54086/41
4.
14
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HON. MR. SHIELDS.-Is that the balance?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.-No, that is the gross total. The rest goes into the revenue account.
Item 299.-30, Public Works Extraordinary:-Miscellaneous: Alterations to Four Godowns for Use as an Immigration Depôt, $24,600.
HON. MR. LI.-What is the rent payable on these godowns? Only structure alterations and repairs, electrical works and water supply and drainage are mentioned here. There is nothing about rent.
THE CHAIRMAN. The rent is $240 per mensem each.
HON. MR. LI.-Is the lease for a long term?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.-I think it is only for a year.
HON. MR. LI.-I think it is a lot of money to spend for such a short time.
THE CHAIRMAN.-That is the only information I have-$240 a month reduced from $265. The Government Assessor considers the amount fair.
HON. MR. D'ALMADA.-If we get notice to quit at the end of the year it means we are paying at the rate of $3,000 a month for the four godowns for the year.
THE CHAIRMAN.-The lease is for one year. If Government wants the property for another year, the lease can be extended for a similar period if three months' notice is given.
HON. MR. LO.-I think we must have a depôt.
HON. MR. PEARCE.-Yes, I think so, I don't like to mention it at this time, but there was a complaint only yesterday, that the immigration authorities were so slow in boarding one ship that there was a delay of two and a half hours before anyone appeared. I grant you that the department is new and I don't suppose they have the organisation going as yet, but the point is that they do want some central place to handle this sort of thing and the sooner the better, for time is important.
HON. MR. SHIELDS.-What are the hours of the Immigration Office? Do they get overtime for going out before breakfast or after tea?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.-I have received no application for such yet.
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