1931-10-23 — Page 5

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1931.

UNOFFICIALS OUTSPOKEN COMMENT ON SALARIES

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM OF COLONIAL SECRETARY'S

BUDGET SPEECH.

HON. MR. BRAGA DRAWS ATTENTION TO IMPROVEMENTS dilitional expendivare. What it

NEEDED IN KOWLOON.

GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY OF PRESENTING BUDGET": UNOFFICIAL HELP

REJECTED.

The Budget debate lasted three hours in the Legislative Council yesterday, and the Unofficials in a body criticised very strongly the decision to convert the salaries of sterling.pald Government' servants at current rate of exchange as from the beginning of next year. Sir Shon son Chow, the senior Uneficial member, led the attack, and it was a noteworthy fact that the majority of the Unofficials commented on the decision.

The raising of petrol tax simultaneously with the reduction of the vote for road improvës ments, also formed the subject of comment, particularly noteworthy la this direction being the remarks of the Hon. Mr. W. H. Bell.

The Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga as "member for Kowloon" made an eloquent appeal, setting out a number of suggestions put forward by the Kowloon Residents' Association, for much needed improvements in the Peninsula. Mr. Braga strongly advocated, among other things, the removal of disorderly houses from residential areas in Kowloon.

The Hoa, Mr. W. E, L. Shenton's views, which were presented to the Council through the" Hon. Dr. S. W. Tso, included a suggestion for the retirement of Civil Servants at the age of 55. In the course of his reply the Colpala! Secretary pointed out that the roads in Hong Kong were in an excellent state and were proverbial." Referring to a suggestion embodied la Mr. Shen- ton's address he thought Unofficial members' presence at the preliminary discussion on the "The Government must take the responsibility of Budget neither practicable nor necessary, presenting the Budget as a whole," he said,

His Excellency in the course of his speech polated that it has been frequently stated that this Colony was comparatively lightly taxed. While it had been necessary to increase taxation he thought be was right in saying that more than one member of the Legislative Council had publicly admitted that taxation was stil' reasonably light,

As regards the present system of paying sterling-paid officers from the Governor down?» wards, His Excellency the Governor pointed out that it entailed approximately a loss of 17-per cent...of the dollar equivalent of the salary which the Civil Servant had been promised. His Excellency was jactined to think that the extent of the sacrifice had not been sufficiently appre....... ciated. He thought, that reductions outside Government service, did not reach a higher figure than 17 per cent. The Government, through his Excellency, promised to look into the various needs voiced by the Unofficial members, particularly with regard to the further extension to the Government Hospital at Kowloon. The hope was expressed that provision would be made in the 1933 estimates and it possible the work would be started in 1932 If the finance of the Colony permitted...

An Amendment to reduce the amount of the estimates proposed by the Hon. Mr. C. Gordon Mackie, and seconded by the Hon. Mr. W. H. Bell, was supported by all Unofficlats, but defeated on a division by 9 votes to 7-all the Officials" voting against the amendment.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR ANSWERS CRITICISM.

There were present -- H.E. the Governor, Sir WILLIAM

PEEL, K.C.M.G., K.B.E. H.E. Major-General J. W. SANDI LANDS, C.B. CM.G., D.8.0. The Colonial Souretary (Hon. Mr. W. T. SOUTHORN, C.M.G.).

(Hon. Mr. A. E. WOOD).

EDWIN TAYLOR). Han. Mr. H. T. CREARY, C.B.E. (Director of Public Works). Hon. Mr. E. D. C. WOLFE, C.M.G.

(Inspector-General of Polico).. Hon. Commander G. F. HOLE, RN.!

(retired), Harbour Master. Hon. Dr. W. B. A MOORE (Direc

tor of Medical and Sanitary Sérvicea).

Hon. Sir SHoy-SON Cпow, Kt. Hon. Mr. II. H. KorEWALL, C.M.C.,

LL.D.

Hon. Mr. C. G. 8. MACKIE. Hon. Mr. J. P. BRADA. Hon, Mr. S. W. T80, 0.3.E.,

LL.D.

Hon. Mr. J. J. PATERSON." Hon. Mr. W. H. BELL

State to enquire into our current would, if available to the pubile at this moment, have considerably assisted us in, our consideration of the Budget, inasmuch as the finanoes of the Colony are bound up with the problem of exchange and cur reney Will Your Excellency in form the Council why this report has not been published, and when it will be published 1

Governmon, wo

THE HON MR. R. H

LAW KOTEWALL

I would like to return for a comprehensive and clear manner.

we should like to be to the Retrenchment.

informed" whether Your Excellency Health Commission. The unofficial inem-

hia obtabied; the notion of tho bars regres that the Commission's considerable antisfaction that pro tion of the correspondence between The unofficials have noted with Socretary of State to the publicd- report, togethen with the common vision has bonit mado for anti-himself and Six Croll Clements on " of the Government, thereon, WIES not presented with the draft Estimalarial and anti-venerent discaso the subject, as mentioned by Your mates, for these two docannt welfare work. It is the barnest bate last your

moksures, as well as for infant Excellency during the Budgee do Cannot I material us The Colony Ganol Aford "ould have been of mistir in hope of the unofleinl members that

Foreign Affairs. Now, the Secretary of State has of the Estimates. We ask that before long stops will be taken to given his decision contrary to. Your

In conclusion,wn, respectfully when the report is published a give greater facilities for the treat- Excellency's advice and we fear statement may accompany it, show.mont of tuberculosis cases, and, as congratulate Your Excellency on that my protest from us woulding tas savings that will be effect as money is available, to build your success in preserving cordial be futile. But the decision amounted both in 1832 and ultimately,

a sustorium for the purpond, relations with our near neighbours While I am still dealing with the Pin Kwongtung, and Kwongai, under to a roversion to what Your Ex- Similarly the report of the Cless Medical Estimates, I desire on be extremely difficult conditions--an cellency has admitted to be an uns Mission which carne out heraat half of the unofficial members to achievement which has called forth. duly favourable condition; it means the instance of the Secretary, of:

express "sincern thanks to the Stangacity and understanding, tant Jahiri: Ambulanes: Association for and statesmanehip. Wo alni as- will actually cost to the Colony

having handed over on loan to the sure Your Excellency of our loyai: we do not know everything must

Governnient three motor-ambulau and wholehearted support of any depend upon the movement of ex change, but whatever the cost, the

cos, and for the valuable services measures which you may deem 16 Colony cannot afford it. In spite

it has rendared to the Colony by necessary to adopt for maintaining of the ruthless eprtailment of né

to thos.peace and order in these times of giving free vaccination

anxiety... cemary public works, in spite o£{%

sands of people every year the unrest and aux considerable number of the recom

over half a million. number vaccinated in 1030 Being mendations of the Rotrenchment Commission having according to the Hon. Colonial Secretary, al I will now proceed to comment ready been acted on, the estimat on a few individual items in the ed expenditure tapahtu year shows. Estimates of Revenue, The receipts. the staggering urinerenido de 84,193,800.

from Light Dues, Buoy Dues, and Particularly to those medical who give thoir Practitioners ovor the approvad estimates, for Fees for the Engagement and. Dis service free to the suffering poor 1931, and of 82,820.161 over the re charge of Seamen, show decreasca,in the New Territorica, cheerfully vised estimates for the same or the reason given in the footnotes and unremittingly without taking into account the being that these items were over.

Sin-My-manior: Chinese col- $1,000,000 for the Naval Arsenal, estimated in 1881. In view of the

longue, having undertaken the office to be financed out of surplus bh Importance of shipping to the Co- lantee. These figures reven a lony, it would be interesting to

In the Estimates of the Kowloon of spokesman for the unofficial mem. state of affairs which does not go know whether the figures estimated Conton Railway,, under Special bars, has delegated to me the task to support the Hon. Colonial Se for 1031 were based on the expee.Expenditure, provision has been of presonting the Chinese views on cretary's contention that "wa, cantation that more vessels would touch made for the new body-work of four the draft Estimates That task han afford to pay those salaries this part in the year than has ac- coaches. We do not know. Whether been considerably lightened by the

tually been the case.

this body-work is to be of steel or inclusion in the Hon. Sir Shou-son We are unable to certain from The unofficial members note with woud, If work has not you, toen Chow's speech of all the matters of amount of savings in personalKowloon Canton Railway is expec

draft Estudates the total satisfaction that the revenue of the commenced, we suggest that their importance to the Chinese coaches might be, built of steel, as community, and I need only say emoluments that have been effected ed to yield an increase of $151,450 we have been given to understand by the adoption of the Retrench-which is a healthy sign that the that recent experience has shown ment Commission's menda recoints of the British section of that steel is not only safer then tions, but it is conceivalile that this line are steadily increasing...

wood in case of accident, but is such savings would be more than counterbalanced by the increase en will deal with certain items in the We are glad to see that a begin Turning now to Expenditure, I also more economical in upkeep. tailed by the conversion of sterling order in which they appear in thening is at long last to be made salaries at current rate of exchange draft Estimates. This being the case, the retrench ments so für effecter would be ren

the

dered hugatory. It would als mean dispensing with the service of a large number of loss well paid mon in order further to improve the lot of sterling-paid officern.whe

Tho thanka of the Colony are also men who founded the Now Terri due to those public-spirited gentle tories Medical Benevolant Socisty

Kowloon-Canton Railway.

next year in the construction of the 100-foot rond between Causeway Bay and the Ming Yuen Garden. This rond is an urgent necessity for the development of the district and our one regret is that larger east of Whitfield Police Station,

Too Many Cadets? In rogned to the Head "Cadet Service," we are of the opinion that during the last four or five years more Cadets have been brought out than were actually required by the provision has not been made in the needs of the Service, having duc

Estimates for 1932. We hope that regard to the fact that modern ad.if in the course of the year the ministration tends more and more finances of the Colony should im prove, a larger Burs than the to require the employment or specialists on special work. We 800.000 now inserted in the Esti trust that the two posts that have mates, may be spent on this road. recently become vacant will not be so as to accelerate its completion filled for some years to come.

as much as possible.

The New Gaol

PLEA FOR LECONOMY-BUT EFFICIENCY NEEDED.

The Hon Mr. R. H. Kotowall anid

that. I am in entire agreement with the views he has expressed thereon. There are, however, a few questions affecting the Chinese in particular, concerning which I am to offer some remarks.

Betting Tax

When the drift Estimates for 1031 were before this Council, I put forward, on behalf of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, a proposal to tax race sweepstakes, while entailing no hardship giving the reason that such tax, anyone, would yield a substantial revenue and would be easy to collect. It is with much satisfac tion, therefore, that the Chinese have learnt of the Government's. intention to introduce before, the and of the prètent year a Betting Tax estimated to bring in a sum of 8230,000 in 1832.5 43

Local Men,

The Hon. Sir Shou-son Chow, on

are by no means niggardly trented, Phenomenally High Expenditure. -The estimated total expenditure for next year, excluding Military Contribution and Public Works Extraordinary, 895,441,540, of which "813,809,382 or 64.28 por cant, is for personal, emoluments. There is a reduction of five stend. It is true that these high figures graphers in the Senior Clerita

The announcement that a new are due to the Budget being fram- and Accounting Staff. We think gol is to be built has given. satis.behalf of the unofficial members, has ed on a shilling callnr: none the that a greater reduction can be faction to the Public. We con expressed the opinion that a great Tess, they are phenomenally high, made in thie direction by substmond to the consideration of the reduction could be made in the whatever the cause and it behovas tuting local men for sterling-paid Government the proposition of re number of stenographers, on the ua to exercise, the strictest economy stenographers.....

Senior Clerical and Accounting mong the Police, Training School ospecially when the Colony. In un We approve of the provision of

at Mongkok to the neighbourhood Staff by the substitution of local dergoing to quote once maro the 824,000 for the purchase of two ac

of the new Gaol. The proximity men for sterling-paid employees. I Hon. Colonial Secretary consi-counting machines which, accord derable financial perturbation."

of the Training School to the Gnot trust that I may be permitted to ing to the explanatory footnote, would help to keep down the staff add a few words in support of this will rosult in the saving of six of Warders; and the valuable pre must be either in the Service or plea. It seems to me that there clerks. It is hoped that this say perty now occupied by the School

In view of the facts. I have men.

salary outs that have been authoris

tioned, and in view also of the ing will be a real saving by the which has recently been acquired outside it, plenty of local men and

young women-Chinese, Portuguese

the best traditions of the "Audit gradual spread of the populationed in Great Britain and in colonies potual abolition of the six posts at a considerable sum of money and Indians-whose training and

Bervice of the Crown,

from town to suburban districts, petrol is a necessity rather than a luxury. This is true not only in

The Public must congratulate itself upon the fact that instead of a deficit of 82,250,000 at the end of the year as anticipated when regard to those who live at

More Taxes Will Have Adverso

• Effects.

Civil Service Salaries,

What has been the prime cause

Mr. R. A. C. No1TH (Deputy Clerk priation Bill for 1930 was before of such economy exercised at the

of Councils).

SIR, SHOU-SON, CHOW.

CIVIL SERVICE CRITICISED

expense of efficiency? The answer

such as Ceylon and Singapore, we are of the opinion that it would be but fair that some redaction should he made in the salaries of atarling paid offcors in the Chil Service of Hong Kong.

*

instead of by, transferring them to other Departments, and so leaving undiminished. the total number of clerical posts

Launches and Harbour. We have noted with interest that heett set up to enquire into the ad a small Committee has recently equacy and ass of Government

The unofficials, cannot under

can be resold, probably at a profil,

It may not be out of place here trustworthiness qualify them to fill to tender to Your Excellency the at least some of these posts I re- advice, which I know has the supcognise the necessity for employing adoquately-paid stenographers of port of the Public, that the Super undoubted discretion where the intendent of Prisons should reads at or close to the Gaol for reasons obvious to all

Capitation Grants.

nature of the work is highly con-- distance from town, but also to

fidential, but I hold the view that the Estimates for 1931 were from those who have to do much travel-

The honourable member repre- The Attorney-General (Hon. Mr. Ced, there is expected to be a surling by motor car in the course of seating the Hong Kong General

if a local man has proven himself G. ALABASTER, K.C., O.B.E.)...

plus of about 850,000, but it re-

Water Supply...

to have tlie necessary training and The Secretary for Chinese Affairs grots that this position" has been their business. It might be point Chamber of Commerce will move

achieved only by stinting the Co-ed out that in many countries, in an amendment to give effect to our launches, and we hope that the pro

We were gratified to learn that discretion, he should not be barred The Colonial Treasurer (Hon. Mr.lony of very necessary public which this tax is levied, the reproposal which, we think is as ren-

visione made in the Estimates for on the construction of the Service from one of these posts, or from em-sonable as it is necessary in the works, and by a seemingly unend ceipts derived thereform are

of financial circumstance of the Co-the subject under investigation next year, and the laying of a 24- and Accounting Staff. By throw new expenditure connected. with Reservoir in the Botanical Gardens other posts on the Senior Clerical ing sories of frash taxes which ployed for the maintenance

will not be implemented until the inch pipeline to connect the reser-ing these positions open to loen have hardly left a single item of roads, whereas in Hong Kong the lony. licences and fees untouched.

Government, simultaneously with The Hon. Colonial Secretary, Committee has made its recom- voir to the cross-harbour pine-line, men, the Government not only imposing the tax, decided to re when referring to the compromise, mendations,

the first section of the Shing Mun would do justice to all alike; but duce the votes for the maintenanen said that "the Government does

Scheme will be completed. Our would be able to effect considerable of roads and bridges in the Cits not consider it fair that one sec stand why coal and oil fuel for gratification has been enhanced by savings in exchange compansation, from 8100,000 to 880,000, and out. tion only of the community should launches in the Harbour Depart the knowledge that works on the long leave pay, and froo passages, The Colony's taxable capacity side the City from $120,000 to hear such a disproportionate shar-ment should show the considerable new dam for the Aberdeen Reser has now ranched a point where 280,000. This is a step which, in of the burden of balancing, the increase of 882,870, while the vote voir, the upper and lower Pump I welcome the Government's de any additional imposts will assured the words of the Hon. Colonia! Budget. He also said that the for coal in the Railway Departing Stations, the reconstruction of

plsion to increase the Capitation. ly have adverse effects on trade Secretary himself will mean example set by Government has not ment remains unchanged. We can Eliot Filter-Bede, and the East Grants by 245,000 as being a step and the economic life of the com- lowering of the high standard at been generally followed by the ascribe portion of the increase in Catch-Water First Section, hayo ali in the right direction. Though the been satisfactorily executed. The increase is comparatively small, munity. "In this connection I which the Colony roada have business firms of the Colony that the Harbour Department's vote to

though certain mercantile houses a rise in the price of ail fuel, but and the other waterworks that will and will not bencât certain grant- would draw Your Excellency's athitherto been maintained."

have found it necessary to reduce that still leaves the unchanged

be finished next year will, we hope, inaid, schools to any appreciable tention to the speeches of the Hon. Mr. Shenton and the Hon. Mr.

salaries they are not firms which stato of the Railway role to be prevent recurrence of serious oxtant for reasons, I need not men- water famines such as the one we tion here, it connotes recognition by Kotowall relative to the subject

should be taken an'n barometer for answered.

experienced in 1998. It ie sincerely ther Government of the usefulnes when the supplementary · Auproś

the adjustment of Government Under Special Expenditure in

hoped that the approval of the of these schools in the educational salaries; and that other large busi the Estimates of the Harbour De

the provision of Secretary of State as regards the scheme of the Colony. There is no this Council in July last and also

ness firms,, so far ne the Govern partment is to Your Excellency's answer there is the enormous cost of administrnment, is aware, have not found it 86,400 for training expenses for one second section of the Shing Mun doubt that, but for the existence of Scheme will soon be obtained, and the gmnt-in-aid eolicole, which re to that you echoed the hopes of tion that has hoon occasioned by necessary to curtail to any appre Government Marine Surveyor in our honourable friends that it the general increase of salaries ciable extent the dollar equivalent England, The system of training that work on it will be proceeded liave the Government of its respon would not be necessary, further to sanctioned by the Government in of their sterling salaries,

sibility to educate several thousand men after they have been engaged, with an early as possible, increase taxation in connection this Council a year ago when the We do not admit the fairness of in order to qualify them for their Warka Extraordinary the unofficial education in the Colony would have While on the subject of Public students every your, the cost of with the Budget for 1039 so long financial condition of the Colony the first contention for the reason work, seems to us to be one that as we were able on the present was just beginning to take a turn as I have atated, that the compie in open to condemnation, in that members desire to mention, in beon considerably greater than the basis to maintain the necessary for the worse. The Public was misc was merely an equitable re it is not only uneconomical but cidentally that comments and ori- amount of grants now paid. I was The Hon. Shou-son Chow mid: standards of efficiency. The quali therefore amazed to hear that in adjustment. Nor can we leave un- does not conduce to efficiency, nticisms have been expressed on the glad to hear from the Hon. Colonial terms and conditions, attached to Becretary that should the Snapcial Sir, The duty of presenting the fication which Your Excellency spite of the present atate of affairs. challenged, bis, statement concorn-future we trust that only proper

the notification calling for tenders position of the Colony be improved joint views of the unofficial nam deemed it necessary to add when the Secretary of State for the Co-ing business houses, which the Honly qualified men will be engaged

for the Passenger and Vehicles twelve, months hence, the question, bers of this Council on the Budget expressing this pious hope left itlonies had directed that ster! Mr. G. G., Mackie will adduce facts again devolves on me, this year. I open to Your Excellency to nu- ing salaries should, na from in refutation,

Architects and Fire Regulations. Forry. As this matter has no of a further increase in the grants

direct bearing on the Estimates would be considered. zera dietarging this duty I should thorise, as you did shortly after. January next, be converted at The unofficials are sorry that they

Complaints have frequently been we do not propose to enter into liko, at the outset, to tender to wards, the wholesale revision of current rate of exchange, with the have to move for a reduction in heard that architects have experi details, but in the interests of the

Elementary Terzinoplar Your Excellency aur congratula. licences and fees and the imposi- | proviso that for the presents the salaries of the sterling paid offenced much difficulty and inconven Colony we trust that the Govern-

Education. tions upon you ability to produce tion of new taxes which have bement should not be made at more cors, but they feel that they would fence in preparing plans for newment will give dus weight to any Lass, your, i drew attention, te a balanced Budget-a Budget which come almost a weekly feature in than 890 to the pound sterling.

be failing in their duty to the buildings because the requirements representations it may receive on and strongly deprocated, is undoubtedly one of the most recent months. We, however, rea The unofficial members protest in publia which they represent, if they of the Fire Brigade governing such the subject.

duction of the vote Subsidies to difficult that I Governor of this line that, in order to enable the most emphatic torrs against this were to allow this further incroatoare not definitely defined. The commend to the consideration Elementary Vernacular Schools in Colony has been called upon to Government to balance the Budget, Incision. It will be within the re to personal emoluments by the ab- obvious remedy is to have a set of of the Government, if the proceed Hong Kong from 895,000,30 prepare

fresh imposts in ons form ar an collection of all, that during the audonment of tho compromis

Fire Regulations formulated so ing has not already suggested it,850,000. It is therefore pleasure The financial position of the Co-other were inevitable, and we oon.

debate on the Budget last year lony for both 1983 and 1032 has sider that, on the whole, the form Your Excellency agreed to the without proposing some measure to that all may know what the self, the desirability of converting to find the vote got only restored

offset the increase.

Kaptur quirements of the Department are at an early date the Six per cent to its former, figure, but, actually heen shown with admirable clear adopted by the Government compromiso suggested by the urgently Needed Fübile Work In this connection we would urst Public Works (1097) Loan to on increased by 80.000. As a believer pass in the Hon, Colonial Secre better than a further increase in

Hon. Mr. Paul Lauder-pf paying fantaken 23. Jums that the work of recasting and con- bearing a lower rate of interest in aniversa education, I should tary's speech and in the Hon. Assessed Taxer,

half the salary of sterling-poid

It is calculated that the difference solitlating the Public Health and soon, as unportunity arises. like to see this vote doubled, so that Treasurer's Memorandum. {Thế

officers at the rate of 1/6d to the between the Estimates framed en Buildings Ordinando, which, we memorandum in very comprenen

free elementary education could dollar and in so doing you and 1/- dollar, and these on a 1-3 del understand is in progress, may be Miltsiy Contribution. aive and is the most illuminating We also agree in principle to the that the abnormal rate of exchange lar, is about 81,500,000. If the expeditet. At present the hun. A few words may be said con be given to a lager number of poor document of its kind that he been proposal to levy a Botting Tax, was "porhaps unduly favourable to Rum represented by this difference dreds of amendmenta, – large and cerning Military Contribution children than the present vota

ether a higher educa presented with the annual draft ; liut it appears to us that, the esti the sterling-paid officers. The should ayor materialise, it should, small, that have been introduced which shows an estimated increase permits. Estimates. Though it has no direct mated yield of 8850,000 has been compromise was therefore in the we suggest, be utilised for financ since the Ordinance first came into of 81,582,277 This increase is of lion is a luxury or & necessity is a question that might well be left. bearing on the Budget, the Annual hand on a too optimistic expecta nature of an equitable readjusting some of the urgently needed being, are a source of soms bewil course the result of the increase in Report of the Auditor for the year. tion.

ment if not an ameme generatie, publie parke that gay bon post dement to those who have decasion. rexodus.While we do not desire. 10 those who are in 'n botter position after the Government had forced pored from year to year auch as to refer to the law on the subject to press for a more equitable mo proudFRO its salary scheme through the Ln now Government Civil Hospital Much time would be sayed to both thod of calculating Military Con but I think tow will dispute, may "An "children;"no," matter gislative Council by means of the Infectious Disenses Hospital, and the Glovernment and the Public if tribution in view of the financial official vote..!!

(Continued on Page 0) the Ordinance were consolidated ir dificulties confronting the Homs

Botting and Petrol Taxes.

1030 deserves 6 word of commendą, While we are not opposed to an tion for the sound views it expres increase to the Petrol tax, it might ses and the independent spirit it be pointed out that in there days rovaali, which is in keeping with of Fapid transporation, and the

Lunatic. Asylum

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