1930-08-08 — Page 7

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS; FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 1930.

UNIVERSITY SALARIES DISCUSSED.

STRONG AND OUTSPOKEN COMMENT BY HON. MR. J. P. BRAGA.

LENGTHY MEETING OF FINANCE COMMITTEE: VOTE OF $300,000 APPROVED BUT MR. BRÁGA DISSENTS.

"If I can help it, I mean to do my bit to remove the stigma under which the Colony labours in relation to its University," said Mr. Braga at the meeting of the Finance Committee yesterday, when a vote of 8300,000 was asked for by the Government as a grant in aid of the University of Hong Kong.

The full text of the item and the accompanying message, which readers will find below, came in for some very strong comment from Mr. Braga who proposed the omission of the words

and leave a reasonable margin for eventualities."

Mr. Braga said that "Eventualities" might include anything from an addition to the number of the University staff to, the cost of replacing the University tower, if, unfortunately, it should be blown down.

7.

Mr. Braga's motion to delete the words mentioned, however, found no seconder. The Hon. Dr. Kotowall sought permission to explain why he could not second Mr. Braga's motion, but was over-ruled by the Chairman,

MR. PATERSON ON FAULT OF OUR PREDECESSORS.

The full text of the discussion is

350,000

given below. The explanation given to the item of $300,000 required for the University is as follows:-..

Provision made in Esti-

mates H.E. the Governor in Council dis- custed the finances of the Hong Kong University on July 10 and Jaty 17, 1930, and it was agreed to ask the Secretary of State's ap proval of the following proposals :—

(a) The total grant of £350,000 to

salaries.

be made on account of 1930. (b) The increased grant to be used in the first place to balance the University budget, to the close of 1910 on the basis of existing (e) The University to produce a modified scheme of revised salaries for both its sterling and dollar paid servants which would bring the cost of the re- vision within the surplus left from the grant after balancing the budget and leave a reason. able margin for eventualities. (d) The grant to be subject to re- vision annually in the light of the exchange conditions then prevailing.

(e) The increased grant not to be conditional on reimbursement from Boxer Indemnity funds. Approval has now been received and a formal vote for $300,000 is Low requested.

Hon. Mr. J. F. Braga said:

Sir, Oa this vote of $300,000 as

a grant in aid of the University of Hong Kong, I have a statement to make. If it should be longer than you deem necessary, I crave the indulgence of the Committee, as the taxpayers, whose money we are called upon to vote, have a right to know the full facts of the case. These facta are not revealed in

Item 99 contained in the message before this meeting.

follows:-

Margin for “Eventualities."?·

Business-like Precaution,, The Chairman I understand you have no objection to the rate itself if an alteration is made to the last ave words?

Hon. Mr. Braga: Exactly, sir. I should like the words," and leave a reasonable margin for eventuali- ties" deleted from item 08.

TWO NATIONALIST GOVERNMENTS!

IN NANKING AND PEIPING.

NEW CONSTITUTION DRAFTED.

The Chairman: The vote itself is now before the meeting as it stands According to a Chinese telegram on the paper before you.

from Peiping, the representatives Hon. Mr. Lauder: I think the to the enlarged plenary session of words and leave a reasonable the Kuomintang Central Executive margin for eventualitics" to'which Council have, drafted a set of re- the Hon. Mr. Braga objects laysgulations governing the formation down a very ordinary and proper of the new government. They are business-like precaution. I think as follows:- the Government would be making a grave mistake if these words were

left out.

4.

Hon. Mr. Paterica: I agree with my honourable friend and I think that the matter can be left to the Finance Committee, of the Univer- sity, whose job, after all, it is. The (ault lies not with us, I think, but with our predecessors if the Univer-

sity is not well conceived, financially speaking. The people who started it did not look far enough ahead. The position, as I see it is, we have got this university and we have got to keep it going as best we can. There is not too much money in this Colony,"

Mr. Braga Replies.

1.-The new government will be known as the Nationalist Govern- ment of the Republic of China.

-A chairman of the government will be "appointed.

of Ministries of (1) Finance, (2) The government will consist Foreign Affairs, (3) the Interior, (4) Labour, Industry and Com- merce, (5) Communications, (6) Agriculture and Minerals, (7) War, (8) Navy, (9) Justice, (10) Educa tion.

will serve as the consultatory or 4.-The Central Political Council ganisation to the enlarged plenary session of the Kuomintang C.E.C The proposals of the Council will which will then submit them to the be passed by the plenary session Government for execution.

-A supervisory council will be established to aupervise Govern- and. Kuomintang officials. An ex- amination of government officials will be held twice a year. Regula The Hon. Mr. Braga: Sir,-If Itions for the punishment of officials may be permitted to reply to the will be fixed.

6.-A Commission" will be estab hers who have just spoken, I would of Mongolia and Tibet remarks of the two unofficial memlished to take charge of the affairs

was published in the newspapers I now come to the essential point One paper displayed it prominent of Hong Kong on May 29 last. which arose in the course of discus-ly under the caption "Hong Kong sion on the occasion of the private Professors in Poverty." I venture meeting of the 18th of July, I

to quote from the Vice-Chancellor's report the following extract relat would like to draw the attention of ing to the gloom of the Snancial this meeting that in the original outlook, which obscures all other text the material words and leave consideration as far as the Univers a reasonable "margin for eventuali wrote:-

ity is concerned. Mr. Hornell ties" did not appear in para. (c). I strenuously dissented from the adoption in their entirety of the "As things have turned out, the proposal to include those words, increased salary scales would land and, upon a division, was the only the University, if the increased like to say that my understanding member to vote against such addi-annual subvention be not voted, in in the first instance of the whole an annual deficit of not less than question of the salaries of the tion.

vention be voted this adoption.

7-A leg slation committee will

be formed before the organisation of a legislative council.

8.-The budget will be tempor-

tang Headquarters.

How important the addition three lakhs, white, even if the sub-University staff was that the mam-arily fixed by the Central Kuomin

of these words will affect the salaries of the University staff will be seen in a brief explanation, bear ing in mind that, in paragraph of the report of the University Committee, the members of that Committee specifically state: "For

9.-An office will be established to make arrangements for the con vention of the National People's. Conference.

Inwa will be

10. Provisional

would mean, unlese new sources of ers of the Court of the University University would be involving it less, to the vote that appeared for income be discovered that the were practically pledged, more or self in annual liabilities which are. likely to exceed its annual income discussion by the Court of the by a sum which can at less that $2 inkhate stated University, and from which dis made during the present period of

unofficial members of the Legis cussion by the Court of the Univer-political tutelage while the con- sity, and from which discussion the advent of the constitutional period. stitution will be drafted on the

the reasons that will appear when of the foremost English newspaper Now let me turn to the comments we come to deal with the present in China. The leading article scale of salaries paid to members starts with an observation in the of the University staff, we are of following terms, which, opinion that they are inadequate." afraid, does not do the Colony too mittee of the Council-were in a

I now come to a closer" criticism of what I may call an extraneous of very materially defeating the addition which may have the effect very purpose for which we are call ed upon to vote this financial grant this afternoon.

"Eventualities," in the broader interpretation of the term, may in. clude practically anything, from an addition to

the number of the University staff itself to, let us say, the cost of replacing the University tower, if, unfortunately, it should be blown down by the next typhoon visiting the Colony.

great, credit.

41

lative Council-being at the same

1 am time members of the "Finance Com-

"It is surely time that something sense precluded from taking part were done to put Hong Kong in by the remarks made by the then basis, particularly in view of the University on a gound financial senior member of Council, the Hor. situation as described in the Vice Sir Henry Pollock, who reserved Chancellor's report which we put the right of discussion when the fished in part on Thursday." matter was brought up before the Committee of this Council We have

Severe Stricture.

now reached that stage," Sir.

time-whether rightly or wrongly

Unfortunately, there was at the

doubt as to the correct interpreta tion of the resolutions adopted on that occasion by the Court of the University. So far as I am per- sonally Concerned there exists no doubt in my own mind. I felt that the money was asked in the first place to meet the increased salaries recommended by the University Salaries Committee. There was then no question of the balancing of the budget as a whole.

An Afterthought, This question of the balancing of

SCRAP AT MURRAY BARRACKS.

CHINESE COOK AND " BOY"

CHARGED.

Barracks were yesterday charged Two Chinese employed at Murray with assaulting the manager of the Sang Lee compradore's shop at 69, Des Yeux Road Central, the case being heard by Mr. Butters at Central Magistracy."

stated that the first defendant was Lei Ka Kong, the complainant, employed as first assistant cook at Murray Barracks, and the second the No. 1. boy. Having reason to suspect that the second defendant was cheating him in respect of some money collected for meals, witness said that he approached the. defendant about the matter. The second defendant denied the charge. Wednesday night. This time the Witness approached him again on

second defendant, in addition to denying the charge, struck him on the face. The first defendant, who blow on the shoulder. Afraid that was also present, struck witness a he might be attacked with choppers reported the matter, to a sergeant, he jumped out of the window and who had the two defendants arrest- ed.

In denying the charges, the first

And the editorial ends with this somewhat severe stricture of the doubtful liberality in the Colony which had hitherto enjoyed a re- putation for generosity:-

"Another, and even more impor- A Higher Tribunal,

tant point is the complete lack of dignity in the situation. It is not Moreover, the interpretation of worthy either of those people who the term eventualities would be made the foundation of the Univers left in the hands, presumably, ofity possible, or those who now have the Finance Committee of the to face the problem of carrying it There was a private meeting of University. I submit, Sir, that the on, that they should be obliged to the unofficial members of the Legis- unofficial members of the Finance live on the hand-to-mouth cala lative Council to consider this Committee of the Legislative Coun- they do at present. It is unworthy financial vote on the 13th July last cil form a tribunal higher than the of the Colony, unworthy of the Ex No unanimity could be arrived at Finance Committee of the Univer-pire, and, where a source of funds regarding the very important sity. clause, namely, paragraph (c), re: Sir, that this vote of $300,000 has should be made to ensure future the budget came in as an after-

It is for that very reason, is so readily available,' every effort lating to the proposed modified been submitted to this Council for safety from a recurrence of the unthought, and as an afterthought we scheme of revised salaries for the acceptance or rejection. Either this fortunate state of affairs which the are now called upon to reconsider staff of the Hong Kong University Committee is committed to a vote Vice-Chancellor's report so clearly the sufficiency of the amount to be Clause C, in its original form, when, for salaries specifically so provided. sets out.". presented for discussion at the prior it is, not. There can, and should

voted by this Council for balancing vate meeting in question, read as not be, any room for equivocation. with a solution of the problem re-

We are this afternoon, Sir, faced the budget as well as increasing salaries of the University staff. Speaking for myself, I would like ferred to in the quotation I have Here we are faced with two separate defendant told his Worship that he "The University should pro-to know to what definite purpose just read. If I can help it, I mean duce a modified scheme of re- will be applied the money we are

issues. If it were matter of was only trying to separate the vised salaries which would bring called upon to vote. Eventuali to do my bit if only a modest balancing the budget of the Univer-complainant and the second defend- the cost of the revision within ties" is much too vague a term little bit, probably of insignificant sity we should strictly face it as that be had been falsely accused. ant. The second defendant xaid the surplus left from the grant and, as I have just pointed out; consequence in the opinion of some such, because the Colony is definite The truth was that he had had no after balancing the budget." may

-to remove the stigma under which ly committed to the carrying or of time to make three entries in a mean practically" anything, the Colony labours in relation to the University not only 25 Dollar-paid Stad.

ita University.

Colonial but as an Imperial asset.

book, and the complainant had been .told of this fact. I quite agree with the Hon. Mr. Paterson that we should have to find fendants and fined the first $15 or His Worship convicted both ̈de- funds to meet the costs of maintain two weeks' imprisonment and the Colony, but to consider the question then both over in a sum of $50 each connotes to the prestige of the of the salaries-as-an independent for one month. and separate issue, Council should confine itself to the having assaulted the Jok of the In connection with the same cåse,

adequate provision of the salaries complainant. This defendant was another Chinese was accused of

recommended by the University fined $10. Committee. I move, Sir, that the words in paragraph C of item 55 and leave a reasonable margin for eventualities" be struck cut.

The motion was not seconded.

Motion

under the sun.

I would be loathe to associate myself with so large-a vote Да $300,000, leaving the freedom of its appropriation that might, with

Carried

T

think this

ترجمه

GABERDINE

TROUSERS

$28.50

FOR

TENNIS

These Trousers are specially cut

for sports wear.

Made in a fine quality unshrink able gaberdine, fully cut with

pleats at waist they are particu. larly suitable for tennis wear.

POINTS TO REMEMBER --

LONDON TAILORED

UNSHRINKABLE

THEY "HANG" CORRECTLY

LANE, CRAWFORD, LTD.

MEN'S WEAR STYLISTS.

HUMOROUS RECORD

SUCCESSES

Columbia Process RECORDS

MRE1

(MANDALAY (THE COFFEE STALL

BILLY BIENEZT

EFEPEL

MR22

(YO HO YE LUBBERS {THE JOLLY TINKER ..

༤ཝཾ་

TWO GILBERTS

0775"

SHEILA MACKAY ...

WILL FYZI

THE TRAIN TAKES YOU HOME"

2039D

IN THE MORNING

SANDY MCFARLANE

BEATHER BELLS ARE BLOOMING

The Anderson Music Co., Ltd.

FUE CON

FOAMITE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS DODWELL & CO. LTD.

THEFTS OF CLOTHING, | Lam

Sentence of one month's hard fabour was passed on a Chinese by the Kowloon Magistrate yesterday. when the man was charged with the

It will be noted, Sir, the in the

Hypocritical Attitude. original text: po provision was made for the salaries of the dollar paid members of the staff. This the best intentions in the world, would fain strive to remove thing the University with 'all that it second 825 or one month, and bound. Speaking for myself, therefore, very point was debated at some unconsciously inflict injustice on cause for the severe stricture pass length at the meeting of the Court the deserving members of the Uni-ed by Shanghai Clause (c) of of the University in December of versity staff: If, for the sake of Item 98 in its present form reveals last year. The question of Univer argument, a number of eventuali- the Colony in a most undignified sity salaries came up for discussion ties should arise, necessitating a light. It pretends to give with in connection with the Salaries call for funds for which the the right hand what is enabled to Committee's report dated Novem- University budget does not speci- be taken away by the left. It viti- ber 30, 1923, and submitted for con- fically provide. I fear, Bir, the ates, in my humble opinion, the sideration by the Court of the revised scheme of salaries would effectiveness of a full messure of University. I happened to be one le go whittled down that it might relief for the inadequate salaries of the speakers on that occasion, become a sham and a delusion to of the University Staff We I emphasised the point that, where suppose that the professorial staff should be taking up a hypocritical as the inadequate sterling salaries as well as the administrative stall attitude, and I have no desire to were to be revised on a more gener salaries admittedly inadequate lie associated with such an attitude. ous scale, the dollar-paid staff of have been improved on a scale com. I stand for sincerity and unequivo the University were nol considered,mensurate with the services render-cal language.

Hon. Dr. Kotowall: May I say because the latter were excluded ed to the Colony in the very im-

a fow words in explanation, as to why I cannot second Mr. Braga's in Argyle Street. It was stated from the scope of the Committee's, enquiry.

portant department of liberal for the sum of 2300,000 asked for

In conclusion, Bir I would vote motion? Can I do it, Sir1.

that the man was walking away education which it provides.

Chairman: You are too late for with the articles when a detective. in Item 08 of Message No. 7 to the that. You don't propose to second arrested him. Finance Committee, provided that it? the words and leave a reasonable.

Another Chinese walked into a the original draft of the item has recently on a holiday I picked out. If I should not be supported stands, without the emission as

When I happened to be at Shang- margin for eventualities" bo struck Chairman: The minute as it removed a black, gauze jacket which Hon, Dr. Kotewall: No, Sir. shop in Canton Road and cooly before this meeting, unless amend. ed by a strict literal interpretation up the newspaper one morning; it it my contention I have little proposed by Mr. Breen is before he was arrested and charged biders.

was hanging on a nail in the wall, Ibarakiaph ter or the led the Hope that T. MATHIEF The result the Committe dalladen the ink by an astiel, appearing of the private meeting on July

one month's hard. My Whyte Smith who gave him. would unconsciously, it may be the editorial column of the North 16-I shall at least have satisfac assumed, be left completely out of China Daily News that day. That tion in the knowledge that I have

A third velothes thief was - BÌ50 consideration. The amendment, article, arose out of the Vice done what I could to improve the

given a dimilar term of imprison ment. This man took about $10 which has since been embodied in Chancellor's report, which

was undigaified situation which makes

worth of clothing from the third the phrasing of the contentious even publicity the same week in of Hong Kong the butt criticism naragraph, Icaves no room for the newspapers of Shanghai. The which the Colony's own action has doubt.

Vice-Chancellor's report, I believe, invited for itself.

Arguing at the meeting on the 16th July. I stated that a scheme

of revised salaries, contemplated

Shanghal Comment,

Tavour of the minute as it stands ommitted those in say "nye" Braga dissenting.

The motion was carried, with Mr. Chairman: Do you wish your dis- sension to go on record?

Hon, Mr. Braga II you will,

theft of some clothing from a stall "MONTMARTRE FOLLIES"

floor of 55, Castle Peak Rond. It was stated that he had the clothing on when arrested-

BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!

ENCHANTING SONGS!

SHING DINGEST

Coming to the QUEEN'S SUNDAY