108444-1927-Minutes-No-9 — Page 3

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, OCTOBER 28, 1927. 455

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The Colonial Secretary replied as follows:-

As at present advised the Government does not propose to deal with motor- cars plying for public hire in the public streets of the Colony by---(a) fixing a scale of fares, or (b) insisting on each car so plying being pro- vided with a taximeter. The varying classes, types, makes and sizes of cars plying for public hire preclude the fixing of a general rate for all public cars. Uniformity of design of car is essential for the use of taxi- meters and the variety of public hire cars makes a general taximeter scheme impracticable. It is, however, hoped that the proposals now before the Government for a new Taxicab Service will mature shortly and that the Companies concerned will be in a position to start the ser- vice early in the New Year.

The Hon. Mr. W. E. L. SHENTON- Arising out of the answer to my question, is it a fact that two concerns have recently applied for licences to run taxis in this Colony?

The Colonial Secretary- There are negotiations proceeding with the Government.

for private licences in the Colony.

6. The Hon. Mr. W. E. L. SHENTON also asked :-

Have any of the appointments, referred to in the Honourable Colonial Secre- tary's Budget Speech of the 1st September, for the purpose of dealing with Malaria, yet been made?

If yes. have the officers commenced their duties?

The Colonial Secretary replied as follows:-

The answer is in the negative. The recommendations must first receive the approval of the Secretary of State for the Colonies and in any case funds, will not be available until January 1st, 1998. If the recommendations are approved by the Secretary of State the appointments will be made as soon as possible after January 1st next.

MOTIONS.

7. The Colonial Secretary moved the following Resolution:-

That whereas by the provisions of section 7 of the Tramway Ordinance, 1902, it is provided that subject to the approval of the Governor in Council after timely and adequate notification by public advertisement or otherwise of the intention of the Company referred to in the said Ordinance to apply for such approval, and after such approval has been confirmed by a resolution of the Legislative Council, the company may construct and maintain, subject to the provisions of the said Ordinance, and in accordance with plans previously deposited in the office of the Director of Public Works, all such lines, crossings, passing places, sidings, junctions, turn-tables and other works in addition to or as extensions of those particularly specified in and authorized by the said Ordinance as may be approved of by the Governor in Council, and may work and use the same:

And Whereas, timely and adequate notification having been give by public advertisement of the intention of the company to apply for the approval of the Governor in Council to the construction and maintenance, in accordance with plans to be deposited in the office of the Director of Public Works, of a double tramway line, in place of the then existing. single line, on the sections of the tramway from Causeway Bay to Shaukiwan described in section 3 of the said Ordinance as sections Nos. 6 and 7 of the tramway, the Company duly applied for the approval of the Governor in Council to the construction and maintenance of the said double line :

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