CO129-576-10 Estimates 1940 6-10-1939 - 22-10-1940 — Page 374

422

-

Part II. Detail of 1940-1 Estimates.

N.B. In reading the following notes it should be remembered that as the Estimates were drafted mainly before the outbreak of war they contain no provision for much expenditure which will be necessary if the war continues; on the other hand they do contain provision for expenditure which will probably not be incurred in that eventuality.

HEAD 4. BOTANICAL AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT.

Personal Emoluments.

1 Assistant Supervisor; new post on dollar salary.

Forestry work on the mainland is being increased, particularly in the Shing Mun catchment, and general forestry protection is becoming more difficult. The increased work calls for an extra supervisor for which a local man on a dollar salary is proposed.

1 Botanical Assistant: new post on dollar salary.

It is considered that the Herbarium and Library require the full time of an officer with expert training: at present expert supervision devolves on the Superintendent.

HEAD 5.

CHARITABLE SERVICES.

SUB-HEAD 9. The erection of a building for lepers has been postponed in view of present condition.

SUB-HEAD 10. Lepers have increased in numbers and are being sent to asylums at Pakhoi and Swatow, where they are accepted on a per capita payment basis.

SUB-HEAD 17. Taipo Rural Home and Orphanage. In view of the greatly increased numbers of child destitutes as a result of new mui tsai legislation and the increase in S.C.A. activities against kidnappers it was arranged by an agreement dated 12th September, 1938, with Bishop Hall to pay Building Grants of $16,000 in 1939 and $28,000 in 1940 or later, the second grant to be conditional on the raising of an equal sum by public subscription. In consideration of these grants Govern- ment nominees to the number of 50 will be accepted at a fee of $5.00 per month per head. As the buildings are likely to be completed before 31st March, 1941, it is expected that the full $28,000 will be payable before that date.

SUB-HEAD 18.-The voluntary basis on which the Tung Wah group of Hospitals is financed has proved increasingly ineffective in recent years. New arrangements provide for the annual grant to be fixed on the basis of the Hospitals' approved Budget for 1940-1: this grant is provisionally put at $350,000.

SUB-HEAD 23. At the present rate of outlay $250,000 will not suffice for more than six months, but in view of the uncertain prospect and the emergency nature of the need it is not considered advisable to budget for a larger figure.

HEAD 6A. DEFENCE, VOLUNTEER DEFENCE CORPS.

The larger force resulting from political disturbances in general and the Compulsory Service Ordinance in particular entails several increases of which the chief are as follows:-

SUB-HEAD 3.-Ammunition increase from $7,000 to $71,200.

SUB-HEAD 17.—Training expenses: increase from $17,000 to $28,000.

The increase in Ammunition is partly due

due to Artillery Camps in con- nexion with newly formed battery units being held in the first three months of the