1918-08-15 — Page 1

48 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 15TH AUGUST, 1918.

PRESENT:―

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR SIR FRANCIS HENRY MAY, K.C.M.G.

HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL F. VENTRIS (General Officer Commanding Troops in China).

HON. MR. CLAUD SEVERN, C.M.G. (Colonial Secretary).

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

HON. MR. E. R. HALLIFAX (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).

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

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

HON. MR. D. LANDALE.

HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK.

HON. MR. HO FOOK.

MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER (Clerk of Councils).

Papers

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid upon the table reports for 1917 from the Medical and Sanitary Departments, the Director of Education, the Land Officer, the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, the Superintendent of Prisons, the Captain Superintendent of Police, the Police Magistracy's Court, the Director of Public Works, the General Post Office and the New Territories.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid upon the table regulations made by His Honour the Chief Justice under Section 3 of the Legal Practitioners' Ordinances 1871 and 1913, and moved that they be approved.

HON. MR. POLLOCK seconded, and this was agreed to.

Finance Minutes

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table Financial Minutes Nos. 28 to 53 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.

Charges of the Year 1917

THE COLONIAL TREASURER moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordinance to authorise the appropriation of a supplementary sum of two million seven hundred and fifty-two thousand one hundred and fifty-two dollars and fifty-eight cents to defray the charges of the year 1917."

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

The sum is to be expended as follows:― Harbour department, $15,122.82; Mis cellaneous Services, $2,648,503.16; Military expenditure, $982.87; Public Works, recurrent, $20,108.45; Public Works, extraordinary, $67,435.28.

Copyright Ordinance, 1918

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordinance to modify and to add to the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1911, in its application to the Colony of Hongkong."

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 49

The "Objects and Reasons" state:―

1. The (Imperial) Copyright Act, 1911, which extends throughout His Majesty's dominions, subject as regards the self governing dominions to the consent of the legislatures of those dominions, was brought into operation in this Colony on 1st July, 1912, by a proclamation which was issued on the 28th June, 1912.

2. Section 27 of the Act gives to the legislature of any British possession to which the Act extends the power to modify or add to the provisions of the Act, within certain limits. Sub-section (7) of section 14 expressly provides that that section shall apply with the necessary modifications, and section 13 provides that sections 11 and 12 of the Act, which relate to summary remedies, shall extend only to the United Kingdom. Supplementary legislation is therefore necessary here (a) to make the necessary modifications in section 14, and (b) to provide for summary remedies.

3. Clause 2 of the bill makes the necessary modifications in section 14 of the Act. The clause is based on a skeleton enactment which is intended to be adopted in the colonies generally.

4. Clause 3 is section 11 of the Act. It is not necessary to enact any section corresponding to section 12 of the Act, because a general right of appeal is given by the Magistrates' Ordinance, 1890.

5. When the bill becomes law it will also be necessary to make regulations under section 14 of the Act. A draft of the proposed regulations will be published at the same time as the bill. They are based on the regulations made in the United Kingdom.

Anglo-Portuguese Commercial Treaty Ordinance, 1918

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordinance to repeal the Anglo-Portuguese Commercial Treaty Ordinance, 1917.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.

The "Objects and Reasons" state:―

The Anglo-Portuguese Commercial Treaty Ordinance, 1917, was passed in order to enable the Anglo-Portuguese Commercial Treaty to come into operation as regards the Colony of Hongkong, but, in view of difficulties which have arisen in connection with the application outside the United Kingdom of Article 6 of the Treaty, His Majesty's Government have now decided that the Colonies and Protectorates shall not adhere to the Treaty. It is therefore necessary to repeal the above Ordinance.

Opium Ordinance, 1918

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordinance to amend the Opium Ordinance, 1914, and the Opium Ordinance, 1917."

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.

The "Objects and Reasons" state:―

1. The object of this bill is to make two minor corrections in the texts of the Opium Ordinance, 1914, and of the Opium Ordinance, 1917.

2. Clause 2 corrects an obvious mistake in section 57 of the Opium Ordinance, 1917.

3. In section 2 of the Opium Ordinance, 1917, the word "resembling" is not sufficiently exact, as resemblance might not amount to a colourable imitation. Clause 3 amends the section so as to restrict it to colourable imitations.

Regulation of Chinese Ordinance, 1918

A Bill intituled "An Ordinance to amend the Regulations of Chinese Ordinance, 1888, was down to be read a first time, but it was withdrawn.

Council then adjourned until Thursday, August 29th.

50 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

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A meeting of the Finance Committee followed, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding.

Wong Nei Cheong Recreation Ground

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one thousand dollars in aid of the vote Botanical and Forestry Department, Special Expenditure, Turfing at Wong Nei Cheong Recreation Ground.

The vote was agreed to.

Fire Brigade

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one hundred and fifty dollars in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, B.―Fire Brigade. Incidental Expenses.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required to pay for the motor cars to convey members of the Fire Brigade to outlying districts. It is not a proper charge against the vote for incidental expenses which has hitherto borne these charges, and it is proposed next year to have a separate vote.

The vote was agreed to.

Police Reserves Uniform

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of six thousand dollars in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, A. ― Police, Other Charges, Clothing for Police Reserve.

THE CHAIRMAN―The original vote for Police Reserves Uniforms was $6,000 and up to the end of May $5,591.50 had been expended. This additional vote is required to provide 450 capes at $6.20 each―2,790 and 450 pairs of boots at $7.25 each―$3,262.50.

The vote was agreed to.

New Typewriter

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of fifty dollars in aid of the vote Public Works Department, Establishment, Special Expenditure, Typewriter.

THE CHAIRMAN―This additional sum is required to supplement the balance of the vote for a new type-writing machine.

The vote was agreed to.

Colony's Contribution to War Funds

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one million five hundred and thirty thousand dollars on account of Miscellaneous Services, Contribution to Imperial Government for war purposes.

THE CHAIRMAN―This represents a sum of £250,000 which has been given by the Colony to H.M's. Government for general purposes of the war. Unofficial members approved of this sum being given out of the surplus revenues of the Colony and the thanks of H.M's. Government have already been received and published in the public Press.

The vote was agreed to.

Public Works in the New Territory

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of thirteen thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Communications, (42) Roads, (f) General Works.

THE CHAIRMAN―This money is required for general works undertaken since the framing of the estimates. One item is for moving the public stables at Fanling to a more suitable site. Another item is the widening of the road at Un Long. This village has developed very rapidly and on market days there is such a congestion of traffic that the roadway had to be considerably widened. A portion of the money is also needed for general road work at Shamsuipo.

The vote was agreed to.

Transport and Travelling

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of five thousand and twelve dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Establishment, Other Charges, Transport and Travelling Expenses.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required to supplement the transport and travelling expenses voted. The new road work undertaken in the New Territories and outlying districts has led to more field allowances to foremen and surveyors. It is thought this sum will be sufficient for the remainder of the year.

The vote was agreed to.

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 51

Water Supply

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of seventy-five thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong Water Works, (19) Maintenance of City and Hill District.

THE CHAIRMAN―During the long dry season the new reservoir had to be depended upon for water and continuous pumping was necessary. The extra cost of coal was very considerable and resulted in this large supplementary vote being required.

The vote was agreed to.

Maintenance of Buildings

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of thirteen thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, (1) Maintenance of Buildings.

THE CHAIRMAN ― A number of small sums, the largest being $1,600 and all the others under $1,000, for the maintenance of certain public buildings, police stations, markets, schools, etc., amounting to $4,340 were transferred to this vote from the Improvement of Buildings vote. Certain buildings were added. The Government purchased two houses on the Peak, Lysholt was completely renovated and Tanderagee partly renovated, and also houses on Morrison Hill which came into the possession of the Government on the resumption of that property.

The vote was agreed to.

Police Searching Shed at Taipo

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars in aid of the vote Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Police Searching Shed on Railway Wharf at Taipo.

THE CHAIRMAN―This is a small shed built at the end of the pier at Taipo. It is an examination shed for the police and also forms a very convenient shelter in wet weather.

The vote was agreed to.

Legal Charges

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of six thousand and fifty dollars in

aid of the vote Crown Solicitor's Office, Other Charges, Extra Legal Expenses.

THE CHAIRMAN ― Since the estimates were prepared the Government has had to employ additional legal assistance in one or two cases which the Attorney-General was unable to take. On the Assize cases the amount expended was about $1,000 and another $1,000 is added for the rest of the year. The balance is for outside legal assistance in the recent banishment case.

The vote was agreed to.

Coal Bunkers

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one thousand two hundred dollars in aid of the vote Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Brick Coal Bunkers.

THE CHAIRMAN ― This sum is for providing brick bunkers for coal so that it can be measured with accuracy.

The vote was agreed to.

D'Aguilar Wireless Station

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of seventy dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, Cape D'Aguilar Wireless Telegraph Station ― Repairs to roofs, construction of a tennis court, and wire netting for same, water supply, paths, etc.

THE CHAIRMAN―This is a small balance required for works at Cape d'Aguilar.

The vote was agreed to.

Road Widening

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of fourteen thousand three hundred dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Communications, (42) Roads: (c) Ping Shan to Castle Peak,―Widening to 20ft.

The vote was agreed to.

Charitable Allowances

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of five hundred dollars in aid of the vote Charitable Services, Other Charitable Allowances.

52 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE CHAIRMAN ― The master of the "Kochow" lost the sight of one eye when his boat was pirated and received other injuries. A certain sum was raised on his behalf by public subscription and this amount is intended to supplement that, as there is no compensation otherwise and the Government thinks it certainly is a case in which some compensation should be paid to the man for the injuries received.

The vote was agreed to.

Repairs to Fire Brigade Plant

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of five hundred dollars in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, B.―Fire Brigade, Other Charges, Repairs to Engines and Plant.

THE CHAIRMAN―The original vote was for $3,000, but the repairs this year have been very heavy. It is thought that this additional $500 will be sufficient, but next year a sum of $5,000 will be asked for.

HON. MR. POLLOCK ―Have steps been taken to improve the fire extinguishing appliances at Kowloon?

THE CHAIRMAN―That comes next year. Certain things have been ordered for both here and Kowloon. There is also a question of providing a fire station there.

The vote was agreed to.

Lighting in Kowloon

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of four hundred dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, (35) Extensions of Lighting, Kowloon.

THE CHAIRMAN―It was pointed out by the Police that several streets in Kowloon were inadequately lighted, and new gas lamps and new electric lights have been provided in some places. The total cost was $1,400, and $1,000 had been provided.

The vote was agreed to.

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of two thousand nine hundred dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, (29) Gas Lighting, Kowloon.

THE CHAIRMAN ― The cost of the

maintenance of these lights has to be provided for and a general increase of 20 per cent. has been granted to the Gas Company on their lighting contract from January 1st last, owing to the large increase in the cost of coal. The subject was gone into very carefully and it was at last agreed that a 20 per cent. increase was fair.

The vote was agreed to.

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of four hundred and fifty dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, (30) Electric Lighting, Kowloon.

THE CHAIRMAN―The previous vote was for gas only. This $450 is required for the electric lights in addition to the vote.

The vote was agreed to.

Damage by Rain

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of three thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, New Territories, Miscellaneous, (45) Typhoon and Rainstorm Damages.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required for the work of repairing the damage caused by landslides and the heavy rain.

The vote was agreed to.

The Racecourse Disaster

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of two hundred and fifty-three dollars and sixty cents in aid of the vote Crown Solicitor's Office, Special Expenditure, Happy Valley Disaster.

THE CHAIRMAN ― This sum is in connection with the enquiry into the disaster at Happy Valley. The architect's fee for giving evidence and preparing plans was $205 and the balance is for a shorthand writer transcribing the Coroner's summing up.

The vote was agreed to.

Colonial Nursing Association

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of five hundred pounds on account of Miscellaneous Services, Grant in aid of the Colonial Nursing Association.

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 53

THE CHAIRMAN―The Association is in great need of funds. It has done a great deal of work in Crown Colonies and Protectorates and H.E. the Governor wishes to bring before the Finance Committee the question of making a grant of £500 to the Association.

The vote was agreed to.

Ferry Service

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of eleven thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Miscellaneous, Resumption of Ferry Piers.

THE CHAIRMAN―This vote appeared in the estimates of 1917 and has not been spent. It is, therefore, merely a re-vote. The sum is necessary to acquire these piers for the new Ferry Service.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―At what stage is that question now?

THE CHAIRMAN ― Tenders have been for. The service comes into force on January 1st next.

The vote was agreed to.

Naval Tennis Courts

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one thousand six hundred and fifty dollars in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Improvement to Naval Tennis Courts.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is to provide two tennis courts for the Tamar and the Royal Naval Dockyard. There are no naval funds from which the cost can be defrayed.

The vote was agreed to.

Bathing Places

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of forty dollars in aid of the vote Class I. Item 9, Miscellaneous Services, Bathing Places, North Point and Kennedy Town.

THE CHAIRMAN―This small sum is to pay the balance of wages of two watchmen at North Point.

The vote was agreed to.

Ammunition

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of nine thousand eight hundred and eighty-three dollars and forty-nine cents in aid of the vote Hongkong Defence Corps, Other Charges, Ammunition.

THE CHAIRMAN―The ammunition was ordered some time ago, but the account from the Crown Agents was not received until last April and no allowance was made in the current year's estimate. It is, therefore, necessary, in order to be quite correct to provide a special vote for this instead of paying for it out of the votes under the charge of the Defence Corps.

The vote was agreed to.

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