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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
experience that the squandermania which such figures are said to encourage, if I may be permitted to use a word which comes readily to the lips of the critics of governments when funds run low, is more often due to unofficial pressure than to any other cause. I trust therefore that my unofficial friends will forgive the Government if
if it fails at times to respond to their blandishments and declines to undertake works which, however desirable in themselves, might tend to involve the Colony in future financial difficulties. Our present programme involves heavy future commitments and so far from extending the list, it will be necessary to proceed very cautiously until we are reasonably sure of our revenue for next year.
The Senior Chinese Unofficial member and the Honourable Mr. Shenton have both drawn attention to the unsatisfactory trade conditions at the present time and of this we have some indication in a falling off of our revenue below the estimates for the current year. We hope it is only a temporary phase. Should it prove otherwise the Government may be obliged to curtail its programme of works for next year in order to avoid the necessity for increasing
taxation.
The natural anxiety of the Colony that there should be no delay in the building of the Gorge Valley Dam on the Shing Mun River is reflected in the speeches of several honourable members. Knowing this anxiety, which indeed the Government shares, I telegraphed to the Secretary of State on 27th September for the latest information on the subject. I am glad to be able to inform honourable members that a reply has reached me this morning. I am authorized to assure the Council that the work is being expedited with the least possible delay. The Resident Engineer expects to reach Hong Kong on 17th November and the majority of the staff to be sent from England should arrive before the
end of the year. The Consulting Engineers have prepared detailed drawings of the location and probable extent of the foundations of the dam so that arrangements can be made for excavation to proceed at an early date and for the opening of quarries. The Crown Agents hope to invite tenders at an early date for excavating and quarrying plant.
In the circumstances I hope I am justified in assuming that the Honourable the Senior Unofficial member will not press his request for a further telegram.
I desire to associate myself with the unofficial recognition of the work of the Police Force during the past year. With the very able assistance of the Military and Naval Forces for which I tender our thanks to His Excellency
to His Excellency the General Officer Commanding the Forces and to the Commodore, and of the Police Reserve and the District Watch Force, the Police Force has been
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