1912-10-24 — Page 1

PRESENT:―

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 81 24TH OCTOBER, 1912.

Papers

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR F. H. MAY, K.C.M.G.

HON. THE OFFICER COMMANDING THE TROOPS, COLONEL C. W. R. ST. JOHN.

HON. MR. CLAUD SEVERN (Colonial Secretary).

HON. MR. J. A. S. BUCKNILL (Attorney General).

HON. MR. A. M. THOMSON (Colonial Treasurer).

HON. MR. W. CHATHAM, C.M.G. (Director of Public Works).

HON. MR. E. R. HALLIFAX (Registrar General).

HON. CAPTAIN F. J. BADELEY (Captain Superintendent of Police).

HON. SIR KAI HO KAI, M.D., C.M.G.

HON. MR. WEI YUK.

HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C.

HON. MR. C. H. ROSS.

HON. MR. J. W. C. BONNAR.

MR. R. H. CROFTON (Clerk of Councils). Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and appoved.

Financial Minutes

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table Financial Minutes Nos. 48 to 53, and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

Financial

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY laid on the table the report of the Finance Committee (No. 10), and moved its adoption.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following paper:―Report of Proceedings of the Public Works Committee, No. 3.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the Quarterly Return of Excesses on subheads met by savings under Heads of Expenditure, and Estimate of Expenditure in connection with the Kowloon-Canton Railway (British Section) during the year 1912.

Scavenging and Conservancy

Bye-Laws

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved that the Council approve of the Scavenging and Conservancy Bye-laws made under section 16 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance.

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS seconded.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―Sir, there is one bye law which, I think, requires attention, and that is bye-law No. 8. Bye law No. 8 reads:―"The occupier of any premises situate within any of the districts specified in bye-law No. 1 (1) or if there be no occupier the owner or the immediate landlord shall make due provision for the daily removal from his premises of all ashes, domestic waste, refuse and other objectionable matters to the dust carts, dust baskets, dust-bins or dust boats provided by the Sanitary Board, or by the scavenging contractors." Now, Sir, that clause among others, inasmuch as it refers to sub-section of section I., refers to the Hill District, and the procedure as set out in clause 8 seems to be altogether inapplicable to the practice which has hitherto prevailed in the Hill District. In the Hill District the householder has provided himself with a proper bin for containing ashes, domestic refuse, and so on, and that bin is placed and remains permanently in a convenient

82 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

place in the backyard of the householder of the Peak, and somebody comes along and empties it early in the morning in my house at 2.30 a.m. At all events the practice which actually prevails, as there is no removal of ashes, domestic waste or refuse, is that it simply remains in the bin until somebody comes into the backyard at night and clears it away. As this clause 8 reads, it might be taken to mean if somebody does not chance to come round to collect the ashes, I may be compelled under this bye-law to send all this refuse down to the dust boats. I certainly think it advisable that some amendment should be made, because as it stands it is open to misconstruction. I do not suppose for one moment that it is intended to alter the present practice, but I think it objectionable to have a bye-law so worded that under certain circumstances it can be made liable to abuse. Therefore, I move that this bye law be referred back to the Sanitary Board, as I am quite sure it will be possible to amend it in some way which will make it fit in with the practice actually prevailing. I understand that, as regards houses on the lower levels, the practice is somewhat different from that which prevails in the Hill District. The householder does not leave his bin in the yard, but puts it somewhere on the road for the dust coolies to collect on going their rounds. My point is quite clear. This wording is not as suitable as it might be, and certainly is open to misconstruction.

HIS EXCELLENCY―I have not got the bye laws for which these are made and substituted.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―I have not looked them up myself, but I am told that this bye-law is identical in language with the previous bye law. There is no reason when passing a new set why it should not be altered.

HIS EXCELLENCY―No. It had better be made clear. It can stand over till next meeting, and we will look into the matter.

Kowloon-Canton Railway

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY ― Before moving the Resolution which stands in my name I will, with your Excellency's permission, say a few words in explanation of the expenditure which it is estimated will be necessary to complete the construction and equipment of the British Section of the Kowloon-Canton Railway.

It will be within the recollection of honourable members that at the meeting of this Council held on 27th of April, 1911, they voted a sum of $412,501 for Railway Construction during the year 1911. For various reasons into which I need not now enter a sum of only $137,075 was spent during the year, leaving a balance which lapsed of $275,427. Therefore, a large portion of the net amount which the Council is asked to sanction for disbursement during the current year is in reality in the nature of a re-vote. The total sum now estimated as being required to complete the construction and equipment of the Main and Branch Lines as shown in columns 5 and 6 of the Statement amounts to $2,128,052, or, excluding the sum of $1,473,880 already voted by Council for the Station site, to $654,172. The principal items of which this last figure is composed fall under five main heads of expenditure, namely, (i) Station and Station Yard, (ii) Locomotives, (iii) Addition to Engine and Engine Shops (iv) Carriage and Wagon Rolling Stock, and (v) Manager's House. I will deal separately with each of these heads.

Station and Station Yard

The provision required on this account is distributed under the following heads of charge: ―

Formation.

(c.)―Roads .......................................... $ 6,655 Track.

(a.)―Ballast....................................... 10,954 (b.)―Permanent Way......................... 31,075 Station and Buildings.

(a.)―Buildings and Fixtures................ 254,128 (b.)―Station Machinery....................... 18,981 (c.)―Furniture ..................................... 6,000 General Charges.

(a.)―(1.) Salaries and Allowances...... 12,477 (2.) Office Expenses .................. 1,002

$341,272

For explanation of these items I would refer honourable members to the Manager's notes in column 7 of the Statement. It is impossible to estimate with any degree of certainty what the cost of the station building will be until the plans are prepared, but the Government do not wish to spend more than $200,000 at present if it can be avoided, though it may be necessary to spend a further sum

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 83

not exceeding $100,000 in order to provide all the accommodation required. You informed the Council, Sir, at its last meeting that the designs for the station were by kind permission of the Government of the Federated Malay States being prepared by Mr. A. B. Hubback, Government Architect. Mr. Hubback will submit his preliminary sketches for approval before he proceeds to the preparation of general drawings, specification and estimate.

Locomotives

The sum of $5,000 included under Head of Charge IX. Plant (e) Locomotive Rolling Stock, is intended to cover the cost of two locomotives. One of these engines was ordered early in 1911 and was provided for in the Estimates of Railway Capital Expenditure for that year, but owing to delay in shipment the vote lapsed on 31st December. Provision for a fourth tank locomotive was, you will remember, included under special expenditure chargeable to capital in the railway open line estimates for the current year, but owing to a reduction in traffic receipts consequent upon the revolution and the unsettled state of South China and to the heavy calls on revenue on other accounts it has been considered advisable to meet this expenditure out of funds provided by loan. This method of financing is quite legitimate, because with the addition of one more main line engine, making five in all, and of one more branch line engine, making three in all, for which a provision of $55,000 is made in "estimate to complete," the total expenditure of this account will be no more than is necessary to place the engine power both as regards the main and branch lines on a sound working basis. The third and fourth main line engines arrived on 14th June and are now in service. The Government is at present in correspondence with the Crown Agents with reference to the placing of orders for the fifth main line and third branch line engines.

Addition to Engine Shops

These additional locomotives necessitate an addition to engine shops for which $10,000 is included for disbursement this year and $5,000 next year under Head of Charge VIII. Stations and Buildings (d) Workshops.

Carriage and Wagon Rolling Stock

The sum of $107,000 inserted under head of Charge IX. Plant (f) includes the cost of eight coaches for which provision was made in the Estimate of Railway Capital Expenditure for the year 1911; which provision, however, lapsed on 31st December owing to non-delivery of the underframes. These carriages are now in service. The estimate of $18,512 in the column "to complete" is for coaches for the Fanling Shautokok branch line.

Manager's House

A sum of $20,000 for a house for the Manager was, you will remember, included under special expenditure charge to capital in the railway open line estimates for the current year, but for the reasons given in the preceding paragraph in the case of locomotives it has been decided to meet this expenditure out of funds provided by loan. Provision was included in the open line estimates on the supposition that a suitable site could be found on Crown Land. In December last the Manager of the Railway and an officer of the Public Works Department were instructed to inspect the sites available and to make a joint recommendation. They reported that there were only three worthy of serious consideration, namely, (i) Observatory Hill, (ii) a site immediately North of K.I.L. 1132, both on Crown land, and (iii) a portion of Garden Lot 31 privately owned. They stated, however, that both the Director of the Observatory and the Director-designate had raised strong objections to the erection of any further building in close proximity to the Observatory owing to the adverse effect it would have on the magnetic instruments; and that as regards site (ii) it lay inconveniently close to the native district of Yaumati and would be hot in summer. They therefore recommended that if possible site (iii) should be acquired. On further investigation it was, however, found that the acquisition of the site, together with the erection thereon of a suitable house, would together cost no less than $60,000. These officers were then instructed to go into the question of purchasing outright a suitable house in Kowloon. They reported in January that the only suitable house available for acquisition was one situated on K.I.L. 1132 containing on

84 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

the ground floor three rooms and four on the first floor with detached kitchen and servants' quarters. It was subsequently ascertained that the owner would be willing to accept $60,000 for the property, the area of which is 50,929 square feet. Deducting $25,000 for the value of the house and servants' quarters, upon which a sum of $42,000 was spent in construction in 1902-3 by the then owner, the amount asked for

Section) during the year 1912."

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―Sir, I should like to ask whether the sum of $2,000 in subdivision 10 of the general charges contains any part of the architect's fee?

the land works out at $35,000 or about

3 68

4

HIS EXCELLENCY―It does not.

cents per square foot. This property, which is a very valuable one, the Government now propose to acquire, and to charge the value of the house and 24,933 square feet to Railway Capital Account (see Head of Charge X General Charges (a) (2) Quarters and Offices), and to pay for the balance comprising 25,996 square feet out of Colonial Revenue. There is little Crown land in this neighbourhood and the Government may require land there in the near future. Honourable members will have noticed that provision for this latter purpose has been included in the Public Works Extraordinary Estimates for 1913 (item No. 43). It is further proposed that the Manager should be charged a 1 4

rent equal to per cent. on $25,000, the value

2

of the house, that the necessary heavy furniture should be provided and that he should pay an annual rental of 10 per cent. thereon. The expenditure on Railway Capital account to 31st December, 1911, amounted to $12,021,503, and it is estimated that the repayments of the Wuchang Loan will fall short of that figure by $307,212. In addition to this capital liability there is the amount voted under Financial Minute 25 of 29th May, 1912, for purchase of land for the station site, namely, $1,473,879.25, and also the sum of $654,173, the details of which I have explained at some length in the preceding paragraphs. The total capital liability will therefore amount to $2,435,264, and to meet it the Government propose to take advantage of the authority conveyed by the Railway Loan Ordinance, 1905, and by the General Loan and Inscribed Stock Ordinance of the same year to make a further issue of Inscribed Stock to the extent of £250,000. I therefore move the resolution standing in my name as follows:―

"It is hereby resolved that a sum of Dollars Three hundred and nine thousand two hundred and fourteen be advanced out of funds in the custody of the Government for the construction of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (British

HON. MR. POLLOCK―That being so, I will defer my remarks with reference to the terminal station at Kowloon to my budget speech.

QUESTIONS.

The State of the Roads

THE HON. MR. E. OSBORNE, in terms of notice, asked:―

1.―Is the Government aware that for several months portions of the following roads―Barker Road, Magazine Gap Road, Seymour Road, Robinson Road and Hollywood Road have been in a state of disrepair?

2.―Will the Government state why these roads were not given attention as soon as it became necessary to repair them?

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS replied:―

1.―The Government have been aware that portions of the roads mentioned were in need of repair in order to restore them to good condition.

2.―To reply to this question, it is necessary to deal with each road separately.

Barker Road.―Repairs were delayed as it was intended to substitute tar-macadam for the material hitherto used. With the apparatus available, the production of tar-macadam is a slow process and, as the Tramway Company desired to replace the concrete surfacing of that portion of their track between the City Hall and Post Office with such material, arrangements were made to supply them with it. Barker Road, which is of less importance from a public point of view, has consequently had to stand over. Work on the repairs was, however, begun on the 3rd instant and is now in progress.

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 85

Magazine Gap Road.―This road was all put in good order in July last. The rainstorm of the 15th August, when 6 inches of rain fell, washed away the binding material, leaving the surface very rough. To avoid a repetition of this, it was decided to tar the surface and that portion of the road from May Road downwards was so dealt with, the work being completed about the 9th instant. It was found impossible, however, to do the whole road at present, as had been intended, and ordinary blinding operations were therefore executed on the remainder of it.

Seymour Road.―The necessary repairs to the worst portion of this road were completed last month. The remainder of the road, which was in somewhat better condition, was left in abeyance as there was more pressing work to be done elsewhere. It has since received attention, the repairs being nearly completed.

Robinson Road.―A considerable length of this road was resurfaced with tar-macadam in July: the remainder of it being patched where necessary with ordinary macadam. Further repairs were postponed on account of more pressing work elsewhere, the surface of the remaining portion being in fair condition.

Hollywood Road.―This road is surfaced with concrete practically thoughout its entire length. It is of great importance that proper supervision should be exercised over work of this nature and, owing to the invaliding of one overseer out of the service and the illness of another extending over several months, the carrying out of the work was delayed. The worst portion of the road was resurfaced some time ago and the remainder is now well in hand.

The Escape of a Prisoner from

the Hospital

THE HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK in accordance with notice, asked:―

Why was the man who entered Beaconsfield Arcade at night and who subsequently escaped from the Government Civil Hospital sent to that Hospital instead of to the Prison Hospital? Was there not room in the Prison Hospital at the time? Were there any other persons under Police detention in the Government Civil Hospital at the time. Will the Government lay upon the

table the statement, or, if more than one, the statements of Chinese Constable 393 as to how the man succeeded in making his escape? Did the Constable let the man out of his sight accidentally or intentionally, and, if so, for how long?

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied as follows:―

The man was not committed to gaol but was in police custody. He could not be sent to the Gaol Hospital without a Magistrate's warrant. There was one other person who was under detention by the Police in the Government Civil Hospital. The only statement made by Chinese Constable 393 Wong Kwan was as follows:―"I am Chinese Constable 393. On the 5th instant I was on duty at the Government Civil Hospital Ward No. 20, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., watching a prisoner named Wu Kan. He was handcuffed in bed No. 5. At 9.15 he made an excuse that he wanted to obey a call of nature. The handcuffs were then on, he did not ask for the handcuffs to be taken off and I did not remove them or touch them nor was I ordered by the Doctor or any person in hospital to do so. I do not know the prisoner, he is no relation or friend of mine. He is a Punti and I am a Hok Lo. When I reached the north verandah, from which I could see into the bathroom, only the top of the prisoner's head was visible outside the window." There is no reason to believe that the Constable intentionally allowed the man to escape, so that it must be presumed that he let the man out of his sight accidentally for such time as was required for him to reach the north verandah.

Trucks and Trollies

THE HON. MR. POLLOCK, in terms of notice, asked:―

Are any steps taken, and what, and by whom, to test the efficiency of brakes on trucks, trollies and handcarts, when loaded up? Are there any and what Regulations in force making the use of such brakes compulsory under a penalty?

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied:―

The answers to these questions are in the negative. Regulations are now being framed dealing with these matters.

86 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The Prison Staff

THE HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, in terms of notice, asked:―

Will the Government give the numbers of (i.)―Prison Officers on the European Staff, and

(ii.)―Prison Officers on the Indian Staff, who have been on the Prison Staff and who have either (a) left or (b) been dismissed from the Prison Staff, for each year since and including 1902?

Will the Government also state in how many of such instances the Officer was drafted from the Prison Staff into the Police Force?

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied:― The numbers employed on the Prison Staff are as follows:―

Europeans.

1902/1903............................. 28

1904/1909............................. 31

1910...................................... 27

1911 ...................................... 26

1912...................................... 24

Indians.

1902...................................... 50

1903...................................... 52

1904...................................... 59

1905/1909............................. 65

1910/1911 ............................. 54

1912...................................... 66

The numbers who have left the Prison Staff are: ―

Resigned. Dismissed.

The Escape from the Gaol

THE HON. MR. POLLOCK, in terms of notice, asked:―

(i.)―Will the Government state what kind of instrument was used by the prisoner who escaped from Victoria Gaol in the early morning of the 5th instant in digging his way out through the wall? Will the Government also state how the prisoner (so far as can be ascertained) managed to get hold of such an instrument?

(ii.)―Will the Government upon the table the Departmental Inquiry as to how the prisoner made his escape?

(iii.)―Will the Government state how often during the night each cell is looked into, (a.)―By an Officer on the European Staff, and

(b.)―By an Officer on the Indian Staff? (iv.)―At what hours do the sanitary coolies go round the cells and under what supervision do they go round? Are they Chinese and are they free men or prisoners?

(v.)―How many officers and of what rating, (a.)―Belonging to the European Staff and (b.)―Belonging to the Indian Staff are

inside of the walls of the Prison, at one and the same time, between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.?

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied:― (i.)―The prisoner used a portion of the handle of a sanitary bucket, but it has not been possible to ascertain how he got possession of it. (iii.)―It is not usual to lay such documents

Euro peans.

Indians. Euro peans.

Indians .

upon the table of the Council. The result of the Departmental Enquiry went to show that a

1902........ 1....... 5....... 1....... 0 1903........ 3....... 6....... 0....... 2 1904........ 1....... 3....... 1....... 0 1905........ 4....... 9....... 2....... 2 1906........ 3....... 16...... 2....... 0 1907........ 8....... 17...... 2....... 4 1908........ 5....... 8....... 0....... 1 1909........ 2....... 11...... 2....... 6 1910........ 2....... 18...... 2....... 4 1911........ 1....... 8....... 3*...... 1 1912........ 0....... 14...... 4*...... 4

*1. Deserted in 1911. 2. Deserted in 1912. There have been no Europeans transferred to the Police Force, and there is no record of any Indians who have joined the Police after leaving the Prison Staff, but there have probably been about half a dozen who have so joined.

certain European Gaol Official was to blame in the matter, and his case is being dealt with. (iii) (a.)―The European Officers on night duty do not look into every cell, but they look into the cells of "specially watched" prisoners about every two hours. The man Wong Cheuk was a "specially watched" prisoner.

(b.)―The Indian Officers look into every cell at intervals of about a quarter of an hour, and into the cells of "specially watched" prisoners at shorter intervals.

(iv.)―The sanitary coolies do not go round the cells at all. The prisoners themselves remove the buckets to the west

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 87

ramp, and are then locked up in the cells. The scavengers come at 5.45 a.m. and no prisoners are out of the cells while the scavengers are within the gaol precincts.

(v.)―The numbers are as follows:―

(a.) ― One Principal Warder and one warder.

(b.)―Fifteen.

The Crown Solicitors Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to make provision for the appointment of and to define the power of the Crown Solicitors and Assistant Crown Solicitors of the Colony." In doing so he said―Members of Council are aware why this Ordinance is introduced. It is introduced because new arrangements are made by which the legal business of the Government will be carried out in future by officers of the Government. The old arrangement was that the legal business of the Government other than that carried on actually and personally by the Attorney-General was carried on through the medium of a private firm of solicitors. That arrangement has expired, and the new arrangement is now actually in force. There was an Ordinance passed last year of a temporary character which this present Ordinance supersedes, and under the present Ordinance the arrangements for the appointment of Crown Solicitors and assistant Crown Solicitors and their duties will be regulated. There is nothing in the present Ordinance which in any way interferes with private practitioners, their practice or their rights.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

The Objects and Reasons of the Bill are as follows:―To regularize the appointment, status and powers of the officers who under the new scheme under which the legal work of the Government is being and is to be conducted are to be styled Crown Solicitors and Assistant Crown Solicitors. The old arrangements under which the legal practice connected with the Government was carried on (other than through the Attorney-General) by a private firm of solicitors has been altered and it has now been arranged that such work will be carried on substantially entirely by officers of the Government. An Ordinance of temporary character (the Crown Solicitors Ordinance, 1911) was passed last year which it is proposed should

be replaced by the present Bill.

The China Congregational Church Ordinance

SIR KAI HO KAI moved the first reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to provide for the incorporation of the Church Body of the China Congregational Church in Hongkong." In doing so he said―The objects and reasons have been appended to the Bill, but perhaps a few remarks from me will explain the objects of the Bill. The China Congregational Church Body in Hongkong was established in 1898 by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, which was incorporated in Boston, U.S.A. This building cost them roughly about $38,000, some $18,000 of which was subscribed by local Chinese Christians in the Colony. This Church has been in existence for the last four years and now the time has arrived when the Congregational Church Body in Hongkong is able to manage its business for itself, and the American Mission is willing to transfer the property over to the native Church for the use and the management of its members on the refunding to the mission of something like $20,000. I think the Government is well aware of the whole question, and I understand there will be no objection on the Government's part to the incorporation of this Church by Ordinance. The members of the Church Body of this Church I know to be respectable men of this Colony. This Ordinance is, of course, necessary to confer upon them the power and the rights to hold property and also to manage the Church affairs. With these few remarks I beg to move the first reading of the Bill, and would further move that the reading of the title be deemed sufficient for the purposes thereof.

HON. MR. WEI YUK seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

The Objects and Reasons are:―The Church Body of the China Congregational Church in Hongkong, having agreed to acquire the land and building (Inland Lot 1424), now registered in the name of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, which have since the completion of the buildings been occupied by the Congregational Church, desire to be incorporated for that purpose, and in order to enable them to regulate the membership and other matters relating to the Church.

88 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Criminal Sessions Law Amendment Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to amend the Law relating to Criminal Sessions." In doing so he said―The object of this Bill, as members know, is to arrange conveniently for the visits of the Judge who is coming to make up the Full Court from His Majesty's Court in China, and in order that these visits may not clash with the present arrangements of the Criminal Sessions it is necessary that the Criminal Sessions should not be held in the two months which are referred to in the Bill. At present when a prisoner is committed for trial he has got to be committed to the Sessions which are going to be held the following month, and under this proposed law it will be so arranged that he need not be committed to the Sessions in those months in which the learned Judge from His Britannic Majesty's Court in China will be sitting as a member of the Full Court. That is the whole point of this Bill. It amends the present Ordinance so that these arrangements can be properly carried out.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

Council then went into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.

On resuming,

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL reported that the Bill had passed through committee with slight amendments, and moved that it be read a third time.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.

Vehicles and Traffic Regulation

Ordinance, 1912

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the law with respect to vehicles and traffic." In doing so he said―The object of this Ordinance is to consolidate and simplify the present law in this Colony relating to the regulation of vehicles and traffic, and as

members will see the present law is contained in a variety of enactments which it is thought better should really be included in one. The effect of the new Ordinance would not be to materially affect the law as it at present stands. The Bill defines carefully the different classes of vehicle a difficulty which is always arising when questions of whether a person has behaved wrongly with a vehicle or not have to be considered. Then it gives power to the Governor-in-Council to make such regulations as may be necessary for the licensing of vehicles and their conduct, the use of a proper safety appliance, the fees which have got to be charged for licensing, and generally so that the public may be properly safeguarded against the improper use by others of any sorts of vehicles which are included in this Ordinance. I beg to move the second reading of the Bill.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

Merchant Shipping Amendment

Ordinance, 1912

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to amend the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899."

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

Council then went into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.

On resuming,

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL reported that the Bill had passed through committee, and moved that it be read a third time.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.

Supplementary Appropriation Bill

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the second reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to authorize the appropriation of a further supplementary sum of twenty-eight thousand six hundred dollars and forty-five cents, to defray the charges of the year 1911."

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THE COLNIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

THE ESTIMATES.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the second reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding seven million one hundred and sixteen thousand four hundred and fifty-four dollars to the Public Service of the year 1913."

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―Sir, I have been asked by the unofficial members of this Colony to be their spokesman in regard to the estimates for the year 1913, and therefore in what I am about to say I am voicing the sentiments of my unofficial colleagues as well as my own. Sir, we are compelled to make certain representations which will lead to increased expenditure, for whilst we fully realise the force of your Excellency's remark that strict economy is necessary, we do not consider that it would be sound economy to stint ourselves in regard to matters which are essential to the good order, welfare and progress of this Colony. In regard to the question of the contribution made by the Home Government in the matter of opium, we regret that we cannot agree with your Excellency that we have been liberally treated in this matter. On the contrary, Sir, we have received in the past sums of money which were altogether insufficient to compensate us for the loss sustained by this Colony, and it is most unsatisfactory that further payments should stop now at this time when we are faced with heavy expenditure. I will now proceed, Sir, to comment upon various headings in the estimates, and I think it will be convenient if I do so in the order which was adopted by your Excellency at the last meeting of this Council. With regard to the question of Police, we fully realise that the regrettable and in some respects humiliating attack upon Cheung Chau police station has rendered it necessary for a corsiderable increase to be made in the police force stationed in the new Territories, and we join with you, Sir, in warmly thanking the military authorities for the assistance rendered by the military patrols, who have done excellent work under trying conditions. With regard to the increase of twenty

European constables to the police force for the policing of what is obviously the most important of this Colony, from the point of view of commerce and population, namely, the city of Victoria and Old Kowloon, we regret to say that we regard that increase as being wholly inadequate. I think, Sir, that it is a matter of common knowledge that Chinese are reluctant to live in outlying districts in this Colony, more especially at Yaumati, and we would therefore urge upon the Government the necessity for a further considerable increase in the police force of this Colony for the protection of residents and their property in the city of Victoria and Old Kowloon. Sir, we consider that, merely looking at this matter from what we may call an insurance point of view, it would be sound policy to pay a bigger police insurance premium for the protection of property from theft than the sum which is put down in next year's estimates, roughly seven lakhs of dollars. In support of this contention I would refer the Council to paragraph 10 of the Report of the Captain Superintendent of Police for last year, from which it will be seen that the net loss of property by theft after deducting the value of stolen property recovered, amounted last year to about $200,000, and in the previous year amounted to an even larger sum, namely, $250,000. Therefore, Sir, we think we are justified in saying that, purely as matter of insurance against loss of property, there should be a bigger expenditure upon police for the protection of property in this Colony. As regards the proposed strengthening of the means of police patrol by water, we are entirely in accord with the steps which the Government proposes to take for that purpose. Thefts in this harbour are very numerous, and shipowners are compelled to employ special watchmen for the protection of cargo. With regard to the police force, we feel it our duty to refer to certain sinister rumours which have got abroad with reference to alleged corruption in the police force. Your record, Sir, as Head of the force was such a splendid one, you assailed bribery and corruption with a bold unflinching front, probing to the very root of the evil, that we venture to appeal to you, Sir, to make a most purity and conduct of the police force, searching inquiry into this matter. The important at all times, is doubly important now when we have a large criminal

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population from the neighbouring Kwangtung province taking shelter in our midst. Before leaving the question of the police force, I would state that we regret that it has not been found practicable to carry out a scheme which has been mooted to the Government from time to time, namely, that private watchmen, of whom such large numbers are employed in this Colony, should be affiliated to the police force and put under regular discipline and control. People in this Colony find it difficult to get watchmen of a satisfactory class, and we feel confident that if they could be organised in some way similar to the district watchmen that it would be a very great boon to this Colony. I now pass on, Sir, to the prison vote. There can be no doubt that the recent escape of a prisoner from gaol has created a very bad impression in the public mind with reference to the efficiency of the steps which are taken in the Gaol to prevent prisoners from communicating with others inside the Gaol. It also suggests doubts as to the adequacy in numbers of the Gaol staff, and as to the organisation of that staff. Further, it has shown that the materials used in the construction of parts of the Gaol leave very much to be desired. It has demonstrated consequently the necessity for a system of guards to be placed in the court yards of the prison to prevent the escape of prisoners. I now pass on to consider, in connection with the prison vote, a subject which has been ventilated a great deal in the Press lately, namely, the question of the sufficiency of the salaries of the prison staff. Whether these suggestions are well founded or not we cannot say, but we venture to urge upon your Excellency the appointment of a Commission for the purpose of taking into account the following matters in connection with the prison staff, namely, first, whether they are sufficient in numbers; secondly, the question of their training and organisation; and, thirdly, the question of the sufficiency of the salaries paid to them. With regard to the last suggested item of inquiry, unofficial members fully realise from your Excellency's speech made at the last meeting of the Council, that in the present state of our finances and with the present heavy demands upon the resources of the Colony, that any increase in our burdens must be carefully scrutinised. But, Sir, we want at least to be satisfied that justice is being done to a body of men who have unpleasant work to perform and long hours on duty. With regard to the question of prison accommodation, the answers which

were given in this Council on the 22nd August last to my honourable colleague opposite (Hon. Mr. Osborne) revealed a state of affairs which can only be described as deplorable. It appeared from the answers given to my honourable friend that there were 736 persons confined in prison, whilst there were cells for 626 only, and that in some cases there were no less than three men in cells designed for one, and that as a consequence of that state of affairs over 400 prisoners had been released before the expiration of their sentences. Of course, Sir, we recognise―as it is only fair and just to this Government to do―that there are a number of criminals from the Kwangtung Province now taking refuge from the drastic methods which prevail there, such as shooting thieves when caught in flagrante delicto, but, Sir, the state of affairs in this Colony being what it is, and there being no prospect discernible at present of any likelihood of any improvement in it for some time to come, we feel that we must face the position squarely, and that we ought to render our methods of punishment more deterrent in their character. Accordingly, Sir, unofficial members, after carefully considering this matter, have come to the conclusion that increased powers should be given to the Magistrates to inflict corporal punishment in lieu of imprisonment, and largely availed of. In connection with this question of the overcrowding of the Gaol, and to bring the matter, so to speak, up to date, perhaps I may be permitted to add that a visiting Justice who went round the Gaol yesterday informed me that, including 44 persons who were there under detention with a view to banishment, there were no less than 804 persons in confinement in the Gaol yesterday. I now pass on to the question of the military contribution. Upon this point the unofficial members must strike a dissentient note As your Excellency is aware, so long age as the 1st of June last year there was a motion made by an unofficial member in this Council to reduce the military contribution to a fixed annual sum of one million dollars a year.

HIS EXCELLENCY―The honourable member is not in order. I do not wish to stop him if he wishes to make a few remarks, but the military contribution is

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fixed by special Ordinance, and no resolution of this Council and no remarks the hon. member can make can have the slightest effect. They are simply irrelevant at the present time, and the only way if he wishes to bring the question of the military contribution before the Council will be to give notice of a resolution to amend the Ordinance as it stands on the Statute Book. Any remarks he may at present make are absolutely beside the point.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―I was only going to say a few words on the subject, and with your Excellency's permission I will. I was about to point out that the present contribution is based upon the entirely false assumption that the more revenue it is required to raise for the needs of this Colony the batter able we are to bear the increased military contribution. In 1913 the contribution is increased by $96,300, although I think no reasonable person will contend that we are better off than we were last year. In fact, we are obviously worse off, as we have had to draw something out of the reserve. I will now pass on to the question of the Public Works Department. We were very sorry to see that as regards the Tytam Tuk reservoir the sum of $250,000 only has been laid down in the estimates for 1913 towards the continued progress of this work, but we understand that the honorable member on my right (Hon. Director of Public Works) has assured those of us who are on the Public Works Committee that, owing to the comparatively cheap nature of the work to be done in the immediate future, it would be very difficult to spend more than that amount. I should like to take this opportunity of asking the Director of Public Works whether the contract for the whole of the work on this reservoir has now been let, and, if so, to whom, and at what figure. I should also like to ask him about what date we may expect to be getting some benefit from the beginning of the storage of water in this new reservoir. As regards the subject of roads, Sir, they have come into disagreeable prominence lately, and my honourable friend opposite has put some questions with regard to some of these roads. The Craigmin Road in particular seemed to be particularly intractable. It remained open for several months and, for some reason which I am not able to fathom at present, seemed to require some special brand of weather of its own. In addition to the roads mentioned by my hon. friend opposite, the Kowloon roads have from time to time received their share of unfavourable

comment. The report of the committee which was appointed to enquire into the expenditure and delay in constructing the Post Office Building formed very unsatisfactory reading in regard to the organisation and distribution of the work in the Public Works Department, and we should like to be informed what steps have been taken to carry out the recommendations of the Committee as set out in paragraph II. of their report, which is dated the 28th June last. With reference to public works extraordinary, we would urge that in future steps should more promptly be taken to train nullahs which are tributary to main nullahs, thus rendering so far as practicable entire districts free from mosquitoes. With regard to the typhoon refuge, we are very glad indeed to note that such satisfactory progress is being made with that work, and we earnestly hope that it will continue. We also welcome the two sums appearing in the estimates next year of $100,000 and $32,000 for quarters for subordinate officers in the service of the Government at Victoria and Kowloon respectively. Unquestionably, Sir, this is a desirable step, for these officers ought not to be compelled to seek for quarters in uncongenial surroundings. With regard to the vote of $100,000 for communication by wireless telegraphy from ship to shore, we are entirely in favour of that vote, subject to the provise that by obtaining this communication from ship to shore we shall not prejudice the early inclusion of Hongkong in the Imperial long-distance scheme of wireless telegraphy. We note with satisfaction the proposal to erect bathing sheds near the east and west ends of the city. With regard to the Kowloon-Canton Railway, we consider that the increase in expenditure for a more efficient train service and for further locomotives and rolling stock is justified, and we welcome the starting of refreshment trains, and the proposed new roads which it is proposed to make from the new train halts. With regard to the design for a terminal station at Kowloon, the unofficial members are most strongly of opinion that the plans for that station ought to have been thrown open for competition by local firms in this Colony who are necessarily better acquainted with local conditions

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than any gentlemen, however experienced, from the Federated Malay States. We cannot understand why civil engineers in this Colony, some of whom have had actual practical experience in railway station building, have been passed over in this way. I gather from what fell from the Colonial Secretary a short time ago today that matters have not proceeded very far with Mr. Hubback, and we wish, Sir, to strongly urge, if there is yet time, that the plans for this station shall be thrown open in the usual way to public competition in this Colony. In conclusion, Sir, whilst we have found some matters to comment on in this budget, we state that we fully realise that your Excellency has, since your return to this Colony in July last, worked hard in the public interest, and we beg leave to assure you, Sir, that in boldly and fearlessly assailing any abuses there may be, you can always count on the sincere sympathy and hearty support of the unofficial members of this Colony. (Applause.)

HON. MR. OSBORNE―Your Excellency in your Budget speech dwelt upon the necessity for economy in the administration of public funds, a sentiment which will be re-echoed with approval from every side. But if your Excellency's warning is intended to foreshadow a cessation of expenditure on public works or of expenditure which is necessary for the protection of life, property and health, then, Sir, I submit that such economy would be unsound and I think there will not be many people who will be able to view the prospect with satisfaction. Because it will, I think, be conceded by everyone who understands the peculiarities of Hongkong's position in the commercial world, who realises how slender are the foundations of its trade, it will, I think, be conceded that if this Colony is to prosper it can only be by judicious and continual expenditure upon improvements that will attract shipping to our port and people to our shores. From the moment we begin to lag behind other ports in China, whether it be in the matter of wireless telegraphy or the deepening of our harbour; from the moment we neglect to push our commerce; to extend our railway connections; to keep the port healthy; to provide reasonable comfort for our citizens; from that moment will Hongkong's attractiveness cease and its prosperity begin to pass away. All this, of course, means expenditure and expenditure means taxation, but in our case it also means progress

and prosperity which enable taxation to be borne. First and foremost there should be unstinted expenditure on the policing of our premises, the efficient protection of life and property; second in importance is the provision of a plentiful supply of water sufficient for all our needs throughout the year. This we have not got, we never had, and it is to this question that my remarks are specially pointed. We are now commencing the building of a reservoir which will give an ample water supply for the whole year round, and whilst congratulating the Government upon commencement of the work, I want to ask that nothing shall be allowed to stand in the way of completing it in the shortest possible time; and that its heavy cost shall not be put forward as an excuse for shelving other works of public utility. If it be argued that money is not forthcoming for this as well as other works, my answer is that this is preeminently the case for a temporary loan. I am aware of the policy of the Colonial Office which forbids this Colony to incur heavy indebtedness, and I fully endorse that policy so long as it applies to expenditure on costly buildings and other luxuries of wealth, but when it comes to compelling us to spend on building a reservoir the money we ought to spend on ridding the Colony of mosquitoes, plague and Kwangtung criminals, then I maintain that such a policy is wrong and unsound. This question of water is a matter of great and urgent necessity, and if a loan be needed and the Colonial Office refuses its sanction, the matter should be referred to Parliament, to whom it should be explained that our storage capacity su for barely 5 months' full supply whilst our dry season may any year extend to 7 months. If it were pointed out that during the year 1911 the 300,000 Chinese of this Colony had to be content with a short supply of water for 199 days; if it were made clear what this short supply means; that it means just sufficient for culinary purposes and little or none for cleansing. If it were known that for years past we have been preaching to these same people the gospel of cleanliness and sanitation on the one hand and on the other hand we have withheld the one thing essential to cleanliness, which is water; if the mockery underlying this aspect of the question were exposed in Parliament then I think the Colonial Office might be induced to withdraw its opposition to a loan. Meanwhile we are starting with an expenditure of $250,000 on a work which

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I believe is to cost roughly $2,000,000, and whether we borrow or whether we don't I want to ask your Excellency to take steps that the delays which characterized the building of the Law Courts, the Post Office and the Kowloon Market shall not be repeated here. I want to ask your Excellency to invest the engineer in charge with full powers to carry out the work and to hold him directly responsible to your Excellency for completion within the contract time. I want to suggest to your Excellency to hasten the work by offering the contractor a premium for every month he saves under the contract period, and I ask your Excellency to cause to be placed upon this table every half-year a statement similar to that which is given for the Typhoon Refuge, which though not an absolutely correct index is at least sufficient to enable this Council and the public to form an opinion as to the progress of the work.

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―My hon. friend on my left has made some remarks with regard to public works and has asked for some information regarding them. He expressed his regret that a sum of only $250,000 should be spent during the coming year in connection with the Tytam Tuk scheme. I will not hesitate, Sir, if it becomes necessary, to apply to the Council for further sums, but the nature of the work in its elementary stages is of a somewhat slow and tedious kind, consisting largely of excavation, some of which will doubtless be among rock, and the operations attendant on it are not of a very costly nature. A contract was signed only two days for the carrying out of this work. The amount of the contract is $1,780,681.18. The time allowed for the completion of the work is five years, but I trust that within two years from the present time the work will have reached such a stage as to enable us to derive some benefit from it in the way of an increased supply of water. The question of roads is one that is very much in the public eye, and, as hon. members are aware from their own observations, some important methods are being tried with a view to overcoming some of the difficulties which exist in maintaining the roads in good condition in this Colony. It is rather distressing after a road has just been put in good order to have a severe rain storm within a few weeks and see all the work which has been done obliterated. As regards the report on the Post Office, the recommendations of the Committee are at present engaging the attention of the

Government. The hon. member's suggestion that prompt steps should be taken to deal with branch nullahs is being acted on, and where extensive works are proposed to be undertaken the branch nullahs will also be dealt with. With regard to the remarks of my hon. friend opposite (Hon. Mr. Osborne), I think the only one I am called upon to make any comment on is that with regard to the offer of a premium for the earlier completion of the large dam at Tytam Tuk. The position is that when the reservoir is completed, it will be in excess of present requirements. It is not being carried out with a view merely to meeting our absolutely necessary requirements of to-day, but with the view to meeting the requirements of some period in the future. As I have said, we will begin to receive a benefit from it within about two years from the present time, and seeing that is so there does not appear to be any necessity for offering any premium for the completion of the work. Every step, however, will be taken for endeavouring to carry it out within the period allowed for the fulfilment of the contract. (Applause.)

HON. MR. OSBORNE ― With your Excellency's permission ― I understand that when this new reservoir is completed it will hold a little more than is necessary to give the Colony a full supply throughout the year. The remarks made by the Hon. Director of Public Works are perfectly true, but the little more he speaks of is very little indeed.

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― The hon. member is correct, Sir, in stating that the contents of the reservoirs are approximately the quantity required to give a full supply throughout the year, but he loses sight of the fact that the period we have to consider really is the dry season, which may be taken as between seven and eight months. During that period also there is always a very considerable yield from the streams. Those rendered available at the present time may be reckoned upon to yield 1,000,000 gallons per day throughout the dry season, and when the further works are completed and other streams brought in, the supply derivable from that source will probably be increased to 1,500,000 gallons per day. These are matters which he has left out of consideration in his remarks.

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HIS EXCELLENCY―Gentlemen,―The first subject that the hon. member who represents the Justices of the Peace reverted to was the subject of the Imperial grant in aid towards the difference in the opium revenue for the letting of the farm for the years 1907 to 1910 and for the letting of the farm for the years 1910 to 1913. Now the difference was $268,800, and the Imperial Government when it has made its payment for the year 1912-13 will have paid £33,000, which exceeds the amount of the so called loss to the Colony. There was never any question of the Imperial Government continuing their contribution after the letting of the current farm, and I do not see why we should expect them to do so. The restriction of the traffic in opium is an Imperial policy, and I take it that hon. members do not wish to dissociate themselves from the Empire, and I fail to conceive any adequate argument which would justify us in trying to shoulder any burden which that policy may cast upon us on to the overburdened shoulders of the British taxpayer, who is really taxed and heavily taxed. Therefore, gentlemen, I think I am right in saying that we have been liberally dealt with in this matter, and I hope that is the feeling of the majority of Englishmen in the Colony. The hon. member then spoke about the police. I am sorry that he does not think that the increases that are proposed to be made in the force in the estimates for next year, some of which have already been made this year, are sufficient. They are very considerable. When they are made Hongkong will have more than one policeman to every 450 of its inhabitants. London has, I believe, one policeman for every 1,000. The two places, perhaps, are not altogether comparable, but still the number of police to the population here is very high indeed. The Captain Superintendent of Police, myself and the Colonial Secretary have gone into this matter, and we consider that the increases that have been made are sufficient. The hon. member referred to the insecurity felt by Chinese at Kowloon. As a matter of fact, last time I saw the figures taken out there was less crime on the Kowloon peninsula than in the City of Victoria, and I doubt very much whether it is insecurity that debars Chinese from living in the outlying villages. Chinese, as we all know, like to get close together. If you built a row of houses without another row to face it it would be difficult to let those houses to Chinese. You would have to put up a dead wall opposite to

keep the devils away. (Laughter.) The hon. member urged an additional increase of police in order that there might be a greater protection from theft. I think the time has come when the community ought to be able to help itself in this matter. Lately I visited the city of Manila, which is run by our American cousins in a very up to date way from every point of view. I was much interested to see that every single house both in the old city of Manila and in the modern residences outside had its windows protected by light iron bars on the ground floor and in some cases on the first floor to prevent access by thieves. I noticed it in a house lately built for my friend the Right Reverend the Bishop of the Philippines, Bishop Brent, whom many of you may know. I expressed great astonishment―it was one of the first houses of the kind that I had seen―at the array of railings in front of the windows, and he said, "My dear sir, if I had not those I could not keep anything in the house at all." I think we ought to take a leaf out of the book of our American cousins, or a leaf out of the book of the old people at Home. When you go to bed at Home in town or country you generally lock up the plate in a safe or box and take good care that the front door and the back and the windows are firmly secured, and if you do not do it and are living in town you will soon find that the police will wake you up and upbraid you for not taking ordinary precautions. Great store has been made of the so-called burglaries at the Peak. I had particular details of these cases taken out and there was no burglary amongst them, not technically a burglary. In every single instance access was gained either through a door or open window. If the precautions taken in Manila were taken here, or any precautions, the five cases which created such a sensation here would not have occurred. The Chinese, like reasonable people as they are, are already taking precautions in that direction, and if the Europeans would help them and follow their example, and the Chinese would push these precautions further, the Captain Superintendent of Police would have a much better record to show. The way houses are left unprotected now is really hardly fair on the police. The hon. member referred to the large amount of property which had been

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stolen. I believe that last year there were some heavy thefts on the harbour, and I am not altogether sure that the persons in charge of the property were not likewise somewhat to blame, but I do not wish to shift the responsibility on to them. The hon. member next referred to a subject which caused me great pain to hear; that is, his remarks of corruption in the police force. This is a very serious matter for the force. It is the first I have heard of it, and I will make what investigation I can into the matter. The hon. member next referred to the question of bringing watchmen under police supervision and control. This subject, I remember, came up some little time ago, and as a result the police on patrol were instructed, and they follow out the instructions to report to their employers any Indian watchmen whom they find asleep on duty. It is an interesting subject, and I will confer with the Captain Superintendent to see whether something more may not be done to bring these Indian watchmen under better supervision. Regarding the remarks made by the hon. member concerning the escape from the prison, I would like to say the inquiries which have been held show that if the written instructions had been carried out by the staff the escape would not have occurred. Therefore it does not seem reasonable that on account of this one escape a commission of inquiry should be appointed to inquire into the adequacy of the staff or the training and organisation of the prison officials. The organisation of the prison is largely the work of Mr. R. H. Craig, who is at present on leave, and who is about as capable a prison officer as it is possible to find anywhere. He spent 15 years in the prison service at Home, and I cannot think that there is much wrong with the organisation; in fact, I am sure there is not. The staff I believe to be adequate for the same reason. As regards the salaries, I may say that I have had under my consideration for several weeks past applications from various branches of the Civil Service for an increase in salaries. This is a matter which requires the most careful investigation, and I have spent a very great deal of time in investigating it. When I arrive at a conclusion on the subject I shall make a recommendation to the Secretary of State in the matter. Before I do so I shall consult unofficial members of this Council in the matter and let them know what my recommendations are likely to be. Now, as regards the accommodation of the Gaol, it is undeniably most deplorable that at the present time the gaol is so

overcrowded. But I would remind hon. members that in the year 1910 an additional ward was built, and in the year 1911 the present accommodation was adequate and the Superintendent informs me that there was no overcrowding. This year there has been a very large increase in the total population of the gaol, but we hope that it is only temporary. There are several causes which contribute to it. One is the extraordinary activity of the Commissioner of Police in Canton, who is making Canton so hot for undesirables that they come down here. Another is the extremely low steamer fare, which is only ten cents for a passage from Canton to Hongkong. A third is the number of persons who return from banishment and are imprisoned for that offence. There are at the present moment, I think, 110―I am certain there are over 100―confined in gaol for returning from banishment only. We have no other means of dealin with them. If we could put them out of the way altogether it would be a great comfort to us. (Laughter.) Also the persons detained pending inquiries from banishment make a heavy demand upon our accommodation― although we have specially provided for them now. They number 40. There is 150 straight off. This matter will be watched, gentlemen and, of course, if it turns out that this increase is not temporary, then we shall have to take out of the pigeon-hole the very elaborate plans for building a convict gaol, plans which were elaborated not long ago and for which we will have to pay the nice little item of $450,000. You may imagine that we are not anxious to embark upon it until we have to do so. The hon. member referred to the granting of additional powers to the magistrates to inflict corporal punishment. As hon. members wished this matter looked into, I will look into it, but I am not sure whether anything can be done in that direction. The hon. member referred to the military contribution, and I interrupted him. I can only say that the question of the manner in which that contribution is assessed has been the subject of much inquiry by Sir Frederick Lugard, and I understand that an interdepartmental committee in London is investigating the subject. I take this opportunity of reminding hon. members that in all he has written on the subject Sir Frederick Lugard never suggested, much less recommended, that there should be any reduction in the military contribution,

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and in that opinion I myself thoroughly concur. I think we in this Colony ought to bear our share of the Imperial burden. The hon. member referred to wireless, and he hoped that the building of a comparatively small low power wireless station for ship to shore communication would not prejudice the inclusion of Hongkong in the large Imperial scheme. I have addressed the Secretary of State on the subject both by telegraph and despatch and have informed him fully of the wishes and aspirations of the unofficial members of this Council and of the mercantile community upon this subject. The hon. member next referred to the terminal station of the Kowloon-Canton and he asked why the plans for that building were not thrown open to public competition among local architects and others. Well, gentlemen, my answer is, because I can make more economical arrangements which I think will be quite satisfactory. Mr. Hubback is to undertake the work, no matter what the cost may prove to be, whether it will be $200,000 or $300,000, for an inclusive fee of $5,000, which is exclusive of travelling expenses to this Colony and hotel expenses while here. He is coming here to study local conditions. He is a gentleman who has designed many terminal stations for large railways, and I hope and trust he will be able to satisfy unofficial members and the public of the Colony by giving us something good. The gentleman who I find during my absence has acquired the title of the member for Kowloon― before that he enjoyed the sobriquet of "the embodiment of common sense" asked for the reason for economy, and urged that such economy should not militate against the prosecution of public works, the provision of adequate police, and the provision of an adequate water supply. Well, now, the reason, gentlemen, why it is necessary to be cautious in our expenditure is that the ordinary revenue for 1913 only exceeds the expenditure, less public works extraordinary, by $750,000 in round figures, and the programme for public works extraordinary is no less than $1,693,000 in round figures. Therefore, you will see that our surplus revenue by no means covers―does not even cover one-half―of what we wish to spend on public works. Therefore it is necessary to be economical. The public works programme is so large that I do not think you can accuse us of not spending enough on public works. Some people will say we are spending too much. I have already said we are fully alive to the necessity of

having an adequate police force. We are one and all resolved that the Pax Britannica must be observed, and if the increase we are making is not sufficient to attain that object we will have to consider something else. The Director of Public Works enlightened you on the subject of water, and I think we are doing all that can be reasonably expected in that direction. I would only ask the unofficial members to use their influence to divert the attention of the Sanitary Board from the Pokfulum reservoir. The crusade for attacking the purity of that supply and even going so far as to recommend that it should be shut up altogether is useless. The water is good, and the necessity for it apparent. Even with the new reservoir we cannot hope to do without it. The estimates laid before you show a substantial balance in hand. We are dipping into that balance to provide additional works, large works such as the Mongkoktsui breakwater and the water supply, and I think that the member for Kowloon must agree that as long as we have money in our pocket it is not good finance to borrow more. Let us first see if we can manage out of the reserve we have built up in recent years. If we cannot do that then it will be time to seek the Colonial Office for a loan. I would like to say here in reply to his somewhat caustic comments on the Colonial Office about a loan that we have not yet asked them for a loan and they have not refused us. I would also say in the matter of water that one of the best ways of making the water go round for the whole year is to economise in its use. The waste of water is somewhat dreadful. The consumption is over 22 gallons per head in Victoria; and over in Kowloon, where taps are not laid on to Chinese houses, we find that the population, which looks just as healthy, energetic and well cared for, gets on with about eight gallons―about one-third of the consumption in Victoria. If we can only get the population of Victoria and also the population of the Peak, who are very wasteful of water, to moderate the demand upon the taps in their houses, we should have very much less trouble in keeping our reservoirs. I can assure hon. members that the Executive Engineer― who is an extremely capable officer―in charge of Tytam Tuk, has

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got adequate powers to proceed with the work. His hands are not tied in any way. He enjoys the fullest confidence of Mr. Chatham, and I do not think you need fear any delay in the work owing to restrictions due to red tape. The progress return asked for will be furnished hon. members so that they can note the progress of this important work. (Applause.)

HIS EXCELLENCY, rising again―I made a slip in quoting the difference between the amount of the last opium farm and the current one of $268,800 a year. Therefore it comes to a considerably larger sum, and my little argument has rather had the bottom knocked out of it. Nevertheless, I still remain of opinion that the British taxpayer has done us very fairly in this matter. After all, it is his money and not the money of the Secretary of State.

The motion was then agreed to.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committee.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

HIS EXCELLENCY ― Council stands adjourned until next Thursday.

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Finance Committee was held afterwards―the

COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding. The following votes were passed:―

Prison Requirements

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of Three thousand three hundred and twenty-five Dollars ($3,325) in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, C.―Prison, Other Charges, for the following items:―

Clothing and Shoes for Staff ............. $75 Fuel and Soap.................................... 250 Subsistence of Prisoners.................... 3,000

Total............................. $3,325

New Police Launch and Motor Boat The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of Nineteen thousand three hundred and fifty-four Dollars ($19,354) in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, Special Expenditure, A. ― Police, Additional Launch ($18,754) with Motor Boat ($600).

New Police Station

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of Three thousand five hundred and seventeen Dollars ($3,517) in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Miscellaneous, Reclamation of a Site for a Police Station at Shamshuipo.

Water Works

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of Two thousand seven hundred and fifty Dollars ($2,750) in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Water Works, Miscellaneous Water Works.

Launch Charges

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of One thousand three hundred and fifty Dollars ($1,350) in aid of the following two votes:―

Miscellaneous Services, Government Launches, Coal .............................. $1,000 Police and Prison Departments, A.― Police, Other Charges, Oil, etc.,

for Launches .................................. 350

Total ............................. $1,350

Police Charges

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of Three thousand two hundred Dollars ($3,200) in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, A.―Police, Other Charges, for the following items:―

Coolie Hire......................................... $300 Incidental Expenses ........................... 100 Light .................................................. 600 Secret Service .................................... 1,500 Subsistence of Prisoners..................... 200 Transport............................................ 500

Total ............................. $3,200

Appropriation Bill

The Appropriation Bill was considered, and it was agreed to recommend it to the Council for approval without amendment.