1934-09-28 — Page 12

12

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 1934.

HIS EXCELLENCY'S FINAL REVIEW OF POSITION

(Continued from Page 11

express my appreciation of the good work done by Mr. Butters In connection with the Budget. He has had a lot of dimcult detail to contend with requiring much assiduous work and he has performed the duty most efficient ly. (Applause).

study is a continuous one and it has not beer possible to draw up any

sbgle Anal report which cently received a communication would cover

the whole. Colony. on this subject from the Hong Fach area is a study in itself. Kong General Chamber of Com- Each year the results of the merce and the matter is under Malariologist's investigations have consideration. Shipping is not been published as

an appendix heavily taxed in this Colony, and the sliding scale of payment in to the Medical and Sanitary re-. port, a copy of which is placed in troduced in 1933 affords relief in the hands of every member 11.5 the payment of light dues from soon as possible after its receipt hardship which might otherwise from the printers. The 1933 re- result from the rise of the dollar port has been printed, and will be traditions of this Council the un-1 committee. some

distributed as

certain maps, which are

expected daily, are ready for incorporation, The Malariologist's report for 1932 oc- cupled 30 pages out of a total of

The payment of Sunday Working fees has moreover been used as a justification for the Government contribution to Mercantile Marine Assistance Fund. The loss to re- venue by the abolition of

these

fees would be on the average

year and the over $100,000 sacrifice of this amount to a year

3000

ร

202 in the Annual Medical report,

that for 1993 occupies 50 pages

out of a total of 226.

The Honourable Member may

of Public

tant works which it was deemed penditure exclusive necessary to postpone are the works Extraordinary and the final Wanchai Market, Mental Hospital payment for the Naval Arsenal" and a new health centre at Bon-Yard but including departmental ham Road. I shall certainly con- special expenditure 13 rather more ΟΙ more of venue excluding the special re- sider whether a start may not than covered by the estimated re- the be made on one these if the financial position celpts from land sales and

on exchange transactions. middle of next profit the I am indebted to Honburablaj towards

*appears to Justify it. The margin however is small and- Members for their careful cons- year

indeed prepared to this fact added to the fact that deration of the Budget and for I am

we have to draw heavily on our their helpful comments and ad- further and if the Unofficial Mom-

In accordance with the bers are in favour of it, to enter in balances in order to carry out provision for special public works in my opin-

further reduction in official spirit has throughout been Wanchai Market. It is a very ur-ion renders it quite impossible to

make any taxation. sympathetic and tolerant of the gent work and should prove remu- efforts of Government to fulfil its nerative. -

Revenue duty in the best interests of the Colony.

clam..

Notable Proposals My honourable friend, Dr. Kote wall, has made certain notable

He recommends proposals.

薛

On behalf of my wife and my self I thank the Unofficial Mem-

of assessment which bers for the kind and graceful

change in both the method and amount to us made reference

"of falling revenue cannot be con- rest assured that the Government behalf by the Sentor Unomcial! that we' shall soon see an upward i would have the effect of reducing

templeted without very serious misgivings.

Advertising Hong Kong

has no intention of allowing the proposed residence for the Mana- ger of the Railway to encroach On the subject of Aviation I on the playing field area of King's have no doubt that the Managers Park. The site contemplated lies of the Flying School" will take within that portion of the King's set apart due note

honourable Park srea which was

for friend's reinharks.

residential purposes many years ago.

ol

my

I understand that Your Excel- tency will deal with the question of the linking of Hong Kong with 'the Air routes of the World.

Honourable

must,

The

I

With regard to the marketing of New Territories produce the

Member

fact The advertising of Hong Kong think, have overlooked the

for New as a Winter Hollday, resort, re- that additional laans

already ferred to by the Honourable Dr. Territories produces have Kotewall and by the Honourable been provided in Kowloon.

of funds for feeder Mr. Mackle has hitherto been re- provision garded as a matter for the private roads in the New Territories was interests chiefly concerned viz.considered with the 1935 budget Shipping Companies Hotels and but had to be postponed for want The question of en- places of amusement. It would of of funds. course be possible to establish a couraging agricultural industries also Government Advertising or Tourist in the New Territories has Bureau but

must I

remind been referred to by my Honour

theable friend the senior Chinese Members that Honourable Government does not maintain a Unofficial Member. redundant staff, however much Members are aware that this pro- certain sections of the community blem has already received and is would like us; to believe it does. still receiving Your Excellency's and an Advertising Bureau would most serious consideration.

and in- mean increase of staff

My Honourable friend Mr. W. H. crease of staff means more money Bell refers to the street lighting Personal Emoluments of Kowloon. I can confirm his for those which we are always being ürged understanding that experiments to reduce. Bearing these factors are being carried out with a view

to evolving & more in mind the Government is pre- pared to consider any Advertising type of street lighting. scheme which the Chambers of Commerce or

it.

Honourable

Member. '..

which revenue

In regard to revenue which has diminished during the seriously past two years, that derivable from duties would appear to have on their reached ita,lowest level and I trust

tendency. Part of the reduction our revenue by nearby two and a I bave is of course due to the fact that quarter million dollars. Increasingly Difficult

certain duties are based on a one already shown that what may be revenue only This is the fifth Budget which and eight-penny dollar and con- called recurrent

expendi- ture and we have therefore to has been submitted to the Coun- verted at the current rate. The barely covers recurrent cll since I assumed my present oplum revenue has fallen very

fraid that call upon our surplus balances to post and it is not too much to say, seriotisly and I am that the position has become in- there can be no doubt that this is a very considerable extent to en- creasingly difficult. The trade due in a large measure to smug able us to proceed with necessary apublic works to most of which we depression hangs very heavily on gling. In my opinion this has

In spite us and there has been little or no distinct effect on the proceeds are already committed.

advocates that we sign of It lifting since the last from the duty on tobacco. My ex- of this he Budget. I am, however, an in-perience, both here and in Malaya, should grant concessions curable optimist and I think that has been that when less opium 1s will further reduce our it is permissible to hope that we used. more tobacco is smoked and and so necessitate à further re- have almost reached bottom for if the smuggling of optum could be duction of our surplus balances that the in order to meet recurrent exper- although the revised estimate of reduced feel sure revenue for the current year is amount of tobacco imported would diture. That appears to me to in- over two million dollars below the increase. Such measures as are volve the vicious principle of liv original estimate it is contemplat possible are taken in regard to ing on capital, a policy to which ed that apart from the accumu-smuggling and the Superintendent I, on my part, am entirely lated proceeds from the profit on of Imports and Erports, Mr. Lloyd, pased. His proposals appear to be exchange transactions the revenue may be trusted not to relax his based on two assumptions, for next year will be approximate-able efforts. Owing largely to our that the assessment is unduly high to-day, the other that the sug- ly the same as the revised figure peculiar geographical position the under the conditions which obtain

problem is very difficult. for the current year.

gested concessions would have a the marked benential effect

LE effect general situation. It is true that. he admits, that such would probably be in a large mea- sure, psychological but ever so I am compelled to join issue with him on both points. I maintain that taxation in this Colony is

Water

In view of the serious shrinkage

Some reduction is anticipated in of revenue it is very fortunate that we possess substantial credit the receipts from excess water balances though the drain on supply owing to ile soncession of them during this year will serious: Government of a rebate of 15% on ly diminish them. This happy, accounts which are promptly Rait position is due in a large measure I shall be surprised however, if to a policy of not hastily spending such rebate does not result in a in the plous hope slightly increased consumption which may compensate for the concession granted.

our reserves satisfactory

The Honourable Dr. Tso has other responsible raised the question of leprosy in bodies might care to place before the Colony. This matter has for some time engaged the attention Government ard Your As regards opening places of of the

decided amusement after midnight the Excellency has already Government is not aware of any to appoint a Committee general demand for later hours sider it. except on special occasions when freely granted. extensions are

Dhould any general demand be made known to the Government it will receive full consideration.

Kowloon Post Office

the

to con-

Market Prices

points in the There are two Honourable Mr. Owen Hughes re- whier!! Honourable marks Members may expect me to com- ment. On the question of Trar-

од

The

that to-morrow will see an improve ment and that all will be well. I realize however that excessive caution should be avoided. There are critics of our policy of main-

taining a balance not less than

ten million

am

trame.

or

op-

One

very moderate and I feel very

amic depression.

very

Night Quotations

of New York Stocks

你

and Commodities

Our offices are

open from 10 p.m.

antil midnight, every night except Sundays and New York holidays.

The opening quotations of a selected list of New York Stocks and of Commodities, will be received in our offices at approximately 10-minute intervals.

Thus, our clients have, on the same evening, quotations for the morning session of the New York Stock Exchange. ·

Advices of executions on orders placed during the night

sessions are received within the half-hour.

American Oriental Finance Corporation

Asia Life Bldg.

Federal Inc, U.S.4.

Hong Kong.

Tel. 26631.

S. E. Levy & Co.

UNDERWRITERS AND DISTRIBUTORS

SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES

BOUGHT AND SOLD ON COMMISSION DAILY NEW YORK STOCK AND COMMODITY SERVICE

Membersz

NEW YORK COTTON EXCHANGE COMMODITY EXCHANGE, ING. CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE

CORRESPONDENTS FOR WHITE, WELD & CO., NEW YORK 7, IQE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG (Head Office: Continental Bank Building, Shanghai).

Tel. Address: Seloo Tel 80101 and 30108

friend, the Director of

nursing sisters recruited from Eng-creasing in popularity and there land. I propose to go into this can be no doubt that they are a question with my honourable most valuable contribution to the Medical health of the Colony. At present centres are established in rented

that next premises but I trust year there will be a special centre

and Sanitary Services.

I need hardly point out that the rise in the dollar has reduced considerably the local cost of the sterling establishment.

ously provided by private contri- bution and handed over to Gov- ernment when completed, --":

in existence at Wanchal gener-

strongly that the concessions pro- posed by him would have uttle effect on the present ecor- DF, Kotewali argues that if Government were to apply a temporary palliative of

A Tribute To Mr. Wolfe u reduction of 4% in the assess-

There are a few increases in ment rate, confidence in real estate would be restored. He states that the Police establishment which I take this opportunity of ex- pressing the thanks of the Colony people will not buy property be- have been found to be unavoid-

to the various Chinese hospitals cause they are uncertain about able owing partly to the institu-

and dispensaries and also to the the future. I do not see how that tion of the Remand Home, a new

Police Division at Shamshulpo, St. John Ambulance Brigade for position will be ameliorated by a

their great assistance in connec- ritories and the Registration of tion with matters of health and admittedly be only temporary and reduction in the rates which would the trame needs in the New Ter which would almost certainly have Persons Ordinance. In referring disease. It is noteworthy that a at Fanling, the to be reipstated in the compara- to this department I should like new health centre tively near future. I am prepar- to associate myself with the tal-early this year ed to agree that if such conces butes paid by my honourable cost of which was defrayed

Sr. Robert and Lady Bo Tung to whom the thanks of the Colony

large

friends, the Colonial

Secretary

was opened

By

are due. In addition to the

Xam still of opinion that the principle of a free allowance of water is unsound. The system tends to beat more heavily on the dollars but I am

poor than on the middle and up- strongly of opinion that this figure per class and a charge, lower than is not excessive having regard to that which now obtains on excess the mutability of exchange and supply, on the whole of a metered the fact that we almost invariably supply would be more equitable.

Post Office receipts continue to have heavy commitments extend- ing appreciably beyond the year fall, partly due to the depression are budgeting.and partly to a reduction in cer- which we for submit that the policy is sound tain postal rates. I regret that fur- and were it not for the fact that ther reductions are not possible at Turning now to the views of sport and Conveyance allowances such substantial resources exist present but on the other hand we at giving improved the Honourable Mr. Braga,, whose

I Can"

the Honourable to-day we might well be perturbed are aiming assure

allowances in regard to our ability to meet facilities especially in Kowloon and absence owing to indisposition we Member that these

future labuities in respect of the New Territories.

sions were to result in a all greatly deplore, I would ob are very closely scrutinized,

utilization of totals appearing in

The K-C-B.

measure of general reller the mere and the Senior Unofficial Member, serve that the

the Budget works on which we have already Cadet officer in the stamp office are made up of a very large num- embarked. It is indeed "probable

A bright feature to the revenue fact that they would necessitate to Mr. Wolfe who is shortly go In increase ber of small items nd. reductions that we shall have to reduce our estimates is the increase of re-

a serious inread on our surplus ing on leave prior to retirement money provided for the building does not mean an Staff. The regular holder of the have been made wherever they balances to below the prescribed

venue expected from the Kowloon-balances should not be a deterrent from the post of Inspector Gen- and Its equipment, the donors post in question will be on leave were found possible.

limit for a short period. I

Canton Railway in spite of the fact but I am not convinced that they eral of Police. Mr. Wolfe, who alse gave a sum the income from

vice a year after myself, has had a of running the Institution. and no qualified officer other than

The Government does not exer- not averse from this, partly be that we have conceded to the Chin-would effect the general relief originally joined the Malayan Ber- which will ray part of the cast

supervision over a Cadet Officer is available to do cise

charges cause in times of depression it is

ese Section an increased. propor- which he would claim nor, more

this Colony. desirable that Government should

The velopment of hospital. buldings the work during his absence.

made by Stall holders in the var-

As Honourable Members success of a recent offer of in-ed career in

in the Colony during the past to the new sterling paid officer inition to keep prices at the lowest.

The Honourable Member refers tous markets but leaves competi- do its utmost to afford employ tion of the receipts on through especially having regard to the long, honourable and distinguish-There has been a notable de-

ment, partly because our resources

are aware the revision of the Rail- vestment in real estate and land- post of Head of the Police in the Post Office. This oficer practicable level. I am informed do not justify our postponing our

an easy one. Not only have the ing its part. The new Govern- most essential works and partly way Working Agreement has re-development, am I convinced that Hong Kong has been by no means few years and Government is do-

cently been under consideration the confidence of the pubile in

ment Civil Hospital is progress- required for the new Kowloon Post by the Head of the Sanitary De- om.ce. The new premises are

because we can look forward to partment that everything possible

character that pleted should provide Hong Kong ed by myself and the Minister of ebb as he has stated. However, ant but the staff is of such aning satiafactorily and when com- four times 83 spacious as is done to ensure free competition the realization in a few years and the new agreement was sign-landed property is at such a low problems been varied and import- present office and will provide and that he is continually on the rime of certain assets which will

Railways of the Chinese Govern Dr. Kotewall's proposals have, I heterogeneous balances at the ment on the 15th instant. I take understand, been referred to the special qualities are called for in with one of the finest institutions the Department for its kind in the Far East Kow- Kowloon with greatly increased watch "for anything in the nature reinstate

Commission which is the Head of postal facilities. The deliveries on of rings or combines intended to figure laid down These assets this opportunity of congratulating Economic the mainland will be centralized maintain prices at an unfair level. have been referred to by my the representatives who participat now sitting and I have no doubt the machine is to be maintained loon Hospital, which is an admir- and worked from the new Fost

It has not been possible in the honourable friend, the Colonial ed in the Conference, not merely that the Commission will fully at a high standard of efficiency able institution, has been steadily Office where twenty postmen will time at my disposal to naw Secretary, and include the present on the successful consummation of consider them. Any recommenda- It will be readily conceded that extended and a new out-patients Kr. Wolfe has maintained such a building is now on its way. Hon- be housed. It is proposed to ask every question and to investigate Naval Arsenal Yard, part of the their efforts to reach an

agree tions that the Commission outside administrations to close every point raised in this debate present site of the Government ment acceptable to both sides, but make will receive the fully con- standard and that he can well ourable Members however, must look back with satisfaction to his realize that these enlarged and dtrict mails to Kowloon

record of service in this Colony. improved buildings will necessi- by my unometal friends. I shall Civil Hospital and Victoria Gaol also on the spirit which pervaded aderation of Government.

Cost of Administration furnish with the best will in the world the negotiations. Both parties set mails will similarly be despatched however be happy to

tate a permanent increase to the I and my advisers have given (Applause). om Kowloon. As this will prac- them with further Information at however it has been impossible to out to arrive at an arrangement

staff.. avoid a severe pruning of public which would be to the mutual ad careful thought to a possible re- tically raise the status of the Post a later date, should they so de-

I do not propose to make any which has Office to an independent com-

sire, on any matter.

services. It has, to my sorrow vantage of both sections and avold-duction in personnel but have felt mand it is considered that the not been adequately dealt with been unavoidably necessary to

ed any temptation to get the bet unable to effect any redaction with the tributes paid to Mr. reference to the estimates of the responsibilities of the post call for this afternoon

Dostpone certain

ter of one another without regard having due regard to efficiency. 1 Holmes, the Crown Solicitor, who, Sanitary Department but I would might fittingly be described as to the main issue. The proceed- am prepared to admit that the also is retiring next year. I do take this opportunity of inform- essential and I feel that once ings of the Conference and the cost of administration is on the not feel that I can adequately ing the Council that important It la impossible to say how much of the vote for Anti-Malar-

again we must regard the Budget spirit in which they were carried high side largely owing to the express the extent to which Gov proposals have been under ial works will be required for re-

as, in a measure, the grave of many, out might well serve se a model. number of sterling paid officers. ernment has been indebted to Mr. sideration for some time in ré- hopes.

Both Sections can, I think, now The problem of reducing this is Holmes for the valuable advice gard to what might be called the sumptions The DPW estimates the requirement for that purpose"

Supplemental Budget look forward with confidence to a very diffenlt one and I have no and assistance which he has ren- municipal side of the Colony to be about five per cent, of the

As Honourable Members however increased prosperity which should besitation in saying that there are Gered. He has been a most de These proposals are in a large total vote of $60,000. The vote is j

His Excellency said: Honour-will see, there are many important be further enhanced when the a large number, not only of om- voted Government Official and measure the outcome of schemes friend, the Director of Medical for Anti-malarial work in the

works in hand and the total to Canton-Hankow line is finished dials but also of unofficials, who has never spared himself in the put forward by my honourable and Sanitary Services, but the Colony generally and not in Hong able Members, Kong Island only. Certain works, The Budget has been dealt with be spent on public works extra-probably by the end of 1936 and hold the opinion that such a public service. (Applause)

adequately by Honourable ordinary and loan works is sub-linked up with the present line, poles would not be wise. I would as my Honourable Friend le no doubt aware, are in progress and Members, official and unofficial, stantial As you are aware, I The question of completing this remind Honourable Members not Referring to the Medical De- subject is a very difficult one and these will be continued. The that it would be almost unkind of have, during the past few years, link was not considered to be with only that existing rates of salary partment it will be seen that though legislation is being pre-

Junior Technical School me to burden you with further carried out the policy of submitt in the purview of the Conference were recommended by a Salaries some increases have been provid-pared it is not finally ready for Finance Committee will be asked this afternoon to approve of a comments on details. I will there- ing a special supplemental Budget but I think that it is reasonable Commission less than 5 years agued for due in a large measure to submission to the Council Supplementary vote of $57.000 for fore restrict myself to a few before the midde of the year when to assume that it will be completed but also that a Retrenchment the taking over of the Tsan Yuk

our Anancial position has render in due course. It appears to me in Commission, consisting mainly of Hospital, the extension of the A notable feature n regard echnical School. resumptions in the Shou Son Hill gallent features.

I congratulate my honourable ed such a step "safe. This polley conceivable that a wise and anofficials, which I appointed only Kowloon Hospital and increased to Education is the development lines as one of area. Work is contemplated in Kowloon as well as in Hong Kong friend, the Colonial Becretary on has been approved by the Secre- far-sighted administration would & year or two ago found itself health work particularly in con- of the but it is unlikely that funds will his abis speech introducing the tary of State and this Connell and hesitate to complete a link the unable to recommend any very nection with Infant Welfare Cen- I regard the development of this ted with education in the permit of work at Castle Peak Budget and thank him and his I hope that it may be possible to absence of which would to a large drastic reduction of establishment, tres. Much, however still remains school

officers for the excellent work follow it again next year though extent deny to the Province of We are however carrying out a to be done Meanwhile I may say the most important matters con-

oal disease, Colony

day It is already doing and Talpo during 1935,

ble while excell work but development. which they have done in conrec- this will depend in a large mea Kwangtung obvious benents of a scheme of a local branch of the that the work done by: Dr, Selby

the sure on the position of exchange. Le tunstructed at considerable Senior Clerical and accounting and others at the ven

sary in certain directions tion with

the

olicy has enabled us this cost for the further development staff and are endeavouring to chnics has been

sanitary inspectors. the extension

chit besnot. been pos ovince. Estimates.

accelerate the work on of that

that it may be Dos Centres both Government Civil Hospi- Turning to expenditure wo

in the first plă

train local nursing alsters Kowloon,

(Continued on Pare 3) Road and other invite attentio

and so reduce the large number of justined. Among the most importo the fact that he estim

sterling paid officer.

maar

ultalos

Subject

Direct

and complex

ogy which in

conditionS

so

H.E. THE

· GOVERNOR

factors Honourable intner and the

geological

that the

Public"

works which

may

In striking this personal note associate myself also wish to

Medical Department

thoroughly

hese icentres

TOD

con-