1924-08-15 — Page 4

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HONGKONG DALLY PRESS, FRIDAY, AUGUST 152H, 1924

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL.

PIER RENTS AND SHIPPING TAXATION.

BACTERIOLOGICAL WORK: DELAYED PUBLIC WORKS: HOUSE ALLOWANCES TO SUBORDINATE OFFICIALS:" TELEPHONES AND WATERWORKS,

A meeting of the Hongkong Legislative Council was held in the Council Chamber yesterday afternode. Present:

Treasurer).

A

THE TELEPHONE SERVICE.

Under the same main head appears the item "Rent of Public Telephones, wish to avail myself of this opportunity to seek information as regards the future

THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPRO PRIATION BILL DISCUSSION ON KATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST, The COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the second reading of Au Ordinance to authorize the appropriation of a Supple position of the Telephone Company, ¡E mentary Sam of Two million and twentyformation at this juncture. The existing there is no objection to giving such in-

cight · thousand and thirty-eight Dollars and three Cents to defray the Charges service is very unsatisfactory, and has given rise to numerous complaints: hat of the year 1823.

in view of the uncertainty of the Com- The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded. How. Mr. HOLYOAK: Sirarising out of Pauy's future it is easy to understand why they have not done anything towards im- the item Miscellaneous Services" Iprovements. I think that it would be to There is something else in this Bill would like to ask the Government whethe interest of the public if a definite

The Bill ther it will seriously consider the ad-decision could be made by the Govern which requires discussion. transfers. poffers from the Executive to visability of appointing a qualified Assistment at an early date. the Legislative Council. It is not usual art Bacteriologist. I think the Unofficial for me to oppose the transference of faae- | Members of the Council are not satisfied tions from the Exclusive to the Legisla that that Department is fully staffed. It is with some reluctance that I now tive Council, but in this case I submit Your Excellency ́is ng douht well aware approach the subject of!! Maintenance of Waterworks" under Public Works the functions are purely executive. The that within the past two or three weeks Recurrent on page 38. I have no wish

WATER SUPPLY."

But my

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR (Sir

R. E. STUB, K.C.M.G.). Hoa. Sie CLAUD SEVIN, K.B.E., C.M.Q.

(Colonial Secretary). Hon. Mr. J. H. Kaw, K.C., C.B.E

(Attorney-General).

to add my voice to the din of" questions. Hon. Mr. D. W. TRATAN (Colonist machinery for making the pier owners this Department has brea in the lime-

pay the reat they ought to pay is possess light. Tthink. Sir, it is a fact well knownings, discussions and lamentations ever Hon. Mr. E. T. Caus (Director of ped by the Executive Council and Laul to all of us that the "Bacteriologist is our water supply, which, I fear, must niit the power of assessing and re-assess-responsible for the mortuary work, which have, at times disturbed the alegp of our Public Works). Hon. Mr. A. E. Woon (Secretary foring the Crown rent should remain with involves some twenty-five post martems hard-worked Water Authority.

Chi Afnica).

the Executive Council. In 1909 when an Hon. Mr. E. D. C. Wout (Captain attempt was made by ordinaner to take

Superintendent of Police).

away"the power of the Executive Council under section 3 and transfer, that power elsewhere the ordinance was disallowed. For these reasons, I submit. Sir, that the further consideration of this Bill should be deferred so that these points may be weighed, or the Bill, perhaps, Mr. S.B. n. McELDERRY (Clerk of have a decent burial as being unneces

Councils).

Hon. Mr. P. H. HOLYOK. Hon. Mr. H, W. BILD.

Hon. Mr. R. H. KOTEWALL

Hon. Mr. CHAC SIC K Hon. Mr. C. MONTAGUE EDR. Hon. Mr.

K... G. ALABASTER,

O.B.E.

ARSENT.

THE OFFICER COMMANDING THE TROOPs,

MINUTES.

The minutes of the last meeting weer approved and signed.

PAPERS.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, bid on the table the following papers:

Order made by the Governor in Council under section 21 of the Bents Ordinance 1922, dated July 24th.

Order made by the Governor in Coun- vil under section 24 of the Rents Ordi

nance 1922, dated July 31st.

Order of the Governor in Council upler section 21 of the Rents Ordinance 1999 rescinding an order made on 7th Feb,

·". FINANCE

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H. E. The Governor, laid on the tahle Financial Minutes Nos. 64 to 66 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.

a month, as well as for work in connce-honourable friend Mr. Chau and I con- tion with infectious diseases, water, etc., | dider it our duty to say a few words, con- and there is so mạch to do that it needs cerning the supply to the Western dis- more than one man for the work. Sup-trict. For many weeks until quite recent- port of this will be universally forthly, while all the reservoirs on the Island coming from niedical practitioners, who if with the exception of that "ät Wonguei- they have a case of disease for examina chong Gap were at overflow level, a large tion need a prompt report on the speri- part of that district had been subject to men submitted, and it generally happens the hardship of a restricted supply, the that they do not get it for some days; reason being that the Pokfulam Reservoir it has been known to take a fortnight, which serves that district was in a very in which case the information of the result of the Analysis is too late to lie

any serious advantage. The Unofficial) Members would submit. "Sir..not only" for the reason that the recent outbreak of typhoid has drawn attention to the need, but ot: necunt of the importance of this work in the Colony, that the subject should be considered by the Glover ment

ly greater speed and safety. If the Government is considering it, we would like to know, if decisions can be pedited.

dy state, and that the necessarily slow process of 6ltration necessitated an intermittent supply, I understand that chas cundition of the reservoir was prin- pally caused by the construction of the

road above it, from which very large quantities of earth had been washed into it during the heavy rains of the past month or so. No one can deny the grea hardship which the restriction has inflict ed on the inhabitants of the wider-main

to expedite any construction work which will tend to ensure a constant supply to this and other districts of the Calony.

rence to the remarks of the hon. The COLONIAL SECRETARY: Sir. In te member who represents the Chamber of Commerce, the Government have asked the Secretary of State to select a Medical Officer possessing the qualifications of" A Bacteriologist who will assist the Bacteriolózist. It is quite eognierd that the work, which includes mortuary work, is very heavy: There are, no doubt, ocensions when asistance is required. Sometimes, when the Bacteriologist is

sary. At any rate, the Bill should not be passed without further consideration.

The ATTORNEY-GENEALY Sir, I have hal occasion more than once to go into the history of the original Piers Ordi- naner, and it is certainly new to me that there was opposition to the Bill being passed in 1999. There is no record in the "report" of Hanmed to opposition to the first reading but there was the speech in opposition on the second reading. The Ordinance gave to the owners of piers.

Under the heading Waterworks of the Western district, mos

whom are of the poorer classes; and for the first time, a proper legal title and

and Maintenance," we would like to ask, though we represented the matter to the security of tenure and for that reason it Sir, whether the Government has con- Water Authority through the Honourable was welcomed by owners of piers and bysilered, or in new considering, the ques. Secretary for Chinese Affairs at the time, we would like publicly in this Council to prospective owners of piers.

tion of mpebanical filtration of water is express the hope that no effort may b With regard to what the hott megher against the present somewhat slow sys-spared by the Public Works Departurens said about the desirability of a revisione, having it view the great needs of of pier rents, the reason why this is at this Colony and that water can be puri- done, I think, is that we are act for theird by mechanical filtration with infinite moment in need of additional revenue. We But, of course, we may he later on. do not wish to raise rents unneccssarily now, but we wish to keep the power of raising them when aditional revenne is

Under the heading of Public Works The Colonial Treastara seconded and required. I do not think it will very seri- we should like to ask, Sir, in connection the motion was agreed to.

ously affect the properties concerned, with my recent question in the Council because the same condition of affairs has both as we are to add to the work of the Department-whether quarterly re- existed during the past 25 years. During purts on work in progress will be laid on In this connection I think we that time there has been power to revise the table. rents auf I do not think these important would like to express our extreme dis satisfaction is regard to the delay in com

With regard to marebanical" bitration, pier properties will he unsafe, or ath-plating the Saisirgan School. We have stabile in value because of this Bill Leen assured that the work would be the Government has sent home a request pushed on with all possible speed; yet for apparatus which is to be placed at one of the rensons given for delay by the Bowen Road. filterbeds. the Public Works Department is that The Quarterly Reports, on certain there has been difficulty in obtaining the certain buildings and works will be abl I do not know whether special facing bricks needed from Canton on the table. Surely, Sir, in view of the urgent need the Director of Public Works can add of the school--the overcrowded state of anything to what I said the other day the present school no delay should beulxout the facing bricks. As we decided caused a difficulty in obtaining facing to adopt that particnlar kind of brick bricks. I speak without technical know for the Saiyingpun School building.1 fedge, but I should have thought that a imagine it is better to adhere to the lack of these special bricks scaretly justi- design as originally proposed. The ques tion of the infectious Diseases Bospital was brought up last year and a sitë fied the delay..

decided on, but the new Principal Civit Medical Officer has ideas on the subject that are now undef consideration. and he has as forward representations

"

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of 1.E. The Governor, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee (No. 5) and moved that it be adopted.

The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded and the motion was agreed to.

PIERS ORDINANCE AMENDMENT BILL PIER RENTS AND SHIPPING TAXATION.

moved the The ATTORNEY-GENERAL second reading of the Bill intituled Au Ordinance to amend the Piets Ordinance

The hon. member referred to the fact that some years ago it was proposed to transfer certain powers from the Exeen- tive Council. My impression is that the proposal was to transfer powers to the Governor. The present proposal is to transfer them to the Legislative Council There are good reasons for that. Ques Hon. Mr. ALABASTER: Sir. this is aptions of taxation are generally for the parently a mere amending Bill intended Legislative Couleil to consider, and any to preserve powers that already exist, it would be an increase, not for what I may I do not think it should be passed intocall licence purposes, but for revenue law until it has been discussed and ter

1509.

The CONIAL SECTITARY seconded.

increase of rents under this ordinance

The other building of importance which we would ask your Excellency to x I do not wish to dilate, Sir, upon condi- pedite is the Infectious Diseases Hospital tions of hospital administration in this Colony, but it is a fact that cases, of in- fectious diseases are handled almost side by side with other cases, and it is a stand- in disgrace that we have not än In-

purposes, and I think that ought to come before the Legislative Council. It is also a question affecting Shipping and for that reason also it is considered desirable that any intention to increase the re-fectious Diseases Hospital. venue from this source ought to come before this Council. I think the principle

HE THE GOVERNon? I may say that when the suggestion came before me I was influenced by two facts, ong a mere trivial matter of principle, which is that

CHINESE REPRESENTATIONS,

it is very difficult to get anyone to do his work. The Government recognises the need of assistance even if a whole- time assistant is not necessary.

RENT ALLOWANCES:

"

In regard the remarks made by the hou Chinese meniler on the question of rent allowances for non-European members of the Service the subject has been under consideration, us hon. members 'kno*, and it has been decided to give such Hon. Mr. KeTEWALL: Your Excellency, allowances at any rate to all-those civil desire, with your permission, to make servants of ten years' service, That is few remarks on three items. The first the point in their service when they he item is "Rent" Allowances" under Mix come eligible for pensions. As they ar

When practically all married. with families,

There are about

tain principles which underlie it have received consideration The principal Ordinance which this Bill seeins, to amend was passed in 1590 in face of very con siderable opposition, which rose event on the first reading, and those who opis sound. posed it tried even to prevent it being read a first time. It was opposed on the ground that it has the effect of regularis ing certain encroachments of Crewn land I think taxation, is better dealt with by cellaneous Services on page 12. by granting to the encroachers virtually the body provided to deal with taxation; the 1929 Supplementary Appropriation and their carriers are settled, taking into the other is that, as I have said in the was considered by this Council in August account their eligibility for pensions. 23 years' lease of it at a fixed Crown Council before, I would consult the Coun last, I made an appeal on behalf of all and that they are not likely to seek em- rent, renewalde for a further period of uit fully before proposing any taxation the Chinese, Portuguese and Indian civil ployment elsewhere, the Government felt servania for rent allowances, and added it should take their ease into considera- 26 years at a reassessed, Crown rent and that would fall on Shipping and it occur

that if for financial reasons it should he tinn und give them some help towards renewable for other periods thereafter red to me that it might be argued by hon found impossible to grant the privilege meeting the very heavy expense of rent

members that an inerense of pier rents which were left somewhat vague. The would be, in effect, increasing taxation to all, a start might he made with sub at the present time. first 21 of the 25 years have already on Shipping. I therefore thought that ordinates who had more than, say, ten250 involved. The Secretary of State the revision of the pier rents should he years' service. I find that my alternia-approved the "proposal and it has beca elapsed and the time has now arrived ifthecited by this Council rather than by tive suggestion has been adopted, but I already before the Finance Committee. the ordinante remains standing, to rethe Executive Council. With regard to would have been happier if the privilege The question of granting it to these under assess the Crown rents, but we are told in the int made by the hon, meisies that had also been granted to men with less ten years, service is another matter. the Executive Conncit possesses the than ten years' service. The prevailing There are 233 who are married, and there

a great many others who have depend theObjects and Reasons that it is machinery to leaf with this question bigh cost of living affects all alike; and unnecessary to do sumbly venture while the Legislative Council does not, the less expensive proposal which I put anta Many of those who are married to suggest, Sir, that sadelnog more than I scarcely think he does justice to the forward was comiitional upon the in-have their families in the country, and that statement is required. The possés Executive Council. The Governinent ability of our finances to stand the greater not in Hongkong at all. The circum- sers of the leases pay to rates whatever; would not put forward proposals unless strain. A scar has now elapsed since stances in ach case differ to such a they but pay their Crown rents and have they had been considered by the Execu rained the question; the financial position degree that when the question was gonn paid them for 24 years, but I find it hard tive Council and that Council was pre- I am sure that it can easily hear the ex-and it was thought that the question of the Colony has gone on improving; and into, it was found very difficult to settle, to believe that their property, unlike pared, to put them forward. If the hor other peoples property, has not vastly member presses the point that the mat penditure which would be involved by the would solve it in the not very distant increased in value in the past 21 years.ter of taxation should be dealt with extention of the allowance to men with future, as in the case of a great many The present Bill tends to the instability once, I will not object, but I think the less than ten years' service and on the of them reading, the ten years' limit. A petition he been received and I was of the value of their property. The pur matter, would be better left until the permanent establishment. Im

that the Government is taking steps to on the point of writing an answer to chaser of the residue of the Crown lease need arises. does not know, if this amending Bill is The second reading of the Bill was have bouses built for the accommodation, it to say that the Government regret that of all its clerks: hut until such accom-they cannot see their way to meeting passed, whether the rest will be doubled, then agreed to. quadrupled or multiplied tenfold, within On the motion of the ATTORNEY-modation is available my Chinese vol their request going into parti the next twenty-five years. It seems to GENERAL, Reconded by the COLONIAL league and I submit that these junior calars Have stated some of the difficul me that there is ample time between now SECRETARY, the Bill was referred to Commen, most of whom are married, should ties to you as the hon. Chinese merabers and the end of the year to revise these mittee to be considered claum by clause. be treated in the same sympathetic man-have brought up the subject. They may Crown rents. This would not necupy half. The Bill passed through without amend-ner as their senior brother-officers in re-be able to hit upon some fonagla, for gard to the question, of house allowance.. although the Government has shut the ment. a sheet of notepaper.

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