1917-08-17 — Page 3

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HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL

COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE.

A meeting of the Hongkong Legislative Council was held yesterday afternoon st the Council Chamber.

The following were present: --

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, AUGUST 17TH, 1917.

It has been generally the experience of Reserves. Motibers will find on the table is a good thing there should be a re the Government that, when the fact be a copy of the regulation it is proposed organisation of the Volunteers, and Be comes known that it is in the market as to make under the Ordinance when serves, and I should imagine it would be & purchaser, prices are put up against it. passed.

The First Schedule of the reitesirable that not only some such re- There was no special reason for secrecy gulations deals with the question of train- organisation as foreshadowed in theee in the case of the purchase of "Lysholt," ing, and members will see, on looking at Regulations should take place, but that but the fact that the Government em regulation 7, that eight days' attendance there should be some grouping in either

during mobilisation exerciso na the case may be, is com

or at the camp f

pulsory for every member of the Corps.

ployed an agent to bid for it did not, to the best of its knowledge and belief,

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR result in a bigger price than necessary It is intended that there shall he mobilin

being paid for the property.

FRANCIS HENRY MAY, K.C.M.G.

HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL F

Troops in China).

Hon. Mr. POLLOCK-With reference to

Every

tion of the artillery and engineer com- VENTILS (General Oficer Commanding sub-Section I, question 1. I should like to camp of exercise for the infantry batta panies one month during the winter, and ask whether the figure put in my question during the winter also. Hón, Mr. CLAUD SEVERN. C.M.G.

tion, 337 water-closets, was the figuremeber of the Corps will have to attend (Colonial Secretary).

mentioned at the recent meeting of the for eight full days, not necessarily con- Hon. Mr. Mol.

MESSER (Captain Sunitary Board, and by whom was the Superintendent of Police and Colonial figure supplied. Treasurer).

Hon. Mr. J. H. KEMP (Attorney

General).

Hon. Mr. E. R. HALLIFAX (Secretary

for Chiness Affairs).

Hon. Mr. W. CHATHAM, C.M.G. (Diree tor of Public Works).

Hon. Mr. Wat Yos, C.M:G. Hon. Mr. Lau Cau PAR.

•

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS-It'

berd. At present it sometimes happens companies or platoons of certain mem-

platoon there are members who have very that in the same company or the same

different physical capabilities.

You

find in the same company or platoon

INTIMATIONS

LANE,

CRAWFORD & Co.

(Established 1850),

TELEPHONE 1741).

some members, who can quite rendily, SHIPCHANDLERY DEPT.

without any harm to themselves carry through vigorous exercises on a Field Day

its records, but in supplying that in exceptional cases Auther amendment Sir, than to suggest that the services in formation they included. I think, all

conveniences of that description situated to the eastward of Garden Road, and a good mary of them do not discharge over Praya East.

EADIE'S

ANTICORROSIVE PAINT

IN

secutive, for camp exercise or mobilisa-where others have to pant and puff in ARCHIBALD EADIE & CO. LTD.. GLASGOW. tion. Power is given by a antendment the rear. No doubt a good dent of re was supplied by the Sanitary Board from of the regulations to the General Officerganisation in that respect is desirable Commanding to grant special exemption

I do not think I need say more. now, made in the draft as originally provided, is the Volunteers or Volunteer Reserve, that the training schedule shall not apply which would count for a long service to men over 50 years of age. They are to

medal, should not be wiped out by the undergo a modified training which will operation of this Bill, but that there he prescribed by the General Officer Com should be some saving provision stating manding. The Bill subjects to military thint services in the Volunteers or Volun. second reading of the Bill intituled,here between the ages of 18 and 55. Any or other recognition should count as con. service all male British subjecta resident feer. Reserve for the purpose of a medal "An Ordinance to make provision member of the Defence Corps who reaches tinnous service when the member is trans- with respect to military service, and the age of 5 will be entitled to his disferred to the proposed Defence Corps. I to provide for the establishment, maintenance and control of a local defence corps." In doing so he said:- The minutes of the last meeting were Tho object of this Bill is to make all male British subjects between the ages of 18 und 55 who are ordinarily reside then remain a member of the Corps until and the public through the Press will

Hon. Mr. H, E. POLLOCK, K.C.

Hoo, Mr. R. G. SHEWIN.

Hon. Mr. C. E. ANTON.

Hon. Mr. S. H. DODWELL.

Mr. A. G. M. FLETCHER (Clerk of Councils).

confrined.

war.

MINUTES

PAPERS.

FINANCIAL

The

MILITARY SERVICE. ATTORNEY GENERAL MUved the

in the Colony, with certain exceptions

charge, but should he elect to remain in the Corps, and if allowed to do so, he will take the oath of allegiance and sign the form of engagement, and he will

discharged or dismissed or exempted, in

would once again, Sir, ask for this ad- journment. I am only asking for a véry, short adjournment until the next meeting

of this Council, and then han, members

have an additional opportunity of con-

to be amended and also the Regulations which it is proposed to make under this

Bill.

His EXCELLENCY-There is no objec

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table which are specified in Clause 2, liable the ordinary way. You, Sir, said at the sidering this Bill. as it is now proposed) report of the Superintendent of Imports military service in the Colony when call last meeting of the Council that it was for the year 1916. Also, sessional paper ed up for such service. The exceptions ant intended to transfer men from the No. 14 of 1917, correspondence on the are: Members of His Majesty's regular Hongkong Police Peserve into the new subject of the third anniversary of the Naval or Military forces, civilians in the Defence Corps, so the members of the employment of the Naval or Military Police Reserve are not affected by the authorities, if recommended for exeron Bill, beyond the fact that there is a potention to the adjournment: I regret that tion by the Naval or Military authori-tial liability to serve if they should be honorable members were not furaished required. It will be seen, further, that with the schedule of regulations earlier. for those nicmbers of the community who propose that members agree to an ak are already in the Volunteers and Re-jourgment until this day week. As serves there is little practical change from the present position. But the Bill will affect two things. In the first place it will enable the authorities to apply compulsion to those rare individuals have failed to appreciate, or where

have failed to assume, their military obligation to the State, and to the Colony. You stated, Sir, at the last meeting of the Council that nearly every male person of British race and physi cally fit had already enrolled in the Reserves, Volunteers or Hongkong Police Reserves. The Secretary of State for the Colonies recently stated that Hongkong did not require compulsion for

The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.

FINANCE MINUTES.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table report of the proceedings of the Finance Committee, No. 7, and moved that it be adopted,

The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to,

QUESTIONS BY HON. MK. POLLOCK.

Hon. Mr. Pollock asked the following

questions:-

|

Cases

regardis making regulations by the Legis Intive Council, that would introduce an entirely new principle. It is true that the lun. member made spine suggestion on that behalf and that we said we would

DYCT-

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table,ties, and men in Holy Orders or regular Finnucia! Minutes Nos. 33 to 38, and ministers of any religious denomination moved that they be referred to the Fin- The first two clauses are, of course, ex- ance Committee.

emption for special reasons, The third clause of exemption is taken from the Imperial Military Service Act, and the wording is the same as in that Act. The normal procedure contemplated by the Bill is that, in each case where a tan has

consider the matter, but I regret to say- to be called up and rendered liable for,

that the Attorney-General is so military service, an order shall be served

worked--not only current work, but he upon him calling him up, and on the ser-

has about 15 Billy on the stocks to bring vice of that order the man immediately be

before this Council that he has not had comes liable to military service under the

time to consider the matter. I think, Ordinance, and becomes a member of the

speaking generally and taking this case Hongkong Defence Corps. Provision is

in particular, it would make the business also made for acceptances for the Corps

of the Colony somewhat arduous, and to of persons who would otherwise be ox

have to come to the Legislative Council (7.)--With reference to the Answer empt, either by reason of age, or by rea-

with every amendment to the Regulation. given to my first question at the son of occupation, and these persons the purposes of raising u volunteer of a Defence Force such this would} last meeting of the Council

will, of course, coute in as volunteers, and force, or for the purpose of getting inbe really, I think, somewhat of a waste (1) Is it the fact that 337

will take the Uath of Allegiance, and any considerable number of persons who of cine. water- closets now discharge over

sign the forms of engagement provided would otherwise not be serving the State. fectively ready to consider and discuss Therefore, while we are per in the Bill. Once, of course, they take We have now practically all the material these regulations 1 am not prepared to Iraya Enst foreshore, and (i) Cannot some steps be taken to the oath and sign the engagement, they there is. But this Bill will enable the go to the length of making them by the remedy the nuisance arising from become members of the Defence Corps Government to apply compulsion Legislative Council. i think if the prin such discharge, as

and will be liable to the Army Act in in temporary

ciple of them is accepted the small those: rare

isolated alterations that may be necessary from measures, pending the commence the same way as tuen who are called up eases

scoms time to time can well be left to th ment of the work on pro.compulsorily. In order to save trouble,

lished in the Gazette and may be sub Governor-in-Council: They will be pub posed reclamation ?

jected to exiticism afterwards in this Council. There is one other point which which has been brought before me by two the hon. member lias not mentioned, bur representatives of the Chamber of Com merce--that is, the duration of this only be for the period of the war. I am legislation. It is suggested that it should not prepared to accept an amendment to that effect. I think that after the ex Defence of this war we shall hardly commit such a retrograde step as going. back in any part of the Empire to a condition where universal military service

the

tho

and

where' compulsion

necessary and desirable fu the second and prevent the necessity for circulating place, the Bill will facilitate the fusion (iii) When is such proposed reclama- & great number of orders, an amendment of the volunteers and the Reserves and

tion likely to be commenced?

will be proposed in the Bill providing the reorganisation of that combined (9)--With reference to the Vote taken that every person who is liable for mili- force which is under contemplation. The

at the last meeting of the Coun-tary service under the Ordinance, and cil for the purchase of "Lysholt" who is now a member of either the Volun for Government Quarters,

teer Corps, or the Hongkong Volunteer (i) Is it not the usual practice to Reserves, shall, upon the announcement get an officer in the Government of the Ordinance, becolue, so facto, & Civil Service to bid on behalf meruber of the new Hongkong Defence as some legislation was

object of that fusion is increased military efficiency. I may say that it would not have been possible to fuse these two bodies, and reorganise them in the way intended, without some legislation, and necessary, it

give an undertaking that six months But the Government is quite prepared to after the signing of peace we will con

of the Government in cases where Corps. In other words, the Volunteers seemed desirable that it should take the tho Government desires

to and the Reserves will be incorporated form of imposing on everyone the oblign-is not recognised as absolutely essential. acquire property?

bodily in the new Defence Corps, andtion for military service which most they will also be incorporated with the people have accepted voluntarily, I now same ranks which they now hold in the propose the second reading. Reserves and Volunteer Corps. Thai

(i) Was there any special reason for

secrecy on the part of the Gov ernment in the present instance (iii) Did not such secrecy result in clause is provided in the further ropy of

com-

sider in the Legislative Council the Bill especially in regard to the training and the limit of age of those who are Bill. No doubt, by that time we shall have pulsorily brought under the purview of the learned what the proposals are not only

the light of the recommendations made by respect, and we can be guided then by the Home Country and throughout the Colonies. In the meantime, I am quite

The COLONIAL SECRETARZ Beconded Hon. Mr. POLLOCK-I would ask that the consideration of this measte Council, and in support of that appli- be Clause 9 of the Bill Every person cation I would point out there are cer- The COLONIAL SECRETARY replied as who becomes a member of the Defence rain amendments to the Bill, which are sure, all here recognise that in the present

the Government having to pay a the Bill which has been laid on the table bigger price for the propertyThere was no time to circulate it to bol postponed to the next meeting of this in England hut in other Colonies in this than it would otherwise have members before the meeting. It will

follows

done?

that every able-bodied man of European defence of this part of H.M.'s Empire

Corps, either by being called up or by printed in-italics, and that until a few circumstances it is absolutely necessary 1.~(i.)—About 269 water closets being incorporated in the Défence. Corpa now discharge over the Praya East forebodity, or by voluntary enlistrucnt, will minutes ago rest of the members of the

Face should do what in him lies for the shore. (.)--The sewer outfalls could be become at once subject to the Army Act, Council had had no opportunity of seeing extended to below low-water, The cost

provided that the Army Act will apply these or the proposed regulations to be Hon. Mr. Potzock-May I be permitted af making such extensions is roughly only. so far as it may not be modified by Section 8 of the Bill. With regard to the next meeting of the Council to bring made by the Governor-in-Council under to offer a few remarks? First of all I understand that we shall be at liberty at estimated at $20,000, assuming that iron regulations made by the Governor in pipes can be obtained at a reasonable

Council.

The Army Act does recognise these Regulations. Sir, I would also sub-up any question for discussion on these price at the present time.

Regulations 3 the Colonial Forces generally as being it that any Regulations to Le madei In view of the existing foul condition of the fore subject to the Army Act only in so far ought to be made by the Legislative shore, it is extremely doubtful whether as the Army Act may be modified by Council. This is a matter, Sir, which Under the power of affects the main body of the civilians in any appreciable improvement would be local legislation. effected by carrying out the extensions making regulations, given to the Gov- this Colony, and I think it is a matter referred to. (i.)—It is impossible to ernor in Council in Clauss 8 of the Bill, which should come before the Legislative state at present when the Prays East it is to proposed to make certain provi: Council. This would give an opportunity Reclamation Scheme is likely to be com- sion for the discipline, establishment, for anyone outside to read these proposed Bienced,

training and uniform of the new Corps Regulations in the Press and to submit 2.There is no recent precedent for the This arrangement will not differ very criticisms to be laid before this Council purchase by the Government of real pro- much from the existing arrangements id by an unofficial member, I think, Sir, perty at auction.

force in the Volunteers and the Volunteer that everyone will be convinced that it

HIS EXCELLENCY-Certainly. Hon. Mr. POLLOCK Secondly, I should like to ask a personal favour. I shall very long case next week, on Monday, be engagent in the Supreme Court in a

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I do not know whether it would be possible to adjourn the meeting of this Council to Friday of next week 1

HIS EXCELLENCY Most certainly. Hon. Mr. POLLOCK-Thank you. HIS EXCELLENGY-The Counci":"is ad: journed to Friday in next week

(Other Local Weick will be found on Page 6)

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