1923-06-15 — Page 4

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JUNE 181, 1823

THORNYCROFT

AND CO. LTD.

·SHIPBUILDERS AND ENGINEERS

London, Southan pion and„Basingstoke

PASI NOIR ANI CARGO VESHFIS OF AIL TYPES US TO 8,000 TONS OCFAN-GOING TUES, MOTOR BOATS (BEA OR RIVEE) UP TO 50 KNOTS.

JUBONES AND RFC1) KOPÁTING MACHINERT AND PROPELINES, MARINE AND STATIONARY OIL ENGINES 8 TO 90 B.H.P.

MOTOR VEHICLES 2 TO 6 TONS. WATER TUBE BOILERS,

POR QUOTATION,"APPLY"

ROBERT DOLLAR BUILDING.

SHANGHAI, ..

Summer Weight

Golf

欢

Hose

Specially made for us of fine light weight yarn that has no superior for looks and Fard wem resistance.

A splendid selection in shades of Grey, Fawa, and Heather mixtures.

MACKE

(OSH

MEN'S WEAR SPECIALISTS,

& CO., LTD.

Alexandra Building.

Des Voeux Road.

SPECIAL

SALE

AT

SINCERE'S.

LAIDLAW & CO., LTD.

WHITEAWAY, LAIDLAW

HAVE JUST RECEIVED

A Splendid

Selection

OF

LADIES'

WHITE

CANVAS

SHOES

Direct from Switzerland.

SMART,

SHAPES AND STYLES.

Prices

Moderate.

Call and Inspect.

WHITEAWAY, LAIDLAW & CO., LTD,

20, Des Vœux Road Central,

(Incorporate in England),

HONGKONG,

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL.

instead of the four in odio. Terrace

Substituted the words "

perur.

I think there can be no doubt. Sir, that is useful also from another point of view, | official Member, it is héctase we realisa this revision of the law is required in and that. is for emphasising this question that the Ordinance is, after all, a puroly temporary measure, at which it would be order to protect tenants from being of standard rent. I think it would be n

117 tinker ms than is (Continued frma puge 3.3

arbitrarily turned out. I should have very good thing if we widely published undesirable

We strongly support the proposed Then there was a question of housing liked, myself, to have made that revision in this Colony, in Chinese as well as in absolutely necessart.

shure wide Ishon' like in the English, the definition of standard rent

as it appears in 2 (1) of the Rents Ordin amendment for giving power to a Com- some of these Belilios Terrace tenants in

mittee, f he appointed by the Liovernor- the new Italian. Mussion premises which Beats Hill to have, substitutel the word

for the word "received." | ones, 1922, because it certaials is not are being built wear Robinson Rosti. Approvis Well, Sir, I have got a list of the rentals and in the sound clause instead of "are maierstood that a team of an old build, inst'onacil, to postpone the operations of proposed to his charged for these houses, Trevived" to have substituted “not being ing need only pay the rate at which the natives to quit, and the demolition and a prescribed period. The amendment I understand there are only three red. proved." and instead of "after" hava | premises were let on the 31st December ganzstraction of domestic tenement fer

L1+. Rut, 1996, The 'ida seeties to prevail in cireles and in some cases thu restal given to m, Sir, in these matters it is desirable tuj which one would expect to be Letter in which has just been read by the hon. have animity among the Unofficial formed, that if the Inndoedd can only get senior unofficial member is so framed an amounts to $10 to 200 mure than in Beliling Tervice, whereas you have the members. The matter has been threshed the old tenint une and get a new tenant i to obviate any possible imputation of bad gut and, for the sake of unanimity am in that in so mysterious way the

use it is to affect only future applien comply moving what I consider the less landlord is free of the restrictions of the

Tarte ennnot be

tions therefor. It will also obviate any ring cause, and indeed i may say quite

Rent Ordinance.

fear that hardship way by inflicted o more errutruts opinion than that. trankly the less advisable dure. At all

sonur lawllords, or that a good opportu events this clause, even in the shapes in the case of an obf building any tenaart. has the same right

nity of having old and in-anitary house

would be lost, because is impossible for these Italian Mish which I propose to move it, will have, whether old or new,

I am persuaded a good effect in regard to only to ne ebarge 1 the standard rent and rebuilt promises to las ready by that date.

think it is a pity, Sir. that that is not proposed Committer is to be allowed Th, Sir. 1 come to other offer made reconstruction. It will give the Guvern-

While on, this subject of recone to the tenants that was altogether out ment a Committee to refer to, which will guare widely understood than it is at the absolute discretion in the exercise of its

I have been very much | power, side their means. - -four roomed Hates in have power to postpone reconstruction

indebted to the learned Alcorngy-General. itom time to time for a period not ex-

struck. as Chairman of the Housing Construction, I wish to say that I am deeply Jordan Rand at 150 praction'iy djemble They are also practically offered weeling is months in all. Of course, 15 mission in hiding out that people are to when i went in seek enlightenment. Platz opposite Orient Building, the months is put as a maximuti perioch," but "extraordinarily ignorant of the protection | for

means follows that the Com- nerded to them by this Rents"Ordinance, į ti neinent at 120-obviously beyond their it by ho in making these connparisons 7 do at

rooms instead of foue. So that cannot be considered a savisfactory exchange

means. Furthermore, as fughe - any stand, these tenguts have to turn pas at the end of Octology and 1 gather that it

HTM

шели

"

present molest

se refer to au

In

itter would recommend any such long even as it stands at present in their period as that, It is aly put in by fuong. way if protection as a maximuì period. I think it is certainly advisable that in any legislation which the Governagut is now making they should protect the tenants in this way from the operation of the notice to quit, and also that there should be a Committer able to postpone: armolition, and reconstruction. of pre rises within their disertion.

faith "on the part of the Government, be-

the

n

the

domextie

tion

that opinion

constructed under

1. prin- Sab section (f) of

not necessarily cipal Ordinance je an entirely now building" within th There is another subjecs, Sir, which meaning of Section 9, Sub-sectum 2 of inat is the that Ordinance, les it is, it point. wish it to be thought for a moment that

88214 I undervaltio the heroic efforts, the vers

question of the establishment of a Pair of fact, an entirely new building: and Kents Board. In connectign with is that, therefore, a failling reestructed farmer Section, but strenuous efforts that have been made by the acting Colonial Secretary in the

subject I should like to point out that as under the natter of the rehousing of the Boilies

regards new hidings, which way, had roning within the latter, is an jee, f an occupation certigente grace; the Rints Ordinance Whether the 'mui- Terrace tenants. To my knowledge he

ire, passing of the, Rems thane, they and rem of such a building would be Hin rent us the 31st Beernier, 1980, or the are entirely votade the tents Ordinance. has taken an enormous amount of trouble

garnerents at which the building was first 14 that was pointeti out by the in this matter. But the point 1 wish to

It seems to me a monstrous thing that Attorney tieneral in the sun, reading after the construction, would probably make in connection with the tenants is

These unfortunate truants. without any the 12 Ball, when he said, un page 19 depend upon whether the "recon-tructed Such new bindungs will house was or was not substantially ideg- that there is no necommodation available fault of their own, should be turned out in of Hansard for them at Kewloon-all of them the way I have described. And, Sir, may be entirely free from the restrictions of teal with the former house. I have ve

whatever rests they opinion here in order to give wide 1 do not say that seine ofskem 4 pult that this clause is really to the Urbance and the owners wid beturel. Sir. to repeat this important Therefore as regards new publicity to a point of law which probably may not manage to pay the rents in the say put one of the fundamentals as cititled to charge

presad in the orignal Objects and car" salstam.

and July 1921, 114 quite hemses opposite Palermo Buildings. But Reaps of the 1921 Bill, that existing co. ntkings which have reused occipation is not generally known to the public.

support the proposed amendment for at all rents there is a certain unit to cupiers shall not be turned ont as long as stre

The Beacons as they are willing to pay the rent. dar that the voterinear have definitely My Chinese rulleague The arruan dation there,

Sub-section of section 4 of the Rents liken up that position. The estes the imposing a penalty on any lessor who n certain quest.on of new buildings to be al in the fide intent, demands or receives

Tuture. What is 1 be daue

more than the standard rent: We tric light that are very well adapted to Ordinance, 1924, does give a

so power of suspension of turning out, but un- re-is-ital purpos-certainly not anch as Helitis Terrace and are the fortunately it gives it at such a late stage gard to them? Well, Sir, this question that this amendment will be accepted by as to be practically of little use to the has engaged my cargest attention, and i

the machinations of the unscrupulous land- only Hats that can be considered in any

nerd which exists for new buildings way cheap. The Jordan Road flats and tenant who, of course, has to make his confess that in view of the extras the tavernment so as to give a check to arrangements for new premises at a very; being erected on fresh sites that it might ffords, we, that is my Chinese cofirague and 1 arc aware that the operation of the the Hats opposite Oriem Buildings can-

be doubtful policy for the Government Ordinater does extril hartship on some not be considered us at all within the

Rents Board for such new lu asking the Government to accede to to create a means of the tenants.

it might create a certain specially on those to whom their res expect, Sir, that by and by we shall the mendment which I shall move in mildings. be told that there are numbers of flats Comprittee I am not asking them to adopt check apon what undoubtedly is the main constitutes their sole source of income: but in Kowloon that are unoccupied. That no entirely new principle, because the thing which the foverancut wishes to such a condition of affairs is unavoidable wal answer to the matter at all. principle of postponent of divery of areomplish, and that is the production in special legislation of this kinil. It is quite true you may be able to gepossession is recognised by sub-section 3 of new buildings upon sites which have a fat at Kowloon, but, after all, the of sub-section 4 of the Honts Ordinater, not been previously built upon.

TUR 18 EENTS BOARD QUESTION. question of rent must in the car persons 124 Vufortunately, it is recognised at

is 110

rent.

greatly increased rent."

tenuats.

with

With regard to reconstructed buildings of limited means form a very important; late a stage at stage when judgment. factor. Even these premises which some of the tenants are willing to go into will been recovered aumast the unfortu. I think there are considerable dificulties nate tenant-that pretically it is of very in the way of the establishment of a Fair involve a considerable addition to their little use. It is necessars, I subniit, for Rents Board. One of the difficulties that

I should like to draw the attention. of this Concil to the somewhat remark somebody like a Committee of three per able difference between the language of sons to have the power at an earlier section 4 (1) (P) and that of (f) of the stage to intervene in the interests of the Rents Ordinance 1922. In the case of 4

PENALTY FOR OFFENDING LESSORS. (3)(e) where the lessor requires the

Now, Sir, I come to the second amend, premises for his own occupation for him- self or his family or any person bondment, which it is proposed to move in fide residing with him he cannot turn Committee, that is that cause of the. the tenant out unless he shows that be amended as follows:- alternative Accommodation reasonably equivalent as regards rent and suitability In section in all respects is available.

there is nothing of (0) (1)

121*1 * # #_#l}. There the tenant! tit simply has the months' quit given tu bim and he is left appar- ently to fend for himself regardless of whether alternative premises are suitable! in all respects and also reganiless alto! Rethor of the fart whether they are reasonably equivalent as regards rent,

Therefore, Sir, there can be no doubt.. that the case of there tenant--I refer to Chinese and Portuguesis a really hard

4

one.

notice to:

i. By substituting sections are" for "section is " in the Arst Eno thereof; and

niso

Wo

houses will soon be met to such an extent as will justify this Conueit in repealike the measure which, whatever good it may do, does not, after ali, get to the root

can only hope that the demand for

In view of

1:

of the evil. But, Sir, while the shortage exists. The continuation of the Ordinance vee is that if the return is to be eight appears to as to be necessary, and we per cent upon the total outlay we might will, therefore, vote for its extension for the fate pent amounted to rather a stag- possibly, in these boom times, find that aunther twelve months. geringly high figure, I am afraid that! STATEMENT BY THE COLONIAL

SECRETARY. Some tenants are disposed to interprot as amounting to a low fair

The COLONIAL SECRETARY: nt, or fair to the pocket of the tenant, Of course it has no meaning of that sort the superons, points which have been in orilinary parlance, If you are going raised, I am afraid I must ask the to have a Fair Route Heard youpat.ence of the Couveil while I traverse.

rather wide field. First 1 must lake - would have to have a Roard which would

Axess the rent as being fair all round. the opportunity to express the obliga I would have to be fair, amongst of the Government to the Senior Du

Lilings. iron the By inserting at the end ther

oficiat member for his assistance in clause of the following:

I view ni

thay

which the investigating numerous cases of hardship --Every lessor who demands or landlord

expended. first of and in expiring all the avenues which receives more than the standard rent all in buying premises and scully it possity lead to a solution of this for any domestic tenement shalt unreconstructing the building at the high most difficult nousing and rents question. less ho proves to the satisfaction of pics wh'el prevail at the present would like to add my thank also. I the Mgaistrute, that ho acted bona fis Therefore, I must confess, Sir, might also remark on the excellent work fide, be liable upon summary convintamuh have taken a great deal of done by the hon. members representing the tion Lo fue not exceeding one traub ensidering this point, that I Chinese committily a bold of theis The matters most immed- thousand dollars.

think it would be a stoubtful policy if compatriots. I submit that clause is a very useful Fair Rents Board were established, and lately before this Comell are petitions I would re I have only come to that conclusion with from the tenants of Belilios Terrace and

of

the had

side of the tenant

point

It so happeris. absolutely without and a very necessary one. any fault of their own that their parti-mind the Council that a essor includes the very greatest reluctance, because may the residents of Rutter Street, to which

will refer later. Regarding Bellion. en ar premises happen to have been pitch. not merely the first landlord but the sympathy in this matter is entirely on the

the lessor

Terrass there are forty-two families. ed upon by some wealthy purchaser wh principal tenants of premises

Another kind of difficulty perhaps,numbering about 200 souls, housed in the 27 has taken it iute his head that he would of two or three cubicles; the lessor of any

scheme of reconstruc-portion of the building from the whole which might be created by a Fair Rents buildings of these three terraces and it like to go in for tion These people only desim is to be building down to badspace, and that per Board. if established, is that you might doubtedly is, as the Senior Unofficial left where they are and to continue to sou it is proposed to make liable to cause a certain amount of dissatisfaction ember has said, a very great hardship pay their rent. And I do submit. Sir, penalty it be demands or receives more in the mind of a landlord of an old-build that this sheltered, self-contained opm Host earnestly, that their case deserves than the standard rent for any domestic ing who wished to reconstruct. You might munity should be evicted at suck short every attention from the hands of this tengniant, which I have explained ja. have all sorts of inequalities. Of course, notice; irut it must be remembered that, Government. As I said just now, I am cludes every kind of lessor and every kind if you were to adopt the suggestion.

family, over a long period of years, thin quite aware that the noting Colonial of division or sub-division of a domestic have seen given of making the fair rents owing to the generosity of the Bolilies

It makes the lessor liable to ni reconstructed buildings the same Secretary is doing his best in the matter, tenement.

milarity and comequently their rent but I think it is time that some altera-a penalty for demanding or receiving the rent of any other building in the rents have not been appreciably increas tion of the law should be made to prevent more than his duo under this Ordinance, name block, that would be a very simple, while during the same period their theso hardships from being legalised in! What, Sir, can be fairer than to subject 1le of thumb to go by. but it would

Taugmented, with the rosult that they are the future. And it is with that end in a man to a penalty under the Ordinaner hardly give an equitable roturn to the paying capacity, have been considerably, view that I shall move a new clause to be for demanding more than the standard person reconstracting his building.

What sympathy gan, possibly be thought perhaps, as I have considered now in a much more favourable positio inserted after clause 6, of which I have rent!

extended to anybody who says a this matter at some longth, it would than the neighbours who surround them. The matter came to my attenting soins hauded a copy to Your Excellency,

tenant-who perhaps has been a tenant interest the Council to hear my view on time before the Petition reached me. I must apologise for having On the very morning on which I received for some years" am going to raise that point

much of the time of the one rent! The tenant objects that he taken up so poor man and wannot pay more and Council.

A CUMKITIER WANTED.

I shall move the amendment that the following new ewuse be inverted, after

clause :-

Section 4 of the princiual Ordinance is hereby amended: --

to

is then told" Well, if you do not want i

to pay more, there is someone round the

What in th Leorner who will pay it.

HON: MR KOTEWALL.

33

jit I got the option of 34 fials at. West fints of European Point-two-roomed style. I had not seen them at the time, but I sent the Committee of the tenants

i Hon. Mr. KonWALL said:-Sir. during to investigate and they reported that they

from

fire,.

I went looked and

at The rent was $45 for a two-,

(i) by the insertion after sub-scotion position of the leor nader, the law as

at present! Although the the lust fortnight my Chinese colleagues were not suitable, partly on account of 1) thereof of the following subsection, it stands

account al danger to be numbered (2). (2) Notwithstand law says he cannot receive more than the and I have received numerous communi- the sanitary arrangements, and partly ing anything contained in paragraph standard rent he sau bluff more rent out cations From Chinese property-owners on

personal'y dowit (i) of sub-section (i) of this section of the old tenant or get more rent from and tenants in regard to the working of being in a Chinese locality.

He knows that he had no the Rents Ordinance, the former com- Committee of three persons, appointed the new. by the Governor in Council, may, in its right to demand more rent, but yet he plaining that the mensure has wrought them.

A large number of good roomed fat, but by putting two rooms absolute discretion, postpone the oper Luffs it out because it is a wafe pro hardship on ation of the notice to quit and also the position to do so. There is absolutely no landlords, and the latter, urging more futo one they would get a four-roomed demolition and reconstruction of domestic penalty. If the bluff couses off he gets so stringent provisions for their own pro fint for 800. I agreed with the tenants tenements (in cases in which plans for much more rent, but if it does not come tection. I need not trouble the Council that they were not suitable. At the same reconstruction have not been received off he gets off seat free without any by repeating what these people call each time the Felilios Terrace houses struck by the Building Authority on or before the 14th day of June, 1021) from tire penalty. Surely, Sir, that is not just, and other. As regards the suggestions receive me as being in the very last stage of decay it is with a view to remedying and embodied in the communications my and literally tumbling te bits. I invited to time for a period not exceeding 18 injustice like that that we consider this Chinese colleagues and I have brought to the assistance of Mr. J. M. Alves, who the notice of the Government, through has rendered me very great assistance in months in all from the date of the clause should be put in. receipt of such plans by the Building It is to be hoped, Bir, that when this the Honourable Secretary for Chinese this matter, and we went over bogether Authority.

clause is inserted, as we trust that it Affairs, such of them as appeared to ba Kowloon and visited blocks containing All plans for the demolition or ro-will be that it will be made widely worthy of consideration; and I have also altogether some 130 new Bats, and I alsd construction of domestic tenement known by the Secretary of Chinesa reen the Honourable Attorney-General visited the new hotel. When I returned which are received by the Building Affairs, and that the tenants who have about one or two paints having a legal sent for various landlords, including Or $150. I con- Authority after the said date shall be this kind of bluff tried upon them-of aspect. The Hon. Mr. Chau Siu Ki and the landlord of the hotel, and got the. referred by the Building Authority to demanding higher rent as a penalty of I have given all these suggestions that option on a number of buildings at rentals the said Committee.

their leaving the premises-will go to the have been brought to our notice our varying from $70 (ii) y renumbering sub-sections (2), Secretary of Chinese Affairs and that he careful consideration; and if we are not attel the owners of Belilios Terrace, (*), (4), (5) and (6) respectively (3), will then put the proper machinery in advocating more amendments than those who met me (4), (3), (6), and (7) respectively.

motion to prosecute any such cases. It mentioned by the Honourable Senior Un- and have been most considerate."

more than half

Way-