40
156.
Miscellaneous. Provision of $2,500,000 is included for works contingent on develop- ment, a recurring vote which includes road works and main drainage required from time to time for new areas being developed. The only new item in this section is a provision of $1,000,000 to cover minor works in Category D listed in Appendix II to the Estimates.
157.
General. The substantial increase in the total provision under this Head is due primarily to the fact that two major projects, i.e. the Tai Lam Chung Water scheme and the new Airport are being proceeded with simultaneously. It is not intended that expenditure on Public Works Non-recurrent should remain at this high level indefinitely.
HEAD 32 — QUARTERING
Estimate 1955/56
$2,048,600
Revised estimate 1954/55
2,332,000
Approved estimate 1954/55
2,055,833
Actual expenditure 1953/54
1,921,415
1954/55
1955/56
Difference
Permanent staff
Supernumerary staff
9
8
1
1
1
158.
The decrease of one post in the permanent establishment is in respect of a Hostel Manageress no longer required following the closing down of the Macdonnell Road Hostel. After allowing for this decrease and for normal increments and salaries revision the vote for Personal Emoluments is reduced by $3,013.
159.
Under Other Charges, the provision of $181,900 for rent and compensation for premises leased to the public includes compensation rental of $135,900 in respect of the Nathan Theatre for the period 3rd August, 1949 to 31st March, 1955. Reductions under other subheads are in respect of the closing down of the Macdonnell Road Hostel, giving a net reduction of $4,220 in the vote for Other Charges.
160.
as follows:-
HEAD 33 - RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT
Estimate 1955/56
$482,900
Revised estimate 1954/55
365,000
Approved estimate 1954/55
466,878
Actual expenditure 1953/54
327,349
Permanent staff
1954/55
39
1955/56
43
Difference
+4
The net increase of four posts comprises ten new posts less six existing posts deleted,
New posts
1 Valuation Assistant Class I
1 Valuation Assistant Class II
5 Valuation Assistants Class III 2 Clerks
1 Messenger
Existing posts deleted.
5 Inspectors of Tenements
1 Assistant Inspector of Tenements
10
6
=
The new posts of Valuation Assistant were created during the year in place of the Inspectors of Tenements and Assistant Inspector of Tenements, the object being to provide a training grade with a view to creating a reservoir for future professional appointment. This was considered particularly important in view of the impending extension of the urban system of rating to the New Territories and the need to revalue properties in Hong Kong and Kowloon, quite apart
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