(
C. S. O. M.F. 237.
will be a success. (Report Appendix' of supervision, and we hope the new H. page 2.) (Finance Message No. 11.)
Street Boys' Club. Before leaving matters relating to the Police, we must congratulate the Honourable the Inspector-General of Police, and all those connected with it, on the excellent work which is be- ing done in the Street Boys' Club. (Report Appendix K. page 30.)
Kowloon Railway and Roads. Of the various reports issued by Government Departments for the past year, one of the happiest would ap- pear to be that of our Railway. The figures are most encouraging, and we learn that the possibilities have by no means reached saturation point. (Report Appendix S. pages 1 & 2.) The Honourable Colonial Secretary we note, looks forward to a period of prosperity.
We are glad to learn that an Agree- ment as to the allocation of railway profits has recently been.come to with the Canton Authorities, and that the relations between the two systems are most harmonious. We regard this position as indicative of one of the many circumstances where Canton and Hongkong can work together for their mutual benefit.
We welcome the new Manager of the Railway, and we already notice signs of his activity in the administra- tion.
The Provincial Government of Kwangtung has for some years been pursuing an active road programme, and we are of opinion that steps should be taken to extend our road system to Shun Chun, so as to join up with the projected Shum Chun- Canton Road (now in the course of construction), thereby in due course connecting the Colony with the Kwangtung road system radiating from Canton, in addition to which, we should make arrangements for the building of a road from the British border, for a distance of about 27 miles, in order to link up with the road running from Chenmoktau to Foochow via Weichow, Swatow and Amoy, portions of which are already being used for traffic.
arrangement will prove satisfactory.
Dredging.
hardy annual, and the Honourable Mr. The dredging of our harbour is a C. G. Mackie will again deal with this would draw Government's attention to matter, but, whilst on this subject, we the very serious silting up of the typhoon shelter at Causeway Bay.
Aerial Mail and Air Services.
to and from this Colony, we regard As regards the Aerial Mail Service this question as of great importance, and whilst we feel certain that pro- gress must have been made, are almost entirely without knowledge as to the present position.
we
Any information which Your Excel- lency is able to impart to us, will be gratefully received.
We have noted in Appendix VI of the Estimates that $520,297.69 is to be spent on a new hangar and seaplane slipway. It appears to us desirable that the Commercial Aviation should be separated from the Royal Air Force, which we presume is the intention.
We cannot leave this matter without stating that we have been led to believe that the surfacing of the Kai Tak Aerodrome is by no means satis- factory. We also hope that very careful consideration will be given to the location of prospective buildings on and in the vicinity of the Aerodrome.
such splendid service, voluntarily, without expectation of reward.
Opium Addicts.
On page 55 of the Estimates, Item 22, and footnote 6, we find special provision for treatment of opium addicts. We shall be glad to know where they are treated, and how many have availed themselves of the facilities in the past year.
Superintendent of Mails.
We should like details of the per- sonal allowance of £50 per annum to the Superintendent of Mails, and the reasons therefor.
Trade School.
We are
agreed that the Trade School should be proceeded with, and we should like to record our apprecia- tion of the very generous spirit shown by the Building Contractors' Associa- tion in constructing the building at cost price. We are sure that an in- stitution of this nature will be of considerable benefit to the Colony.
Hire of Swimming Bath.
On page 72 of the Estimates, foot- note 5, we find reference to the hire of a swimming bath. We shall be glad to know which swimming bath is referred to, for whom it is hired, and details of the payment.
Volunteers.
We have noted with interest the formation of the Naval Volunteers, and the Flying Section of the Hong- kong Volunteer Forces, both of which we find are well organised, and enthu- The Honour- able Mr. C. G. Mackie will deal with the flying subsidy.
On page 34 of the Estimates, Item 7, and footnote 4, we find reference tosiastically supported. a roller purchased in 1934. We shall be glad to know whether it is expect- ed that this roller will make the Aerodrome fit for landing, and taking off, without danger.
Land Sales.
1930
We have noted with regret the great falling off in land sales. The Medical and Health Services. figures for documents registered, The Government has appointed a fees and stamps, given in the Land Con.mittee to consider a scheme pre- Officer's Report for 1933, are causes pared by the Honourable Director of for serious thought. (Report Appen- Medical and Sanitary Services for the dix I, page 1). For 1928, the land
sales were $1,635,235.65, for purpose of dealing with certain as- pects of Our Municipal affairs. $2,864,897.03, for 1931 $3,177,807.94, We await with interest the for 1932 $1,370,658.40, for 1934 the report of this Committee, and we approved estimate is $1,200,000, and hope the time may not be far distant for 1935 the estimate is $600,000. when we shall have an opportunity of This is inevitable, having regard to discussing both the scheme and the the unhealthy land boom that has report.
existed during the past few years, We know that Government has due largely to speculative finance, ton and Hongkong can work together, under consideration a new Building and idle funds. Land booms follow- for their mutual benefit.
Ordinance, and the general improve-ed by slumps are not new conditions ment of our health services, and we await with interest the introduction of these various legislative measures.
Here also is an instance where Can-i
School Children's Tickets. On page 72 of the Estimates, Item 23, footnote 12, provision is made for compensation to the Railway for school children's tickets.
The several additional appointments We shall be to the Medical Department would glad to know to what children these seem indicative of the activity of the tickets are granted, and what qualifies them for such facilities.
Honourable Director of Medical and Sanitary Services before the Estim- ates Committee, and we have noted
in this Colony, but we have, from time to time, drawn Government's attention to the fact that treating the proceeds of land sales as current revenue is not desirable, and must inevitably create difficulty. We have many empty houses and flats in the Colony to-day: this has happened in the past, and will recur again.
We hope the Honourable Colonial Secretary is not too optimistic as to the realisation of his saleable land assets in the near future.
Assistant Shipping Master. We note that a new post of As-with sistant Shipping Master is being, being
interest the increased work
performed in the created, and we hope it will now be Territories.
New We are satisfied that possible for the Marine Office to mark the Lady Ho Tung centre at Fan- time, for a substantial period, in ling cannot possibly be successful creating new positions.
where it is situated, without a motor bus attached to it, and we see this is provided for on page 55 of the Estimates, Item 25.
Whilst dealing with the welfare glad to know what this difficulty is, The defalcations at the Government work in the Colony, words of thanks and whether the procedure suggest- Gunpowder Depot at Green Island should be expressed to the many ed has been adopted. appear to us to show a complete want charitable organisations who perform seems from paragraphs 57 to 59 to. There also
We hear from time to time, that this Department is too exacting, and ships are avoiding this Port which would otherwise call here.
Colonial Auditor's Report. In the Colonial Auditor's Report, Appendix A, paragraphs 23 to 26, there appears to be some difficulty as to Government accounting, which requires elucidation. We shall be
88
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.