1925-02-10 — Page 4

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THE "HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH, 1925

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HONGKONG AGENTS:

11

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MEN'S WEAR SPECIALISTS Alexandra Building,

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KOWLOON "RESIDENTS'

ASSOCIATION.

"NEW HOSPITAL ARRANGEMENTS

DISAPPOINTING."

GOVERNMENT ACCUSED OF BREACH OF FAITH.

KOWLOON DESIRES REPRESENTATION ON THE

"LEGISLATURE.

Special reference was made at the sanaal meeting of the Kowloon Residents Association, held under the chairmanship of Mr. B. Wylie in St. Andrew's Church Hall, last night, to the correspondence between the Association and the Govern- inent concerning the new Kowloon Hos pital

THE CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS.

That means that the Government has not kept faith with Kowloon people. In 10 it pledged itself to meet the wishes of Kowloon residents in this regard and we would now like to know the circumstances which have led to this change of front.

か

This question of Rents Control will so

fident that the more closely it is examined,

sound and useful basis. It is now or Some years ago Government lent money, cisely five years since the KRA was to landlords at 5 per cent to buy land inaugurated, and I think we can, without and build houses, the landlords, I under- being in any way guilty of the sin of stund, being allowed, to charge 8 per cent. vanity, look back on a career of consider upon is money. I must point out that able utility, and point with some measure the Boney so lent to the landlords was of pride to a record of beneficial achieve money made by the workers of the Colony, went on behalf of the whole community. By workers, I mean all those who, by band We have always endeavoured to work in or bruin, down to the humblest coolic, the closest co-operation with the Govern contribute to the trade, industrica, and mont, and from the frequent expressions taxes of this Colony, and it is not right. of thanks received from high quarters we

that landlords, who build houses, and eau, I think, claim that our objective has such houses at a profit to themselves, been achieved. Its activities have been should now be allowed, after several years directed by men with a collective and in-depreciation of the houses, to increase the timate first-hand knowledge of the affairs rents of the people from whom the

money of the peninsula-men who know Eow was derived. Moreover, repeat of the loon's needs because they come in daily Roats Ordinance would very adversely the sympathetic manner in contact with its life. We fully appreciate, affect Chinese shopkeepers in the Kow- Unoacial Members of Council have, insult for thear to obtain a living. but also

which the loon Feniusula, not only making it diff the past, championed our cause, but we increasing the cost of the necessities of do not think that there can be any ade-life to the people of every race. If wages quate substitute for Kowloon men to re- and salaries be creased to meet the present Kowloon needs. The remarkable cost to employees of a rise in rent the ACCOMMODATION MISERABLY INADEQUATE

development of the mainland which we trade and industring of the Colony must have witnessed in recent years, and which fall off and ita ravenue decline as the So far as the accommodation is concern- ed, we feel it is miserably inadequate that more time and attention should be competition with other ports. That is the is still continuing, makes it imperative Colony exh. no longer hold. Its own in The CHAIRMAN said: I think we can regarding first and second class patients.given to the peculiar problems of the position. congratulate ourselves on having had a We are fully aware that it is only the first peninsula, and we want to feel that the most successful year. We have had an portion which is being completed by increase in membership, our finances are August next and that extensions will be Government has access to well-doubt be closely examined, and I am con- in a sound condition, thanks to the jo-made from time to time, but surely the We gladly recognise and fully appreciate the greater will be seen the necessity for

hrst-hand advice in dealing creased subscription which the panual Government realises that the provision of meeting sanctioned last year, and we have three first-class and eight second-class the fact that in several matters of high its contimnose. Its removal at present concerned ourselves with good result with beds is very much less than is at present the Government has been at pains to con-

importance to the welfare of Kowloon, would, I consider, be disastrous. many communal matters. As the report necessary if all the paying hospital pati sult those who might be presumed to be I now beg to second the adoption of TAKE A PEG Committee's attention, and ents from Kowloon are to go to the new capable of offering useful advice, but we the report and accounts as presented.

engaged your hospital,

think the time is coming, if it has not The report was unanimously adopted. it has been clearly demonstrated that the The information that there is to be no usefulness of the Association tends to in-maternity ward in the hospital is, Iven-

already arrived, when _more": adequate RECORD OF DISAPPOINTMENT. incana should be available for the repre- crease with the growth of Kowloon's

ture to claim, the greatest disappointment sentation and safeguarding of the in- The CHAIRMAN then said: Gentlemen, population. There is still room for a

terests of all communities on this side of as I indicated in my reumarks just now, of all, more especially for our women- much larger membership than we bare present, and it is to be hoped that the ok. To tell the women of Kowloon that the harbour. The question of the precise I think the question of the conditions to report now before you will have the effect they cannot have a maternity ward in the method by which such an end might be govern the new Kowloon Hospital is so new hospital because there is one at reached need not he discussed in detail important that this publicly convened of inducing those outside our ranks to Victoria Hospital on the Peak and be at the moment join and, by their membership and sup

Without in any way meeting of Kowloon residents should send port, strengthen the hands of your Gcause the wart would have to be a separ- throwing the Constitution of the Colony a strong expression of opinion to the ate building with a separate staff is to into the melting-pot it ought to be pos- Governinont. I, therefore, beg to Biove : eral Committee.

deny them their rights to consideration aible, perhaps, by taxit understanding, as the mothers of our children. The birth that when His Excellency nominates Un- of a child at night whilst the mother was official Members of the Legislative Coun- Before proposing the adoption of the crossing the harbour to hospital in Hong-cil, at least one of these should be a report and accounts, there are, one or two kong has not been an unknown happen- Kowloon man. That, we consider, is not matters upon which I would like to saying nad when this Association pressed for an unreasonable proposal, and the bencât a few words. Those of you who have a hospital on this side of the harbour it of such an arrangement would, we "feel received the full report and correspon had in mind the removal of at least one sure, he felt as much by the Government dence will doubtless have noticed that in great disability from which the wonen as by the people concerned. With that connection with the new Kowloon hospital of Kowloon have suffered far too long: germ of an iden, we enn, I think, gentle- completion of which has been pro- I could say much more on this matter, men, leave this highly-important mised for August next-we recently ad- I think your imaginations and, I hope, growingly urgent matter. dressed a series of questions to the the imaginations of our Government of Government regarding the conditions cials eat fill in all the other considera- which will apply to that institution when tions as to why a maternity ward in any ready for occupation. We asked, among new hospital for Kowloon should be an

indispensable provision.

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KOWLOON HOSPITAL-GOVERNMENT′3) BREACH OF FAITH.

at

There are several other matters upon which I could touch, but I think the re- Port in your hands deals fully with the work of the past year and that you can

other things, whether patients would be Taking this subject of the Kowloon Safely leave current and future questions

allowed to have their own doctors, what would be the extent of the accommoda. tion and whether there would be a mater nity ward. The answers to those

Gi

Hospital as a whole, after many years wasting and the expenditure of many tions were costaised in a letter thousands of dollars, what are we pro

mised 1 1. venture to state that keen dis-

to the care and consideration of the in- coming. Committee. I now beg to pro pose the adoption of the report and ac- counts, as presented, and should be glad we received less than a month ago, and appointinent has been felt by every-Kow-if someone will kindly second that pro-

posal I may say straight away that those an- loon resident and I propose, a little inter swers are extremely disappointing. We a this meeting, to move a resolution to are told that the hospital will be con

he forwarded to the Government express- dueted on the same lines as other Governing the hope that a suitable revision be ment hospitals, that there will be accom-

made in its proposals regarding the in- modation for three first-class patients, stitution... eight second-class patients and 2s third- class patients, that it is net ennuider- ed necessary to prusa maternity ward at Kowloon because there is already one at Victoria Hospital.

onc

"That the residents of Kowloon, "as- sembled at the annual meeting of the Kowloon Residents' Association, wish to record their sense of keen disappoint- ment at the Government's proposals. regarding the regulations to govern the operation of the new Kowloon Hospital and desire to press for the following Condicions:

"(1) That general medical practition- ers he allowed to attend patients at the hospital in accordance with the Govern ment's carlier promise:

(2) That more accommodation be provided for arst and second class patients:

(3) That the provision of accom- modation and staff for the admission of maternity cases is considered impera- rive and that steps be taken to provide for the admission of such cases immedi- ately upon the opening of the institu- tion; aud

(4) That it be an instruction to the in coming General Committee to for- ward these resolutions to the Govern-

NEED FOR MATERNITY WARD. Mr. W. S. BAILEY, a seconding the report said: Mr. Chairman and Gentlement and to press for their fulfilment." men. In rising to, second the adoption of the Report and Accounts, Es heartily jain in congratulation upon the excellent results of the work of the Association during the year and upon our improved

THE RENTS RESTRICTION ORDINANCE. I would like to pass ou to the very important question of housing, in connee-financial position.

To achieve these results your Committee

קנים

3

Me, J. Packax seconded, and the re- solution was passed unanimously.

ELECTION OF OFFICIALS. The CHAIRMAN then propored that "Mr.. W. S. Bailey be appointed President

Mr. W. J. STOKES seconded, and the proposal was carried unanimously.

The CHAIRMAN thanked the Committen

It

tion with which it has recently Let me deal with these three most im- announced that a discussion will shortly portant points in the order in which I take place in Council regarding the ad- have worked very hard, dealing with traf

Other officials were" appointed as. fol- bave named them. Ever since this Asso- visability of renewing the Rents Orufe, lighting, communications, ferry ser- ciation has had anything to do with the nance for a further term after its expiry vice, children's playground and many Hon, Treasurer, Mr. A, J. J. Martin

lows: Vice-President, Mr. L E. Lammert; bospital question it has been assumed that in June next. It has been stated that the other matters, all for the improvement Hon. Secretary, Mr. D. A. Goodwin, and when such an institution had been com- Government has a perfectly open mind on of Kowloon and for the betterment of its the following General Committee: The pleted patients would he able to have the the matter. For my own part I do not homes and its residents, and, surely, the ideas Futher Bitch, Rev. attendance of their private medical practi- think that mach argument is needed to Gentlemen, every resident, not already a tioners. As far back as June, 1920, two prove that some form of rent control is member, should now join the Association and Messrs. B. Wylie, A. Morley, W. J. H. Johnson, Capt. T. T. Laurenson, local medical practitioners, Drs. Balean still an imperative necessity in the general to take his or her part in its work, and Forsyth, J. E. Andersen, J. M. Alves, T. and Strahan, who were then members of interests of the Colony's residenta If the not stand idly by withholding their your Committee, undertook, in response present Ordinance is allowed to lapse part from the men who so freely, give their E Arnott, A. V. Tofte, S. L. Hidden, to a Government invitation, to examine without the institution of some other form time and best efforts in the interests of C. F. Mendham, A. G. Ogilvie, L. Jack,

and W. Hyda and report on various sites in Kowloon of rents protection we shall undoubtedly all suitable for a hospital. Their recom-witness general all-round increase of

The accommodation, especially for first mendation" regarding a site was adopted, rentale. It has been stated in newspaper but, in speaking on the disadvantages of correspondence that there are thousands and second class patients, in the new who, he said, had worked so hard under of vacant fats to let in Kowloon. Even Kowloon Hospital appears most inade him in the past year. They had a large Committee 17 with office bearers-ind particular site, they explained:

far as European residents in it that statement be true, I would like to quate, while in this populous and quickly Kowloon are concerned, a hospital five ask whether the removal of the present growing, Kowood a hospital without they had had a high attendance at the maternity ward is unthinkable. Without monthly meetings during the year, the miles away offers little, if any, advan- Ordinance would fill them? The only such a ward maternity cases, with all their average being 15. tage over the bospitals in Hongkong effect, so far as one can see, of the re-suffering and risk of the lives of our wives Several questions in reference to hous It is also a serious disadvantage to themoval of the present Ordinance would be and children must be exposed to the dising at Kowloon were then raised by mem- patients to be so far away from their to perit of a general increase in the comforts and serious loss in time of a bers, own doctors, for Kowloon residents are rentals charged for pre-1921 properties and journey to Hongkong, occupying at least Mr. PURVES said that recently be visited most anxious that their own doctors could not affect post-1921 properties for one hour, instead of to our own hospital some new house in Kowloon and was shall continue treatment while they are being demanded. Has the Ordinance weather, tod ferry service to Hongkong to be put up was beyond his understand- which extremely high rents are already in 15 minutes, and if, as during typhoon Building Authority allowed such building

astounded as: their condition. How, the in hospital." " Now gentlemer, we had no intimation bouses? We all know that the answer obtainable in Kowloon, we may readily daylight, but in another you did not even militated against the building of now be stopped and possibly no doctor readily from the Government that that statement

ing. In one room you did get God's was based on a wrong idea. In October is an emphatic "No.". As an Associa- imagine the possible consequences. of the same year, at a public meeting held tion, we strongly urge that protection to

The hospital, in my opinion, is not com get God's fresh air." He thought the in the Kowloon British School, the then tenants is still a vital necessity, and we plete nor adequate to the needs of Kow.attention of the Government ought to be President of your Association, Mr. B. Llook to the Government to continue to loan without

maternity ward, and this drawn to this matter. Frost, remarked that he "believed that safeguard the interests of tenants in

too of the very best and most efficient fate such as Mr. Parves had mentioned Mr. VINT said that several blocks of provision would be made for six wards of general.

type and stall. heds to be reserved for private patients, KOWLOON'S NEVD OF REPRESENTATION who could have their own medical practi

IN THE LEGISLATURE; tioners. The Government also allowed that statement to go undenied, whilst in the following month there was a definite upon which I should like to say a few There is, gentlemen, one other subject public statement by the then Colonial words. I refer to the question of repre- Secretary that it was the Government's sentation of Kowloon on the Legislature of the matter. We must remember that intention to allow patients to have their of this Colony. This raises an issue of in the present chaotic state of China, saugone else. own private doctors. On November 18th, extreme importance, and also, let it be the rapid expansion of the Colony, our Mr. Oanviz said the reason why they during the debate in the Legislative admitted, one of considerable difficulty. Government have their hands full and can had no European houses it to live in was Courel, on the Budget for Luzl, the Hon. I am sure that, you will recognise, Mr. H. E. Pollock (now Sir Henry Fol- men, as I do, that there is use, gentle not be expected so fully to realise our that the Public Health and Building Ordi-

aceis we ourselves. do,

nance was designed in 1903 to meet" Chi- lock) expressed the hope that private European community, practitioners would be given leave to treat nese population here on the mainland, pital cases in Kowloon for the past year

a. very large Chi

The number of maternity and other hos-acse houses and nothing more." their own patients in the new Kowloon whose interests deserve just as much con may be obtained, and with a reasonable

SUBSCRIPTIONS. -- Hospital. In the course of his reply to sideration as do those of the non-Chinese allowance added for future increase of Mr. MARTIN referred to the rules and Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher omitted to make representation of Kowloon on the Legisla which could be readily dealt with by Associations had a rule which gave the the debate on behalf of the Government, element. Moreover, direct and specific population, we could put forward, a case said so clause provided for dealing with members in arrears of subscription. Most reference to this point but at the close tive body of the Colony would naturally Government in a business like, way. of bis addreas he was reminded by Mr. involve some departure from precedent must say, Gentlemen, I feel very strongly bers When a member did not pay hin Committee power to deal with such mem- read you Nevertheless, I cannot see that these are indeed on this question of the maternity the exact words na I have taken them insuperable obstacles. It would be pos ward. I also endorse, and in the strongest subscription for two years it meant that from the official Hansard report:sible, without departing from the present manner, the statement just made us re- we bad lost interest then it was far bet

The Hon. Mr. Pollock:-One paint nominative system, to evolve some scheme garding Housing and Rents Control

ter that they (the Association) should to which the Hon. Colonial Becretary did whereby both Chinese and European in HOUSING IN KOWLOON.

have nothing to do with him, and he not refer was to the question of private terests in this rapidly developing penin-

nothing to do with the Association.! practitioners being allowed to attend sula would have far more direct voice than Hauses are almost unobtainable and He, therefore, proposed that a special Hospital patients in the Kowloon of present in the making of our laws and their things and workmanship usually rule, to he slumbered 144, should be in-

more especially. guiding municipal cheap and inferior. Tenants have no serted, and worded as follows:-- The Hon. Colonial Secretary-That activities. I need hardly point out to you redress bat themselves to pay for repairs is the intention of the Government” that one of the objects of this Association and renewals, as being unable to obtain And so you see, Gentlemen, that for deals with this subject in the following other houses, they are helpless under their over four years we have been led to be words To consider, and, as may from landlords. The removal of Heute Control have that when this hospital is completed, time to time appear needful, 30 prosch the would certainly result in a heavierase Kowloon residents will be able to go to Government with a view to obtaining of already excessive rents, and with the hospital and enjoy the continuance of adequate representation of thess districts result that men could not live hore and treatment by their own doctora When on the Legisistare. So far, gentlemen, keep their wives and families on their the Government tells us that the hospital no such representations have been made. present salaries. - In this statement, 1 in will be conducted on the same lines as to the Government. We have and I clude the mannal workers whose houses other Government hospitals it means the think quite rightly-deemed it wise to are in many cases no credit to the Colony azclusion of general medical practitioners, first of all place this Association on' and their renía already exceSHIVA

Pollack of the bmission.

14

The Government have always been were not suitable for Europeans. ready to meet our just and reasonable would seem they were built for the Chi requirements and will. I am aure, moet ese population. He knew that the build- can put forward the necessary facts and matter. All the buildings going up seem us sympathetically in this matter when wees were private firms, but surely the Government could do something in the ugures for a business like grasp and viewed to be more suitable for Chinese than

11 the subscription of any member shall remain unpaid for two consecu tive year, then the General Committee shall have power to delete his from the list of staten members am Mr. Stores seconded, and the proposal was carried unanimously mental da Mr. Wis-then expressed the thanks of the Association to the St. Andrew's Church Vestry for the use of the hall, and this brought the proceedings to ciosa