1926-10-16 — Page 8

THE BUDGET(CONTD.).

as Sessional Paper No. 6 of 1926. There

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16TH, 1926

Education Department." The subject of Education is one to

in 1925 817431. The Estimates for The unsatisfactory matshed used for

128 was $1,199,700 and he actual ex- penditure will probably be $1,880,000 $749,085 of which represents expenditure due to the great storm on July 10th last. While it is not possible to provide for

the full normal expenditure. The votes have therefore been generally increased and the total has been carried out at

1,540,000.

;

the School at Cheung Chow was practi cally destroyed at the last typhoon and it is necessary to erect a proper School building (Sub-head 104-$10,000).

Sub-head 119-$15,000 is to provide a

It will be noticed that the Shing Mun Water Scheme has for the moment dis

which I have already explained. The appeared from the Estimates, for reasons loan proposals will in due course be laid before you in their appropriate form.

is an increase in the floating staff owing which your Excellency has devoted much such exceptional catastrophes it is con- ] very necessary means of communication | to the fact that the new fra float was brought into service this year. The re- duction in Rest of Stations is due to the approaching completion of the new Fire Station. Under Special Expenditure it will be seen that provision has been made for two light moter pumps. It is hoped that these will prove specially useful in the steeper districts where fire fighting has always been a serious problem.

Supreme Court.

Owing to the increase of work in the Registrar's Department two officers have Bailifs from the been transferred as Public Works Department "and an in crease in the vote for watchmen has become necessary,

Ocial Receiver.

It has been customary in the past for this post either to he alled by a Cadet Officer, or when such officer wis pot available to be combined with that of

Under Other Charges the principal in- Registrar, Supreme Court. This arrange.

crense is in Capitation Grants These ment has proved unsatisfactory and the wore, reduced from 8117,000 in 1995 to Government on the advice of His Honour $100,000 in 1920 and it is necessary to the Chief Justice considers that a per-increase them to $116,560 with the return manent appointment is necessary for this important post. Provision has therefore been made accordingly.

Police Force.

As regards. Personal Emoluments the only changes of importance are in the relative strengths of the Indine and Wei Hai Contingents. The total strength re- mains the same pit., 208 but as the

periods of engagement of the Wei Hai men come to an end they are replaced by recruitment from India; the Indians are more expensive but experience has shown' that they are worth the extra cost. -

An increase has been provided in the numbers of Cantonese Female Searchers owing to the prevalence of smuggling of arms and opiunr

Under Other Charges conveyance al- lowances have been increased in per suance of the policy of encouraging ocers to provide their own motor, cycles and to use them on Government service.

Under Special Expenditure $6.000 has been inserted for purchase of arms. Many repincements and spare parts are necessary and it is essential that this branch of equipment should be kept in

proper order.

The Verey light pistols and cartridges are in the nature of an experiment and are intended for use by villages in the New Territory in case of attack by

the Colony last year, and the importance which the Gororament attaches to it is reflected in the increased provision made in the Estimates for next year. It will

Public Works Extraordinary. be remembered that drastic reductions

This is the one Head of Expenditure were made last year in anticipation of reduced attendance. This anticipation has on which it is possible to curtail expendi happily not been realized and the Deads in tintes of difficulty without seri partment consequently finds itself seriously impairing the general eliciency of

The whole of the ously understaffed. teaching staff as regards its numbers, its the administration or the health and comfort of the people. The" works are classification and its salaries has been of a special and extraordinary nature and passed under review with resultant however desirable such works may be changes too numerous and detailed for they can only be undertaken if money is recapitulation here. I shall be happy available to pay for them. The policy of to deul in Committee with any points which may be raised. Tos net result is the Government in view of the financial situation is to continue and so far AS an increase in the Personal Emoluments possible complete the large works to vote of just over one lakh, which pro-

very proper vides for a total increase of 30 in the which the Colony in its

policy of development found itself com- staff of whom 13 temporary mistresses mitted when the crisis of last year arest. were formerly paid for from savings, and Toe Government is fully aware of the were not shown in the Estimates.

many works which in the opinion of the Public are desirable and even necessary and among these the Government places high on the list the rebuilding of the Government Civil Hospital but these works could only be undertaken by an to more normal conditions in 1927. Pro-increase of taxation or by borrowing. vision has been made for increased sub- After full consideration the Government sidies to encourage education in the New is of opinion that it is in the best in- Territories. Under Special Expenditure terests of the Coleay to reduce our coni- the vote for Building Grants which had mitments on large works and, while stood at $150,000 in each of the years maintaining what we have and keeping 1924 and 1025 was omitted entirely in our sta ready for action to postpone the initiation of any new policy of large public works until the financial and poli. tical horizons are alike more favourable. We are already committed by necessity to starting down the fanie path of bor rowing; it would be easy to accelerate the pace, but the Government could not recommend so dangerous a policy, at the present moment. We have every reason, especially in view of the events of the a few days, to hope that the horizon will clear, and when the Colony i Bourishing again, as we are sure it will, the revenue will increase, opportunities for favourable borrowing will arise and the Government will be prepared to start again on the forward policy which is for the moment held in abeyance.

1926.

It is considered essential to restore it in the 1927 Estimates and a sum of $100,000 is provided. The increase in the equipment vote is chiefly required to con- plete the equipment of the new King's College.

The total increase in the amount pro- sided for education amounts to no less than 8235,439. The total sete is however only $15,500 more than the amount pro- vided for 1025 and even in these days of retrenchment I do not think that Hon- ourable Members will grudge the restora tion of the votes for this matter of vital importance to the future well being of the Colony,

Kowloon Canton Railway,

The policy of the Government is to maintain the Railway in the highest state of efficiency so that it will be ready to take full advantage of that re-opening of through traffic which we hope will take place at an early date. The Railway, owing to circumstances outside our Corn trol has proved an expensive luxury dur- ing the current year but it would be very false economy to allow it to deteriorate. The earnings of the Railway depend on the state of South China and anti! South China is once more in a state of peace and prosperity the revenue derived from the Railway must inevitably suffer. As you are aware the Fanling-Sha Tau Kok Branch has been re-opened and provision is made for its maintenance and running expenses.

Defence.

N

This head is divided up into 3 Sections:

A-Volunteer Defence Corps, B.-Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and” C. Military Contribution. With the ärst and the last Honourable The fembers are already familiar. second is now, though the Council may recollect that earlier in the year His Excellency met members of the business community when the question of Naval Volunteers for Hongkong was raised. The matter has been carefully gone into with the Naval Authorities in Hongkong who are of opinion that the Naval Volan- teers would be of great assistance both to them and to the Colony in times of emergency, and that the scheme is practi- cable. The Admiralty have been asked. if one gunboat of the Insect" class could be sent out, to Hongkong about the middle of next year, the gunbont to te loaned to this Government which would then undertaken the cost of up- keep, fuelling and trained personnel. The Scheme will depend for its success on the response made to a call for Volun- teers and this call cannot be made until the details have been more fully worked out with the Naval Authorities. It is not possible to make more than a very rough estimate of the annual cost, but it is anticipated that 840,000 for the half year will be sufficient, and in view of the importance attaching to this new pro posal the Government feels justined in asking the Council to make reision for Col-starting the Scheme next yea

Public Works Department. With the curtailment of the amount of work for which the Government Ends In pursuance of this policy the expendi

seli able to make provision next year

ture on Public Works Extraordinary has has been possible to make a small been reduced to 83,706,204, itself.no mean reduction in the Personal Emoluments figure for a Colony of the size of Hong vate for the Public Works Department. kong, as against a probable expenditure The amount provided may appear exces this year of nearly six million dollars. sive for the work to be done but it must This year will, it is hoped, see the com- be remembered that the staff of a large pletion of the Fire Brigade Station, the Department cannot be expanded and con- new cells at the Magistracy, the exten tracted in a moment. The stad has only tion of the Sisters Quarters at the use of the Crimiun Investigation and expense to deal with a very large lege, the Ventris Road Quarters, the Head 35 A is the provision for a whole |

The motor car, is intended chiefly för recently been increased at great trouble Government Civil Hospital, King's Department and will save considerable expenditure amounting in 1924 to nearly Quarry Bay School,,, the Kowloon Hos time Adjutant for the Volunteer Corps,

1929 to nearly pital, the Shek Lai Pui Reservoir and

The Government considers this neces- 100,000,000 and in $11,000,000. At the moment we find our connected works, the Pipers Hill Reser selves compelled to reduce this expendi- voir and various roads and Police Quarry in order to maintain and improve

the efficiency of the Corps. tera The details of the works to be undertaken this year are given in the printed Estimates. The only new work to which I think special reference should

armed bands of robbers.

30

expenditure now incurred in hiring cars, The last sub-hend, Expenses of convoy system 810,800 provides for the machine gunners employed prior to the boycott in piracy prevention work on the river steamers. The men are held in readiness for the resumption of the convoy system and are meanwhile being used to supplement the Police Force which is below strength owing to unfilled

Vacancies.

Prisons.

Provision has been inserted for rent for quarters for European Warders. Owing to the insufficiency of the Jail Quarters it is necessary to provide rented quarters for married warders in close proximity

|

the

The only important alteration under

The Military Contribution shows a re- duction of $831,999 the one drop at sold comfort derived from a falling revenue.

NEW NATIVE LIQUOR TAXES:

IN FORCE AS FROM YESTERDAY, OCTOBER 15TH..

SURPRISE MOTION TO PREVENT ANY EVASION OF

NEW DUTIES,

FACILITIES FOR FULL DISCUSSION TO BE GIVEN

Immediately after the introduction of the estimates at the mecting of the Legislative Council yesterday. the Colonial Secretary, on instructions from His Excellency and under permission granted Rulu es of the Rules of Debata of the Council, moved for leave to introduce, without notice, an urgent motion regarding taxation.

The motion concerned the taxation of native liquors.

The only alteration in the taxes on European type liquors is the. Abolition of the special concession of 50 cents a gallon on wines imported in wood. It was considered that these Liquors already bear a high.. duties as it is possible to levy and duties which are tar heavier than those on the so-called Chinese wines.

Under the new scheme duties in the New Territory will be on a parity with those in other parts of the Colony. It is estimated that the tho yield will be:

On Native liquors (Hongkong) ......

(New Territories)

اور

......................... 484,000 100,000

There is also to be a reduction of ten cents, a gallon in favour of locally distilled spirits which will give the local producer a small

concession.

The motion was seconded by the Attorney-General and passed with- out discussion and was issued in the form of a Government Gazette Extraordinary before 5 p.m. yesterday afternoon.

The Colonial Secretary's motion was:-

That pursuant to section 41 (1) of the Liquors Consolidation Ordinance, 1011, Ordinance No. 9 of 1911, on and after the 18th day of October, 1926, the duties to be paid upon intoxicating liquors heretofore er Bereafter imported into, distilled, made or prepared in the Colony shall be assessed as follows:-

Part I.

EUROPEAN TYPE LIQUOR,

On all liqueurs, and on all champagnes and other

sparkling wines

On all brandy, gin, rum, whisky and other spirituous

liquors

On all port, sherry and madeira..

On all other still wines.

On beer, porter, cider, perry and stout

71

$10.00 per gallon

6.00

4.00

3.00

})

0.40

++

On all intoxicating liquors above the strength of 18 degrees under proof, for every degree above such strength, in addition to the appropriate duty as above„..........

0.07

Part

On all Chinese spirits containing not more than 23

per cent of alcohol by weight......... For every one per cent. of additional alcoholic

strength by weight

1.80

0.05

Part III,

CHINESE TYPE LIATOR,

JAPANESE TYPE LIQUORS. On all sake containing not more than 25 per cent.

of alcohol by weight

For every one per cent of, additional alcoholic

strength by weight

Part IV.

OTHER LIQUORS.

On any intoxicating liquor which is not specifically mentioned or referred to in the foregoing përts

1.20

0.05.2

10.00",

I., II, III. Provided that it shall be lawful for the Superintendent of Imports and Exports, in his discretion, to assess the duty on any such intoxicat- ing liquor at such lower rate as is provided in parta I, II and III. above for the liquor which the Superintendent shall deem to approximate most nearly to such intoxicating liquor

.

And that on all spirits distilled within the boundaries of the Colony of Hongkong there shall be allowed a deduction of ten cents per gallon from the duties heretofore enumerated.

And further that the resolutions of this Council which are set out on pages 440, 441 and 442 of the Regulations of Hongkong, 1844-1925 under the heading "Resolution of the Legislation Council

shall cease

to have effect on the coming into operation of the foregoing resolution.

ture to something just over 86,000,000 but the Government is optimistic enough to think that the time is not far distant when it will be possible to proceed with

Miscellaneous Services. some of the postponed works and that it be made are: would be false economy to disperse the Sub-heads 5 and 6 Garages are consi-

Sub-head 1 Bathing places shows' a trained staff we have so laboriously coldered necessary for the protection of small reduction justified by past experi lected together. Considerable savings Government vehicles and to save depre ence. I would observe at this point that are however anticipated on the Personal ciation of Government property.

it has not been found possible to include Emoluments Vote as it is intended so Sub-beads 15, 18 and 19 are for the ingin the 1997 Estimates any vote for Special far as possible to leave unfed such provement of roads, some of them danger-Expenditure, to carry out the recom vacancies as may occur during the year, ous, which it is considered unwise to mendations of the Bathing Beaches Com Opportunity has been taken to re-organise postpone."

mitice. The report involves considerable the wireless staff in the light of our grow-

Items -23, 24, 25, 26 and 47 on which investigation and estimates could not be Secretary said:-I should first like to proportion than the duty charged upon ing experience of this subject and at the it is hoped to spend no less than $283,000 prepared in time for the Budget. Game time to group under the Electrical next year are all connected with a scheme

The various grants in aid of scientific Department the wireless staff working for preventing the constant Booding of and other institutions have been carefully In spite of the need for economy the under the Electrical Engineer hut lent to the Happy Valley area. In this connee-revised and changes made where the cir- Government, has considered it necessary other Departments. The new posts under tion I woud invite the attention of Hen- cumstances appeared to justify them.

Sub-hend 40 shows a small increase as to make a considerable increase in the staff lent to Police Departinent are to ourable Members to the recent debate on personnel of the Medical Department in provide operators for new wireless equip-a motion by the Honourable Dr. Koch the result of certain amendments in the order to safeguard effectively the all immens on Police Launches and at Police in the course of which much was said on Eent Allowance Schemo introduced to

the need for improved methods of deal- portant queation of Public Health. Pro- Stations.

remove anomalies. These have already vision is made, for three new Medical

"It is hoped that the completion of these received the approval of the Finance The Port Development Department has ing with heavy rainfalls. Officers, one for Radiological work, one been ro-wbsorbed into the Public Works works will obviate the damage from

Committee. for the enlarged Victoria Hospital and Department under the supervision of the floods in this area in future.. to assist at the Tung Wah Hospital and Director of Public Works and the separ- one for the Kowloon Hospital for which ate post of Port Engineer has been

The New Prison. only one permanent Medical Officer is abolished-the holder now on leave being

to the Jail

Medical Department.

4

Sub-head 32. The Government regrets proposed new prison on the Kai Reclamation.

Charitable Services.

To

In introducing the taxes, the Colonial] this duty works out far more heavily in explain to the Council that though, for the so-called Chinese wines. The only obvious reasons no notice could be given alteration in what are termed European of this motion, for if notice had been type liquors is the abolition of the special given it is clear that opportunities would concession of 50 cents a gallon on wines bave arisen for evading the duty, the imported in wood. I am informed that Government has desire to stiffe the bottling industry is a very small criticism; and although I trust the one, that the differentiation has given motion will be passed this afternoon so rise to difficulties in the collection of that it can come into force forthwits, the duty, that the purchasing public has the Government will be prepared to give shown a growing distaste for locally all reasonable facilities for a full dis-bottled wines and that the differentiation cussion of the proposal at an early date is no longer advisable and can be abolish- These like the services under the lass if any member, after considering the ed with advantage to the revenue and head, have been carefully reviewed; the effects of the changes at his leisure, feels no detriment to legitimate trade.

it incumbent on him to give notice

Native Wines and Spirits. at present provided. Provision is in-transferred to the post of Manager, Rail that it is unable to proceed with the only alteration of importance is the in-

The present system of duties on native. serted for the first time for the staff of way, which will shortly fall vacant. This

Take in the vote for the Alice Memorial motion for their modification.

and Affiliated Hospitals. This is in ne-

In my remarks on the introduction of wines and spirits has proved unsatisfac- the Peak Hospital, including five nurs change has been made after the fullest ing sisters An Assistant Bacteriologist consideration by His Excellency who is In anticipation of the completion of cordance with the request expressed by the Supply Bill I made reference to the tory and it is now proposed to drop the our late fellow member, the Hon. Mr. need for additional revenue, and I men elaborate differentiation into classes is provided for owing to the growth and satisfied not only that in the present state the new, prison repairs had been reduced

P. E. Holyoak, in the debate on the tioned that the Government hoped to which have been found in some cases importance of the Bacteriological work; of the Colony's finances the continuance to the minimum at Victoria Gaol A Budget last year. An increase in the raise this revenue in part from certain meaningless, and in some misleading, and it is hoped that by this arrangement we of a separate Port Development Depart it has therefore become necessary to ask

vote for the present year. has already minor changes estimated to bring in to base the duties on the more scientific shall in future be able not only to supply ment would be unjustifiable bat also that for a special vote this year:

of calculation Sub-head 37 representing the balance received the approval of the Finance about 8138,000. It was obvious, however, method our own requirements in the matter of the Port Development works are in this

by alcoholic Committee.

that this sum was insufficient for our strength throughout. Native liquor bears vaccines and sera but also to supply our Colony so closely interconnected with of the vote of 8907,660 required to repair A small vote is provided to assist the needs, and I referred to certain measures as present a very light burden of taxa. side requirements as well and that the works falling under the Public Works the damage done on Hongkong Island Cheung Chau Kaifong in its work for which I should lay before you later. tion and the new duties have been calcu- savings and profits will more than cover Department as to make it necessary in alone by the storm of July 19th last is the improvement of the amenities of After careful consideration the Govezniated with a view to a considerable in- the cost of the additional staff, »

the interests of efficiency to bring them a gentle reminder of the damage one Cheung Chau

ment has decided to recommend to this ercase in the present very inadequate The only other matter calling for all under the same control. Provision night can do and of the need to hold

This brings, Sir, to the close of my Council the raising of some of the Liquor revenue derived from such liquor. Even unallocated surplus special comment is the X Ray plont sub has been made under Pont Development in head 43. It was not possible to obtain for one new temporary Engineer to carry balance to meet contingencies of this review of the Budget and I know that Duties whereby we hope to increase our with the new duties the tax on Chines the Government can rely on Honourable Revenue by about 8600,000 next year, and spirits will be far less in proportion than men: is advised that the amount provided sily for which was recently representedoon Point 800,000. This represents one demands. The Government expects and the new plaat this year and the Govern-out the survey of the Harbour, the neces kind.

Sub-head 33. Improvements to Kow. Members to give to it that careful atten- possibly a little more when conditions on the European type liquors. I would

tion which the importance of the subject have returned fully to the normal The Resumption Ulice has been shown of the very few new works of any welcomes criticism of its proposals, know- as a separate branch of the Public Works magnitude provided for in the Estimates ing that the Unofficial Members are at now under discussion. The roadways one with itself in working for the come As in the case of the Medical Depart-Reductions amounting to 326,300 bare outside the Star Ferry Whar! have prov-mon good of the Colony

I must apologize to Honourable Mem- the opportunity has been taken to recast The duty which we now propose to ment a due regard for the Public Health been found possible under Other Charges ed entirely inadequate to deal with the

bera for the length, and, I fear, the the form of the resolution imposing the levy is based on a normal alcoholic has led the Government to provide an owing to the reduction in the amount of ever increasing traffic. Safety and con- venience alike demand early attention to

It has been liquor duties, but I would point out at strength of 25 per cent. by weight, the increase in the personnel of the Sagitary the work to be undertaken

Provision has been made under Special this area and the Government considers dullness of my "remarks.

difficult to restrict them within a reason- once that no change has been made in duty on which will be 81.20 per gallon, Department, Inspectors have therefore been increased Expenditure for equipping Government that improvements should no longer be able compass, and for that their dreari, the duties on the more heavily taxed and five cents per gallon will be added

delayed." by one Senior and four 2nd Class Garages and Workshops ($3,000) with a

The markets provided for under sub-ness I must plead my lack of personal liquora. I would hasten to add, however, for every additional one per cent. of Inspectors while one Inspector has been view to coonomy is the cost of repair heads 54, 78 and 70 are expected not knowledge due to a very short residence that this is from no special regard for alcoholic strength by weight.

and for three new motor-cars-one for

Present Rates, transferred to the clerical staff leaving Kowloon and two for Victoria Rapidity only to assist in the development of new here and to a pressure of which has the pockets of those who drink these

The present rates on native "liquors prevented me from obtaining that close more expensive forms of liquor, but be- but to bring in substantial personal acquaintance with places and cause the Government is advised that brought in about $800,000 in 1924, the this type of liquor already bears as high last norinal year, and about $685,000 in Bub-head 85 888,000 for surfacing road people which so eminently desirable so to Kowloon Hospital is considered justifer us the Estimates themselves are con a duty as can in present circumstances 1925. I wish to deal first with native - | liquors other than New Territories liquor fied in view of the necessity for improv cerned, apart from the manner of their

dutiable at the special rate of twenty ing the means of access to the new Fresentment to Council, my own short comings are, I am sure, Honourable

cents a gallon. The consumption of these Hospital.

Members will agree, more than counter

liquors in 1925, apart, of course, from balanced by the unrivalled knowledge of

smuggled liquor, was the Colony and the intense personal in torest with which Your Excellency bas supervised their preparation.

in the current estimates was inadequate to the Finance Committee. The amount has therefore been Increased to 815,000 of which $10,000 is a revote

Sanitary Department.

The European Sanitary

a nett increase of four.

Under Special Expenditure provision

Department.

reserve soma

revenue.

of transport is a modern necessity and areas, it is cheaper to provide Government cars is made for two more motor refuse than to pay the cost of hiring, lorries. Motor lorries have proved

Pablle Works Recurrant, cheaper and more efficient than bullock carts for the transport of refuse and the policy of replacing the antiquated bul- lock cart by the motor lorry is being pursued,

"

This head bas been recast in what is hoped will prove a more convenient form and is summarised on page 78.

Sub-head 95. Exhumations $39,000. These are mainly estimates for main The area to be exhumed lies in the mid- The cost of the refuse barge provided tenance and minor iprovements, and re-dle of an area in course of development in the last Estimates will fall to be paid current expenditure such as rainstorm and the work of exhumation can no in 1927 and a revote is therefore provided. sidered opinion of the Government that

and typhoon damages. It is the con- longer be delayed.

Sub-head as Provision is made for Botanical and Forestry Department.

when sonomy and even retrenchment commencing the filling in of two danger The only items calling for special are necessary it is of the utmost import-ous and unhealthy swamps at Tong Mia comment are.. first that it is proposed to ance to maintain existing roads and and Kowloon Tong

Sub-head 103. There has been some. fill the post of Assistant Buperintendent buildings in a state of complete repair which has been left vacant for some time and it has been observed that the sums difficulty over the foundations of the as a measure of retrenchment and second- voted under this Head have very fre- walls for the Waterboat Deck at Lai Chi ly that provision has been made for exquently been exceeded in the past. The Kok and it has been found necessary to tending the Forestry Reserve at Tai Po. amount expended in 1924 was $1,703,088, make provision for strengthening them.

opened my remarka, Sir, on a note of optimism and I would close them on similar note, but I cannot close them without expressing my indebtness to the Assistant Colonial Secretaries and to the staff of the Colonial Secretary's Office for their able and willing assistance which has gone far to lighten the (Continued at foot of next Column.)

The More Heavily Taxed Liquors. If Honourable Members will refer to the papers just handed to them and will compare the two they will see ürst that

observe that the so-called native wines are in fact all spirits produced by dis tillation and are, therefore, properly. assessed on the alcoholic strength like imported spirits.

C08,213 gallons imported on

which duty recovered was..$390,300 390,260 gallons locally pro-

duced duty recovered 242,556

be properly charged upon it sad that burden of preparing the Estimates, always a considerable task and, parti cularly so when the Colonial Secretary is new to the Colony. A sober optimism as I have remarked. before is justified by the present outlook. We do not pre- tond that the Colony has not suffered from the machinations of its enemies, but it is not the desert island its detractors would like the world to believe, and I The new duties on these liquors, are venture to think that the Budget new estimated to bring in an additional presented is one among other proofs of 8484,000 being $310,000 on imports and the inherent vitality of this important 9174,000 on local produce British Colony.

(Continued on page 0).

Total

8632,946