1932-10-07 — Page 7

4

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1932.

FULL REPORT OF BUDGET DEBATE

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE Q)

community. Trade conditions in this ; present Colony to-day are worse than they were at this time last year; and they are ascribed by many-at least particularly to the wholesale in troduction of now taxes last year, just at a time when trade needed to be nurtured with every care, Compared with other places, Hong Kong may appear to be more lightly taxed; but when we take into con- sideration the prevailing high cost of living, and the periodical dis, turbances to trade, as well as the adverso factor of the exchange question, the present hurden is all that the Colony van hear; and it was therefore a wise policy on the part of the Government to intimate, na it did, that it was not its inten tion to increase the burden. trust that it will not be found neces. sary at any time during the next few years to impono further taxa-

tion, so that the Colony may enjoy a period of recuperation.

***The Government, in June inst,! sanctioned further increase i fares which was put into force July 1, and, although our receipts improved, the number of passen- Kers suffered considerable de clino. It is clear that the ecorio- mic limit to which Kowloon fares can be raised has now been reached.

Although receipts per bus-mila improved by 3.9 cents, the ex.. penses per bus-milo ineroased by 7.01 cents, of which 5,30 een's represents the increased cost per bus-mile for petrol.”.

It is a mertinent question whether

ing erected, provision would have ten statement by the Chairman of been made for widening the road the Hong Kong Tramways, Ltd., ata daugorous corner, They when prosiding at the annual meet cherished a vain hope, and the ing of shareholdera on February 17. corner has been rendered fore He said;-- unsafe for motor traffle than it had been before; for not only was the 'road-width maintained but a wall 'occasion are addressed making up of mails in. Kowloon! has been erected on the edge of the needs revising Residents cannot road, shutting off what little vision within the same limitations.

be there bud been. That more serious I feel the obligation is imposed see why Kowloon mails must

made up twelve or fifteen hours accidents have not occurred at this one in the first place to express my thanks to the Government for earlier than in Hong Kong when point in the road-1 believe there the unfailing courtesy accorded co

mail steamers are berthed at the was one case recently-is a tribute the several representations I have Kowloon wharves. If an improve to the skilful and careful driving had the honour to make to Your ment can be effected in the existing of motorists. The universal prac

road construction is, system it will be appreciated. I tice is Excellency on the numerous occa sions that I felt it my duty to must not leave the subject of the uelieve, to widen the road at all particularly when the address the Government in the in Post Office without a word of bands,

The praise for the architectural olce gradient is steep, and to introduce terests of my fellow-citizens. results of those representations have of the Public Works Department super-elevation on the outside of invariably led to public improve responsible for the artistic little the curve. Moreover, ample visto ments of existing, and the provi pavilion on Kowloon City Road should be provided. I suggest that the peasibility of the introduction sion of new, amenities that con- doing. duty for a district Post improvements at the first bend go of trolley bites for Kowloon has tribute to the well-being of the Office. A similar type of building ing up what is popularly known been explored for the more econo-

and as prettily designed and erect-

as Lai Chi Kow Hill are an urgentien oneration of the passenger community on the Peninsula,

Just a fortnight ago the Coved in a similar setting in the dis- public necessity, and should be put ernment enunicated its now coons trict of Kowloon Tong should be, in hand at once.

The Government is to be com- mic policy, namely, that of main; a boon to its residents. twining д

There is the Government admis-mended on the provision of 10,000 minium surplus balance of $10,000,000. None can sign that the development of Kow for improving Waterloo Road from Rond to the Railway cavil at a policy dictated by loon is not without responsibility Nathan measure of prudence, the more so for the extra pressure by way of Bridge. Is it to be awaumed that

Recent letters appearing in the when regard is had to the occa office accommodation. This official the plan is simultaneauely to form sional disturbing influences that public admission that the time has the road to the East of the exist senior morning nowspaper suggest have given the Colony material for me when Kowloon should be ing Nullah in the same way that the possibility of the introduction

at least zame provided with anxious thought. At the

branch the road has been completed North of midget taxis into Kowloon. As. no rickshaws have been licensed to time, reference may not inappro- offices where residents can do their of the Bridge? When the develop- priately be made to what may be Government business without com- ment of the Homuntin area is comply for hire in the Homantia and alle an axiomatic principle, of; ing heross the harbour ic of happy pleted traffic over this section of Kowloon Tong areas, a cheap taxi suitable application to Hong agury. In this reapoot private Waterlon Road will be very greatly service such as is contemplated is bound to reduce travelling ex- Kunge relating to municipal econo❘ concerns, for years past, have, increased. mies, in the Model Settlement of shown how things can be done for!

Sai Kung Road.

penser in the ease of those residenta Tako, Touching, on

whose slender purses do not permit Shanghai. The North China Daily Government's emulation. Jer of thut City editorially that "economy without efficiency is dangerous. Economy which means stagnation is no tesa karinfal."

2

'Hospitals,

answet servire If the 'ovestion has been gone into by the Tran port Committee, will the Govern- ment inform the Council what de- cision has been arrived at?

Midget Taxis.

a motor car.

of

on

the

new

just recognition of their merita. I am firmly convinced that if re cruitment of loent men and women were to be the more liberal prac ties in the filling of posts which ability entitles them to hold, the heavy burden of administrative expenditure, necessitating addition al taxation in recent years, will be relieved of a substantial proper tion of the charges on the Budget under the heading of Personal Emoluments. There should certain.

The Betting Tax, If, however, further sources of to be looked for at revenue are some future date, then it seems to me that there is one item in the inposts which ran still he anereas ed: it is the item Bets and Sweeps Tax on page 8 of the Estimates. I advocated this tax in 1939, and non giud to see that it is

the question of estimated to yield $310.000 in 1933,

inoralised for example, the-Kowloon branch roada I am aware that certain of the luxury of the ownership of whereas some of my unofficial col

of the Hong Kong and Shanghai members of this Council do not

Dollar and Sterling Posts. leagues expressed the fear that the

Banking Corporation, the various share my view that the laying-out estimate of $250,000 for the present

branches of the Chinese banks with of money in the construction of the

My honourable friend, the Senior their head flees on the Island, first section of the Sai Kung Road Chinese Unofficial Member, whose yer was too high. Not only do I

I not to Kowloon's Public Works, consider this form of taxation jusli-

mention the outstanding to Ma Yue Tong is going to be a oratorical fluency is such a feature Speaking of Kowloon, there Peninsula Hotel, La Salle College, remunerative venture. With me it

dabate the annual fiable, but I also consider thist it; is one which we should make most

should be really no well-founded Diocesan Boys' School, Ying Wah has become a conviction that no Budget, has adequately commented of.. It is stated in paragraph & of

fear on the part of the Government School, the the now St. Mary's more profitable employment can be on the change of Government the Hon. Colonial Treasurer's in for its traitary in embarking on School, and a number of girls' found in the Colony for ratepayers' policy which is about to initiate a formative. memorandam that a duty much-needed public works when schools which

provide greater money than the building of new system admitting of promotions of of 3 per cent, is charged on the confidence in the future of that educational facilities for children ronda that offer prospects for the limited number of members of takings of totalisators

part of the Colony is so well sub- of families residing on the Penin- opening up of new building sites, the subordinate atall to or pari- nutuels, and a duty of 6 per cent.

stained by private enterprise. In- sula. The recital of this list is The rond to Ma Yue Tong ia just section of the clerical and account- on cash sweeps. In my opinionstead of Government setting the an indictment of the unjustifiable of that type that satiafice all the ing staff. Since I fast had the these percentages can easily be example for individuals and public faint-heartedness displayed by the arguments in favour of its construc-honour of a seat at this Council doubled. I realize that the increase companies to follow, the latter lend Government in embarking on pab. tion, vi, access to sites unrivalled table I have consistently and per. lie dertakings of any great for the picturesqueness of their sistantly advocated the claims of mky. to some extent, affect the the way in the numerous under

situation, superb soonery, easiness the local men to promotions and to revenue of the organizations con- takings which are a striking ex-magnitude,

of levelling and forming, and the cerned, but if people can afford to ample of the faith reposed in Kow. have a fling" with their money,

ino by capitalists within the Pleasing as the fact is that the provision of a solution for the vexed wha projected additions to the Kowloon Eathing beaches problem. I am not they should be able to contribute Colony and from abroad

initiate a little more to the well-tring of

and develop industries! Hospital will mean the erection of alone in ny advocacy of the Sai the Colony.

that form the Colony's most valu- three new Blocks, I desire to add Kung Road as an extract from the In this connection I have got an

able assets in more ways than one. caphatic support to the urgent reocech of the President of the Hong other suggestion to make for the The growth of the erstwhile presentation of my Senior Uno-Kong Automobile Association on consideration of the Council.

pig farming districts of Sham cial colleague for a Ward for the 29th March last will show. Mr. think that a substantial levy on win shuipo and Kowloon City into maternity cases. With more wards L. C. F. Bellamy said:-

I should like to refer to the nings can fairly be introduced. important industrial contres; the there must also be a large staff off

Sai Kung Road project in the Such a tax would probably he paid founding of Homuntin as a salu- doctors, nurses and nitendants. I

New Territories. In his Budget quit na readily as the percentages brious settlement; the transforma have seen the figures of the numbers

malarious of in-patients and out-patients, speech on September 5, 1929, the of prizes that often go to the vention of the deadly

Colonial Secretary called atten- dors of lucky tickets, or as are the swamps of Kowloon Tong into a respectively, treated in the Kow

tion to the proposed. Circular be more dollar-and less sterling- sums of money, sometimes quite well-ordered and picturesque Gar loon Hospital for the first nine

with paid posts

corresponding Eastern Road. The wonderful economy to the Colony. I should substantial, that are spent on cele den City, and the recent advent months of the current year. The brating the occasion! Surely, it of a new scheme now intensively figures are largely in excess of possibilities of this enterprise have felt happier it with the pro-

If this ratio elevated re- those for past year,

have been stressed on many sub posal for the initiation of this new DO antter of greater developing into

sequent occasion.

All montal satisfaction to the lacky silential area planned on approved of incronse should be maintained winner to feel that he has given lines, need only be mentioned for the space now available in the some of his unearned gains towards to be realised how many mil. Kowloon Hospital will have to be -it may be providing the masses lions of dollars worth of capital doubled in five years from now. of the Colony, with some precious are being invested in the confident water in times of drought, than belief of their absolute security that the same money has been and prospective profit. Forgetting, spent, certainly unnecessarily, in if it were possible, for the moment such extensive establishments like champagne for just a few!

the dockyards, the electricity power station, cement works and the oil installations, the recent erection of large rubber-shoe, electric-torch and felt hat factories, the introduction of a prosperous silk industry on the muddy foreshore of Ma-Tau- Wei, and lastly, projected re- cracker factories that promies to change the future Ngau-Shi-Wan are striking eviden- ces of the popular faith in the future of the Peninsula Beyond the confines of Kowloon proper By this advocacy of preparedness brick and ceramic works on modern and of care in spending what we principles have found a foothold have, I hope I will not be consider at Castle Peak and Lown. Minor ed unduly pessimistic. Indeed, I industries are scattered throughout am not. I have unbounded faith in the thriving districts of the New the Colony--in its ability to weather Territories with their thousands of any storms, as well as in ita future. contented farmers and simple coun

Homuntin Sewarage.Problem, Although we are, at this moment, try folks. Electricity will supply passing through a rather serious the motive power that is bound I must confers my disappoint period of trade depression, I have to assist in the development of meat in the matter of the sewerage the firm belief that we will emerge existing, and faster the establish at Homuntin. The position to-day unscabbed from it, as we did from ment of now, industries. With is the same as it was when I raised a necessity that should not he lost many similar depressions in the these outstanding examples of the the matter in the Legislative sight of. past. As long as the people have length to which private enterprise the blessings of peace and protec in prepared to go, the timidity on tion; as long as the Colony is the part of Government demon governed with foresight and vision, strated in its declared policy of and with that policy of broadmind the inaintenance of a minimum odness and justice which character-million dollar balance is a little torisca the presont Administration, surprising. to say the least. __1_foretell_for_the future not only n

The_Post_Office....

should be

Faith in the Colony, I offer these suggestions, not necessarily for immediate imple mentation, but for the Government to use ne a first choice, if and when the necessity arises; for I fear that in balancing the Budget for next year, the Government has cut its estimates to such a fine peint that there is left hardly, any margin is CABO of unforeseen expenditure arising, such as a fall in exchange or other circumstances over which wo can have no control..

istence of a residents association

outlook of

An oxtract from the second an-1 nual report of the Hong Kong Protection of Society for the Children gives force to the Unoth- cinis' representation on the inade- quacy of the existing hospital ac credation.

|

members of this Association policy, an announcement could have carnestly hope that Government boon made concurrently of more finances will soon render it por

generous leave privileges granted to the hard-working members of the sible to proceed with the Sai subordinate staff in the Govern Kung Road scheme and your ment servico. Committee is of opinion chat any reasonable outlay in connection with the propsed road will prove a sound Government investment."

is The paragraph in Such then the considered the report I refer to reads in fol- opinion of a group of business men.

Kowloon Trai Garden City, lows:-

"Your Committee were much The Kowloon Tsai Garden : City concerned as to the inadequacy Development, at an estimated total of the hospital accommodation cost of $403,300, is an experiment available for the children of the the success or failure of which will Chinese poor 011 the Kowloon be watched with considerable inter- peninsula. At the beginning of est. It should not be too early it this year that accommodation was this stage to request that, in this limited to a maximum of five important and extensive develop beds in the Kowloon Hospital and ment, people of small means should sixteen beds in the Kwong Wab be considered and afforded oppor- Hospital with the possibility of tunities to acquire small areus for further accommodation in the the building of their own homes adult wards dependent on the demand for beds for adults." May. I hope that the plea I now enter for our leza favoured Chinese brethern will not fail on deaf ears?

|

• Local Enterprises Defended. When I rúse

to address the Council this afternoon I spoke with some enthusiasm on the industrial Kowloon. .I ani oxpansion, of jealous of the good name which Kowloon has earned as a place før safe investment and feel strongly that any attempt to besmirch its fair name cannot be condemned in too severe terms, A tendency has grown up of late towards belittling at least one of our old established industries and of a public utility concern on the other side of the harbour. In both have millions of dollars been invested and to both have the united efforts of zealous directorates, supported by share. holders' money, devoted time and thought to build their future on solid foundations. After years of persevering labour, often thwarted by adverse circumstances, the future holds great promise for both these important undertakings; they form part of the Colony's substan tial assets; they are very essential. factors in the industrial life of Council on September 5, 1929. Re- The erection of the wireless Kowloon Were the criticimu I plying to a series of questions station at Hunghom for the large honest motives and constructive in have just referred to dictated by then asked, the Government spokes transmitter for brondentsting is their purpose, no exception could man stated that the estimated cost step in he right direction. My be taken to then. Indeed, they of constructing a sewerage system honourable friend, Mr. Shenton would be most welcome. That in to deal only with Homuntin and with his usual thoughtful regard to discharge North of the Harbour for social services in the Colony: not, however, the spirit animating. of Refuge was 850,000, and that a has spoken of the bouefta which

the critics, Theirs is a subtle, scheme embracing the whole of broadcasting has conferred. His re-veiled thrust primarily designed to Mongkoktsui and Yaumati areas marks are certain to be accorded undermine confidence and, second- was already receiving consideration the reception which they deserve. from the Public Works Department.

At that time proposals had not

The laying out of large lots only might preclude people with little savings from purchasing land The moment is opportune for pro Posing the erection of a weather signal-station on some conspicuous position on the Kowloon Tsui hills that should be clearly visible from Kowloon Tong and Kowloon City. Reservations for sports grounds is

Kai Tack,

arily, to influence quotations on the Stock Exchange. "Bear" tactica that stoop to a deliberate distor tion of facts, calculated to create stampede among gemine small bolders of stock and so to depress certain shares by questionable re- prehensible methods regardless of

There are No Other Artist's Like Them

phine

Town's

(Registered)

Distinction

inst.

EXCLUSIVE AGENTS:

LANE, CRAWFORD, LTD.

LAYTON AND JOHNSTONE

Columbia

DB767-QUBAN LOVE SONG

DB776-ALL OF ME

DB786-LIVE, LAUGH AND LOVE DB711-GUILTY

DB740-LOVE LETTERS IN THE SAND

The Anderson Music Co., Ltd.

Ice House Street.

Tel. 21322.

Hong Kong Weekly Press

The Lytton Report Revised Piece Goods Contract Alleged Threat to Major Cassel

Local Sport:

Aquatics, Cricket, Football Hockey, etc.

snd

Other Interesting Features

Price:—30 Cents.

full recovery of our former pro- Government's selection of the sperity, but a prosperity even most prominent public works ro. greater than the Colony-has ever quired for Kowloon is one that enjoyed.

has commended itself to the public, if the views expressed. in the Eng THE HON. MR. J. P. BRAGAlish newspapers in Hong Kong been sufficiently concrete to be sub The same honourable member in correctly reflect public opinion as mitted to the Government and much his complete competence has dealt

· KOWLOON'S NEEDS AND they usually do. One important investigation, we were told, was with the question of air mail and

PROBLEMS

omission from that list, however, necessary. That was three years passenger Bertices Hi Jemarks has been dealt with in his usual ugo. Need I remind the Govern cannot, fail to arouse general in The Hon. Mr. Braga said thorough manner by my Lenourable ment that residents of Homuntin ternat, The logical development of their mischievousness, cannot be Your Excellency,With the ex- friend, the Senior Unofficial Mem- pay precisely the same taxes as our magnificent aerodrome at Kai too strongly deprecated. In these THE PAPER WITH THE YELLOW COVER

her. The omission, relating to the other residents of the Colony! It Tack will hasten the extension of times of world industrial depres nt Kowlcon, it is more than doubt absence of the provision of a sufft does not, therefore, appear equit that district eastward. While work-sen, the Colony needs, for the ful if the title could be conceded cient sum for the commencement of able that they should be penalised shops and offices will be built success of its trade and commerce, to mo of guardian of Kowloon's Post Office building in Kowloon, to the extent of being still loft within the aérodrome itself a deall the help it can rally around it- interests." This much, however, I cannot be passed over without some without facilities for a

mand for houses for the Europeans sell. Untruthful statements can do a lot of harm and are discreditable may claim for myself zeal and supplemental comment from me. carriage system which from any having business with the fature air an enthusiasm for all that apper. There was a time, not so long ago, hygienio point of view is almost service will lead to the neighbour to their authors. If the disemina tains to Kowloon that compet when it was mooted that Governor indispensable necessity in these ng hills being explored for retion, of libellous rumours, damag uninitigated interest in and unment had contemplated a central days of modern sanitary requiresidences. The road to Ma Yueing to the Colony's industries, mitigated interest in and unabated administration building for the ments. In the interests of the Tong will facilitate the selection of should be persisted in to the detri- attention to the welfare of Kow. Peninsula. In fact, even the site Crown leases of the Homuntia area sites presenting a landscape rival ment of its welfare every endeavour should be made to effectively check loow's inhabitants, its unarrested for such a bailding had been in-appeal to Your Excellency to ling even the Peak itself.

this form of abuse and put a stóp development and greater prosper. dicated. It is forvently hoped have their grievanca redressed from ity. It was for this reason that, that when plans are drawn for the the point of view of equity, if from Road Passenger Transport, to pernicious actions hurtful to The Council is still in iguorange bunnesses, that have cost much for the past three years on each now Cost Office building it will no other considerationes made mccasion of the budget debate, my cover an area-sufficiently large in Residents, not only of "Kowloop, ofthe-recommendations of the money and taken long years of comments have been confined to order to provide for a central b of Hong Kong as well driving Tond Passenger Transport Compatience and tell to build up and Kowloon affairs and the program building for the needs not only of along the Castle Peak Road, had mittee. The present occasion is op- that must be protected not only of public works connected the present but of future genera hoped that, when the new Warders portune for bringing into greater from the slings and arrows of

(Costinued on Page 8.) therewith My remarks on the tions. The present system for the Quarters, at Lai Chi Kok were be-1prominence an Epparently forgot

ma

water

Annual Subscription: Hong Kong, 813; Post Free to any address, $18: Quarterly Subscription, 84.50.

Orders should be sent to the

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS,

LILITHONE: 30251.

11, Jon Hoven SzaKET.