Gazette for publi This places have all had their salaries layman. I doubt if the redistribu-iv dwarfed. Whereas on all hands made a partial concession by in- ing a still longer wharf.

There are two items under information. troducing the Summary I have new wharf, which is being erected cut and it is only fitting that the tion of work hitherto coming within Kowloon bears a striking evidence

The Ambulance. at a cost of over a million dollars, Civil Servants of this Colony should the purview of the General Works of considerable prosperity by dint Head 29-Kowloon-Canton Rail- mantinned. This Summary is a

be queried.

I heartily concur in the grace. shoulder their fair share of the Office will tend to greater efficiency of private enterprise, it reflects way which may distinct improvement on the form will be completed by the end of of the previons Estimates, though this year, but owing to the shallow burden occasioned by the present or potential economy. One disad little credit on Government when Sub-head 35 calls for an expendi- fal tribute paid by the Senio

#Continued on Pese 16.) on the whole I prefer to see the approaches it will not be available world-wide depression instead of vantage is obvious--the disadvan- it exhibits so much indifference ture of $32,400 for One Boiler for

now

the victims of the

years. The two statements show ing the actual Revenue and the actual Expenditure for the past ten years,

embodied in the Estimates for the first time, are particularly helpful. But 1 venture to think that the useful ness of the second statement would have been greatly enhanced if Personal Emoluments, other Charges, and Special Expenditure of each department were shown separately, thereby enabling the SERVICE public to see the variations in each of those three main items for a period of ten years. The state ment could be further improved, in my opinion, by having all the salaries chargeable to any department

allocated to that department, instead of having them grouped under the three "omnibus" heads-Cadet Service, Senior Clerical and Accounting Staff. and Junior Clerical Staff.

one

Speaking of the "omnibus" see from his report on heads, I the audit of the accounts of Hong- kong for the year 1930, that the

Government Auditor is not alto-

gether enamoured of the method

at present employed. It may be intimpating

concern

Move for a Reduction

by Ten Per Cent.

CHAMBER'S VIEWS.

Hon. Mr. C. Gordon Mackie said:

Shou-son

Chow, the

a

the work being done by the Port ment of full salaries at

each department. But the Govern- been detailed for this special ser-

num

in-

current

Valuable Services,

so as to secure

in

2

of

local

That

as

the

th

"Surely it is far

Adverse comment has been made in the local Preas of the officia,

the

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