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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
Excellency to state that the question will be reviewed as soon as may be in 1933 and that if the finances allow, a vote will be asked for to make a beginning with the work.
I take the opportunity here, in
in connection with several questions concerning the Medical Department, to say generally that the Director of Medical and Sanitary Services is engaged with the Law Officers in formulating his views for the re-organisation of the Medical and Sanitary work of the Colony. The task is an arduous one, but when complete will make it possible to view the whole suggestion in the simplest possible way as a comprehensive whole.
The Cemetery in the centre of Kowloon must undoubtedly go in the course of time; but as it still provides room for 5,000 burials a year, other accommodation must be found before it can be given up. Arrangements for other accommodation, on the Sha T'in hills, have been under discussion for some time, and it is hoped that a concrete scheme will soon be available. When that is so, it should be possible to remove this obstacle to the expansion of Kowloon.
A point with reference to the Yaumati Slipway, and to a question asked by the Senior Unofficial Member-The personal emoluments of the Yaumati Slipway do not amount to $33,313 but to $24,534, which includes $5,041 in respect of clerical staff which last year was shown separately. The entries for acting pay and overtime allowances at the foot of the page are for the whole of the Harbour Department and are not confined to the Slipway staff.
Finally the Hon. Mr. Braga asked a question concerning the recommendations of the Road Passenger Transport Committee. Reference to the call for Tenders, which is very full and detailed, and accepts the recommendations made will I hope supply the information desired.
I am anxious before I sit down to tender to Unofficials our thanks for their courtesy and helpfulness in the work that the annual Budget involves. The fact that the wheels in Hong Kong run so smoothly is due not to the absence of difficulties, but very largely to the assistance afforded by the Unofficials in meeting them.
And finally a word of thanks to Mr. Grantham of our Cadet Service, round whom the Estimates have revolved from the first sittings of the Government Committee until to-day. It is rather heart breaking work but he has done it well and there was never a question I asked him but that he could find the answer at once, and perhaps even give it accurately from memory. And you will agree he earns a word of commendation when I tell you that I saw no single sign of depression in him throughout the whole period. (Applause).
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