17+
10
SOUTH CHINA MORNING
SALARIES AT FULL RATE.
equivalent
UNOFFICIAL AMENDMENT LOST ON equiv of
OFFICIAL VOTE.
CIVIL SERVICE SACRIFICES.
ESTIMATES FOR NEXT YEAR CRITICISED IN DETAIL:
OFFICIAL REPLIES STRESS LACK OF FUNDS.
ROADS AND TAXATION OF MOTORING.
The estimates for 1932 were debated in detail at a lengthy meeting of Council yesterday.
The Unofficials exhaustively analysed the estimates, the question of the sterling salaries of the Civil Service occupying primary place in the argument.
Commerce The member representing the Chamber of moved an amendment to reduce the appropriation, to effect a reduction of ten per cent. in salaries, to balance the abandonment of the exchange compromise.
Pleading that Civil Servants had made sufficient sacrifice, His Excellency declined to accept the amendment and in committee if was defeated by the Official majority.
The replies of the Government to the Unofficial criticisms were patient and sympathetic, but the general plea was that financial conditions prevent much development work.
In the course of the debate it was mentioned that the new Government Civil Hospital will be built on a site in Pokfulam Road, and the new Infectious Diseases Hospital on Green Island.
COMMERCIAL SALARIES.
vote.
In
as
pleted.
OST. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1931.
salaries they are not firms which the Committee has made its recom- reside at or close to the Gaol, for ing Staff by the substitution of
reasons obvious to all.
local men for sterling-paid em- snou beken as a barome.er mendations.
The Unofficials cannot under-
The Water Supply. for the adjustment of Government
ployees. I trust that i may be per- We were gratined to learn that mitted to add a few words in sup- salaries;d that other large stand why coal and oil fuel for
siness arms, so far the launches in the Harbour Depart on the construction of the Service port of this plea. It seems to me Governme is aware,
have not ment should show the consider- Reservoir in the Botanical Gardens that there must be, either in the found it ecessary to curtail to able increase of $62,870, while the next year, and the laying or a Service or outside it, plenty of
the local men and young women- any ane fiable extent the dollar vote for coal in the Railway De- 24-inch pipe-line to connect
to the cross-harbour Chinese, Portuguese and Indiane their sterling partment remains unchanged. We reservoir
training and trust- salaries.
can ascribe portion of the increase pipe-line, the first section of the --whose in the Harbour Department's vote Sang Mun Scheme will be com- worthiness qualify them to fill at Our gratification has been least some of these posts. I re- to a rise in the price of oil fuel,
nanced by the knowledge that cognise the necessity for employ- but that still leaves the unchanged |
on the new uam lor the ing adequately-paid stenographers state of the Railway vote to he works
Aberdeen Reservoir, the upper and of undoubted discretion where the answered.
lower Pumping Stations, the re- nature of the work is highly con- construction of Eliot Filter-beds,fidential, but I hold the view that and the East Catch-water First if a local man has proven himself Section have all been satisfactorily to have the necessary training and executed. These, and the other discretion, he should not be barred waterworks that will be finished from one of these posts, or from next year will, we hope, prevent a other posts on the Senior Clerical recurrence of serious water and Accounting Staff. By throwing these positions open to local men, famines such as the one we ex-
the Government not only would It is sincerely perienced in 1929. hoped that the approval of the do justice to all alike, but would be able to effect considerable
Under "Special Expenditure" in of the Harbour the Estimates
Department is the provision of $6,400 for training expenses for the Government Marine Surveyor in England. The system of train-
We do not admit the fairness of the first contention for the rea- son, as I have stated, that the com- promise was merely an equitable readjustment. Nor can we leave unchalogged his statement con- cerning pusiness houses, of which the Hor. Mr. C. G. Mackie will adduce facts in refutation.
The Unofficials are sorry that ve to move for a reduct.on inte salaries of the sterling-paid offier, but they teel that they ing wag be failing in their duty to the Shie which they represent, le are to allow that further H to personal emoluments in that it is not only uneconomical Secretary of State as regards the savings in exchange compensation, slo cubandonment of the "com- but does not conduce to efficiency. second section of the Shing Mun long leave pay, and free passages. pror, without proposing some me. pole to offset the increase.
Simit
4
Estimates of Revenue.
men after they have been
engaged, in order to qualify them for their work, seems to us to be one that is open to condemnation.
Appreciation.
Scheme will soon be obtained, and that work on it will be proceeded with as early as possible.
In conclusion,
Capitation Grants.
NOW
In future we trust that only pro- perly qualified men will be en- gaged. The Retrenchment Report.
I welcome the Government's Fire Regulations.
While on the subject of Public It is calculated that the dif-
$45,000 23 the Estimates Complaints have frequently been Works Extraordinary the Unofficial decision to increase the Capitation ference between
being members desire to mention, inci- Grants by ex-
step in the right direction. framed on a 1/- dollar and those heard that architects have to the dollar, and in so doing you on a 1 dollar, is about $1,500,- perienced much difficulty and in-dentally, that comments and criti- a said that the abnormal rate of ex-1000, the sum represented by convenience in preparing plans for cisms have been expressed on the Though the increase is compara- Mifference should ever new buildings because the require-terms and conditions attached to tively small, and will not benefit change was "perhaps unduly this favourable to the sterling-paid materialise, it should, we suggest, ments of the Fire Brigade govern- the notification calling for tenders certain grant-in-aid schools to at y need not mention here. it connotes be utilised for financing some of g such are not defnitely defined. for the Passenger and Vehicles appreciable extent for reasons I
Ferry. As this matter has no officers." The compromise was
recognition by the Government of therefore in the nature of an the urgently needed public works The obvious remedy is to have a
we do not propose to enter into the educational scheme of the equitable readjustment, if not an that have been postponed from set of Fire Regulations formulated direct bearing on the Estimates, the usefulness of these schot in
after
details, but in the interests of the Colony. There is no doubt that the year to year, such as a new Govern- so that all may know what the re- honorable, amende Government had forced its salary ment vil Hospital, Infectious quirements of the Department are. scheme through the Legislative Diseases Hospital, and Lunatic In this connection we would urge Colony we trust that the Govern- but for the existence of the grant- that the work of recasting and cou- ment will give due weight to any in-aid schools, which relieve the Council by means of the official Asylum
I sho like to return for a solidating the Public Health and representations it may receive on Government of its responsibility
the subject.
to educate several thousand stud- We commend to the considera- ents every year, the cost of educa- Now, the Secretary of State has moment the Retrenchment Com- Buildings Ordinance, which we given his decision contrary to mission. She Unofficial members understand is in progress, may be
than the Your Excellency's advice, and we! regret the the Commission's re- expedited. At present the hun- tion of the Government, if the tion in the Colony would have been
us port, toger with the comments of dreds of amendments, large and proceeding has not already sug- considerably greater
paid. I fear that any protest from would be futile. But the decision the Govement thereon, was not small, that have been introduced gested itself, the desirability of amount of grants
with the draft Esti- since the Ordinance first came converting at an early date the was glad to hear from the Hon. amounts to a reversion to what presented
documents into being, are a source of some Six per cent. Public Works (1927) Colonial Secretary that should the lower rate financial position of the Colony be Your Excellency has admitted to be mates, these two
would re been of material bewilderment to those who have Loan to one bearing un unduly favourable condition; it
assistand to them in their scrutiny occasion to refer to the law on the of interest, as soon as opportunity improved twelve months hence, the question of a further increase in means additional
be' arises. expenditure.
We ask that subject. Much time would
Military Contribution. the grants would be considered. What it will actually cost to the of the Elimates.
A few words may be said con- Elementary Vernacular Education. Colony we do not know: everything when report is published a saved to both the Government and statemen may accompany it, the Public if the Ordinance were
Military Contribution, Last year I drew attention to, must depend upon the movement
| which shows an estimated in and strongly deprecated, the re- of exchange, but whatever the cost, showing ne savings that will be consolidated in a comprehensive cerning
effected both in 1982 and and clear manner.
of $1,582,277. This in- duction of the vote "Subsidies to the Colony cannot afford it.
ultimato
The Unofficials have noted with crease I spite of the ruthless curtailment
the report of the considerable satisfaction that pro- crease is, of course, the result of Elementary Vernacular Schools in While Hong Kong" from 395,000 to $80,- of necessary public works, in spite
which
has been made for anti- the increase in revenue. came out vision
we do not desire to press for a 000. It is therefore a pleasure to of a considerable number of the Cleg Mission recommendations of the Retrench-, here instance of the Secre- malarial and anti-venereal disease
measures, as well as for i fant, more equitable method of calculat- find the vote not only restored to ment Commission having, accord-tary
enquire into our
believer available to the welfare work. It is the earnest ing Military Contribution in view its former figure, but actually in- ing to the Hon. Colonial Secreta publies.
pint, have con- hope of the Unofficial members of the financial difficulties con- creased by $5,000. As
the Home Government, in universal education. I should The Hon. Colonial Secretary Excellency to authorise, as you already hoan urted ppo, the sideral y astistes in our con- that before long steps will be taken fronting
to be informed like to see this vote doubled, so moved the second reading of "A did abortly after marts, the whole timated expenditure for next yea siceration of the Budget, inas to give greater facilities for the; we should like
whether Your Excellency has that a free elementary education Pity in apply a sam tot exceeding sale revision of licences and fees shows the staggering increase of much as the finances of the Colony treatment of tuberculosis cases, obtained the sanction of the Secre- could be given to a larger number Tweny-six million six hundred and and the imposition of new taxes $4,193,806 over the approved
are bound up with the problem and, as soon as money is available, tary of State to the publication of of poor children than the w forty-one thousand seven hundred which have become almost a week- estimates for 1981, and of $2,823, of exchange and currency. Will to build a sanatorium for the pur-
vote permits. Whether a higher the correspondence between him- education is a luxury or a necessity and eighty-seven Dollars to the ly feature in recent months. We, 161 over the revised estimates for
Your Excellency inform the pose.
self and Sir Cecil Clementi on the is a question that might well be Public Service of the year, 1982." however, realise that, in order to the same year, without taking into Council why this report has not
The Hon. Colonial Treasurer enable the Government to balance account
subject, as mentioned by Your the $1,000,000 for the seconded,
the Budget, fresh imposts in one Naval Arsenal, to be financed out been published, and when it will
While I am still dealing with Excellency during the Budget de- left to those who are in a better position to pronound an opinion be published? The Hon. Sir Shou-on Chow form or another were inevitable, of surplus balances. These figures
the Medical Estimates. I desire bate last year.
thereon, but I think few will dis- on behalf of the Unofficial members; said:
we respectfully
pute my view that all children, no and we consider that, on the whole, reveal a state of affairs which does Sir,The duty of presenting the the form adopted by the Govern- not go to support the Hon. Colonial
of life, I will now proceed to comment to express sincere thanks to the St. congratulate Your Excellency on matter of what station joint views of the Unofficial mem- ment was better than a further Secretary's contention that "we
on a few individual items in the John Ambulance Association for your success in preserving cordial should have the chance of arguir- bers of this Council on the Budget increase in Assessed Taxes.
near neigh ing an elementarv education in can afford to pay these salaries." Estimates of Revenue.
The receipts from Light Dues, having handed over on loan to the relations with our
motor-ambu- bours in Kwongtung and Kwongsi their own language. Government three again devolves on me this year. We also agree in principle to Nugatory Economies.
Buoy Dues and Fees. for the In discharging this duty I should the proposal to levy a Betting Tax,
difficult condi- We are unable to ascertain from Engagement and Discharge of vices it has rendered to the Colony tions--an achievement which has
lances, and for the valuable ser- under extremely like, at the outset, to tender to but it appears to us that the es- the draft Estimates the total
show Seamen,
decreases, the Your Excellency our congratula-timated yield of $250,000 has been amount of savings in personal:
by giving free vaccination to thou called forth sagacity and under- tions upon your ability to produce based on a too optimistic expecta- emoluments that have been effected reason given in the footnotes sands of people every year, the standing, tact and statesmanship. Technical School is another
balanced Budget a Budget
umber vaccinated in 1930 being We also assure Your Excellency of portant improvement in our educa- by the adoption of the Retrench-being that these items were over- In view of
on which the which is undoubtedly one of the
our loyal and wholehearted sup- tional system, ment Commission's recommenda- estimated in 1931. most difficult that a Governor of
The thanks of the Colony are port of any measures which you Government is to be congratulated. this Colony has been called upon increase to the Petrol Tax, it might such savings would be more than Colony, it would be interesting to
While we are not opposed to an tions, but it is conceivable that the importance of shipping to the over half a million. be pointed out that in these days counterbalanced by the increase know whether the figures estimated also due to those public-spirited may deem it necessary to adopt The Hon. Colonial Secretary has and pected to pay for itself by the fees The financial position of the of rapid transportation, and the entailed by the conversion of ster- for 1931 were based on the ex- gentlemen who founded the New for maintaining peace and order said that the school was not ex- received, as it was intended for Colony for both 1981 and 1932 has gradual spread of the population ling salaries at current rate of ex-pectation that more vessels would Society, particularly
son* of comparatively poor been shown with admirable clear- from town to suburban districts, change. This being the case, the touch this port in the year than medical practitioners who give
pareris. has actually been the case.
No one could reasonably ness in the Hon. Colonial Secre-petrol is a necessity rather than a retrenchments 80 far
their services free to the suffering
exper that the fees would cover The Unofficial members note poor in the New Territories, cheer- tary's speech and in the Hon. Tres-luxury. This is true not only in would be rendered nugatory. It
expenditure. and my Chinese col- surer's Memorandum, The memo-regard to those who live at some would also mean dispensing with with satisfaction that the revenue fully and unremittingly.
leagues and I gladly approve of of the Kowloon-Canton Railway is randum is very comprehensive distance from town, but also to the services of a large number of
In the Estimates of the Kowloon-
the provision made in the and 18 the most illuminating docu- those who have to do much travel- less well paid men in order further expected to yield an increase of Canton Railway, under "Special ment of its kind that has been pre-ling by motor-car in the course of to improve the lot of sterling-paid $151.450 which is a healthy sign Expenditure," provision has been The
that the receipts of the British made for the rew body-work of serted with the annual draft their business. It might be point-officers who are by no means
section of this line are steadily four coaches. We do not know Though it has no directed out that in many countries in niggardly treated. bearing on the Budget, the An- which this tax is levied, the re-
whether this body-work is to be The estimated total expenditure increasing. nual Report of the Auditor for ceipts
Turning now to Expenditure, I of steel or wood. If work has not derived therefrom are for next year, excluding Military the year 1980 deserves a werd of employed for the maintenance of Contribution and Public Works will deal with certain items in the yet been commenced. we augrest FORM OF ESTIMATES. Into the question of Chinese educa- commendation for the sound views roads, whereas in Hongkong the xtraordinary, is $25,441,549, of order in which they appear in the that the coaches might be built,
tion at the University of Hong- as of steel,
been! it expresses and the Independent Government, simultaneously with which $13,809,382, or 64.28 per
kong. It appears to me that the Hon. Mr. R. H. Kotewall said: In regard to the Head "Cadet given to understand that recent
time has come when our educa- spirit it reveals, which is in keep-imposing the tax, decided to reduce cent. is for personal emoluments.
opinion experience has shown that steel Sir, My senior Chinese col- tional system as a whole should ing with the best traditions of the votes for the maintenance of It is true that these high figures Service," we are of the the Audit Service of the Crown roads and bridges in the City from are due to the Budget being framed that during the last four or five is not only safer than wood in case league, having undertaken the be thoroughly overhauled, and more Cadets have been of accident, but is also more office of spokesman for the Un- that it may be profitable to appoint The public must congratulate $100,000 to $80,000, and outside on a shilling dollar; none the less, years
actually economical in upkeep.
official members, has delegated to 2 committee for the purpose. Itself upon the fact that instead the City from $120,000 to $80,000. they are phenomenally high, what brought out than were
required by the needs of the Ser- We are glad to see that a begin- me the task of presenting the Some think that we are spending of a deficit of $2,250,000 at the end This is a step which, in the words ever the cause, and it behoves us
views on the draft far too much on education; others of the year as anticipated when of the Hon. Colonial Secretary to exercise the strictest economy, vice, having due regard to the fact ning is at long last to be made Chinese
task has been feel that we do not spend enough; the Estimates for 1931 were fram- himself, "will mean a lowering of especially when the Colony is un- that modern administration tenda next year in the construction of Estimates. That
while yet others consider that t ed, there is expected to be a sur-the high standard at which the dergoing to quote once more the more and more to require the em- the 100-foot road between Cause considerably lightened by the in-
vogue is capable plus of about $50,000, but it re- Colony's roads have hitherto been Hon. Colonial Secretary "consi- ployment of specialists on special way Bay and the Ming Yuen Gar- clusion in the Hon. Sir Shou-son system in grets that this position has been
That being the We trust that the two den. This road is an urgent neces- Chow's speech of all the matters improvement. derable financial perturbation." maintained."
to the case, a committee of enquiry, com- achieved only by stinting the Co- What has been the prime cause In view of the facts I have men- posts that have recently become sity for the development of the dis of major importance
and I need posed of men with practical ex- Iony of very necessary public of such economy exercised at the tioned, and in view
also of the vacant will not be filled for some trict east of Whitfield Police Sta- Chinese community,
tion, and our one regret is that only say that I am in entire agree- perience of education and with works, and by a seemingly unend-expense of efficiency? The answer salary cuts that have been years to come.
larger provision has not been ment with the views he has ex- knowledge of local conditions, ing series of fresh taxes which is the enormous cost of administra- authorised in Great Britain and in
Contrasts.
made in the Estimates for 1932. pressed thereon. There are. how should be of great assistance to have hardly left a single item oftion that has been occasioned by colonies such as Ceylon and Singa-
a few questions affecting the Government in determining its licences an fees untouched.
There is a reduction of five We hope that if in the course of ever, the general increase of salaries. pore, we are of the opinion that
educational policy. the Senior the year the finances of the Colony the Chinese in particular, con- sanctioned by the Government in it would be but fair that some re-stenographers in
Water Supply. The Colony's taxable capacity this Council a year ago when the duction should be made in the Clerical and Accounting Staff. We should improve, a larger sum than cerning which I am to offer some has now reached a point where any financial condition of the Colony salaries of sterling-paid officers in think that a greater reduction can the $50.000 now inserted in the remarks.
be made in this direction by sub- Estimates may be spent on this additional imposts will assuredly was just beginning to take a turn the Civil Service of Hongkong.
stituting local men for sterling- road, so as to accelerate its com- have adverse effects on trade and for the worse. The public was there-
pletion as much as possible. the economic life of the communi- fore amazed to hear that in spite
The honourable member repre-paid stenographers.
We approve of the provision of The announcement that a new is to be built has given
a
to prepare.
timates.
Taxation.
tion.
Petrol Tax.
Equality of Sacrifice.
circumstance
effected
draft Estimates.
work.
of unrest
Benevolent in these times Territories Medical
to those anxiety. (Applause).
we have
CHINESE VIEWS.
yield
Junior Technical School,
of The institution
a Junior im-
we think, will be of real benefit to the community.
Requirements of Estimates for this school which,
Education.
The Colony's Educational System. Your Excellency has recently ap- pointed a committee to enquire
uf
Betting Tax.
As the question of water supply When the draft Estimates for is of vital importance to the 1931 were before this Council, I Chinese, I make no apologies for put forward, on behalf of the adding a few remarks to those of In this connexion I would of the present state of affairs, the senting the Hongkong General $24,000 for the purchase of two gaol
Chinese General Chamber of Com- the honourable senior Unofficial to tax race member. Three years ago, when draw Your Excellency's attention Secretary of State for the Color:les Chamber of Commerce will move
reason the supply to the rider-main dis- to the speeches of the Hon. Mr. had directed that sterling salaries an amendment to give effect to our accounting machines which, ac- satisfaction to the public. We merce, a proposal
and to be severely restricted Shenton and the Hon. Mr. Kote- should. 28 from January
1 proposal which we think is as rea-cording to the explanatory foot commend to the consideration of sweep-stakes, giving the
no hardship on anyone, would from time to time, entailing acute wall relative to the subject when next, be converted at current rate sonable as it is necessary in the note, will result in the saving of the Government the proposition that such a tax, while entailing
clerks. It is hoped that this of removing the Police Training
A substantial revenue hardship on the people. I felt it the Supplementary Appropriation of exchange, with the proviso that nancial
of the saving will be a real saving by the School at Mongkok to the neigh- and would be Bill for 1930 was before this Coun- for the present payment should Colony.
easy to
collect. my duty to speak on the Govern- with much actual abolition of the six posts bourhood of the new Gaol. The It is cil in July last: and also to Your not be made at more than $20 to
satisfaction, ment's lack of foresight in provid- The Hon. Colonial Secretary, instead of by transferring them to proximity of the Training School therefore, that the Chinnen og ing an adequate supply on Excellency's answer thereto that the pound sterling.
when referring to the "compro- other departments, and so leaving to the Gaol would help to keep learnt of the Government's both sides of the harbour. you echoed the hopes of our hon-
mise," said that "the Government the total number of clerical posts down the staff of Warders and intention to introduce before the To-day, it is my agreeable ourable friends that it would not The Unofficial members protest does not consider it fair that one
undiminished.
the valuable property now oc end of the present year a Betting duty to express appreciation of the be necessary further to increase in most emphatic terms against section only of the community
and satisfactory taxation in connexion with the this decision. It will be within should bear such a disproportion- a small committee has recently recently been
We have noted with interest that cupied by the School which has Tax estimated to bring in a sum expeditious
acquired at a of $250,000 in 1932.
manner in which various water- Budget for 1982 so long as we were the recollection of all that during ate share of the burden of balanc-been set up to enquire into the considerable sum of money, can
Jocal Men.
works have been or will soon be able on the present basis to main- the debate on the Budget lasting the Budget." He also said that
The Hon. Sir Shou-son Chow, on completed. The Chinese would be tain the necessary standards of year Your Excellency agreed to the example set by Government has adequacy and use of Government be resold. probably at a profit.
launches, and we hope that the It may not be out of place here behalf of the Unofficial members, grateful if Your Excellency could efficiency. The qualification which the "compromise" suggested by not been generally followed by the provisions made in the Estimates to tender to Your Excellency the has expressed the opinion that a are them that with the com- Year Excellency deemed it nec- the Hon. Mr. Paul Lauder of pay- business firms of the Colony: that for new expenditure connected advice, which I know has the sup- greater reduction could be made in pletion of these works, sporadie essary to add when expressing this ing half the salary of sterling- though certain mercantile houses pious hope left it open te Your paid officers at the rate of 1/Gd have found it necessary to reduce with the subject under investiga- port of the public, that the Su- the number of stenographers on restrictions such as we have ex-
tion will not be implemented until perintendent of Prisons should the Senior Clerical and Account-
Salaries Protest.
(Continued on Page 11.)
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