1921-06-24 — Page 3

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FAN BONGKONG DAILY PRESS. FRIDAY, JUNK 24TH, 1991.

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL.

THE GOVERNOR ON RACK

RENTING.

STRONG

PROTEST.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO STOP “A SCANDALOUS OUTRAGE ON PUBLIC DECENCY."

A meeting of the Legislative Council was held in the Council Chamber, yes- terday afternoon. There wore present:~~

C.SR.G.).

others it was found that the landlords In order to deal with the situation of on reconsideration were prepared to people who are given notice to leave, withdraw the proposed increases. 2. I would suggest that no such notices I regret to say, however, that during should be allowed to take effect for a the last few weeks the situation bas period of six months-that would prob taken a different tum. It is perfectly ably be long enough to carry us over the clear that it is the intention of a large period of pressure caused by the influx amber of landlords in this Colony to | of refugees from China, and by that time take advantage of the scarcity of houses a certain number of additional houses in order, to rack-rent their cenants. The will be ready for occupation. I am situation has become more difficult merely throwing out thêre suggestions for owing the unfortunate troubles on the the consideration of the Committe: This other side of the border. The number does not touch houses built since 1914; of Chinese coming to Hongkong has their ense would need to be very care- been very largely increased and we are fully considered. There is, as I suggest- now faced with a double problem. In ed before a danger that interference the first instance, rests are being raised with rents may check the readiness of -I will give you figures to show that landlords to build houses, but I think that they are being unreasonably raised;, and can be gos over, to some extent at least, the other is that presumably owners by making the law of restricted opera- percentages on the valuation of tene desiring to provide room for wealthy tion by making it for one year only ments payable as rates on and after refugees from Kwangtung, have given per and requiring it to be re-voted annually the 1st day of July, 1821, be the same as are now payable.

sons already resident in the Colony if necessary. If that is done I consider HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNON (Sirable members will remember that when desire to interfere with the hospitality proved.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY said: Honour notice to lente their houses. I have no that the situation will be materially im K20INALD EDWARD STUUBR, KC.M.G.). HON. THE OFFICER TAMPORARILY COMMAND the question of increasing the assessed

ING THE TROOPS (Colonel C. W. Davy, taxes from 13 per cent. to 20 per cent.always given to refugees in this Colony, It is with great regret that I feel was under consideration the financial hub I think you will agree that we owe, compelled to ask the Council to interfere SEVERN, C. M. G.. position of the Colony was such that, in the first instance, certain duties to with business matters in this way. It Hon. Mr. CLAUD

oven with the increased taxes, an liquors (Colonial Secretary). Hon. Mr. J. H. KAMP, K.O., C.B.E. and tobacco, it was difficult to see how the permanent residenta of the Colony.is undesirable to interfere with economic the revenue and expenditure of the cur I pass now to some rather striking laws, but if these laws are not allowed (Attorney-General). Hon. Mr. C. Mal. Messze, O.B.E. rent year could be made to balance. instances of increases in rent. I will to work monthly, and the landlord

Even with the proposed increase of the (Colonial Treasurer), Hon. ME. A. IRVING (Director of assessed taxes it was doubtful whether red to you a letter addressed to the takes the opportunity of rack-renting by we should arrive at the end of the year Head of the Sanitary Department. (virtue of his monopoly or makes a Education)

without a

considerable deficit. The will not mention the names of the corner" in housing accommïivdation, it Government was very unwilling, to in- crease the assessed taxes at a time like writers): the present, when not only the rents paid in respect of domestic tenements are: higher than they have ever been before, but the trade of the Colony at the same time was in an unsatisfactory state, and generally, it would be hard for tenants to pay the additional sum required. At the same time it was felt-it has always been felt-tha, the nasessed tax is one which is spread over the whole com- munity and, in normal times, ia a fair tax, and one that can be

borne more easily than other forms of taxation, However, since the resolution was passed the financial position has been found to be more satisfactory than it was in April and, also, we have a reasonable prospect this year of meeting our expenditure by the help of the sale of certain Crown lands. Therefore, it was felt that this increase in assessed taxes might stand 1 need only add to that, gentlemen, over, at any rate for the present. Dur ing the course of the months that have that the rent of these premises at the elapsed since it was decided to raise the present moment is per month In assessed taxes, various instances have other words the middle man who farms

LIQUOR DUTIES. The COLONIAL SECRESADLY ID which landlords have raised the rents ofan iniquitous system ig itself-the- their tenants or given nation to their collection of rents from the Land Invest Towing Resolution under the provisions tenants that rents would be raised by ment Company, is proposing to raise of Section 41 (1) of the Liquors Con- certain sums from the 1st of July, and in the rents by something like 120 per cent.solidation Ordinance, 19). Ordinanc some cases it was definitely stated that that rise was caused by the incrents in Speaking in this place I cannot stig: No. 8 of 1011: the trouble to make here tenants take matise that action in the terms which the trouble to make the calculation, they would use in the course of ordinary generally find that the increase is greatly more than the 7 per cent, by which it conversation. I can only say I regard had been intended to increase the assit as a scandalous outrage on public The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by commanded taxes; in some cases the increase in of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table the rent was as much as 20 per cent, decency, and it is grently to be regretted the following papera: Report of the Har and that the landlord was obviously that a wealthy corporation like the Land bour Master for the year 1990; Report

having decided to raise the assessed

Hon Mr. S. B. C. Ross (Secretary for

Chinese Affairs).

Hun. Mr. T L. PERKINS. (Director of

Public Works).

Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.0.*

Hon. Mr. P. H. HOLTOAX

Hon. Mr. LAU CHU-PAK,

Hon. Mr. Ho Fook

Hon. Mr. H. W. BIRD.

Hon. Mr. A. G. SHIP,

Mr. S. B. B. McELDERRY (Clerk of

Councils)

41

PRESENTATION OF DECORATIONS.

Before proceeding with the business of the Council His EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR presented the badge of Officer of the Order of the British Empire to the Hmm. Mr. S. B. C. Ross, and the badge of Member of the Order of the British Empire to Mr. G. P. de Murtin, and to Mr. F. J. de Rome. The honours had been conferred in recognition of services rendered in the censorship at the Post Office during the war. I desirey 18 EXCELLENCY said, to express the con- gratulations of the Council to these gentka and its thanks for their

services.

His Excellency pinned on the badges and shook hands with each recipient. members of the Council meanwhile stand ing in their places,

The ininutes of the meetings held on April 28th and April 30th were approved by the Council and signed by H.E. the Governor.

PAPERS.

come to the notice of the Government in

No. 1, Bowrington Road,

1st and 2nd floors. Dear Sir,--We beg to inform you that the above property is leased to us by the Hongkong Land Investment and Agency Co., Ltdas from June 1st, 1921, and all rents due on and after that date are to be collected by us.

We take this opportunity to inform you that the above property is taken over by us at a very high price, cost ing over 300 per house. We are, therefore, compelled to notify you that unless the above premises are vacated on or before July 1st, 1921, the rent will be increased to $60 (dollars sixty) per month from that date. A

Thanking you for acknowledgment of this letter, etc., etc.

of the Registrar of the Supreme Court taking advantage; of the Government Investment Co. should, by encouraging!

an position and it is to

for the year 1920; Report on the New Territories for the year 1020; Annual Report on the Kowloon-Canton Railway (British Section); Preliminary Report on the Census of Hongkong 1921; Quarterly Return of excesses on sub-heads met by savings under heads of expenditure."

TRANCE.

The Coloxia SECRETARY, by command of H.E, the Governor laid on the table Financial Minutes Nos. 28 to 40 and

taxes to n great deal more than the the system of farming through a middle na satisfactors pole for That is man, allow such scandalous transactions be hoped that all landlords who have to take place in this Colony. When I made sneh an addition to rents will last spoke on this subject I stated that tee it to restore the rent to the the Government would not allow the original figure, we

situation to be exploited, and I thought

now

The COLONIAL TREASURER: reconded: The motion was agreed to..

the landlords would be wine enough to take that as a hint and.

moved that they be referred to the INDICTMENT OF LANDLORDS. proposals for increased -to reason.

Finance Committee.

The COLONIAL), TREASURER seconded;

and the motion was agreed to,

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command. of H.E the Governor, laid upon the table the Beport of the Finance Com- mittee (No. 6) and moved that it be adopted.

The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and

the motion was agreed to.

REGULATIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT-IN-

COUNCIL DE

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H:E. the Governor, laid on the table Regulations made under:NY

(a) The Stamp Ordinance, 1921, by the Officer Administering the Govern- munt-in-Council on April 20th, (b) The Stamp Ordinance, 1021, by the

Officer Administering the Govern ment in Council on May 13th,

(e) The Places el Public Entertain

GOVERNORS VIGOROUS.

DENUNCIATION."

HE. THE GOVERNORW

[able limits. There their

not dones

|

is necessary to abandon precedents and general principles. The landlords have chosen to defy the Government 'and 'the public, and 1 must ask you, gentlemen, to assist me to deal with them, [:

The Hon. Mr. HOLYOK: I regret to say, sir, that, on bealth grounds, I must decline to serve, I have been strictly forbidden, on medical grounds, to undertake any extra work for two months. I am afraid this will be a some what heavy task and I must not under- take it.

His EXCELLENC= I am sure I am ex- pressing the regret of the Council at Mr. Hölyonk'a décision and the reasoni for it. A

HIS EXCELLENCY enquired it the Hon, Mr. Bird would be prepared to serve on the Committee. The hon. member signi fied his willingness and his name was ace cordingly substituted for that of the Hon. Mr. Holydak

moved the fal-

Resolved that the Resolution made by the Legislative Council under the pro visions of Section 41 (1) of the Liquors Consolidation Ordinance, 1911, the

- 7th day of April, 1021, and published in the Gazette of the 7th day of April, 1921, as Government Notiäcation No. 139 be amended by cancelling the clauses thereof marked (f) and (2) res pectively and substituting therefor the following clauses :---

-$0.20 cents per gallon on all na

tiye liquor distilled in the Now Territories, not including New Kowloon, for consumption in the said Territories.

(2) Stills in the New Territories, not

inchiding Now Kowloon, shall be prohibited from sending liquor produced in these stills to Hong- Long or to New Kowloon, pro- vided that any licensee of a' tillery who desires to send such liquor to Hongkong or to New Kowloon, may be granted a permit to do so, upon payment of the duties charged in Hongkong and New Kowloon.pd

The COLONIAL BECHETARY, said: The affect of this resolution is to place the island of Cheung Chau on the same foot- ing as the remainder of the New Terri tories (excluding New Kowloon) as re garda native liquors distilled. there... Representations have beut made by those

they choose to throw down the gauntlet in this way, and I am perfectly prepared your per.to take it up. A situation of this kind. mission, I should like to take this cannot be tolerated, and I ask you to opportunity of saying a few words on a advise me, gentlemen, as to the steps subject which arises out of some remarks that should be taken to deal with the which the Colonial Secretary made on situation. 1 desire the matter t the general question a of increases of rent be fully considered and propose, there by landlords. At the beginning of last fore, to appoint a committee of this year I made clear in this Council my Council to consider and advise what own view on the question of the in steps should be taken to protect the who distil native liquors that the exist creases which were taking place in house tenants of domestic tenements from uning regulation is having the effect of renta. My view was that it was highly reasonable increases in rental and from driving customers chiefy those of the andesirable, if it could be avoided, to arbitrary termination of their tensaries fishing feet to other places, and there interfere with the operation of the I propose that the Committee, shall appeared to be no reason, why the in ordinary financial principles of supply consist of the Attorney-General, the land of Cheung Chau should stand in a and demand, and there were Special Colonial Treasurer, the Hon. Mr. different position to other parts of the men Regulation Ordinance, 1919, reasons against interfering between Pollock, the Hon. Mr. Lau Chu Fak: New Territory. The Government has by the Governor-in-Council on May landlord and tenant. A certain and the Hon. Mr. Holyoak. I do not decided that their representations are. 20th, 1021

amount of annoyance caused by in wish in any way to fetter the delibe (d) The Stamp Ordinance, 1921, by the

Governor-in-Council on June 9th, in ront was unjustifiable, because rations of the Committee, but I should justified, and this resolution is the re-

sult owing to the decrease in the value of like to say what, in my opinion, is a

The OOLONIAL TREASURE ACConded the money, the landlord was receiving less possible course, one which would enable

motion; and it was, agreed to, The COLONIAL SECRETARY by command and he had some right to put up his rants us to deal with this situation without of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table in order to secure an income equival-making the

so unsafe for land- FACILITIES TO CONTRACTORS. Rules made under the Supreme Court.

The Hon Mr.HW BID, In accord- Ordinance, 1973, by the Chief Justice onent in value to that which he had before, lords that they will not invest their June 14th, 1921, and moved that they be further point was, I was afraid that money in building further houses.Iance with notice previously given, asked approved by the Council.

The ATTORNEY-GENSEAL seconded and if we interfered too much we should would suggest that the soundest course the following question:

check the building of houses, which is would be to consider what, in view of Police, to afford facilities to Contractors Will the Government instruct the

a" most important point. At & sub the fall in the value of money, is how for the temporary storage of building sequent meting, in order to clear equivalent to the rents which were in materials on the Praye during transit up. the position, said that the existence, say, in 1914 and 1915, and what from the lighters or janks in which they

arrive Government would not stand by percentage on r

renta it would be neces

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, replied:-This and fold its hands, and allow the sary to add to meet that fall. Having is a difficult subject which the Govern shortage of housing accommodation to done that I would further propose that meat has had under consideration for be exploited unreasonably by the land- in fuinre no rent should be raised to some time. It is proposed to provide fords. The matter bag remsized una Ercolor percentage without the con-permanent stages for the fleposit of build- touched practically since then. Occa sent of some body appointed for the ing material. Pending their construction sional complaints have been made to us purpose and I would go further and efforts will be made to introduce tempor of unreachable increases in resta. In say that it rents have been raised beyond ry arrangement which will meet the chao so far as is possible without undue inter- many cases it has been found that the that percentage they should be reduced ference with traffic increases were not unreasonable, in as from the beginning of next month.

*SUPREME COURT BULER..

the motion was agreed to.

THE RATES RESOLUTION RESCINDED.

COLONIAL RECEITARY'S STATEMENT.

The COLONIAL BECRETARY more the fol

lowing Resolution made under section 31 (1) of the Rating Ordinance, 1001, Ordi- dance. No. 8 of 1001;——|

Resolved that the resolution made by the Legislative Council under section 31 (1) of the Rating Ordinancs, 1901, on the 7th day of April, 1991 and published in the Gazette on the 8th day of April 1921, ao Government Notifica tion No. 144 be rescinded and that the

position

(Continued on page 4)

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