1929-07-19 — Page 5

CANTON'S TAX FARMERS.

THREE DISPUTES IN

PROGRESS..

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 1929-

GOVERNMENT AND WATER SUPPLY.

(Continued from Page 4)

In reply to a question by Sir Henry Pollock, the Colonial Secre- tary stated that he understood that it was contracted for completion on December 13, 1930,

I do not, of course, pretend to for increasing the water supply of Shing Mun scheme, Honourable be able to judge whether such out side engineering assistance is or is not desirable so as to enable the Government to push on more speedi. ly with some or any of their per- manent water-measures, but I hope that the question of employing such TRO OUR CHINESE CORRESPONDEST.] outside assistance will be taken in- to careful consideration by Your Excellency.

CINEMAS, COSMETICS AND NETHER WORLD GOODS.

CANTON, July 13. Canton's latest trouble is another strike or rather a look out-by the cinema proprietors, which started to-day as a protest against new methods of taxation." The dispute arose because the newly-appointed tax-farmers, the Wab Lok Com- pany, have, it is alleged, sought to regard certain agreements be- tween

the Government and the cinema proprietors..

It will be remembered that the movie houses" went on strike once before on account of the methods of the tax farmers. The Municipal Bureau of Finance settled the dispute and an agree ment renched whereby, the proprietors were to pay their tax of $45,000 per annum direct to the Municipal Treasury, thus eliminat. ing the farmers. This sum wus duly collected and turned over to the Treasury by the proprietors

WAS

chemselves.

Things went smoothly until the beginning of July when the Wah Lok Tax Collecting Company took over the work. The Company saw Do necessity of the proprietors to pay direct to the Government and so put an end to the practice. This caused a sharp dispute be tween the farmers and proprietors, which has eventuated in Canton being deprived of its favourite form of amusement. But the Chinese opera houses are reaping the profit and are doing an unusually good business.

LIP STICK DEALERS WIN. The strike of the dealers in perfumery and cosmetice, which started over two months ago as protest against the Government's "special tax on their wares, is about to ead, the merchants having got what they wanted. They appealed to Nanking to have this "abcmin able" tax repealed, maintaining that they had been already taxed too heavily and were not in a posi tion to pay any more.

this Colony. But the Government cannot accept the motion as it stands, for it is cast in such wide terins that it would commit this Council and the Government to a programme of work which has not been adequately examined, which has not been submitted to, much less received the sanction of the Secretary of Stato."

I desire to take this opportunity Continuing, the Colonial Secretary of congratulating the Public Works said that by reference to the the pipe-line Sessional Papers, honourable mem- Department upon scheme which it is carrying bers would find that the second out for the increase of the water section of the Shing Mun Scheme supply which can be handled at the was a project which was still under Pier at Sham Tseng, opposite investigation. He hoped that the Capsuimoon, and I understand that Honourable member, after hearing the Government is exploring the what he had to say would be satis possibility of connecting yet fur-fiod that the Government was carry- ther streams in that neighbourhood ing out as quickly as possible the with that Pier. These resources more important section of the work which are much nearer to us than referred to in Mr. Henderson's those in the Canton River or at port and would see his way not to Wangmoon should form very välu

press his motion to a division. able auxiliaries to our water-sup- piv,

Every House Catchwater.

In conclusion I should like to mention to the Council a system for enabling every householder in this Colony to convert his own house into an effective catchwater for rain-water, to be used for wash- ing and dushing purposes.

This system has kindly been sent to me by Mr. Robert Sutherland, who informs me that he has found that it has effected a marvellous

saving in the case of his own house at the Peak.

His memorandum to me which was written primarily for the use of Peak residents, reads as fol- lowa

A very easy method of collecting rain water can be arranged by simp ly removing a section of the down- take water pipe from the root, and adjusting a short canvas hose which conveys the water into barrels. 1 have tried this method for maths past and I have found it of great economy in the use of water, in- asmuch as every drop of water from the roof is caught and conveyed up to the flushing tank and hot water tank on the roof. By this means the only water drawn from the main is purely for cooking and drink ing purposes.

about

the Sir

After remarking the Colonial Secretary had given the Council satisfactory news Dragon's Back catchwater, Henry touched upon the second As to the second section of the section of the Shing Mun Scheme. The Honourable Colonial Secretary members would know from the had said that it was partly outlined sessional papers that the second por. in 1924. Sir Henry denied that this was so and claimed that Mr. Hen- tion would cost $4,750,000 and the Government engineers were stili derson's report consisted of a very engaged on the scheme, but they full statement with regard to that were were not yet in a position to scheme and the report also contain- submit any proposal to the Secreed a very interesting plan. tary of State for his approval. That nection with that the Secretary of was one of the reasons why the State had telegraphed to the Gov- Government could not accept the

ernment in 1923 that he agreed to the details being worked up immed- motion as it stood.

intely. Sir Henry Pollock could not understand why they were so behind- hand with regard to those details.'

***Sir," zaid Sir Pollock, "I cao- not see the smallest reason for not Surely, it accepting this motion. is in the interest of the Colons

As regards an additional pipe line, that was a thing which had to be carefully considered-and it was felt that the Government should wait and gather experience in the laying of the first pipe line and its use before they started on the second one.

In con-

that we should have a full-water supply. Surely it is in the interest Programme of Improvement. of the Colony that the permanent works he proceeded wish and surely All the other items mentioned in it is in the interest of the Colony the Henderson report were being that we should proceed with the redealt with in a steady programme

very excellent scheme worked "out of improvement on the sums voted by Mr. Benderson and his assistant. in the estimates. The North Point I tail to understand why the Hon- Aberdeen Scheme in Hand, tank appeared in the estimate of ourable Colonial Secretary finds it

this year and it was hoped to com-impossible to advise the Govern The Colonial Secretary said he menee it this year. The Kowloon went that this resolution cannot be would like to associate himself with City tank, although desirable had accepted. I do not understand his the kind references which Sir Henry Pollock had made to the work of

Council to do is vigorously to back position. All that I am asking this the Public Works Department and

up the suggestion of its own officer, The Colonial Secretary went on and if it and itself short of staff to the water engineers in particular. He said that no one knew better

to say that the Honourable mem-engage outside assistance. It is in than he knew, that the water aber would probably agree that the the interest of the Colony that this gineers had spared no pains to Government had not been idle since scheme should be proceeded with." cope with the difficulties of ther. Henderson's report was pub present crisis.

In regard to the detailed state-lished. The Government could not ment of Sir Henry's, the Colonial entirely disregard, finance in the Secretary said that the Honourable construction of water works of such

magnitude. burden the Colony with a local debt which it could not pay without in- The Govern- creasing taxation.

ember was, of course aware from statements which had been made both by the speaker and by the Director of Public Works in the Council that the Aberdeen scheme was already being proceeded with and that water from that source would be available in the spring of 1931. He did not follow the trend of the member's reference to specific

items of the Aberdeen scheme. Every large scheme consisted of a number of items but the engineers could hardly be expected to assign specific dates for the completion of such items.

Lack of Staff.

present water schemes.

When in February this year, it was decided to proceed with the Kowloon Byewash scheme, it was impossible for the engineers to pro- ceed at the same time with the catchwaters. The catchwaters bad

not been felt to be a matter of im- mediate necessity. It was, however, on the programme.

It did not wish

to

The Hon. Mr. Creasy indicated that he had nothing further to add to what the Colonial Secretary had explained,

H.E. THE GOVERNOR. TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT MEASURES.

ment, moreover, was not disposed to

His Excellency the Governor said embark on large and expensive

chemes without ascertaining, that that he had nct prior to the meet- they were practicable, and moreovering read either the speech of Sir that the necessary funds could be Henry Pollock or the reply of the Colonial Secretary. Having heard raised to pay for them.

the two speeches, he still thought that it was very unfortunate that the senior unofficial member "wished tu press the matter to a division. His Excellency said that there was no division of opinion and had the motion been otherwise worded as for instance"That it is imperative in the opinion of this Council that the Colony should have a full water supply or similar wording, there would be no difference of opinion.

SIR HENRY POLLOCK'S REPLY.

FAILS TO UNDERSTAND

OFFICIAL ATTITUDE.

The most important portion of the Henderson scheme for the Iland was the Aberdeen scheme, the whole of which the Government in- tended to carry out, and all the details of the reservoir would be carried out, it was poped, at the same time as the construe- tion of the dam. On the Island there would also be constructed the extra catchments for the Tytam Tuk reservoir. One of these is now being constructed and it would, in due course he turned into a permanent catchwater, when attention could be turned from temporary to per- manent measures. If the present water shortage had not been ab- sorbing the attention of the water engineers, the Government might have been able to spend the last few months on permanent work instead of temporary work.

The honourable member had re ferred to the catchwaters which were intended to improve the supply to Tytam Tuk. These items were not proceeded with owing to lack of staff, the engineers being Sir Henry Pollock: "At his re- engaged at the time with bigger and

quest, I sent the Honourable more profitable schemes. He (the Colonial Secretary a note of what Colonial Secretary) was not unaware I was about to say to-day. I now that the Public Works Committee somewhat regret the fact that I did gave special prominence to the im-so if only for the somewhat cheap portance of this work and those gibe to the effect that in referring members who were at the Council to Mr. Sutherland's scheme, I was then, would no doubt remember travelling outside the scope of the that he had explained in October motion. I would suggest that the Inst that the matter had not been Honourable member might have left overlooked but it could not be pro- that out of his speech with some ceeded with owing to the fact that advantage. I am not familiar with engineers were fully occupied with dams and catchwaters and my speech might appear to the Colonial Secretary to be a poor effort but 1 can assure him that I spent a lot of time in preparing it and collect- ing my information.

Continuing, Sir Henry said that been under consideration since 1921, the Colonial Secretary had said and he is thoroughly reliable. but owing to their uneconomical that the Government was in general On the mainland they were carry- nature, they had been deferred from sympathy with his efforts, but aftering out the first stage of the Shing that the motion would not be presa to start work without delay on ed to a devision. He must confess laying the pipe line across the Har- fitable schemes. At the same time. the Honourable member referred to special work which is being carried that he failed to see in what way bour. A single pipe line was being out in connection with the Dragon's the Colonial Secretary had shown laid as it was in the nature of an that the motion should not be experiment and the consulting en- He was

gineers had some doubt about it, able to inform the Council that a pressed to a division.

Claiming that his motion was very and it would not be wise to commit temporary channel dealing with over 150 acres of the area to be simply worded, Sir Henry, after the Colony to the construction of drained by this catchwater was reading it, said that he should have two similar lines at one time being made and would be completed thought it was perfectly simple to this month. The channel was nearly anyone and he was surprised to see one mile in length and would have that the Colonial Secretary should a maximum capacity of ten million suggest that there was anything gallons per day. It would be subse- harmful in the passing of such a quently incorporated in the perman. motion. ent work of the catchwater.

If the intention is to suggest this method to other residents at the Peak, and elsewhere, I have an estimate from Wo Fat & Co., 34 30 Des Voeux Road Central, who will supply 40 gallon barrels at 83.50 each; lengths of canvas hose 10 feet each, including binding to the down-take pipe, removal of the pipe, etc., at $11 per length. They will deliver the barrels, and make all the adjustments necessary, for a charge of $16.50 inclusive, and re- The Central Government, after adjust the rain pipes at any time two months deliberation, granted required. This is a most reason, the merchants' request and repcalable charge and should be availed ed the tax, not only in Kwangtung. of. but in all other provinces as well.

I suggest that the Peak residents This action of the Central Govern be informed of the foregoing pur ment has been received with delight ticulars and they can communicate by the local lipstick, rouge and direct with Wo Fat & Co..Tele: powder merchants, but they have ""not yet opened for business for fear phone C. 661when the work will that they might come into conflicte expeditiously carried out: I have known We Fat for many years with the tax farmers, who have not as yet received any formal edict

Before this water system is put stop collecting this tax. business will be resumed in the from a flat roof it would be well to have this thoroughly scrubbed with course of the next few days.

bamboo brooms as flat roofs are in- clined to become mildewed and scot SPIRITS TO BE STARVED.

Dealers in spirit money, red

The advantage of canvas hose is candles and other things pertaining of course, that not being a fixture to the Next World are still on it can be taken out of one strike. This strike is also due to barrel and put in another without changed method of taxation. Here any trouble. My experience is that tofore they have been paying their two barrels should be put in posi- taxes direct to the Government, assion for each rain pipe." the cinema houses did. But the I suggest that similar saving Provincial Department of Finance of water could be effected in Chin decided to increase ita dues aud ese houses, and that possibly the the scheme could be gave the work of collecting to the cost of highest bidder, the Yi Hop Com cheapened by substituting a bam- pany. This Company secured the boopipe for the canvas hose ..tax throughout Kwangtuag in re mentioned by Mr. Sutherland. At turn for an annual payment the all events it seems to be worth Provincial Treasury of $450,000, while to bring this plan for saving the Company to make what profit not only water but the cost and it could.

labour of getting it to the notice of the Chinese Community.

to

from Nankint is expected that into vogue if the water is collected time to time in favour of more pro-wards he said that he had hoped | Mun scheme. It was proposed also

But this deal has been opposed by the merchants, who prefer to 'el all the spirits in the Elysian Fields atarve rather than comply with the demands of tax farmers.

KOWLOON TONG AFFAIRS.

ed up.

"י,

SIR SHOU-SON CHOW.

The Hon. Sir Shou-son Chow, in seconding, said that he could assure His Excellency that the Chinese community was most anxious that the water supply in this Colony should be increased to such an ex- tent that there will be no restric. tion in the supply of water even in

AN URGENT QUESTION." the dry season.

At the Legislative Council meet- jpg yesterday the Colonial Secre- tary informed the Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga that replies to his questions about Kowloon Tong (published in yesterday's issue) were not yet ready.

Mr. Braga Arising out of the Hon. Colonial Secretary's reply, should like to bring to your notice the urgency of this Kowloon Tong question 37.

|THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

"GOVERNMENT CANNOT AC

* CEPT THE MOTION."

Back West Catchwater.

Private Engineers.

His Excellency then referred to the second stage of the Shing Mua scheme and stated that the project was in a somewhat hazy condition at the moment. He referred to a visit which he and the Honourable The Honourable member had said member had made to the site some that he could not follow the reason months ago and enumerated the why he mentioned the items of the objects of that visit. Mr. Header- The Colonial Secretary then Aberdeen scheme. He thought it son did not himself know where the dealt with the question of the en-was obvious that if the Government site of that dam was going to be, Aberdeen or had the Government any in- ployment of private engineers to was carrying out the assist in the work if the Govern scheme it would have to be carried dication what the cost of these meat staff was insufficient. The out in all its details. He suggested works would be when the sites were honourable member had quoted that the Honourable member had decided. When the location and cost particular instance where. this pro- not tried to answer that, part of the the dame were known it would cedure was adopted with great question which suggested that the then be necessary for His Excel- success. The speaker had no wish Aberdeen scheme would relieve a lency to obtain the sanction of the to reflect upon the skill and ability part of the population suffering Secretary of State. He felt sure of private firma, but the Government very severely from the water short that such a scheme would have the was of the opinion that work of that age, amely those at West Point. approval of the Council but it was kind could be more cheaply and He (Sir Henry Pollock) had asked quite premature for the Council to successfully carried out under Gov. for contract dates and was still commit themselves to the scheme. ernment supervision. Two engineers waiting for a reply. All they were Under these circumstances, had been asked for and he hoped told was that it would be completed Honourable member would see that that they would be in the Colony in 1931. Not a single word had been they should not adopt the motion within two months.

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Speaking of the case of Mr. show that the scheme was being, His Excellency went on to say Gibbs, mentioned by Sir Henry carried out. The Colonial Secretary that if they embarked on costly Pollock, the Colonial Becretary said had simply repeated what the schemes they must be prepared in Mr. Gibba was at one time ad

Director of Public Works told the their next Budget to and means to assistant engineer in the P.W.D. and Conncil on June 20 this year, that pay for them. He was not sure that was to say, that the Colony should the scheme could be carried out at as such prepared the drawing and was in charge of the work in con- have some water available in the the present time without farther nection with the Kowloon Dam. spring of 1931. The Colonial Secretaxation. His Excellency said that Mr. Gibbs left the Government tary had not said that the scheme at the recent kaifong meeting one The Hon. Colonial Secretary said: while he was so oconpied and joined as detailed by Mr. Henderson would of the resolutions was that this was "I cannot help feeling, Sir, that a private firm and the Government be proceeded with as soon as pos no time for additional taxation, and

he personally agreed. the Honourable member who moved employed the private firm, presum-sible. this motion has travelled somewhat ably because of Mr. Gibbs's know- outside the scope of the motion in-ledge of the work

As regards the speaker's query

: as to whether or not it was desir

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Sir Henry Pollock said he would tended to deal with permanent maa- The Bhing Man Scheme. able to engage outside help in the The Colonial Secretary: "On a Bures in putting before us so tem-

way of enginders, he thought from amend his motion to read: "That point of order, no speeches can be porary and makeshift an arrange The Shing Mun scheme and the what the Colonial Secretary had in the opinion of this Council, it is made"

ment as that which he described in final portion of it were in hand and said that such a step should have imperative in the interest of this THE JARDINE ENGINEERING CORPORATION, LTD. His Excellency: "The replies will the latter part of his speech. The it was hoped that water would be been taken long ago. The catch Colony that permanent measures to

PEDDER STREET, Government is in general sympathy available through the pipe line early waters had not been proceeded with increase the water supply of this "That is satisfac Mr. Braga:

the "bjects or try to rexone should be adres pt.with. bory, sir.

The subscribers are bringing to public notice the import Reservoir was under construction Henry gave other instances where the utmost despatch.

HONG KONG. threatened with re-entry one month ance of getting on as quickly as and should be completed by about work could not be proceeded with

for that reason. from July 9."

possible with permanent, measures the end of 1930-

With

This was seconded by Sir Shou- son Chow and carried nanimously.

[P3]