HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1936.
HON. MR. DODWELL ON SIGNS
Continued from Page 7)
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HON. MR. DODWELL
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Hon. Mr. Dodwell said: Sir.I have no hesitation la to Commencing my contribution
this annual field day of the un- oficial Member with sincere con- gratulations to the Government 'on a budget which, though it falls lamentably to balance itself, does undoubtedly show a much more thorough appreciation of the dam- age done to the Colony by the world's crazy policy of economic nationism, than any of its prede- cessors. There are
two ane or aspects about it upon which I would like to comment, but first of all I desire to associate myself with the tribute which my Honour-
able friend. the Acting Colonial Secretary, has modestly paid to himself and his colleagues for the share they are taking towards the reduction of the deficit.
It may or may not be some consolation to honourable official inembers to know that, as a mer- chant employer, with a fairly. numerous staff. I estimate from my experience that Government Servants, when their pensions are taken into consideration, are still some 25% to 30% better off than their opposite numbers in the com- mercial frms of the Colony, most of which firms, even on this lower salary basis. are still Anding it most difficult to operate their 'bust- nesses without loss.
"The British Government. 1s convinced, together with France. and the United States, that the success of the above policy is linked with the development of international trudę, ..
"In particular, the greatest im- action purtance is attached. to being taken without delay to re- ax the present system of quotas and exchange controls with a View to their abolition,
"The British Government, in common with the United States and French Governments, in- vites the co-operation of other utions to realise the policy tald present declara- in the down tion."
1 venture to believe that the Colony's
relations with present Fuur great and friendly neighbour, China which your Excellency has ulready done much to foster, are such as will place no obstacle, so fur as we are
concerned, in the way of the realization of this de- claration of policy on the part of the British Government.
MEDICAL EXPENSES INCREASE
Turning now to the department- a estimates. "I observe with grow- ing alarm the enormous Increase it the expenses of the medical de- partment, particularly so as I am still convinced that by the use o part time services of our local medical practitioners, some of this extra expense could be avoided. T can well understand how the pro- fessional instincts and ideals of
OF RETURNING ECONOMIC SANITY
they are seized and paraded, which the Marine Surveyors may | GOVERNMENT REPLY te consideration as soon as the
their be called upon to do.
through the streets with hands tied behind their backs carrying a broom.
Possibly the Government is waiting for the New Life Move ment to catch on in the Colony in a similar effective way and so save them considerable outlay. If how ever it does not. I consider that 00: Tuberculosis record alone makes the incurring of this expense an absolute necessity.
NEW ROADS
new
Walle I am in sympathy with some of the proposals for roads made by the honourable Mr. Broga, who has a much more in- timate knowledge of the require ments of Kowloon than I have, I am, generally speaking, in favour of spending our restricted revenue of properly maintaining our pre- sent roads rather than on build- Ing new ones. I have a vivid re- collection of the state of the Talpo and Castle Peak roada before the Governor's bungalow was built at Fanling. New, roads through our beautiful scenery are undoubtedly great acquisition, to the Colony. but It is very difficult indeed for the motorist to enjoy the beauti- ful scenery through which he is passing when he is incessantly dodging potholes and in constant dunger of being shot through the roof of his car.
In cohelustan, Sir. I should like to wholeheartedly support the hon- curable Mr. Paterson's request that
The Technical (Shipping) 'Com. mittee of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce urged upon Government three years ago that the additional staff then consider- ed necessary in view of the appli- cation of the new Safety and Load Line Conventions should be enga- ged on temporary appointments only.
The Committee's advice. I be- Here, was not taken but now that the additional work entailed by the adoption of those Conventions and ut the Simla Rules is drawing to un end it would. I suggest, be a suitable opportunity
to consider
reorganization of the Department and gradual reduction of staff as may best be done without the in- fiction of any undue hardship.
HON. MR. HUGHES
Replying, the Acting Colonial Secretary Hon. Mr. North) said: -Sir, We have followed this your the procedure which has been usual in Hong Kong on the deca- s.on of the introduction at the Budgec but I understand that Your Excellency, will reply to the criticism of two Honourable Members concerning it.
The Honourable the Benior Unom-
cial Member has raised again the question of exchange. The official
view of this matter has been very tully explained in this Council in the past and I do hoc think I need take up your time by paraphras- ing it. I am afraid that this is one of the subjects on which we must agree to differ.
With regard to the Widows and Orphans Pension Scheme, a Com- mittee was appointed some time ago by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to investigate the matter generally with reference to ali Colonies.
Hon. Mr. Hughes said:Sir, The Budget for 1937 is essentially prac- tical and in keeping with present Necessary ex- day requirements. penditure has been provided for and "luxuries" have been avoided. The task of limiting expenditure ed, the Government wil not be
must have have been a difficult one, and I feel the community has every reason to be saladed with the result.
i)
As I understand my Honourable friend Mr. Braga propose to be spe- cific in his comments upon the Roads Maintenance Vote. I will re- con-fer to it only upon broad lines.
The Honourable Colonial Secret-
my honourable friend, the Direc-unofficial members may in future tor of Medical Services incline be given the opportunity of him towards operating with his sidering and discussing the vari
The Committee's report has now been issued. but until the observa- tlons of the Secretary of State have been received and consider-
In a position"to make a statement. Two members have spoken an the question of salaries
situation appears to warrant it.
AL
T
►
MOTOR TAXATION
The proposals now under, con- sideration
tor by Government enhanced' motor taxation,” lava.ve,
increase in the case of all private and pubile cars and lorries" with the exception
busca operated by the two companies holding licences for public bus services in Hong Kong and Kow-o loon, it may also be, found neces- sary to fix a higher tarix for vehicles propelled by heavy all
of
I am indebted to the Honourable Mr. Braga for I number of Interesting criticisms and 51- gestions.
ARCHITECTS
the
As I have already pointed out 1937 is a year of "transition. We shall, before the year is out, have completed number of Public works of and shall be marking time to some first importance,
extent until it is known how 'much we can afford to undertake in 1938. For the moment therefore we shall probably be overstaffed with architects. Of the thirteen 'n Government Service three will
TITLE MISLEADING
The tue Inspector of Furniture is perhaps somewhat misleading. This Officer" is in charge not only of the upkeep of the "very con- siderable quantity of furniture in government quarters and, offices, but also of the construction 01 new furniture. Expenditure on this work under recurrent votes
amounted to $52,000 in 1935, to 882.000 in 1934 and to $78,000 in 1933. Special expenditure during
1938 on furniture for new build- ings such as the Central British. School, the new Cool and the Queen Mary Hospital amounts to over „8127,000. The Inspector of Furniture is also in charge of the Workshop at Hung Hom and the Repair shop at Wanchai where 100 workmen are employed. As a side ne he is responsible for the care of the Chater collections of pictures Led porcelain.
I think I have aald enough to show. that the post is one of con- siderable responsibility.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
With regard to road main- tenance I should explain that al- though the estimates for Kowloon, New Kowloon and New Territories
up to the full amount provided.
be on leave, and two are required | show a slight reduction in 1937 a5 to acc ́in the place of the Execu- compared with 1938-$139,000, as tive Engineers in charge of the compared with $144,000-In fact Architectural and Buildings Or- only $80 000 19 being expended this dinance Offices who will also be ❘ year. Next year we hope to spend on leave. Of the remainder four wil be employed in the Buildings Ordinance Office and four in the Architectural Office. The Director of Public Works has provided me
which these last will be engaged. It includes the preparation of sketch plans for future buildings loon Reservoir and under sub-head and work In connection with ; 80, of the road between. Talpo and Town Planning.
Fanling.
own medical assistants, on a self-icus departmental estimates before ary has told us that the Govern Until a similar record is available with a list showing the works on
A well-known non-medical re-
I assure honourable official mem-contained basis, but the gratifica-
this hers that I do not mentich
tien of those ideals appears to me from motives of jealousy: Indeed
to be, not only very costly, but to I realise only too well that not so
secobsly endanger the livelihood long ago the boot was on the other
of the medical profession practis leg. I mention it because there
ng in the Colony. are still quite a number of people about burying their heads in the sand and refusing to face up to the realities of this depression and its
ffect on the Colony. No less an august personage then the Secre lary of State would appear to be one of them, and as the Ottawa Agreements expire next year. I feel that it is up to the commer- clut community to leave no stone unturned in an endeavour to see that he is under no illusion as to how fup we can go in this Colony In that somewhat diffguti opera. tion of building bricks without
straw.
L
FIRST SACRIFICE
whyst There are twu reasons suspect the secretary of State în. This
Firstly, becaUSE matter.
in
1931 when the tentacles of ecotto-
sident who shares my views in this matter, went so far as to ex- press the opinion that, even if the Government 'did not put our nurs- Ing homes and our medical fra- ternity entirely out of action, they would certainly so adversely affect the earnings of the latter, that they would be unable to afford to keep themselves up-to-date in moderu medicine and surgery. He went even further than that, sug- gesting so disastrous a sequel, that I hardly like to repeat it to hon- qurable members. He pictured this policy. If carried to extremes. resulting in the gradual annihila-
tion of the commercial community
and the survival of the Govern- ment, servant in first class shape to enjoy for a maximum number mic nationalism had already got of years a pension, which, presum- this Colony firmly in their graspably. In view of the extinction of and the commercial community the Colony's traders, would have to
had to make their first sacifice, the Secretary of State intervened and refused to permit the Govern- rient servants to help the situa tion by following suit,
And secondly, because even to- day he states that he will only agree to this levy if he has an as-
tall like manna from heaven.
DIT TOO FAR
the first reading of the Budget Bill. In the same way as they are per- mitted to discuss the Public Works estimates.
סניסע
· EX-
Unofficial members of this Coun- cil. I am sure, greatly appreciate the disposition which cellency has shown since you came to the Colony to consult them on so many matters of public interest. and as I belteve Hong Kong is one of the few Colonies where the estimates are not referred at an
early stage to a select committee
composed partly of unofficial mom- bers, I venture to hope that the proposal will find favour with your Excellency.
HON. MR. JOHNSON
Hon. Mr. Johnson said: Your Excellency, I desire to as-
жеде "cannot safety repeat in 1937 the pruning of such items as road maintenance votes which has helped the financial position in 1936," and he added "we are faced by heavy expenditure at Some future date if we are to return to
the high standards, maintained in the past." I am pleased at this
official recognition of the fact that" our roads to-day are not what they have been in the past. They have not reached the stage of
being definitely bad, but both upon the Island and in the New Ter- ritories, it is evident in many places that without extensive repairs the
definitely bad" stage will soon be
'reached.
fi
The life story of most Euro- pean Officials and B record of their emoluments since their ar rival in Hong Kong can be seen by anyone who obtains a copy of the annual Civil Service List.
regarding the employees of our local firms I fear that satisfactory 1 comparisons
cannot easily be drawn.
What is being attempted; so far as "the members of the various unified services are concerned, is to draw up a scale of remunera- tion which shall be commensurate
The places of officers retiring on pension from the Public Works Department are not being filled. but apart from this I doubt whe-
which that which obtains in cer-ther it would be economical even
tain other Colonies.
...." SOUND POLICY
The Honourable the Senior Chinese Member has referred to the possibility of financing fur-
ther
public works from Loan funds. Generally speaking it la sound policy to finance by means of a loan only such undertakings MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION
as are likely to prove rémunera- There are provisions in the pre- tive, unless, as in the case of the sent Budget for maintenance and Gaol. important works are im- Extension. but with all respect Iperatively required which it is submit this work is so important
that its exent should not be de- pendent upon whether, or" not the necessary funds can be spared from General Revenue.
soclate myself with the congratula Lions voiced by my Honourable triend the Senior Unofficial Mem- oer upon the manner in which the
The present Petrol Tax is 30 Budget has been presented and to
sympathy with your cents per gallon, and I am inform- express my Excellency that your first Budgeted that the yearly consumption in Lor the Colony should be one in the Colony is in excess of two and which so much has had inevitably a half million gallons, thus pro- to be sacrificed to economy.
riding a Revenue of some $750,000, I suggest that as a permanent po- licy a percentage of this Tax should be allocated each year to road requirements. This system is in force elsewhere. In Califor- nla there is a special Tax of, I believe, 3 cents a
gallon and the proceeds of this Tax are applied to Roads. The California solely Roads are the envy of all the Sta- tes la America; and of many countries outalde.
I would like to refer to one sub- Ject which has come particularly tu my notice as a Member of the Harbour Advisory Committee and that is the cost of maintaining the Guvernment Marine Surveyor's Department: I wish to preface my remarks by saying that the last thing Intended in these is any reflection on the personnel of the Department in question. On the contrary in my opinion and experi- ence we are extremely well served In using the word "mainten- by the Government Marine Sur-ance" above, I wish to include pro- veyor's Department. The Sur- vision for greater safety than ex- veyors are both highly competent ists to-day. In particular, I re- and reasonable and courteous to fer to the absence of kerbing in a great number of places where deal with but it does seem to me. and I know to others interested in the most rudimentary elements of Shipping also, that the cost of safety demand them. There is a maintaining the Department is ex-particularly bad stretch in front traordinarily high and out of pro- of the Hume Pipe Factory on the portion to the needs of the Colony. Castle Peak Road. The deep gut- According to a statement cir- ters on both sides were respon- culated to the Harbour Advisory sible for two very nasty accidents Committee this year the total an-early this ycar, but the section nual cost of the Department in that calls most loudly for atten- round figures is £15435. Includ- | tion la the Praya, ed in this amount, in addition to Salaries totalling $10,804, the statement shows Pensions £859. Rent Allowances £825, Conveg ance Allowances £297, Overtime Allowances £55 and Passages £1
While this undoubtedly is going a bit too far, it does illustrate in an exaggerated way the menace to cur local medical efficiency threa tened by the Government's policy. The real menace, however, is to surance that it is an emergency the livelihood of a section of the Imposition which will not be community. many members of „maintained longer than is de- which have served the Colony well manded by the obscurity of the for a long period of years. In fact financial situation.
I place this self-contained system Much as I dislike striking pessi-of dispensing our medical services mistic notes, or casting a damper in the same category, so far as the on the spirits of my official col- medical profession is concerned, as leagues, in my judgment the ques-
that other organisation which is
tion whether this levy is in fact
the bete noire of us merchants. an emergency measure or becomes "The Crown Agents for the Colo- nies." in itself no doubt a most a permanent measure liable to be made still more unpalateable later estimable Institution, theoretically on, depends entirely upon whether sound, but one, which the mer or not economic nationalism has chapts consider deprives those who come to stay throughout the world. originally bulit up the prosperity If it has. and Hong Kong's pri- of the Crown Colonies and have vileges and preferences as part of always shouldered a considerable the Empire are to be as limited un- portion of the burden of taxation der the Ottawa Agreements as, in of the opportunity to compete for so much of the Government's re- practice, they are to-day, then, so far from reinstating any cuts. I envisage the possibility, if not the I further notice with extreme "probability of Your Excellency be- regret, that while there is this ing compelled to request the Se-large increase in the expense of cretary of State, to take back and curing disease, there is no provi- absorb in some other more; fortun- | slon in either the Public Works or are parts of the Empire, a large Sanitary Department estimates for proportion of the Government ❘ the prevention of it by a much 433. The last mentioned item I staff now rendering services which more thorough cleansing of our the Colony will no longer be able streets than is carried out at pre- to afford, and consequently will sent, though we should surely now have to do without.
have enough water for the pur- pose.
Such a contingency was fore- shadowed on page 53 of last year's report of the Economic Commis- sion, which has, no doubt,
been thoroughly digested by my official colleagues and is still fresh in their minds.
quirements..
A COMPARISION
PROTECTION OF HARBOUR CRAFT
should
At present there is no protection whatever and while the needs of Harbour Craft using the Praya must be studied, these not be allowed to jeopardize the may mention represents more than 8.8. nearly 2, full rate First Class been cases of cars going over the lives of our citizens, There have return passages to London per an- num for a staff of 18 European sultant loss of life. It is amazing Prays into the Harbour with re-
and their families. The greater part of the balance of the £15.335 there have not been many more. is accounted for by maintenance
Cars are in charge of drivers of and in- of a fleet of 3 Launches costing varying driving ability.
numerable people are crossing at £943 per annum.
right angles to them. During times of poor visibility the dan- ger is of course increased. I rea- pectfully draw your Excellency's attention to this very serious need. That the danger is not equally grave in other parts of the Colony is due solely to the fact that the traffic-both vehicular and pedes trian-is less in volume.
VISITING TONNAGE
When recently in Shanghai, 1 had occasion to visit some of the poorer districts of the Internation- al Settlement and my amazement at the clean and wholesome.ap I understand from my Honour- pearance of their streets as com-able friend the Harbour Master pared with ours, was excelled only that in comparisori with London by my amazement at the reason and other places, on the basis of tonnage visiting the Port, we are given for this welcome change.
I was assured that it was entre-by no means over-staffed but such
ly due to the zeal with which our
ECONOMIC SANITY Happily, however. amongst the many signs of returning economic sanity, we witnessed one last week which may easily prove to be the
a basis of comparison may easily first rung in the ladder of econo- mic recovery. I refer to the Bri- Chinese friends had taken up the prove very ratsleading. In Hong tish Government's currency atabi New Life Movement. Shopkeepers Kong statistics of tonnage visiting
made re-
the 'Port are swollen by the fre- ization negotiations with the Unit-and householders are ed States and France, the an-sponsible for their respective sec-quent calls of Coasting and River nouncement of which was accom- tions of the paths and roads, and craft and I submit that these panied by the following significant if they don't do their job to the figures are not therefore a reliable statement:
satisfaction of their neighbours, indication of the amount of work
-MALARIA WORK The Budget provides a sum of $50,000 for Anti-Malarial work on the Island and $10,000 in Kowloon. Presumably this is for a continua
impossible to
finance otherwise,
This policy covers the case of the Central Market, but not, as a rule. such things as roads and bridges.
The Government. shares the re-.. gret of the Honourable Member that Anancial stringency bas made it necessary to make a 10 per cent, reduction in the capita- tion Grants to English Grant Schools, and I can assure him that the matter will receive sympathe
tion of the unequal fight against this disease that is carried on by the Sanitary Department but 11 is surely insufficient and when spent will provide little improve. ment in the position of to-day. The subject has been mentioned in this Chamber upon many pre- vious occasions, but the great need for action is sufficient justification for this repetition.
The excellent work done in the Straits Settlements in eradicating malaria is undoubtedly known to your Excellency, and I, urge that the problem in Hong Kong be at- tacked upon the same lines and with the same vigour as was done. by the Straits Government.
The individual improvements suggested have been noted and some at least of them. will be at- tended to during 1937. Special provision has been made under sub-head-57 P.W.E.. for the im- provement of the road near Kow-
I am informed by the Superin- tendent of the Botanical Depart- ment that the trees uprooted by the typhoon will be replaced when the planting season comes in the the
If it were practical. to make a spring. further reduction in staff at the moment.
HOW PEARON;
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