1929-09-20 — Page 5

THE BUDGET DISCUSSION.

(Continued from page 5)

peasants in the ouslying districts of the New Territories in the above subjects by means of trained native lecturers.

Likewise, under the heading of Education, we suggest that the curriculum of the University and of all other teaching institutions where English is taught should include a review of the progress of this

the low level area between Aber- deen and Deep Water Bay, and the area round the foot-hills of Row- loon known as "The Park," and the Shatin Valley.

"In a cosmopolitan Colony like Hong Kong it is desirable to en courage the coming together of the various nationalities in friendly in- tercourse. What better means "can

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1929.`

The present Unathcial Membera. of this Council, who now number | eight against six a year ago, un- animonsly indorse the above view expressed by all the Unofficial Members last year.

Broadcasting.

Royal Naval Volunteer KesetTA.

Wo see, from page 100 of the estimates, that it is suggested that a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve should be created in this Colony and that

in the coming year a som of 829,263 is there budgeted for as the first year's expenditure,

"We are of opinion that the for-

Broadcasting is an important modern method of communication, of which this Colony has not availation of the Royal Naval Yalun- ed itself to any considerable, ex-

teer Reserve may to ņ certain extent detrimentally affect the Volunteer Defence Corps, and that that Corps serves a far more useful and practical purpose.

tent.

"We consider that the Royal

"-On page 97 we notice that, although the Government Marine Surveyor's Department already has our launches, namely, one atcam- driven H.D.3 and three motor driven, H.D.8, 7 and 8, the Har bour Department is asking, in addition to the new motor-launch for the G.M.S. Department, now additional under construction, an motor-launch for this Department and also a new launch for the car- ringe of stores and relief.

Colony from 1841 up to to-day, upon there be to assist this than in the important; things that are likely to Naval Reserve it unnecessary here considerable saving of time over

similar lines to your Excellency's interesting review of the progresa of the Colony from 1986 till 1991, as reported in

the Hong Kong Hansard for 1927, at pages 55 to

633

:

Markets,

The cost of living tends steadily upwards and we require markets, and yet more markets to be built in order conveniently to serve the different districts of this Colony, and incidentally it may be repark ed that markets produce consider

able revenue.

In our opinion a small market which was unaniniously recommend ed as a meeting of all the members of the Sanitary Board and which need only cost about $10,000 should he erected is Kowloon Teng, be cause that settlement is a long dis tance from any existing market.

field of sport and on the public recreation grounds of the Colony 1

"Whilst dealing with the subject of recreation grounds, we desire to draw attention to the fact that the recommendations of the Kowloon Residents' Association regarding the ranking and equipping of sufficient playing grounds for the children of Kowloon bave not yet been carried put by the Government, and in

the transmission of musical pro

"We are not here referring to

grammes for bright young peo- ple," but to something far more contribute to make Hong Kong the commercial centre of a large area- that is to say, the distribution of all kinds of market quotations, shipping news, news of the world, in short everything that is likely to be of interest or value to com- merce and shipping.

To-day our range is about fifty miles but with an expenditure of

an

particular we desire to ask why no

about 8200,000 and an annual con- provision has been made in the tribution of about $50,000 we could effective range of 400 estimates for 1930 for the promised hare children's playground between Salis miles.

We "Consider, for a moment, the man bury Road and Middle Road. would also inquire why sufficient in Foochow whose news from here fencing has not yet been put round is always four days old or the mer the children's playground in Chat-chant at

a place like Wuchow. ham Road, na has been repeatedly What a bom an effective broad- urged upon the Government.

casting system from Hong Kong would be.

tricts.

Open Spaces,

Aviation.

"There is also the vital question We note with regret that, of entharking unbuilt-on spaces as owing to shortage of staff and pres-lungs for the Colony: open spaces sure of other work, little progress for dwellers in the congested lis- has been made this year with the Sai Ying Pun new market, only $20,000 being spent out of a vote of $200,000. We especially urge that this building be vigorously proceed- ed with during the coming year, and that the full proposed alloca- tion of $200,000 for 1930 bespeut during the coming year..

Port Facilities.

Hong Kong's one great asset is the Harbour; almost everything which produces prosperity is rang ed round it. Hong Kong without her harbour, her shipping, her go downs and her docks might na well not exist.

"We now turn to aviation.

"Following, 43 we must the general trend of events in China we cannot help being struck by the keen interest taken by the Chinese in aviation and the efforts being made by them to create work of services in various parts of the country.

a net-

"When one considers the dif ficulties of communication, the dis- tances to be travelled and the general want of modern facilities, and when one realises that we are by air"travel only about six hours from Hankow, two hours from Wu- chow, two and a half hours from Kweilin and ten hours from Shang- hai, one can get "song, conception of the great possibilities of avia

There are great developments in front of us-bigger ships, many bigger ships than have ever before entered our barbour, will be run- ning to, this part in the none futuretion.

bigger possibly than we are a the moment able to deal with.

Is the Government sufficiently providing beforehand for the new conditions as regards dredging and buoy, accomodation?

for propaganda purposes we need "On the value of broadcasting

not dwell, for this is apparent. Gore, in his report already referred The Right Hon. Mr. Ormsby

and that Naval work should be left to the Navy; and we shall vole against the item for its establish meat in the Appropriation Bill for 1980. This item, apparently through inadvertence, does not include the sum of 82,532, mentioned on page 100 of the estimates, for the pro- posed personnel of that Reserve.

"In view of the fact that every shipyard in the Colony can now be reached by bus or tram, with a

travelling by launch, and also that (see page 27) the Marine Surveyor and his 13 Assistant Surveyors re- ceive conveyance allowance, the necessity for the use of launches by the G.M.S. Department is limited to the inspection of vessels lying afloat in the harbour which are The sum now budgeted for is

not numerous enough to warrant only a beginning, and doubtless any increase in the number of larger annunt grant would be re-launches alloted to the G.M.8. quired in the not distant future.

Office beyond the four completed launches above referred to.

Canton-Kowloon Railway. "Our railway to the border shows a better return than before, but it can hardly be regarded as a successful venture until such time as "the Hankow-Canton Railway is completed and the loop-line at Can-

on is built.

"We desire to take this opportu bity of assuring your Excellency most heartily support you in your that all sections of this community

to, after pointing out that con-untiring efforts to maintain the siderable progress had been made most" friendly relations with the in Ceylon in the development of Chinese authorities in the neigh a broadcasting service, says, on houring provinces of Kwangtung page 120, in regard to Java- and Kwangsi and also with the.

Chinese Central Government at Nanking,

"There are no less than six broadcast transmitting stations in Java. News, information, entertainment and education are transmitted to listeners in dif. ferent parts of the Island. In wirelsen telegraphy there is the very large high-power long and short wave station at Malabar and a newer short wave station nearer Bandoeng. These commu- nicate direct with Europe and with the United States of

Amerien

and lower down he says:--

far

"Such developments are thead of anything yet accam plished in the British Colonial Dependencies.'

"We have in aerodrome in the course of construction but aviation

Military Contribution. is still backward in this Colony. Singapore has its dying club finan- estimates and on page 100 we notice "On page 12, item 33 of the cially supported by the Straits some rather puzzling figures re Settlements Government and a clabgarding Military Contribution. The Hong Kong and Whampoant Colombo is under consideration Dock Company is, we know, not whilst in India there are about 12 For instance, the revised estima- withstanding the difficult times similar associations. Flying clubs, ate for 1023, 83,321,768 on page 12 is through which the Colony has pass auch ne we refer to, can provide not repeated on page 100. ed, making gallant efforts to keep an arm to the volunteers and the pace with the rapidly changing con- nulice in case of trouble and at the ditions of the port by widening the same time those who are prepared entrance to their big dock in order to take up aviation on a more per- to accommodate the biggest class manent basis are given no opportu- of ship at present contemplated, nity to familiarize themselves with whilst the Kowloon Wharf and the science in its early stages. Godown Company is keenly alive to

"Are we to understand that this latter figure and not the approved. estimate for 1928, which appears as 83,088,388 on both pages 12 and 100 is being paid for military con- tribution this year?

„,"

"In connection with military con- Mr. Vaughan Fowler, the re-tribution, we should also like to the necessity of incrensising its presentative of the Far East Avia- know whether such contribution is wharf accommodation and negotiation Company, has laid before your paid upon profits from the Colony's tions to this crid are now in pro-Excellency a detailed scheme for sale of investments. gress with the authorities concern-

a flying club similar to those I have

ed.

J

"In these circumstances we sug launch be utilized for other par gest that the unfinished new motor- poses to be determined later and that the second new motor-launch and the new steam-launch be not Sing, which (we understand) is built at all, seeing that the Kau capable of steaming at 0 knots on suitable for stores and relief work. one boiler, seems to be eminently

"We would add that other sub- departments of the Harbour De- nunches under their control and partment seem to have numerous

that if, by chance, an additional Inunch is occasionally required by We also trust that the rumour-

the G.MLS. Department, that De- cd negotiations for connecting Capartment ought to be able to obtain ton with Hong Kong by telephone it for the special occasion by apply- will prove nccessful, because every ing to another sub-department in link which joins, Hong Kong to the Harbour Office. Canton is of mutual benefit to both placca.

Loans.

It may well be asked how are all these schemes to be financed. We are of opinion that much as we may regret it, we have, now arrived at the parting of the ways- we cannot continue to pay for the permanent works out of current revenue-posterity must contribute to the benefits posterity will re- 'ceive.

We are of opinion that make economies in many directions, although it may, be possible to nevertheless current revenue is ob yiously insufficient and a carefully municipal considered policy of loans must be resorted to,

Treasurer's Memorandum on Revenus.

seems

"Incidentally we are informed that the Staff of Government Marine Surveyors has grown, to such dimensiona that it doubtful whether there is sufficient ship-building work now going on in the Colony

and ship-repairing.

to keep them all fully employed..

"B-On the same page 27, we notice the item training expenses of G.M.S. in England $20,245.*

We should like to know why the Government is to be held respon ment Marine Surveyors in England sible for the training of the Govern-

and also why the amount for such training has increased from 87,200 in 1920 to $20,945 in 1830.

"D.-On page 30, we would ask for an explanation of the new Allowance to 17 Diesel En-

item

gineers at 8120 each.'

10. In connection with the new item on page 34 Inspection Officer (Fire Brigade) $5,400, we should like to be informed as to the peces- sity for such an inspection officer and what duties he is to perform.

Treasurer's Memorandum on Re- "We notice a paragraph in the venue, which states that arrears of premio are due from the Kowloon Tong Estate and the Praya East Marine Lot Holders: and we should be glad to be informed what is the amount of the arrears of premin which is due from each of those page 58 launch to replace S.D.3, 11. With regard to the item on bodies respectively.

830,600,' we. understand that this "In connection with the Prays launch was wrecked near the Fotau. East Reclamation, we should like Mum in returning from a

picnic to know when the Government pro-excursion, at Shek O-a very un poses to put up lights along Lock-usual route-and we should be gind bart Road on that Reclamation, so to learn whether the Government as to enable mator vehicles to use that road at night as well as by

has given instructions in order to day, between Arsenal Street and picnic proceedings at the expense prevent a repetition of such costly Percival Street, and thus to avoid of the revenue of this Colony. entirely the tram route at night for

Remarks on. Various Items in the Estimates.

"I will now bring this long. speech to an end in the orthodox

12.--We should like particulars of the Building grants 880,000 ' (itera 28 on page 83).

"We submit that it is seriously question whether such "It is to be hoped that, the Gov- already mentioned and we are glad open to

to note that you have given it the profits ought to be subjected to ernment will do all within its power Colony's financial support in the military contribution. to assist these negotiations to a Budget for 1930. The very substan Road Between Gauseway Bay and successful conclusion. The cost to tial provision appearing on page the Godown, Company of the neces-

Quarry Bay. sary extensions to cope with the 33 of the estimates is indicative of

"We see from, the estimates für your Excellency's belief, which we; situation in the future will be con- share, in this means of communien Public Works Extraordinary (iten siderable but is regarded as ease-i tial in the interests of a port of tion in the future and of its prac- No. 18 on page 84) that a sum of

that distance. tical application to this part of $15,000 is budgeted for in conuec. the size and importance of Hong the world and in particular of Hong tion with a small portion of this Kong....

Kong's vital interest in it.

road. Statistics of the Port.

"At the same time we hope that Ah King's Slipway to the South

The portion of the road from

loon British School,' we regret to "13.-On page 86, item 51 Kow- "We have noted with pleasure the new Labour Government, which China Athletic Association bathing in the estimates for re-establishing the interest of the Colonies to the and dangerous roads in this Colony, ernment, on behalf of myself and this work out of a total sum of on pages 24 and 20 the provision is abviously anxious to promote. house is one of the most difficult fashion, by firing off at the Go see that the Government only pro- poses to spend in 1930 880,000 on statistical department under the utmost of its power, will see the and we consider that the continua- aegis of the Import and Export reasonableness of the Imperial tion and completion of this rond fur

my Unofficial Colleagues, a broad-8725,000 required to complete the Office. We agree that these statis Government making a larger contri- the full distance between Causeway regard so

side of remarks and questions in school. Why is this?

various items' in the tics ought to embrace all phases bution than £100,000 towards our Bay and Quarry Bay should not estimates which have not yet been of Hong Kong's trade and thus give aerodrome.

dealt with by me. only be taken in hand, but should."1.-On page 6, we notice an a clear indicaton of Hong Kong's

be completed without further delay item carriage, chair, etc., licences commercial position.

In fact we regard it as most uni 8230,000, and would suggest that, fortuante that the work on this road should have been delayed for in future estimates, it would be in for many years past for the build- teresting to have a separate heading of an arm to the Typhoon ing for motor vehicle licences in-Refuge at Yaumati, in order to Sai Kung Road,

stead of lumping them together ward off the damaging effects of a We notice on page 88 of the with chair and rickshaw licences. typhoon wind from the South. We estimates (item 110) that it is pro- On page in connection venture to hope that this work will, posed to construct a new road from with the item Public School therefore, receive the early atten Kowloon City to Sai Kung at an Fees," we should ask the Govern- tion of the Government. estimated cost of about $1,170,000 ment to consider whether the fees 15. In connection with the The inability of His Majes- "Whilst we are of the opinion, charged in public schools ought not Grants-in-aid, on page 101, my ty's Government to contribute that having regard to the great to be reduced.

Honourable friend, Dr. Tao, desires' more than £100,000 towards the rapidity with which the Kowloon 3-On page we notice the us to draw attention to the "fact cost of the Aerodrome instead of Peninsula is developing it is desir-item Message Fees 8160,000* that a grant-in-aid is urgently need- paying three-fourths of the total able to provide facilities for further Does this mean wireless message ed by the Mun Sang College which cost is very disappointing to the development and expansion, we are fees, and, if so, why are the estim- is the only Anglo Chinese Middle community, after it had been told of the opinion that there are a ated, receipts for 1830 less than School in Kowloon City. that the Secretary of State for number of schemes far more press those for 1929 7.

Playing Grounds Another of our pressing local needs is the provision of adequate and sufficient recreation grounds, This Colony has arrived at a stage in its development when this matter has to be faced fairly and square ly, seeing that it is part of the curriculum of every school in this Colony to instil into every scholar the value of outdoor exercise and physical culture. One has only to read the report of the Director of Education in order to appreciate this, and on any day and at any time one has only to wander through any part of the Colony to get an idea of what a hold the love of sport is getting on all and sundry. It ranges from the small boy who plays with a shuttlecock in the streets or kicks a ball about Statue Square to the vast crowds with attend football and other. matches.

་་

"Your Excellency has appointed a Committee to go into this ques tion of providing more playing grounds, and no doubt we shall re- ceive many valuable recommendn- tions from them, but we most atrongly urge on the Government the conversion of certain large Areas into what we would like to describe for want of a better terms, as "Municipal Recreation Areas,” and in particular we have in mind

"We feel that this matter of a much larger contribution being made by the Imperial Government is of. se much importance that we make no apology for quoting the following extract from the speech made by my Honourable friend, Sir Show-son Chow, voicing the collec- tive views of the Unofficial Members of this Council, in his badget speech of the 4th October, 1928 (ece Hong Kong Hansard of 1028 at page 85):

so long.

י

the Colonies had actually pro- ing than the proposed Sai Kung "4.-On pages 19 and 20 we posed to the Imperial Treasury Road, and which need putting in notice the items of $2,000 and 2000 three-fourths of the cost as being hand and completion before this respectively for Afforestation in the its equitable share of the outlay proposed road is brought under con-Northern and Southern Districts of Feeling that the Secretary of sideration. Many of those schemes the New Territories respectively, State would not have accepted we are indicating to-day. For the¦ and would suggest that in future this proportion as representing above reasons we are of the opinion years that expenditure might be the Imperial Government's just that it is premature to proceed with doubled. obligation unless it had appealed the proposed Sai Kung Road "B-In connection with the Post

to him as eminently fair, as I It seems to us a complete Offen (page 21) we suggest that may say it does to us, we earnest fallacy to suppose that the opening ly hope that further strong re-up of motor-roads, with pleasant presentations will be made to the building sites on them must necen Imperial Government to increase sarily lead to building development, its contribution to the full three- and in this connection we need only fourthe. The Aerodrome; while point to the Tai Po Road, built it will be a valuable local asset, thirty years ago, the Castic Peak will be a still more valuable Im Road, the short rond over the hill perial asset as a vital link in the to Repulse Bay and the Shek, O communications of the Empire,' Road.

14. In connection with item 57 Port Works $2,000,' on page 88 this suggested expenditure seems to us to be wholly inadequate in view of the need which has existed

Conclusion,

"We have not attempted to deal with the recommendations of the Salaries Commission, which are not included in the figures of the pre- sent Budget, because we presume that these recommendations will be later on brought before us by the Government in due form, by mo tion.

the accommodation on the ground The European Members of this foor and in the basement is in Council consider that the time has aufficient for its requirements. now arrived when an area of land 8-On page 27 what is the should be set apart by the Govern- meaning of the sudden appearance ment for the making of golf-links of two new items 1

by members of the Chinese Cam- munity. They understand that this will be one of the points referred to by the Senior Chinese Unofficial Member of his speech.

10 Coal for offices $5,000 2D Rent, light and water

allowances for slipway. staff

2,034

PRACTICAL GIFTS.

IN SOLID SİLVER

LEATHER STERLING SILVER,

FROM $2.00 $3.50

PHOTO FRAMES

WHICH CAN BE HAD IN REAL LEATHER FOR

}}

TRAVELLING.

OR IN STERLING SILVER FOR THE

DBESSING TABLE OR

MÄNTLEPIECE,

ENGLISH GOODS ARE BEST

MANICURE SETS

IN

SOLID SILVER.

SETS CONTAİN.. ANT NUMBER OF PIECES,

SETS COMPLETE FROM $17.50 LARGE AND VARIED IS THE STOCK WE POSSESS OF ENGLISH SILVERWARE, MANUFACTURED BY THE MOST EXPERT OF CRAFTSMEN AND FORWARDED TO US FOR YOUR APPRECIATION.

LANE, CRAWFORD, LTD.

SILVERWARE DEFT.

0.4569.

HUMOROUS RECORD

SUCCESSES

Columbia

RECORDS

CLAPHAM AND DWYER'S

NEW RECORD - "AT THE RACES"

All Hats off-Why? Is Royalty coming? No; I put some money on with a bald- headed bookie and I can't find him.

RECORD NO. 5201.·

THE ANDERSON MUSIC CO., LTD.

A non-leaking and permanent roof is guaranteed by ordering & using

BRITISH MEADE

ROK

ROOFING

Used in all climates, and in áll. parts of the world for Ship- yards, Aerodromes. Railways, Iron and Chemical Works, Bungalows, etc.

Manufactured in Great Britain, and guaranteed the Most Permanent Roofing obtainable.

Full particulars from Sole Agents:-

JARDINE ENGINEERING CORPORATION, LTD.

Pedder Street, Hong Kong

Tel Address: JARDENG."

Phone C. 3851.