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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
The proposed new Crown Leases Ordinance when it comes finally before the Legislative Council, may be less expensive, and not nearly so portentious as it at present appears. The Hong Kong Law Society are working on a scheme by which the Government will I think, obtain its main objects with far less expense to the Colony, and without interfering with the rights of private contract.
As regards His Excellency the Governor's proposed retreat in the New Territories, I heartily support it, especially as it is bound up with the abandonment of Mountain Lodge and the building of a new official Residence on the Island. Mountain Lodge has been distasteful to numerous Governors, as it cuts them off from the Colony's administration. To those who have to attend on His Excellency during the summer months it takes up a large part of a business day. The present Government House is fast falling into decay and the report on the state of the roof of the ball room when it was found to be in a very dangerous condition, is still fresh in our memory. I have called for the figures to show what Government money has been spent in recent years on Mountain Lodge and Government House and I am informed that since 1928 $35,532 has been spent on Mountain Lodge and $190,887 on Government House. I think everyone will agree with me that the foregoing shows that these two buildings are not to-day economic propositions. I am also informed that extensive repairs are again being carried out at Government House. The Governor, in my opinoin, needs a retreat from the cares and worries of his official position in addition to which our New Territories are assuming every year a greater and greater importance and the presence of His Excellency there will I feel sure be not only much appreciated, but also of benefit to the Colony.
I do not know where the new Government House will be, but I hope it will be easily accessible at all times of the year. In any event I would suggest that the new City Hall, the building of which, I hope will be commenced without delay, be so constructed that the King's Brithday celebrations and other official functions can be held there.
It is pleasant to note that the grant for broadcasting has been increased. There has been very substantial improvement in this service during the past year and many people probably do not realise that it is controlled by a Voluntary Committee, to whom our thanks are due. The grant should I think be still further increased.
As regards the Trade Loan, I notice there is about one and a quarter million dollars still outstanding and I would like to know why this has not been collected, also what interest the Government is getting on its fixed deposits and whether such money could not be more profitably invested.
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