1932-08-05 — Page 7

THE SHING MUN DAM

(Continued from Page #)

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HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 | 1932.

and delay of restoring these connee- THE COLONY'S FINANCES

tions. In all there are some 2,600

cases of houses disconnected in this; manter from the rider mains and 685 applications for moters have Įbeen received from those concerned

viding free intermittent house sup-30 por cent, or more the higher-It would seem therefore that some plies subject to special conditions makes it impossible to avoid the 2,000 of those so concerned have not of restriction when the necessity further conclusion that the rider yet found it worth while to apply: Arose in the hope that judicious main aystem cannot be absolved for a metered supply to their houses. management would eke out our from the charge of wastefulness. In deciding to place meters on the admittedly short supplies through And it is to be noted that com.rider main connections the Public the dry seasons until larger sup- plaints about the water supply have Works Department had to consider plies were available, without in been consistently few from Kownot only the speed at which the work terference with paid meterde sup- loon. An increase in the supply could be done but also the expense plies, and with as little hardship of water is of course desirable, but and inconvenience involved in mak. as possible to those who remained we are still far, from being able ing now connections with the prin cipal mains, Meters 'could be plac on the rider main system.

to provide an unlimited supply, so Throughout the correspondenes that every possible cause of waste.ed on rider main connectione in cases without opening the and the long discussions and disfulness must be ruthlessly eliminat, most putes that took place on this thorny ed. Our Water Authorities never roads. Honourable Members can subject, there is to be noted a cer had complete faith in the rider woll picture the state of our streets tain want of confidence in the power main system from this angle and if they had had to be opened in 600 of the rider main system to pre-have long since lost all confidence separate places to install the 000 vent the waste that it was through-in it, and have consequently for moters which have been granted in out agreed must be avoided. There years preased unceasingly for the the last four months. were however at the time no data | method of control originally advised on which a definite decision could and which alone is automatic, that be made on this point and ulti-is to insist on the metering of all house supplies. Water in addition the heavy mately in response to pressure brought to bear the rider must of course be provided by stand,

No Time to be Lost.

FIRST HALF YEAR'S FIGURES BELOW ESTIMATE.

LAND SALES SHOW DECREASE:

An interesting statement on the financial position of the Co. lony during the first half of the current year was made by the Colonial Treasurer, the Hon. Mr. Edwin Taylor, at yesterday's meeting of the Legislative Council, when he moved "A Bill to authorise the appropriation of a supplementary sum of 81,818,307.78 to defray the charges of the year 1931.

The total revenue for the first half of 1932 was 8101,755 less than one half the sum estimated for the whole year. Owing to the rise in the dollar there was a fail in the tobacco and liquor duties and land sales also showed a deficit of 8225,000 for the half year. With regard to the latter, the fear was expressed that the esti mated receipts from this source would not be maintained this year.

COLONIAL TREASURER'S STATEMENT.

L

main were instituted and installed pipes which would be free to the work. When it is complete there is rise to move the first reading of a Tax (Rates) contributed 86,814,016.

between 1904 and 1000. The ar. users but must still be paid for in rangement called for the payment some way or another as by a

rate.

Increase in Maters,

water

a

The Shing Mun Valley Gorge

In introducing the Bill, Mr. Tay-dollar were effected. Revenue from Dam is now approved and no time lor said:

direct taxation amounted to will be lost in pushing on with the

By Your Excellency's command I821,592,905 of which the Assessed reasonable prospect that thers bill to authorise the appropriation While, therefore, expenditure was supplementary Bum of only 81,372,919 over the sum origin. will be full supply in the Colony for at least a few years until it may $1,818,307.78 to defray the charges ally voted due to economy measures, be the population again outgrows of the year 1931. The details of all revenue exceeded the original esti- the new supply, But we have no the items making up this sum have mates of 827,458,750 by 80,657,905. justification for relaxing our fight already been fully explained to It will be seen, therefore, that the against waste and oven with the Honourable Members from time to Colony finished the year 1931 in a annual payment by the Chinese comh-growing was given more and more possibility of a few years full sup time and have received the approval much more favourable position than munity for the upkeep of the rider consideration and it is unfortunate ply we should not go back to. 3 ay of the Finance Committee and of could possibly have been hoped for | mains after installation but this that the principle of universal metem that has been tried and found this Council in the usual way. at the beginning of the year. In payment bas never been called for terage was not dealt with more do wanting. In any caso as I have and the upkeep has ever since been finitely at that time. Instead it already stated the transition is too now and there is nothing for it but

by the Chinese themselves of all the costs of installation and the community on this'account paid n

About 1023 the demand for me total sum of 8222,000.00. The ori.)

which had been constantly ginal suggestion included a further ers

The Detailed Statement of Ex-my memorandum which was laid on penditure and the Report on the! the table with the Estimates for

a matter for the Government. The would rather seem that the idea was for advanced for any calling back Finance for 1931, copies of which 1832 in October last the revised

original rider mains have therefore

had a full life and it en fairly be said that the community has had

value for its money.

Question of Wasts,

The question of waste has now had twenty-six years in which to

generally accepted as being correct

be tried out and there can be no a universal meterage system was hesitation in stating definitely that the only method of alleviating our there is very serious waste through troubles worked together until now he rider mains, so much so indeed (although there are some 12,000 me- that experience has shown that re-ters in use and new meters are be striction to anything more than twoing rapidly installed yet we cannot or perhaps four hours per day does overtake the applications. not result in the conservation of In 1929 when the transition stage

those sections of the rider mains in

have already been furnished to each estimats of expenditure was given member, give the reasons for the as 831,152,600. The actual expendi

excesses.

with 庭

The opening rate of exchange for If tha Revenue of

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the year

and the reluctance to allow meters to complete the installation of the was obviously relaxed. The figures xaoterage system. It is proposed to

turo was, however, 831,160,774, 80 in the Sessional Paper reveal this proceed on the lines of leaving any

81,818,307.78 represents the total excess of 88,274 only over the ra fact very clearly and with it the sections of the rider main system steady increase of meters from 1993 that have already been disconnees supplementary appropriation revised estimate. It was then estimat onwards. The desire for metera naded alone for reasons already given. quired under each of the heads exed that the budget for 1031 would the conviction of the exports that The applications that have been re-eded, no account being allowed of show the small surplus of 851,669

ceived for additional meters in eavings on other heads. When al compared these sections are being dealt with owance for this is made the actual $2,000,000 when the estimates were increase in the year's expenditure originally drawn up, but I pointed at ones and it is suggested that the

the Over sum originally voted out that if Land Sales were main- owners of the remaining 2,000

amounts to 81,372,919,

tained at the same average as dur houses should make early applica

The estimates for 1931 amounting ing the first six months the revised tion for maters if they wish to have a water supply in their houses. The basis of a la/4d dollar and a'de was bappily the case, $989,487 being to $20,787,855 were prepared on the estimate would be exceeded. This principle on which Government pro water that is called for in times I have described was still existing poses to work in connection with it of $2,300,000 was budgeted for. received during the Inst 3 months. of senrcity. Hight hours supply or but had in fact gone too far for more in a day means as much use any drawing back and when the which no meters have been inserted031 was, however,, 18/03d and 833,146,724 be compared with the is to allow them to be used when it was evident that if the rate con Expenditure 831,180,774 the excess of water as a 24 hours supply. impression that the rider 'maina

tinued nt approximately the water supply permits until such

1s/-amounts to $1,985,950, thus increas From the time of the installation were to be abolished was making

time as rider mains can bo progren.

throughout 1931 the estimate would ing the excess of assets over liabili of the rider mains the records show headway Sir Cecil Clementi engag- that in only four years was a con-ed in Council that the system wasa sively superseded on lines I will very much exceeded. Indeed it ties from 98,381,079 on January 1, Was estimated that A further 1931, to 811,347,620 on December 31, stant supply possible and three of not be abolished without an oppor rains have fortunately enable us as explain. Incidentally the recent

$1,638,000 would be required. The 1931. those were the years immediately tunity for public discussion. Even

This Year's Figures. following the opening of-Tytam Tuk then however the conclusion from August 2 to open all possible average rate of exchange for the

first three quarters of the year As Treasury financial returns are Reservoir. For all the other years foregone and the discussion could restrictive regulations of varying hardly have been more than a iac rangements I am setting out to-day, January 1 to September 30 was just necessarily 3 months behind the under 1a, but when England period to which they refer, the last severity were called for and oftening of the facts and an expluna.

went off the gold standard on return published being that for complete cessation of the rider tion. It is hardly to be wondered at

September 21 the dollar began to April, Honourable Members will All these remaining section will rise and the average rate for the Perhaps be interested to hear what main system has been imperative. that the Government in 1002 de- Of late years indeed the rider main finitely accepted the principle of time as the Public Works Depart- 18/3.958d. Every effort, therefore, Proximate figures but they are su

be closed as rider mains from such last quarter October 1 to December position is at the end of June. 21 was almost is/4d, to be precise,

I can, of course, only give very ap. system has been out of action for the abolition of rider mains and the

ment is in a position to substitute was made to restrict expenditure to siently near for this purpose, The approximately as long in my nesubstitution of universal meterage, meters for all those that may apply services absolutely essential to the total revenue for the first half of year as it has been in action. Ana decision which they found was for them; but the details must clear these economical measures can be $101,755 less than one half of the Administration and the result of 1832 amounts to $16,894,000 which is improved system of distribution forced on them by the position as through larger pipes, such as is now it then existed and was entirely inly be left to the Director of Public seen in the very large number of estimate of 833,091,510 for the whole

Detailed year. in existence, has emphasized the evitable in the face of the history the problems piece meal, giving Column headed" Decrease." Not-duties due to the rise in on to ou Works who will deal no doubt with Statement of Expenditure in the 8324,000 on liquor and tobacco necessity for shorter hours if water of the water supply since 1903. is to be conserved in time of short-

notice in advance to each section in withstanding this, however, there these duties being based on the con. which he proposes to substitute the account of unforeseen expenditure.at is. 8d. over 16,20 over 12 Land have been several large increases on ventional dollar which for esti

muting purposes was reckoned meterage and street fountains sys.I mention the following. The Sales show a deficit of 8225,000 for It was so inevitable indeed hattem for rider mains. We shall then tual market depreciation in stor! Sir Cecil's promica was overlook be in the position that has beening of sterling securities and the the half year and I am afraid that the Government was at fault in this the object of all our experts and December 31, 1931, accounts for source will not be maintained dur adjustment of their dollar value on the estimated receipts from this matter, but the error can hardly be authorities for all these years in 8530,947, said to have affected the policy to which all house supplies will þème. from the beginning applications be adopted. An apology from the were constantly made for the instal Government for the omission is call: connected on

tered and a house supply will be demand Restriction lation of meters which it was un

age, and proves still further that

the rider main system is unsuitable to exiting conditions.

Grudgingly Approved,

"

It is no matter for surprise that

Government at Fault.

WAS

water in accordance with the ar

Notice in Advance.

I

iteme shown in the

There is ሲ.

shortfall' of

ing 1032. These shortages have, Military Contribution,

however, bean counterbalanced by higher receipts under the Heads Balance of Military Contribution" Licences and Internal Revenue, in respect of 1930 paid, when the Fees of Court or Office" and ed for, but I would put it to the when called for will apply to final figures for the year are known, "Interest." derstood would be rarely if at all Council that the pressure of facts alike but with the safeguards auto-instalment of 8500,000 paid to the June 30 is $18,392,000 which is amounted to 8148,308. Of the first The approximate expenditure to subject Lo restriction. Under was such as allowed little room formatically provided againet waste Nayal Arsenal Yard and Kellett

Admiralty for the surrender of the $2,098,830 below one half of the conditions the supply through difference of opinion.

estimated expenditure of rider mains was ΤΟ ba the The acceptance by the Government should not be of the drastic nature Island 8283,741 was charged to ex- 834,981,661 for the year. The to which we have been accustomed penditure, $146,028 was spent on under-expenditure is due principal. first to be restricted and it was of the principle of universal mater for so long. For the reat a con- water meters, in addition to. the ly to the rise in the dollar, saving always hoped that this amount of age and the effort to meet the heavy stant supply should be made pos-cost $60,336 more than provided and ments, Pensions and Public Debt. restriction would meet the whole

amount originally voted, Typhoons being shown under Personal Emola- case. For many years meters were demand for meters has resulted tem-sible through the street fountains. the derailment and washcut to the Payments on account of Public grudgingly approved, for each new porarily in an unfortunate position meler tended to destroy the balance which however it is hoped will very indebted to the Government and the amount to 231,889 and when it months. During the last six monthe Sir Henry Pollock: While we are counted for, 251,110, These alone low the average for the first six Railway embankment in April ne Works Extraordinary are always be of the 1906 arrangement; but Gov- erament has consistently made cou-shortly be righted. Moters have in stant and great efforts to increase very many cases owing to pressure Colonial scoretary for the very full is considered that the net excess is of the financial year general ex the supply and relieve the position of the demand-and-the-delny and statement, I feel that it would nut can be seen, baving regard to the tor whilst added to this Council only $141,000 above that figure it penditure is always, normally grea The more water supplied however the more has been used, not only as expense that connection with the to arrive at a decision until we have the first 9 months, how considerable expenditure on

be right for the unofficial members low rate of exchange ruling during has just approved of supplementary a matter of total supply to an in- principal mains would have involv. had a full opportunity of consult the envings were

Public Works creased population but in gallons eu been installed by interposing ing one another. An adjournment

| amounting to 8740,950, so that the per head. There are a number of them on the house connections from will also give an opportunity to aware the position in the early half of the year will be considerably. As Honourable Members are expenditure figures for the, second reasons which forco the conclusion the rider mains, with the result the public to bring forward any months of the year called for the greater than those for the half year that this increased use which is very that it was no longer possible to paint they might wish to marked on the Island is to no small bring the geçtions concorned into use known in this matter,

make greatest care and revision of just ended. Notwithstanding this, extent a matter of avoidable waste: on the rider main principio. In

taxation was imperative. LiI have ovary hope that the budget I would therefore ask that this quor and tobacco duties, opium for 1932 will balance always pro and a comparizou of the conditions such cases the rider main connec question, be adjourned until the next prices and postal rates wore raised. vided that exchange is maintained: of Hong Kong and Kowloortions to the unmetered houses have meeting of this Council and that The duty on motor spirits was in-round, about Is/ad to 18/40, and which has the suggested system and been removed and we are therefore such adjournment bo for a. fort-creased in September from 18, centa affairs in Hong Kong remain no Rider Maine-with a comparison now in the position of being un night. of the average quantity of water able to restore the rider mains as

to 21 cepta per gallon and, increases normal H.E. the Officer Administering and adjustments in Licences, Fees per head used on the two sides-they originally stood in there see the Government: It will be ad and other receipts to bring them Colonial Secretary and carried.

The motion was seconded by the Hong Kong being consistently some tions without incurring the expense journed for a fortnight.

more into line with the low valued (Continued on Page 10.).

....

HONG KONG.

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