1941-02-21 — Page 10

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PAGE 10-HONGKONG DAILY PRESS

Solution For Immigration Certificates

EXISTING STATE

the

BUDGET

Issue

VICE AND CRIME

ནཱ། ་ ་

Continued from Page 7 do too much as individuals some tion has been given to the matter but is far less satisfactory than a

of us might do more: but so far as and to refrain from expenditure water carriage system. period extending from 1st Hong Kong as a whele is concern- without the consent of the Finance January 1940 to the 31st Marched, we have no need to be ashamed Committee. This decision is. in 1941, a period of fifteen months. of our effort. $10,000,000 per annum our opinion, a wise one.

I now come to a matter which affects the good name of the gives the ngure for Ordinary Re-by way of War Taxation for a tiny

Wa venture to suggest that, be: Colony and with which my fellow venue, that is, apart from War colony, with a dearth of agricultore committing itself. Government Chinese members have asked me Taxation, as $57,300,000.

tural produce, few major indus- should examine carefully and find specially to deal. Many a restdent, i tries, a total absence of precious out. exactly what are the advan- alarmed by the serious prevalence metals and next to no mineral tages and improvements attached of crime and vice has repeatedly! Using this figure as a basis for wealth is no mean effort,

to departmental collection. All approached us to press Govern- calculation and presuming the We have been criticised for the us realise that the present system ment for more energetic action. Continuance of the existing state unfair incidence of, our form of is far from satisfactory. We would we on our part have made repeat- of prosperity, a factor on which taxation. There are few of us who welcome a change for the bettered representations to Government, the Hon. Financial Secretary him- do not admit that there are faults but how is the proposed system a sometimes as the result of specifie

fcr self relies, the propertion

as there are in every system. better one? Surely not because requests from members of Our twelve months would be $45,840.- Nevertheless, while others are still 2,000 coolles formerly free-lance community; but more olter than 000. This amount, although three in the process of deliberation and would thereby become Government not, on our own initiative. The Lakhs larger, would seem at first searching for an ideal, Hongkong servants. Judging by the many situation is getting from bad to glance to approximate and to bear has for over a year been fulfilling representations which have been worse. We know that the Hon. out the estimate of $45,536,000,

its obligations.

nade. the coolles themselves do Commissioner of Police is doing all which has been given as the pros-

to share the same he can; but we feel that something. not appear pective Ordinary Revenue for the

more must be done. enthusiasm.

It is regrettable that reference twelve months commencing from has been made to this subject and the 1st April 1941 and ending on to the comparative merits of an the 31st March 1942; but it must Income Tax No good can out of controversy long be remembered that, the former resuscitating a Agure of $45,840,000 does not take dead and buried. I do not intend into account the increase in peto dwell on the subject. as I am

PUBLIC HEALTH

How then, Trom the point of view same old public health, can it be said to

he progress when

the

HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL"

HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL.

The suppression of mumbling, particularly of "Tse-Fa" lotteries, which are fast becoming an open Continued from Page 7

tax on an unwilling Chinese po- soliciting in the streets, the plac-pulation might easily lead to cur scandal, the eradication of open

the preven-

more to collect.

During the deliberations of the

trol, spirit and other duties which confident that the War Taxation method and the same old set of ing of a check on the activities of getting less revenue and cost us have operated for only a portion Committee which Your Excellency | colles are employed? In fact. 'so girl escort bureaux, of the last fifteen months and also has reconstituted will make every far as the average tenant is con- tion of robbery and larceny, espe- the Increase in postage rates which endeavour" to remove imperfectionserned, he would prefer to deal cially petty thieving and snatch- Select Committee, the conduct of

evolve as satisfactory a with the coolie working for him- ing in the streets form the list was introduced as recently as the and to

system as possible. 1st of the present month.

IMMIGRATION CERTIFICATES

My submission, therefore, is, that

In

a

a general speeding up

Summarising the financial

Financial Secretary deplored the

-feated last June, it was necessary

$5.790,000, namely more than half

for Government itself to take up of the total, and that cash was ob-

tained only to the extent of $5.640.000,

CONGRATULATIONS

occurred.

In the

certain Government departments self, who in all likelihood would be which we have been asked to

came in fat much adverse criti- a far humbler individual than the bring to the attention of Govern-elsma. My Honourable friend the same coolie working in the role ofment.

Senior Member has already dealt Government servant. At least,

The stories of the existence of with this matter, but I should be com-lands where one may sleep with lacking in my duty were I not

light.

the search

of which is

which is

too

are so

THREE DISABILITIES Last year in the remarks I made during the budget debate. 1

conviction

by

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY

21, 1941.

NEW SELECTION

IN

SPRING HATS.

ALL ATTRACTIVE

&

SMART MODELS

IN BLACK & DARK STRAWS.

LADIES' SALON

LANE, CRAWFORD, LTD.

More Public Works Economy.

In the Budget now before us we vision of $4,700,000. for vessels to have the estimated revenue of be presented to the Admiraltý. $56,786,000 the highest on record. This was authorised last year but but, nevertheless, the estimated no expenditure is anticipated for deficit is $3,856.715, a matter of the financial period ending March grave concern for this Council and 31 this year although the Imperial the Public.

Government is in urgent need of OX escort vessels for

if these Increases in taxation had]

Coming to the working of the operated for the whole of the 'pre-i ceding fifteen months, the revenue newly established Immigration De-now, when a tenant has would have been immeasurably partment. I would like to support plaint to make, he goes to a neu-one's front door open and not be also to stress the extreme serious-: higher, the difference between the the request which my Senior Chitral party; but with departmental robbed; where one may leave

ness of the many adverse reports agure obtained by using the re-nese colleague has made regarding collection, he will be faced with parcel in a tramcar and have it and complaints which far

the task of laying a complaint be-returned the next day seem to us venue of the previous year Es

many members of the public have has issuance of immigration certif-) fore the figure which basis and the

head of a Government fantastic and all us with wonder brought to the notice of us HON. MR. A. L. SHIELDS against one of his subordinate and envy. It is sad to think that officials. been given as a forecast would be cates.

Unfortunately, few. If A simplification in the rules of omcers, two totally different pro-we in Hong Kong must deep be- any of the serious charges made accentuated and the conservative

would procedure appears to be the solu-positions.

hind iron grilles and bolled shut-1 can be supported by evidence be- nature, of the estimate

tion. thereby be clearly demonstrated.

It appears to me that there is ters and yet not be free from cause those concerned are un- At present, before an applicant some confusion of thought as re-depredation. No one is respected, willing to come forward for that In this connexion, it may be noted that the Hon. Financial Se-can be issued with a certificate, he yards the issues involved. While be he magistrate or policeman, be purpose, but grievances

four requirements. improved transport or improved he taipan or ordinary shopkeeper. numerous that in the interests of cretary in his latest statement, has to fulfill gives a Revised Estimated Revenue Firstly, he has to obtain an appli- buckets would represent an impro-Nothing is free from Biching. It those few departments themselves, 02 $56.786,000, which includes War cation form: secondly, he must vement in the method of collection may only be a plank in a stair-as well as that of the public, an Taxation and new or additional have a photograph which is in and will be beneficial, the change case, a hook for fastening a win- enquiry should be held."

with specifications: in the status of the coolle Is, un-dow or a short length of wiring, duties brought into effect on the accordance

There are. however, some rays destroyers 18th January last; but as I have thirdly, he must send in his appli- important and is not a condition the saleable value

form properly completed precedent to the setting up of ade-infinitesimal though the replace

of hope in this gloomy picture, convoys. ex- not depended on the inclusion of cation

ment cost be high. As for motor

first that the recent and Vers The answer is, I understand, these new duties for comparison, and fourthly, he must apply for quate supervision.

pressed my

that the the certificate. In order to comply

cars, fountain pens and ear rings. Government was

necessary War Expenditure may difficulty or delay in getting steel As an alternative and a more these are stolen, picked from the

suffering from my remarks remain unaffected,

be reduced and finally disappear, and special equipment which had with these requirements, an ordin-

satisfactory solution, I submit that i

three deadly disabilities: firstly.

to dispense with second that actual Revenue for the to come from Home. position of the Colony, the Hon.ry person in addition to his visit the Urban Council should license pocket, or snatched in broad day

their inability to an authorised photographer

past three years has greatly ex- the services of an

Can we not help the cause more unsatisfactory the existing ccolies or a number of

If all crime were the result of servant: secondly, promotion

ceeded the "forecast and also the quickly and more efficiently by fact that when the second instal-would, in all probability, be comforemen to provide coolles, that

very heavy expense for emergency building standard ships which are ment of the 1934 Dollar Loan was Pelled to line up in a queue In fair the Council should take a deposit poverty,

for a cure, seniority rather than ability, and

food reserves has been written off also urgently required? weather or foul, in sun or rain, for from them and see that they carry difficult though it may be is not thirdly the higher pay obtaining three consecutive occasions before

and should not prove to be a total as compared with

We may be celebrating a victori- he could obtain his certificate and out their duties properly, any de- Impossible; but if a gambler steals in this Colony

loss.

ous peace before these special ves- then only presuming no hitch had quency to be punishable by fire. to get stake money and a dope most others, which reduces to a

I wish to thank His Excellency sels are in commission whereas desire, the minimum the Healthy transfer of the payment of which wil be fiend to satiate his guaranteed by the deposits sug- matter becomes far more complex. staff from one Colony to another, for agreeing to omit or reduce freighters will be in demand long I have learned that modifica-gested, with cancellation of H- NOT EAST PROBLEM

and breeds for too many parochial-several items of expenditure in the after the war is over.

draft Estimates as suggested by tions have now been introduced socênces in cases of grave or repeat-

Meantime. the liability for $4.- of We realise that the problem is minded Government servants.

this that a certificate may be obtained cd offence. We would most res-not an easy one. Apart from the

In the Report of the last War the Unofficial Members

700,000 remains in our commit- Select Com- Far from being a cause for disin as short a period as twenty-four pectfully urge Government to try question of arrest,

Revenue Committee the members, Council sitting in

ments and is a large enough sum hours. This is certainly welcome this alternative solution

to influence any inquiry into the news. If true; but there are still embarking on a scheme of depart-tion can be found without taking men of the Colony

before police matter, no permanent solu composed of the leading business mittee.

under the

NEW POLICE BLOCK

necessity for increased taxation, a case for congratulations. that the finances of the Colony should other aspects of the problem to mental collection.

Chairmanship of my Honourable" the provision of account which attention should be given at

I refer particularly to the pro-

CAME AS SHOCK be in that happy state whereby It'

Further, I have been informed sufficient prison accommodation, friend the Attorney General, were

unanimous in recommending posed new block at Police Head- could finance Itself out of its sur- an early date; I refer to the ex- that the present coolies through the creation of decent employ-

that Hus balances. The voicing of disamination of ships on arrival, the their guilds have petitioned Gor-ment

quarters at $800,000 which can and the introduction of return of deposits made by persons satisfaction. if any." must surety

"Before fresh taxation is im-probably be built for considerably remarks, when apply to the local money market entering without certificates and enment expressing their readiness genera: education. The higher the to introduce improvements in ethical standard of the people as

posed to meet this need. a Com-less when the cost of building Budget, raising the bogey of In- also the method of collecting and

mission (preferably

materials comes down to normal come Tax came as a shock after Royal 2 and more particularly to the local the fixing of the amount of these transport and in receptacles and a whole, the less there is of crime; taxpayer, that he should be ob-

to meet any requirements which and it is by going to fundamentals Commission) be set up to in- This question of cost of building the agreements reached last year. sessed by such difficulties as to deposits and the necessity of pay- Government may stipulate. It that it can be hoped to efface all vestigate the whole organisation also applies to the proposed In-War Taxation Revenue exceeded the therefore does not appear that the sores with which this Colony

of civil

this fectious Diseases Hospital at $1,- the estimated £gures and in government

900,000 of which it was proposed Finance Committee voted all sup- Government should have any rea- is beset,

Colony with a view to son to be apprehensive of a lack of

taining whether it is possible to to provide $500,000 in 1941/2 leav-plementary expenditure for De- effect economies which would ing a lability of $1,400,000 on an fence. The Budget since its in- progress.

permit of a substantial increase uncompleted building for the fol- troduction has come within sight in the programme of social ser-lowing year with a contract, placed of being balanced.

If further War expenditure is vices without undue increase of at present high prices." ment with the wide ramifications Finally, even if it could

taxation."

Government estimates of cost required this Colony will not being gradually restored by yearly involved, in the short time assign-shown, which many of us doubt, redemption of these bands fromed and perhaps with

We realise that the present sit- are apt to be largely exceeded grudge it, but let it be raised with- an insuff that it would be to the best inter-

"unforeseen for owing to

elreum in the framework of the existing funds allotted for that purpose out clency of staff, and office soace.est of the Colony that departmen- į We therefore, trust that Govern- uation renders it impossible

stances" and to changes found Tax Scheme by revising the rates this recommendation to be car- The public would not mind the tal collection should be adopted, it ment will undertake its just res- Iricidentally, in this connexion, delay and would be prepared to co- nevertheless still remains for Gov-ponsibilities and will make more ried out, but if the same Com- necessary as work proceeds. The of tax? provision has been made, under operate by suffering reasonable ernment to be satisfied that the serious and more strenuris efforts vilttee is reconstituted this year, postponement of the Hospital con-

tract may perhaps enable Head 22 of the Draft Estimates, as inconvenience, provided it is satis- use of public money is necessary, to stamp out crime. We owe it to I hope they will repeat this re-

commendation in their 1941 re-animity to be reached on what is pretext of an unbalanced Budget a charge on account of Public fed that the department is doing particularly when further taxation the innocent and lawabiding to Debt, for the payment of a sum of its best and is itself sympathetic is involved.

remove from them a constant fear port, lest 1940's be pigeon-holed really required, a subject about and we can only await the result which, rumour has it, there is of its deliberations but I believe $404,300 as interest on this parti- towards the bardships of the pub- The people who have recourse to lessness and insecurity.

and forgotten.

There is pressing need for

same difference of opinion.

any proposal to introduce Income cular loan. There is no doubt that, lic; but the complaint is that far the present system have never re-

thorough overhaul of a

urgent Tax for ordinary revenue purposes If the Hospital is an system as Government has taken more from being helpful, the officials of fused to

the pay. Take

ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES poorer than half of this loan, more than that department have shown noth-classes, whom it is intended to

which has raised the total of per- necessity can it not be built quick-will meet with even more oppost- Finally, I would like to draw the sonal etholuments to such a fabu-ly in isolated blocks on the lines tion than did the suggested In- two lakhs of that interest will be ing but incivility and the result is beneat. In their case, there will attention of Government to the lous sum that the Colony's taxable of the huts in St. John's Place? come Tax to find money to assist due to Government itself; but no- the creation of considerable resent be no actual relief; as where is mention made of this onment on the part of the public that most of them are only sub-price for the three commodities equal to also providing

we know necessity of maintaining a low capacity in normal timea is not These appear to a layman to be in the prosecution of the War.

what much more suitable as children The items of expenditure which the income side, a perfect example which is now clamouring for satis-tenants; and it will mean that the which the Chinese community should be provided for our social with any mumps or measles would have been cut in the Estimates

referred to as faction.

principal tenant, who, makes a considers essential for life, name- services.

"satisfaction, it appears to me to be

render his response to an attrac- tive form of investment on fav- ourable terms, so meagre.

50 far as Government is con cerned, no loss has been incurred

ing in Hongkong currency.

FAR FROM HELPFUL

I believe the general public is fair-minded enough to realise the difficulties which must be encoun-

as it is only making use of its idle tered in setting up a new depart- money and its cash position is:

of current revenue.

of what I have hidden reserves.

for a return to a sense of propor-i tion when that caution becomes

excessive. Its use is certainly not

NIGHTSOIL COLLECTION

Perhaps the most controversial

BEST INTEREST

be

into

a

The leavening of the masses takes time; but there's no need to remind Government of the urgency of the problem. Next to the prevention of invasion from

lessness and disorder from within.

without is the prevention of law-

of and a growing "concem for law

ascer-

The Hon. Financial Secretary's the

introducing

I

1:

The War Taxation Committee has been reconstituted under the

not be curtailed in war time we

not be under the same roof with now before us might well have In fairness to the head of the business out of sub-letting will be ly, rice, firewood and peanut oil. ORITICISM CONFIRMED `·

cholera or small-pox patients. been pushed through if we had In- In the ordinary course of events, department, I must quality what I spared a legitimate expense and I know from information which The paucity and mediocrity of There are. I feel sure several come Tax, by the simple expedient little criticism would be levelled at have said by stressing that when will derive a bigger profit thereby; has been furnished

to me as the executive material available items under Public Works Extra- of increasing the rate. In spite a Budget on these lines, as it is ever I have been deputed by my while on the other hand, tenants member of the Finance Committee this year, to fill the special war ordinary on which further econo of the wish of the Secretary of sound policy for the guardian of colleagues to see him, I have found of property with a water carriage that considerable steps have been time departments bas, I think, mies can be effected and I hope State for the Colonies that deve- the public purse to exercise cau-him not only most affable and system will be penalised by higher taken as regards the first two; but confi-med my last year's criticism the Hon. D. P. W. will do his best. lopment, social service, etc. should tion: but while caution which considerate "but ready to meet any rates. Can this be said to be an it is my earnest hope that more leads to the showing of a deficit is suggestions which we might have encouragement to the general in-will be done in the near future: that the executive heads of the of my colleagues will speak on the

up to the hilt. I venture to think I understand that at least one have to face hard facts. understandable; it is time to ask submitted.

troduction of water closets, or is it while as regards pea-nut oil, may Government staffed these depart subject of nightsofi removal being; not rather an inducement to cling I suggest that it should also re- ments not with

TIGHT REIN

to the old antiquated system?

men they const- undertaken by a Government De- ceive consideration?

dered to be suitable for the Jobs, partment at a cost of $384,000 for Government has attempted to In conclusion, I wish to associate but with senior men they had coolles only, an item which once Justified in painting a picture so of the items which are now ap-Justify the use of public money by myself with the tribute which my either to and jobs for or pension incurred will be recurrent. gloomy that a

call for further pearing for the first time in the claiming that it is through the use (Benior colleague has pald Your off long before their pensionable sacrifices will be unchallenged by a Budget is the provision for a of public" money that drains have Excellency for I can, from my own age. Although they probably community burdened by greatly scheme. Known as departmental been laid. There Ly an obvious experience, testify that whenever won't admit it, they know in their increased costs of living and bear-collection, whereby Government fallacy in this argument. Firstly, representations have been made heart of hearts that this is the This is a costly experiment at some untapped sources of taxation ing, albeit cheerfully, added taxa- will employ edolites, some 2,000 in the drains exist whether water to you, as head of the Government case. The Prime Minister has a time when War Expenditure is to meet further calls for defence

number for the removal of night- closets use them or not, and sec- concerning the welfare of the made it clear that he wants to rid a heavy drain on our resources and I hope offence. soll, the cost of the project to be ondly, drains alone do not make Chinese community. Your Excel-himself of much of the verblage and one which I understand will The lack of support for the last met by an increase of one per cent a water closet system; whereas lency has never failed to receive and red tape in which the service meantime carry on the present Government Loan should be a If the intention was to stimu- in the rates. My Chinese colleagues Government, in cases where the us with courtesy and sympathy: abounds. Let us pray that, at system owing to the inability to warning. The Public is deeply late. fresh efforts to support the and I learn with deep satisfaction owners of property have not and if I may be permitted, I would the end of this war, he will go

provide improved receptacles. I concerned, over the high cost of war, then a direct exhortation to that it has been decided by Gov- thought it to Lutall water closets, like to take advantage of this farther, and see that it is placed sincerely hope the measure will be Government, Pensions, etc, and the public to do its duty would ernment that this scheme should will be paying the whole cost of a opportunity to all my own ex have greater efficacy. We cannot stand over until further considera-system which takes the place of pression of gratitude.

I am not happy about the pro- Government spends its money,

tion as a war effort.

GREATER EFFICACY

14

COSTLY EXPERIMENT

We must keep a tight rein on expenditure by Government" De- partments on their pet schemes which may endanger the solvency of the Colony at a time when we need some dollars in the till and

on a more businesslike and work-postponed until we can afford it. about the carefree. way, in which

able footing..

1:

Fi