1919-07-17 — Page 1

48 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 17TH JULY, 1919.

PRESENT:―

HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT, HON. MR. CLAUD SEVERN, C.M.G.

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

HON. MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER, C.B.E. (Colonial Secretary).

HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C. (Attorney General).

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

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

HON. MR. E. D. C. WOLFE (Captain Superintendent of Police).

HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK.

HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL.

HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER, O.B.E. HON. MR. E. V. D. PARR.

MR. A. DYER BALL (Clerk of Councils). ABSENT:―

HON. MR. HO FOOK.

HON. MR. J. JOHNSTONE.

Finance

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table Financial Minutes 46 to 58 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded, and this was agreed to.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table the report of Finance Committee No. 6 and moved that it be adopted.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded,

and this was agreed to.

Papers

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table reports of the Standing Law Committee, No. 1; the Public Works Committee Nos. 3 and 4; and the reports for 1918 from the Director of Education; the Director of the Royal Observatory; the Registrar of the Supreme Court; the Land Officer; the Superintendent of Prisons; the Captain Superintendent of Police; the Botanical and Forestry Department; the New Territories; and the Kowloon-Canton Railway.

At the meeting of the Public Works Committee held on July 10th, the Chairman reminded the Committee that they had requested that the tenders for the erection of quarters on Leighton Hill for the Junior European Officers of the Civil Service should be referred to them. He submitted a list of the tenders received and informed the Committee that the lowest tender had been carefully scrutinized and that, where considered necessary, the contractor had been requested to amend his prices. The tender was now considered to be a fair and reasonable one. After eliminating the cost of the approach road and paths, which would serve for additional blocks of quarters to be erected in proximity to those under consideration, the estimated cost of the 8 houses about to be built, including architects' commission, amounted to $209,550 or, say, $26,200 per house. After fully discussing the matter, the Committee agreed to recommend that the lowest tender be accepted and that the work be proceeded with.

Questions by the Hon. Mr. Alabaster

THE HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER asked the following questions, the answers in each case being read by the Colonial Secretary.

(Q.)― With reference to the report of the Committee of the Sanitary Board appointed to consider the question of scavenging, is the

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 49

Hon. Director of Public Works correctly reported to have minuted "..... The present system of collection and disposal is economical and with the provision of suitable pier accommodation would be efficient?" If so, what steps does the Government propose to take to provide the suitable pier accommodation which would render the present system efficient?

(A.)― The quotation is correct. It forms part of a minute written by the Director of Public Works, as a member of the Sanitary Board, on the circulating cover of a Sanitary Board file.

The whole question of the destruction of city refuse is under consideration, and in the circumstances it would be useless to embark on the construction of expensive piers which may not be required.

The Housing Problem

H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT―I have from time to time during the past few months referred to various aspects of the housing problem in this Colony, and I desire to-day to make a short statement regarding one part of the problem that appears now to have reached a stage where definite action can take the place of mere proposals. The European population of this Colony may be divided roughly into three categories. Firstly, those who are in a position to build houses for themselves at a considerable cost provided suitable sites are available. Secondly, those who are employed by the Government or by large Companies or firms who either have made or are making arrangements for their housing, and, thirdly, those who though in permanent employment cannot reasonably look to their employers to provide houses for them and have not the means to build houses for themselves.

The Government has had under consideration the provision of sites for the first of these classes and I hope that before very long our efforts will be successful, but I can make no definite statement on the subject at present. As regards the second class, a great deal has already been done by the Dock and other Companies and the Banks to house their employés. The Government has not so far done nearly all that it might, but it intends to proceed as rapidly as possible with the erection of quarters. I am glad to say that the large firms in this Colony are also beginning to

realise that it is to their advantage to house their employés in a suitable manner, and the Government will give them every encouragement in the matter of acquiring sites. There remains, however, the third class to whom I have referred to, to whom the problem of obtaining a permanent residence at a reasonable rent is already a serious one, and so far as can be seen will before long become an insuperable one unless some definite action is taken. Married men in this Colony with incomes below some $600 to $700 a month cannot get houses at present of the size and convenience essential to health except at rents that are out of all due proportion to their incomes. It used to be said in England that the rent paid for his house by an ordinarily prudent man should not exceed one eighth of his income. I have no hesitation in saying that there are married men here now who are paying as much as a quarter and in some cases even a third of their incomes in rent and taxes.

Through the operation of what was known as the Local Shipping Control Scheme, whereby the Admiralty requisitioned under its war powers certain small vessels employed on local trade routes, a considerable sum of money was realised. This money represents profits derived from ships owned by British subjects of British and of Chinese race respectively, and it is proposed to use it for the direct benefit of the local British and Chinese communities. The Secretary of State has now authorised the expenditure of a portion of this money in the erection of housing accommodation for persons of the British race, it being felt that the money can be devoted to no better use than that of endeavouring to mitigate the housing difficulty that has arisen. One of the greatest trials in a small household is the maintenance of a staff of satisfactory servants, and it is proposed to devote a considerable portion of the money available to the erection of flats. which, while providing the conveniences of a private house, will at the same time render it unnecessary to have a kitchen. It will be possible to take meals in a common dining room or to have them served in the flat. Arrangements will be made to charge rent for a flat alone or for a monthly payment to include both rent and board. It is also proposed to build an hotel where both married people and bachelors will be able to obtain suitable accommodation.

50 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The site on which these buildings will be erected is on Salisbury and Nathan Roads in Kowloon. It is within a very short distance of the ferry and has the benefit of almost every breeze that blows throughout the year. The amount to be expended may amount to one and a half million dollars, but until plans have been prepared it is, of course, impossible to give any useful estimate. The buildings will be of the most modern construction, designed so as to reduce the cost of repairs to the lowest figure.

Although public funds in the ordinary sense of the word are not to be used in this scheme, I feel that the statement I have made is not out of place in this Council where the housing problem has occupied much of our time. It is true that this new departure touches only a part of the problem, but the success of the scheme may have an important bearing on the policy of the Government in the future.

Finance Bill

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, an Ordinance to authorize the appropriation of a Supplementary sum of five million, four hundred and sixty-six thousand, three hundred and twenty-seven dollars and sixty-three cents to defray the charges of the year 1918.

This sum is to be expended as follows:

Miscellaneous Services ...... $5,229,871.24 Judicial and Legal Depart

ments ............................ 130,447.27 Public Works, recurrent ...... 103,975.37 Charitable Services ............. 2,033.75 ——————

Total ....................... $5,466,327.63 ——————

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.

Cheung Chau (Residence) Ordinance, 1919

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordinance to provide that no person shall reside within the southern portion of the Island of Cheung Chau, otherwise known as Dumb-bell Island, without the consent of the Governor-in

Council".

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

The Objects and Reasons state:―The object of this Ordinance is to provide that no person shall reside in a certain portion of Cheung Chau or Dumb-bell Island without the consent of the Governor-in-Council, which consent would include the family and employés and guests of the applicant for permission to reside.

Rating (Special War Rate) Amendment

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordinance to amend the Rating (special war rate) Ordinance, 1917".

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

The Objects and Reasons state:―The object of this Bill is to amend the provisions of Ordinance No. 18 of 1917, which imposes a Special War Rate of 7 per cent. from the 1st July, 1917, until the end of the quarter during which the present war shall have come to an end, so as to make such Special War Rate payable only up to and including the Second Quarter of 1919, because, although Peace has been signed, no proclamation has yet been issued by His Majesty in Council under the Termination of the Present War (definition) Ordinance, 1919, fixing a date to be treated as "the date of the termination of the present war" and because it is thought desirable by the Hongkong Government that the Special War Rate should not be collected for any period subsequent to the Second Quarter of 1919.

Places of Public Entertainment Regulation Ordinance, 1919

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An Ordinance to consolidate and amend the law relating to Places of Public Entertainment".

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

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 51

The Objects and Reasons state: ― This Ordinance consolidates and amends the law relating to Places of Public Entertainment, as contained in The Theatres Regulation Ordinance, 1908, the new Ordinance being called "The Places of Public Entertainment Regulation Ordinance, 1919."

2.―The principal amendments effected by this Ordinance are:―

(1.)― To render public cinematograph displays subject to permit in writing from the Captain Superintendent of Police who shall not give such permit unless and until the films and posters have been censored and passed in accordance with Regulations to be made unde this Ordinance by the Governor-in-Council. (Clause 4.) (Clause 6 (8)).

(2.)― To give statutory power to prescribe fees to be payable in respect of such censoring. (Clause 6 (9)).

(3.)― The opportunity is also taken to fill up (see Clause 6 (10)) a lacuna in the power of making regulations given by section 6 of the Theatres Ordinance, 1908. That section makes no general reference to the prescribing of conditions of licences and permits. It seems obvious that this power should exist. Such a power is usual in Ordinances which give power to issue licences.

3.―Clause 7, like Clause 7 of the Theatres Ordinance, 1908, contains an exemption in regard to Chinese public theatrical performances, which are dealt with under Ordinance 3 of 1888 and under the regulations made thereunder.

The "China Companies" Custodian Ordinance, 1919

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Bill intituled "An Ordinance for the appointment of a Special Custodian of Enemy Interests in China Companies". In doing so he said: Hon. Members will have before them the amended draft of this Bill which shows certain amendments which I propose to move when we go into Committee on this Bill. I ought, sir, to explain to the Council that the object of this Bill, with regard to China

Companies as defined by Clause 2 of this Bill, is to work in harmonious arrangement with the practice which has been followed in Shanghai and elsewhere in China under the China Orders in Council. Under that practice, in the case of China Companies, H.M.'s Minister at Peking has appointed a Custodian of enemy interests in China. That custodian, I believe, was originally the Registrar of the Supreme Court in Shanghai, and latterly it has been Mr. Mossop. As is well known, the China Companies are registered in this Colony, and we desire, by the amendments which appear in italics in this Bill, to make it clear that we in this Colony, if I may use the phrase, concur in the apointment of this Custodian of Enemy Property in China, and that, so far as we can lawfully do so by legislation in this Colony, we confirm the powers conferred on that Custodian. I am not sure that the powers of that Custodian require any such formal confirmation from us, but, at all events, it is desirable, in view of the fact that these companies are registered in this Colony, that we should make it clear that we intend that the Custodian of Enemy Property in China as regards China Companies, should be the same person as has been appointed by His Majesty's Minister in Peking and that we do not intend, so far as China Companies are concerned, that the Custodian who has been appointed as Custodian down here ―namely the Colonial Treasurer― should be Custodian of Enemy Property in China. It is desirable, therefore, in case there should be any doubt raised here-after, that this point should be made quite clear by the Legislature in Hongkong, where the Companies are registered, that we intend to support, so far as we can, the title of Custodian of Enemy Property in China in China Companies. In order to remove any possible doubt it is desirable to pass this Bill. It has been asked for by the General Managers of China Companies in Shanghai, and I believe it is the intention of General Managers and Directors of certain China Companies in Shanghai to act under this Bill with reference to shares held by enemies in China Companies. This Bill makes it quite clear, so far as we have power to legislate in the matter, that we intend the Custodian of Enemy Property in China, as regards shares in China Companies, shall have full power to sell, manage and otherwise deal with and transfer such shares.

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

52 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved that the Council go into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.

Upon the motion of the Attorney-General the title of the Bill was changed to "An Ordinance relating to the Custodian of Enemy Interests in China, and the following clauses were substituted for clauses 3 and 4 as originally printed in the Bill:―

(3.)―In the case of every China Company the term "Custodian" means and shall as from the commencement of the Trading with the Enemy (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1915, be deemed to have meant the Custodian of Enemy Property in China.

(4.)―All shares, stock, debentures, debentures stock, annuities and other obligations of every China Company (including any rights, whether legal or equitable, in or arising out of the same) held by, or on behalf of, an enemy or enemy subject, and the right to transfer the same shall be deemed to have vested or shall vest (as the case may be), without the necessity of any further conveyance, assurance or other document, in the person appointed, whether before or after the commencement of this Ordinance (as the case may be), Custodian of Enemy Property in China, and such Custodian shall, as from the date of his appointment as such Custodian, be deemed to have had and shall have full powers of selling, managing and otherwise dealing with and transferring such shares, stock, debentures, debentures stock, annuities and other obligations of such China Company (including all such rights as aforesaid).

Council then resumed and the Attorney General moved that the Bill, as amended, be read a third time.

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

Marine Stores, Protection Ordinance, 1919

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Bill intituled "An Ordinance for the more effectual protection of Marine Stores." In doing so, he said:―It will be within the recollection of hon. members that on the last occasion when this Bill was before the Council it was referred to the Standing Law Committee and hon. members now have before them the report of the proceedings of the Law

Committee on the Bill. Hon. members have also before them an amended copy of the Bill, dated July 8th, 1919, embodying in italics the amendments which I propose to move in Committee on this Bill. It will be remembered that there was some discussion on the last occasion, raised by my hon. friend who represents the Justices, on the correctness of the use of the term "hawker". After some consideration it was decided by the Standing Law Committee to substitute the word "collector" for "hawker" throughout the Bill. Another point I propose to move is an amendment to clause 11 of the Bill, making the limits within which unauthorised dredging is prohibited rather wider than before, and so that they shall include the Standard Oil Company's works at Lai-chi-kok and the waters adjacent thereto. Hon. members will also have before them the Regulations which it is proposed to bring into force now relating to dealers in marine stores. These also were considered by the Standing Law Committee and my hon. friend who represents the Justices raised the point that there should be an omission of the Clause from the Regulations providing that there should be no escapes from the roofs of the premises occupied by the dealers. My hon. friend pointed out that the absence of such escapes might be dangerous in case of fire and the Government accepted the suggestion of my hon. friend and the Clause was omitted from the Regulations. I think, sir, that the Regulations will suitably provide for the interests under the Bill. With these remarks I beg to move that the Bill be read a second time.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.

HON. MR . C. G. ALABASTER―Hon. members will observe from the report of the Standing Law Committee on this Bill that I reserved to myself the right to move in Committee certain small amendments to Clauses 3 and 4. As these small amendments involve a question of principle it is right that I should refer to them on the second reading. The effect of the proposed amendments will be that these Regulations, made by the Governor-in-Council, will not become operative until they have received the approval of the Legislative Council. Three-quarters of a century ago it pleased the Crown to grant to this Colony a Charter, and that Charter provided two Councils to advise the Governor on certain matters―one was the Executive Council and the other the

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 53

Legislative Council. No legislative authority whatever was given by the Charter to the Executive Council. The entire duty of advising the Governor as to the making of laws for the peace, order and good Government of the Colony, was imposed on the Legislative Council, and if they surrender that duty in any way to another Council they are, I submit, committing a breach of trust. There has been, unfortunately, a tendency in recent years for this Council to pass Ordinances enabling the Governor-in-Council to make what regulations they pleased. Thereby the public were deprived of a great safeguard, for with the Bills which are passed in this Council it is the practice to read them a first time, publish them in the Gazette so that they are open to public discussion, bring them up at another meeting of this Council, discuss them openly in full Council before the Press and the public, refer them either to a Committee of the whole Council or to the Standing Law Committee, and then read them a third time in Council and pass them. That was not so with the Regulations of the Governor-in-Council which are law when published and then seen by the public for the first time. I feel sure that the principal reason why the greatest charter of British liberty, which was granted to the English 700 years ago at Runnymede, and which is framed above your chair, is placed there is to remind us that the duties and obligations imposed on this Council by our own Charter are not to be lightly thrown aside. Therefore, when this Bill goes into Committee I shall move in clauses 3 and 4 that the Regulations shall not come into force unless approved by the Legislative Council.

H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT―With reference to what the hon. member who represents the Justices of the Peace has just said respecting the power given under practically all our laws to the Governor-in Council to frame regulations, I would like to remind him, firstly, that such regulations are restricted in their operation. Nothing can be done under such Regulations which is contrary to the working of the Ordinance under which they are made. Secondly, whatever may be thought of delegating such quasilegislative powers to the Executive, it is a custom which has existed for very many years―I should imagine ever since Crown Colonies started ― and is practically universal. It would be impossible for the Government to accept such a motion as the hon. member proposes to make in this Bill, and I would suggest to him that as a new Governor will be arriving shortly in this Colony, who has had great experience of the working of many

Colonies while he was in the Colonial Office and who has also served for some years in the premier Crown Colony of the Empire, he will, no doubt, be able to give us a good deal of information on the subject and, if he so pleases, will be able to refer the matter for the consideration of the Secretary of State for the Colonies. On this occasion, as the hon. member knows, we are going to ask this Council to pass the first set of Regulations under this Ordinance. On a previous occasion, with the Ordinance imposing compulsory service two years ago the Government took the same step. The Regulations were of such a nature that they affected a great many Europeans in this Colony, and it was thought proper that the Legislative Council should pass them. The Council always has the power to bring up such a motion as that the regulations under any particular Ordinance shall be passed by the Council, and this is the second time, in the last few years at any rate, when the Government has agreed that the Regulations shall be so passed. The Government, however, cannot accept the motion the hon. member proposes to make in committee.

The Bill was read a second time.

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

On the motion of the Attorney-General the following amendments were agreed to:― That throughout the Bill, the word "collector" be substituted for the word "hawker"; That the present clause 6 of the Bill be numbered 6 (1) and that a new sub-section be added to clause 6 of the Bill to read as follows: ―

(2).―No dealer shall have in his possession any marine stores except at such premises as are registered by him with the Captain Superintendent of Police as places for storing his (the dealer's) marine stores.

That clause 11 of the Bill be amended so as to read as follows:―

It shall not be lawful for any person, without permission in writing from the Harbour Master, to dredge in the waters of the Colony between a line drawn from the westernmost point of the Island of Hongkong to the western side of Green Island and continued to the western point of Stonecutters' Island and from thence to the Naval Torpedo Range at Lai-chi-kok, on the West, and the Lyemun Pass, on the East.

That after the word "of" in the first line of clause 12 of the Bill, the words "any of" be inserted.

54 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER moved that in Clause 3 of the Bill, after the word "regulations," there shall be inserted the words "and approved by the Legislative Council."

HON. MR. S. H. DODWELL seconded.

H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT―The insertion of these words would apply to future regulations made under this Ordinance and the Government cannot accept this motion. Will you proceed to a division?

HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER―I ask for a division.

Upon a division the Hon. Mr. E. V. D. Parr, the Hon. Mr. S. H. Dodwell, the Hon. Mr. Lau Chu Pak and the Hon. Mr. C. G. Alabaster voted for the amendment, and the official members voted against it. The amendment was, therefore lost by six votes to four.

HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER proposed a similar amendment to Clause 4, remarking that as he supposed the Government would have no more difficulty over that motion than they had over the other, he did not propose to force it to a division.

H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT ― The Government cannot accept the amendment.

Council then resumed and the Attorney General proposed that the Bill, as amended be read a third time.

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

H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT reminded the members that there would be a combined meeting of the Executive and Legislative Councils on Saturday, and then adjourned the Council sine die.

——

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

——

A meeting of the Finance Committee followed, the Colonial Secretary presiding:―

Road Improvements

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of four thousand five hundred dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Communications, (13) Roads, (f) Aberdeen to

Little Hongkong, Improving and widening existing Road.

THE CHAIRMAN―This is really a re-vote from last year. Fifteen thousand dollars were voted last year and only $7,500 were spent.

The vote was agreed to.

The New Fire Brigade Engine

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of four hundred and sixty dollars in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, B.―Fire Brigade, Other Charges, Clothing.

THE CHAIRMAN―This money is required for the equipment of the men who have been engaged for the new motor engine.

The vote was agreed to.

Peace Celebrations

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of eight thousand five hundred dollars in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Peace Celebrations.

THE CHAIRMAN ― This is for the street decorations, poles, etc.

The vote was agreed to.

Public Works

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of nine thousand five hundred dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Buildings, Latrines and Urinals: Latrine at junction of Ning Po and Woo Sung Street.

THE CHAIRMAN―This was approved by Sir Henry May towards the end of last year and was too late for the estimates. It is low lying ground and the sites in the neighbourhood are being filled in for building.

The vote was agreed to.

Charitable Services

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of thirty-five dollars in aid of the vote Charitable Services, Charitable Allowance to Tam Mei-kui (Mrs. L. J. da Silva).

The vote was agreed to.

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 55

Imports and Exports

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of five hundred dollars in aid of the vote Imports and Exports Department, Other Charges, Secret Service.

THE CHAIRMAN ― The vote is for a thousand. This is a supplementary vote. The vote was agreed to.

Charitab e Services

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of two thousand dollars in aid of the vote Charitable Services, Other Charitable Allowances.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote is $1,000. The Council has already voted another $1,000, and this is a further sum required for various people in distress through the war and so on.

The vote was agreed to.

Public Works Department

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of eight thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works. Extraordinary, Hongkong, Buildings, (4), Additional Storey to Public Works Department Annex.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote was $15,000 This supplementary sum is required. The vote was agreed to.

Shaukiwan Police Station

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of nine thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, Additions and Alterations to Shaukiwan Police Station.

THE CHAIRMAN―This is to improve the station generally, to bring it up to date and to provide accommodation for more men if necessary.

The vote was agreed to.

The Taipo Road

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of six thousand three hundred dollars in aid of the vote Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Training stream in the Lam Cheun Valley, New Territories.

THE CHAIRMAN―This is a stream which comes to the sea just at the back of the Taipo market. It is necessary to build a wall to protect the road during times of flood.

The vote was agreed to.

Road Improvement

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of two thousand dollars in aid of the vote Public Works Extraordinary, Communications, (32) Roads, (a) Shanghai Street to Taikoktsui.

THE CHAIRMAN―The total cost of the work was $23,000, slightly under the estimate and this $2,000 is a re-vote of a sum expended in 1918. There has been no excess over the original estimate.

The vote was agreed to.

Wireless Installation

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of two hundred dollars in aid of the vote Royal Observatory, Other Charges, Maintenance of Wireless Installation.

The vote was agreed to.

Miscellaneous

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of twenty-one thousand dollars in aid of the following votes:―

Public Works, Recurrent.

Hongkong, Buildings:―

(1) Maintenance of Buildings ..... $14,000 (3) Maintenance of Lighthouses . 2,000 Kowloon, Buildings, (23)

Maintenance of Buildings ..... 2,000 New Territories, Buildings, (37)

Maintenance of Buildings ..... 3,000 ———

Total .......................... $21,000

———

THE CHAIRMAN ― This is for a large variety of small items for which the votes require supplementary grant.

The vote was agreed to.