303893-1941-Minutes-No-7 — Page 4

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THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, MAY 23, 1941.

on 9th October, 1940, and financial provision was included in the Budget for 1941-42. A decision was reached on 20th March, 1941, and it was announced that collection by the Sanitary Department would begin on the first of May, 1941.

Every effort was made by the Chairman of the Urban Council to induce persons employed on nightsoil collection to apply for employment under the Government and they were given until April 23rd to do so. By that date it had become evident that the majority of these would not come forward and it then became necessary to recruit others to take their place.

Since the beginning of this month demonstrations have taken place and representatives of persons formerly engaged in nightsoil collection have been interviewed by Government officials. The object of these repre- sentations has been to obtain a postponement of the inauguration of the new system for a considerable period, it being asserted at the same time that the demonstrators have no desire to obtain employment under the Government Scheme.

Departmental collection of nightsoil has been undertaken as a measure of public health with the support of the Urban Council and of the Govern- ment's advisers on health matters and a reversion to the former system, or lack of system, is now out of the question; it is felt therefore that no useful purpose can be served by further representations on these lines. The attitude of the Government has been clearly stated and no reversal of general policy will be considered. Nor can any claim to compensation for the loss of a privilege which has no legal foundation be considered; cases of individual hardship if brought to the notice of the proper authorities will however receive sympathetic attention. The full quota of collectors has now been engaged but applications from persons formerly engaged in the trade will still be given priority for consideration as vacancies occur; and for any who may become desti- tute maintenance in Government camps is available as well as assistance for those who wish to return to the country.

MOTIONS.

6. The Financial Secretary addressed the Council and moved the following

resolution:-

RESOLVED pursuant to sections 3 and 4 of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, 1931, with effect from two o'clock p.m. on Thursday, the tenth day of April, 1941, as follows--

[s. 3.] APPLICATION OF ORDINANCE TO TOILET

PREPARATIONS AND CERTAIN OTHER SUBSTANCES,

All the provisions of the Dutiable Commodities Ordin- ance, 1931, except Parts II, III and IV thereof, shall apply to toilet preparations.

For the purposes of this resolution "toilet preparations" means any substance commonly used for the toilet and includes-

toilet soup;

shaving soap and cream;

tooth paste or powder and liquid preparations for dental

purposes or mouth washes;

perfumed spirits;

toilet paste or powder;

toilet cream;