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"THE HONGKONG DAILÍ PRESS. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH, 1991.

THE HON, MR. 'A, O. LANG. tion. It would appear that the water CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VIEWS.

pressure in cartain districts of Hongkong and Kowloon' is totally inadequate, sad The Hon. Mr. A. O. LANG: Sir, this is a matter which should receive the Following the remarks of my Un immediata consideration of the Govern- official colleagues regarding the vari ment, for, without a suitable supply of ous questions raised in connection with water an up-to-date Fire Brigade is a the Finance Bill, I desire, in the first mere waste of money In view of the place, to record my appreciation of what proposed expenditure on the Fire Brigade. has been achieved by the Public Works I hardly feel justified in. recommending Department under very trying circum-any further incrense, but sooner or later stances and with a depleted staff. The the question of adding to the Fire fight- programme arranged for that Depart. ing equipment afloat will have to be mont, as set out in the Estimates now seriously considered. Negotiations are, I under discussion, is unusually heavy vate concerns awning tags, fitted with believe, at present proceeding with pri- one, and in my opinion, Sir, there is no fire-pumps, etc.. whereby the same will reason why the present generation should be available in case of any serions out bear the entire burden of this..outlay. break on the Harbour, and while such In spite of arguenvats to the contrary, tan arrangedicht may be satisfactory as am by no means convinced that loana in a temporary measure the acquisition of respect of such thdertakings are ima modern motor fire-float should not be possible, and would request the Govern- last sight of ment to carefully, consider that method of finance with a view to its adoption.

I would renew, Sir, the representations THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.

about the end of the year. As to the in order to be parcelled out again under refuse dump at Choung Sha Wan, insteadja town planning scheme. These are the of the total amount of $40,000 only resumptions which are bought up by. $3,000, the amount which it is proposed speculators as soon as it is known the to spend this year, is given

Government is coming in. As to water

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We have

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY. DEFENCE OF PEAK ROAD TO VICTORIA GAP PROJECT.

Road and the tennis courts there, this has been completed a big main will be With regard to the houses on Severn pressure na soon as the demolition work work was begun in November, 1810. The brought down from the Reservoir into total expenditure to date is 138,867, of Kowloon and this will increase the pres which the tennis courts cost approxi-sure throughout, the whole district. As mately $17,8000. "As to the question to the Saivingpun School I am hoping Why separate, tennis courts"} it was that an exchange of land will be arrived considered 'that houses of this character

at within the next month. should have a tennis court; moreover, reply to the Hon. Mr. Pollock, why the The COLONIAL TREASURER explained, in

this undoubtedly had an influence in not appear as a liability in the state- we had to get filling for the road and sum of 8000,000 for the University, did arriving at ✡ penalty clause. of $30 a week but it is Colony. In regard to the question of decision. There is a ment of the liabilities and assets of the not proposed to infist the penalty as louns be thought the best answer to the the delay in completing is not due to the Hon. Mr. Stephen's remarks was that the fault of the contractor, but to non- Colony had no need of loans, arrival of stores from England. More- With regard to the Sairingpun School, house will probably be completed two over, it has only been a short delay. One Sir. I shall be glad if the Hon. Director months ahead of time, and two houses With reference to the Observatory, of Public Works will furnish us with about a month behind time. The total Sir, the Chamber of Commerce, and the definite information as to when a com-cost is something under $50,000, which Shipping and theral community have a mencement will be made with the new I think members will agree is very strong feeling that this institution, needs building. I understand a pledge has reasonable for the character and quality opening of his speech the Hon. and learn- The Hon. COLONIAL SECRETARY: At the expansion, and would welcome some given on two different occasions that this of the houses erected there, and compares ed member representing the Justices of arrangement which would enable the work would be put in hand without very favourably with other work of the Peace referred to the form of the Director to issue more frequent weather delay, but so far nothing has been done. similar character. It has been said that Estimates. reports, particularly in the Typhoon

It is stated that the School is now so it is inadvisable to spread money over so abstract on pages 3 to 12, and asked that especially as regards the Season, on the lines of those issued by hopelessly overcrowded that immediate many items, but the number of contracts an extra column should be put in showing the Manila and Siccawei Observatories, action is necessary, and I would, there in the Gazette, of the last few months the revised estimate for the current year. The two neighbouring Observatories frefore urge, "Sir, that operations be start shows how much work unavoidable. H.E. THE GOVERNOR: Page 5 contains quently furnish information regarding ed as soon as possible.

It is not a case. typhoons ahead of the Hongkong Obser-

I understand that it has been cus

a stupendous pro-information which the bou. member de vatory, and this even in the case of tomary for some years past for the Gov. finished, in

gramme which, has no chance of being sires. The only question is whether it is

its entirely. Of course,

worth while extending the system to pages conditions which more closely affect crnment to assist the Alice Memorial "several jobs will continue into another 6 to 10 I-am-father doubtful whether Hongkong It is recognised Sir, that Hospital with an annua donation of year at least, but a great deal of the it will be so. with the Institution of the new system $300, but in view of the excellent and work in the programme will be com The COLONIAL SECRETARY: The second sug. of signals "more elaborate daily weather ever-increasing work carried out by that pleted..

gestion that was that a column showing the reports have been given, but there have Institution. I would recommend that not often been occasions when the community less than $1,000 per annum be voted in for Government servants, I might men.

As to the necessity of building houses estimated cost of works should be placed "Public Works Extraordinary." It is would have welcomed weather reports or fature. signals from Kowloon but of the ordinary

"In these times of unexampled commer-days ago and there was no accommoda- to put in an estimate which is quite tion that a man arrived a couple of sometimes possible to put in the estimated cost of works and souictimes it is not, and when typhoon weather as been threatencial difficulties I congratulate the Govern- tion for him; he is living at the Houg inaccurate would probably be more mis ed in the China Seas and indications" went on being able to lay so satisfactory kong Hotel at daily rates. thereof have been received from Manila Budget before the Council, covering, been told that the Public Works Depart. The matter will be re-considered and it leading than having no estimate at all. and Siccawei. The time has been reach

as it does, so many works and so much ment sets up a high standard in regard may be possible to put in a number of ed, Sir, when the Observatory should progressive development for the future to this accommodation. I do not think total estimates. Coming to the hon, mem give more frequent weather reports, and good of the Colony. At the same time I the buildings are any better than they ber's remarks on the Wanchai tramway if the presat state of affairs is due to cannot refrain from remarking that the should be, and there are no frills." project and on the continuation of the deficiencies of plant, or funds with which degree of taxation is much heavier than As" to the report on the tramway to to increase the service of telegrams, in the past, and I venture to repeat the Wanchai Gap this related to levels and I would like to say, in the first place, road from Wauchai Gap to Victoria Gap. would urge that a grant be made suf. warning already submitted by the Cham-formation drawings, but did not refer that I suggested the making of the tram- folent to provide for such equipment, ber of Commerce that a halt should be to the equipment which would very likely way to Wanchai Gap and had had it in etc., as is usually associated with modern called in the levy of increased taxation, be two or three times the estimate for mind for years before making the sugges- Observatories.

the rails. With regard to the Un Long tion. I realised then that it probably scheme referred to by the Hon. Mr. Lau would not pay: it might prove an expense to the Government on, the matter of MOST OF THE PROGRAMME WILL deal of consideration.

Chu Pak, that has been receiving a great and would certainly yield no return on. penalties to which Shipping is liable in

Mr. Carpenter, capital expenditure for a number of the event of smuggling operations taking

HE COMPLETED.

the Assistant Director of Public Works, years. It would, however, be so useful in place on board vessola. It has lately

has been to several public meetings of developing the district by carrying build- been recognized by the Chinese Maritime The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Maid: the people interested but it is a big ng material up to the surrounding area Customs that they will not take advan- There have been so many questions put scheme and will take some time to bring and would also be of use to a large num tage of the regulations which have per- this afternoon that I must ask hot. into operation. It provides for bund ber of passengers who would use it for mitted them in the past to levy nes on members to excuse me if I am not able ing in a great deal of land and making getting to such a central point as Wan- ships involved in smuggling enses." I to deal with them as fully and com- is available for cultivation. One of the chal Gap" and by visitors to the Colony would urge, as already represented by the pletely I should like Reference has points that makes it difficult is that all that I now think we should get quite a Chamber of Commerce, that this Govern been made to the very heavy programme the gentlemen in the district are not development proceeded we should get some good return from the beginning, and as ment should adopt a similar attitude, and of the F.W.I... and it has been said quite in agreement with Mr. Lau's refarm on capital and be able to regulate where it is shown that due measures have that we shall not be able to carry it scheme and they do not like it. It is the fares in the public interest. I realised been taken by the Master, or his Officers, put, that a good deal will be left over, taking a little time to persuade them that no private Company could be expect. to check attempts at smuggling special think that is likely to prove a very which scheme in support. There is no ed to embark upon such a venture, which consideration should be given to that fallacious idea. This year, nearly every question of enforcing the Building Ordi- would probably cost about four lakhs, -circumstance; and fines not levied.

work that is shown in the budget is nance all over the New Territory, but and that therefore it should be done by I maintain, Sir, in view of the fact more or less in course of materialisation there are one or two places in which it the Government. I put the project for that Alcohol is more or less a necessity and I do not think the hon. and learned would be better if it were enforced more ward and it has got to the length of the for Europeans residing in the Tropics, member will have to complain next year than it is. Un Long, one of our biggest routes having been surveyed and certain that we tax on Foreign Liquors is exces

that we are not asking for enough money. towns, is one of those places. A good plans for its construction having been alve, and I would, therefore, press for The tramway to Wanchai Gap may be deal of gambling and speculation goes prepared. Although at the Finance Com- an immedinte reduction. I am also of extremely desirable and it has been or in the hope that Government will mittee it was omitted from the Esti- the opinion that the duty on Tobacco, pointed out that before the Peak tramway have to resume une land, and immediately mates for next year it may be possible which is more than ordinary creature Peak upon on the Peak and six at a scheme of development is on hand, estimate of the total cost. With regard to was opened only twelve sites on the it becomes known outside the office that to finish the plans and to arrive at some. comfort in this trying climate, might likewise be reconsidered, and, if taxa Magazine Gap were occupied. There are and seas suddenly to acquire more the Peak Boad I can say that I personally tion in substitution thereof is abso-one at Wanchai Gap, neither will the value. I understand that some of the hall nothing to do with it. It was a pro- lutely necessary, the Stamp Duty on

tramway open up a single site along this poor villagera are buying land at $300 jest that never appealed to me, and I was Agreements for Sale of Property might road. This scheme may vary. Well stand an acre.

with the hon. member in thinking it was easily be increased without unduly penal from No. 7 Police Station to the Gas this was, at first, more or less hidden entirely converted, and. I consider the over for a year or two more. The road As to the mortuary at Shektongtsui, wholly unnecessary. But I have become Works, which has been referred to would away in the country. Then three or Gap. and possibly in the futurs much road to the Peak and as far as Victoria I should like, Sir, to take the opportu.hardly come under the head of "Publis four houses were built near it. It was farther than that, is an absolute neces gity of congratulating the Captain-Works Recurrent." A scheme was evol not a case of a martuary being set oul sity. I will refer to an answer given to Superintendent of Police on recent im Tod two years ago, but it awaits develop down amongst houses; the horses came the hou, member by the Colonial Secre provements in the "Control of Traffic, ment of the land on one side of the road. to the mortuary. The Goverant agreed tary on April 14th. which havo added considerably to public To do anything before then would be to pay half the cost of removing it if asked whether the Government would The hon. member safety; but further improvement is neces too expensive. As to to the Victoria the people interested would pay the take a voto of residents as to whether sary in training men for that particular Hospital Maternity Block, the amount, remainder, and I note that one of the the road was required, and he also want work. I would recommend that expert $135,000, should not have been in the people concerned is now building close ed to know what was the estimated cost tuition in the regulation of traffic be original estimate; it was intended to to the mortuary at Kowloon, and he told of making the road when each estimate "arranged for at the Police Training cover only that year's expenditure. The me last week that he in sending in a was obtained. The answer given was that School, and that the more efficient mem-expenditure this year is 8296,000, of proposal asking the Government to the Government is not prepared to take bers of the Force be retained for duty in which the Maternity Block represents remove that mortuary. Park Road, such a, referendum as is suggested because the busy centres of the City. I fully $177,000. It is also proposed to remodel which has been referred to, is certainly the construction of the road has been realise that the Police alone cannot make the hospital and staff quarters," which narrow, and I think it is a pity that the approved by the Legislative Council. The & success of traffe control, and I would has not yet been commenced.

site to which Mr. Lau referred was sold road will be of the greatest value not only make an appeal to the general public,

The traffic road from Wanchai Gap to some years ago, but there are not many as a means of access to all parts of the both Europeans and Chinese, to co-operate Magazine Gap was put down at $20,000 motor cars using the road.

Peak eventually by motor vehicles. bat. with the Authorities in this somewhat and was corrected in last year to $70,000. As to land sales by private treaty, I also it will reduce the cost of carriage of difficult task. There is one point on

I do not know why the $20,000 was in- an afraid the suggestion made by Mr. road and building materials to at least which I would like to lay stress, though Berted. It does not approach the prob- Bird would give an opening to a good one-half the present price.". I would ask it might not be considered to come with.able cost. There is a thousand feet of deal of collusion. in the strict definition of traffic work, retaining wall with an average height of to Kowloon cemetery is receiving con- also have the desirable result of lessening

The suggestion as the hon, member to note that

'It may viz. the inadequate provision of Police 15ft and a maximum of 35ft, so that sideration and sketches for dealing with considerably the employment of women officials at theatres, cinemas and other the estimates of $76,000 which appears it are being prepared. With regard to Hill district. The new alignment of the and children in carrying burdens to the places of public entertainment, and I fin this year's estimates is not an unduly the water supply a water pipe across the road will make it possible to construct would suggest, Sir, that the defect be high figure. The amount put in the harbour is a thing that may possibly have branch roads connecting other portions of remedied without delay.

estimates for Queen's Statue Wharf was to come in the future. The matter of the Hill district with the lower levels." The Harbour Police was the subject of $90,000. This is the amount which it is scaffolding workers seems to be a real It was further stated that the. Public a discussion at a recent meeting of the anticipated will be spent this year; it grievance at the present time. The prices Works Committee of Committee of the Hongkong Chamber of does not include anything for the super-being paid and the wages they are de meeting held on October stil. 1820. the Council at Commerce, at which the Captain-Super-structure, The Government has pro-manding certainly seem to me excessive. intendent of Police. who kindly attended, ceeded with the piling while the drawings

unanimously recommended the construc As to dumping conveniences, provision tion of this road at an estimater cost of outlined a scheme, which, if brought for the superstructure are being prepar- ia made in the Estimates, and it will 898.250. into effect, will result in increased police ed. As to the Praya East reclamation mean practically doubling the Praya Committee held on January 13th. 1991, a As a further meeting of the supervision and consequent reduction in scherne, the contractor has ordered at certain points. The Government have change in the route was recommended at pilferage from ships and lighters. It is Decauville wagons and rails and the given other facilities in the last or three revised estimate of $118,000. Since then satisfactory to note that provision has requisite length and weight of rails years and we are getting a rather valu- the uncial members of the Council have been made by the Government for two for locomotives. Tenders for locomotive able reclamation at West Point by reason considored most carefully the continua fast and up-to-date launches to facilitate wheels and axles are at present being of it.

tion of the road to Victoria Gap and have this Harbour work, and I trust the com- considered by the contractors, and it în With regard to the Hon. Mr. Stephen's approved that being done. I consider it bined efforts of the Police and the Ship anticipated that orders for them will be remarks about town planning, I would is essential that we should have this ping and Wharf Companies will prove placed this month the whole to be de-like to point out that the Governmental nos only for the reasons already successful in eradicating an evil which livered in four months' time.

Mean have not gone on the hand-to-mouth way There is the question of access to the given in that answer but for other reasons. has become notorious in recent years."

while the Decauville wagon's will be that the hon. member suggested. There Improvements in the Fire Brigade are worked by manual power. The contract has been very complete town, planning Peak during hours the Peak Tram is not also a source of satisfaction, and, with time of six years hardly seems too long for Kowloon for many years, and I my running, urgent cases in which doctors the completion of the New Station, with for the scope of the work, although self. laid out a system of monuments in required, and the tremendous help its up-to-date applicances and additional great deal of the area will be brought dicating streets-some of them at that down the Peak at a very much lower rate it would be in removing baggage up, and personnel, the service will be more in into use before that time. As regards time in the sea on the lines of the work than at the present time, I consider that keeping with the requirements of a large Coronation Road, the sum of $12.00 will I did at Brooklyn in the United States in view of the Report on Child Labour. city. understand, Sir, that, in addi- finish the work and it is anticipated that on a town planning scheme there. When recently presented, that the removal of tion to the equipment already on order it will be finished by March next. With you build a town like Victoria on the b-ilding material to the Peak at a very in England, the Superintendent in his regard to the diaphone fog signalling her side of a precipice I do not think w rate and getting rid of the child report has recommended the parohase of installation at Waglan, only a small English town planners would do very labour used for its transportation is one a further motor-pump and a second turn-amount of building work is being done.much better than we have done. As to of the chief reasons why this road is going able ladder, and, while I am fuly aware The chief expenditure is in plant, there resumptions, the number that we deal toch of sexy-great-public hausfit. Every that appliances of the anture indicated foro no contract fras been invited for the with for streets widening is insignificant. day shows it is going to be a far more are expensive, it is imperative in a building. It is being done under the The Kowloon Town Development Scheme valuable react to the Colony, than it was densely populated place like Hongkong annual contract for small works and will is a case in which-land-is privately-owned ever thought or suggested it would be. that safety should be the first considera. be ready when the machinery arrives by small persons and has to be resumed

(Continued on page 7.)

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