1922-12-28 — Page 1

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 149 28TH DECEMBER, 1922.

PRESENT:―

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR REGINALD EDWARD STUBBS, K.C.M.G.

H.E. THE GENERAL OFFICER IN COMMAND OF THE TROOPS, MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JOHN FOWLER, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.

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

HON. MR. J. H. KEMP, K.C., C.B.E. (Attorney General).

HON. MR. MCI. MESSER (Colonial Treasurer).

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

HON. MR. E. A. IRVING (Director of Education).

HON. MR. T. L. PERKINS (Director of Public Works).

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

HON. MR. E. V. D. PARR.

HON. MR. A. G. STEPHEN.

HON. MR. A. O. LANG

HON. MR. CHOW SHOU-SON.

HON. MR. NG HON-TSZ

MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER, C.M.G. C.B.E. (Clerk of Councils).

Presentation of the Royal Humane Society's Certificate

H.E. THE GOVERNOR―Before proceeding to business, gentlemen, I have the pleasure of presenting the Royal Humane Society's certificate to Mr. Frederico Leocadio Silva for an act of gallantry in the course of this year. On the 12th June, 1922, a Chinese widow on the Star Ferry, which was making the trip in darkness, at 8 p.m., jumped overboard from the lower deck, evidently with the intention of committing suicide. Mr. Silva, on the upper deck, heard the splash and a shout of "Somebody overboard." He ran to the side of

the launch, and, while endeavouring to locate the person in the water, he removed his coat and kicked off his shoes. When he eventually saw the woman in the water she was a good distance astern. He jumped from the upper deck, swam to the woman and, getting hold of her, swam to a lifebuoy which had been thrown overboard. he placed the woman on the buoy, and he himself hung on until the ferry boat came back and they were taken on board. On these facts being reported to me, I had the pleasure of bringing them to the notice of the Royal Humane Society, which has decided that Mr. Silva is entitled to a testimonial from this Society, and I have much pleasure in handing it to him.

Mr. Silva then stepped forward from the back of the Legislative Council Chamber and received the Certificate from His Excellency who shook him cordially by the hand.

Minutes

The minutes of the last meeting of the Council, held on October 26th, were approved and signed by the President.

The Late Murray Stewart

H.E. THE GOVERNOR―Gentlemen, I have here a letter which I should like to read to the Council. It is from Mr. Gershom Stewart and is addressed to the Clerk of Councils from the House of Commons 21st October, 1922, and is as follows:―

"DEAR SIR,―On my return from abroad two days ago I found your letter conveying the very kind vote of sympathy from the Officer Administering the Government and from the members of the Legislative Council of Hongkong on the death of my brother, Mr. Murray Stewart. On my own behalf and on behalf of all the surviving members of his family I would ask you to convey to them our grateful thanks and appreciation of the kind references made to him.

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"Both he and I spent many happy years in Hongkong, and perhaps I may be permitted to say how I rejoice to see the continued prosperity of the Colony.―I am, etc.,

"GERSHOM STEWART."

Finance

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table Finance Minutes Nos. 84 to 99, and an additional Financial Minute relating to the Public Works Extraordinary, and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.

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

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, also laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee No. 13 and moved that it be adopted.

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

Regulations

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid upon the table the following papers:

An order under section 9 of the Post Office Ordinance, 1900, dated 1st November, 1922;

Amendment of regulations under the Public Places Regulation Ordinance, 1870, in respect of Wongneichong recreation ground, also amendment of the regulations under the Ordinance of 1870 in respect of King's Park and Sookunpoo; also in respect of the Queen's recreation ground, under the Queen's Recreation Grounds Ordinance, 1898;

Regulations under section 37 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899, dated 2nd November, 1922;

Three orders under section 9 of the Post Office Ordinance, 1900, dated 8th November;

Eight regulations under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, 1873, all dated 30th November;

An order under section 7 of the Rating Ordinance, 1901, dated 30th November;

A regulation under section 6 of the Dogs

Ordinance, 1893, dated November 30th;

Two orders under section 24 of the Rents Ordinance, 1922, dated 12th October and 23rd November respectively;

A declaration under the Societies Ordinance, 1920, dated 14th December;

Quarterly return of excesses on subheads met by savings under heads of expenditure.

All the orders and regulations had been published in the Government Gazette.

Tramway Extension

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, moved the following resolution:―

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

"And whereas timely and adequate notification by public advertisement of the intention of the Company to apply for the approval of the Governor-in-Council to the construction and maintenance of an additional 1,113 yards of tramway track commencing at the present terminus at Wongneichong village along Wongneichong Road (on the eastern side of the Happy Valley) and Leighton Hill Road, to connect with the existing line at Morrison Hill Road, in accordance with a plan deposited in the Office of the Director of Public Works has been given:

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"And whereas the Company has duly applied for the approval of the Governor-in-Council to the construction and maintenance of the said track:

"And whereas the Governor-in-Council did on the 9th day of November, 1922, approve of the construction and maintenance of the said track, subject to certain conditions:

"Now it is hereby resolved that the approval of the Governor-in-Council so given as aforesaid shall be and is hereby confirmed, subject to the conditions contained in a letter from the Director of Public Works to the Secretary of the Company dated the 14th day of November, 1922, a copy of which is attached hereto, and provided also that the said track and all works in connection therewith shall be subject to all the powers and provisions of the Tramway Ordinance 1902."

"No. 3711.

PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE,

Hongkong, 14th November, 1922.

SIR,―In reply to your letters of the 31st ultimo to myself and the 1st instant to the Honourable Colonial Secretary applying for the approval of the Governor in Council to the extension of your tramway track in accordance with plans already deposited with me, I am directed to inform you that the Governor in Council has agreed to the introduction into the Legislative Council of a resolution authorising the work to be carried out. Such resolution will be worded so as to insure that the proposed extension shall be subject to all the provisions of the Tramway Ordinance, No. 10 of 1902, in the same manner in all respects as is the case with regard to the existing track and works.

With regard to the actual carrying out of the work, compliance with the following conditions will inter alia be required by Government:―

(a.) The Company must at its own cost substitute sand carpeting 2" thick in lieu of the cement concrete surfacing shown on your plan dated 7th November, 1922.

(b.) The proposed extension must not interfere with the running of the locomotives and trucks on the Praya East Reclamation service line, and the Company must at its own cost carry out any plate or track work involved in

the raising of the service line at its crossing with the said extension.

(c.) Any alterations of mains, cables, services, and sewers, drains, manholes, &c., involved by the laying of the track to be carried out by the Public Works Department at the cost of the Company.

(d.) All work to be subject to the approval and to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works.

2. I shall be glad to be informed in due course whether these terms are acceptable to your Company.―I am, Sir, Yours faithfully,

T. L. PERKINS,

Director of Public Works,

W. E. Roberts, Esq.,

Secretary and General Manager,

Hongkong Tramways Limited."

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY said―This extension of the tramway has been made in consequence of the development of the district of Wongneichong and in order to avoid the congestion caused on the occasion of race meetings by the terminal line at present in existence. The line is being laid so that a large number of trees, mostly camphor trees, will not have to be cut down. The destruction of a few trees is involved and the work is now well advanced.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded and the resolution was carried.

Distillery Licences

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the following resolution:―

"It is hereby resolved that on and after the first day of January, 1923, the fee of $400 per annum prescribed for Distillery Licences in the Second Schedule to the Liquors Consolidation Ordinance, 1911, shall be altered to a fee of $25, in respect only of such licences issued at Stanley."

T H E COLONIAL SECRETARY―This resolution is brought forward because it is found that the amount of business in the village of Stanley is very small, as a comparatively small number of junks visit there. It is desirable to adopt the same fee as is in force in the New Territories.

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Care will be taken that liquor distilled in Stanley is used there and not moved elsewhere so that the object of the reduced fee is not set aside.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded, and the resolution was carried.

Chinese Wine and Spirit Shop Licence (Stanley)

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the following resolution:―

"It is hereby resolved that the Second Schedule to the Liquors Consolidation Ordinance, 1911, be amended by the addition of the following sub-heading at the end of the heading 'Chinese Wine and Spirit Shop Licence':―(i) Stanley, $25."

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY―The same reasons apply for reducing the fee as in the case of the former resolution.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded and the resolution was carried.

The Military Lands Question

HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C., asked the following question―"Will the Government give information to the Council as to the progress of the negotiations for the transfer of the Military Establishments from their present sites to other sites which will not impede the commercial and residential expansion of the Colony?"

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY replied― The local negotiations were concluded in the month of May this year and the conditions on which the Military Establishments should be removed to other sites were forthwith submitted to the Colonial Office and War Office. The result of the discussion which subsequently took place between the two departments has not yet been notified to this Government.

The Female Domestic Service Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL―Sir, I beg to move the first reading of a Bill intituled, "An

Ordinance to regulate certain forms of female domestic service." This Bill is introduced on the instructions of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and is an attempt to deal with the much-discussed mui tsai question―a question, perhaps, more discussed than understood. I say that because I think it is only fair to admit at the outset that much of the criticism―though not all―of the custom of employing mui tsai is confused, ignorant and unsympathetic.

I think that the confusion of mind is largely due to the use of the term "slavery" for what is not slavery at all. Mui tsai are not slaves: the control of the employers is not recognised in any way by law: the girls are members of the family, though humble members of it: and Chinese custom recognises certain obligations of the employer towards the mui tsai. It is impossible, of course, to argue this point now, and I have no desire to do so, but perhaps I may be allowed to give one illustration that came under my notice the other day. In a recent murder case at the Criminal Sessions one of the witnesses was a little girl of about 13; she was bright, intelligent, well-clothed, obviously well-fed, and she gave her evidence clearly and intelligently except that she very nearly broke down two or three times in speaking of her mother, the murdered woman. It was only nearly at the end of the case for the Crown that we discovered―what none of the police or Court officials had known till then― that the girl was not the daughter of the murdered woman at all, but a mui tsai. She had referred to the woman throughout as her "mother." I think that class of incident would rather surprise some of the critics of the custom. It would also surprise them to know that our Chinese servants―at any rate in some cases―apply the term "mui tsai" to some European members of our households who have important and honourable duties in connection with the upbringing of our children. The fact that Chinese apply the term to persons of that class shows that the word cannot have for them the connotation of "slavery," as so many critics of the system think.

The criticism, too, I am afraid, has often been ignorant. One well-known society of repute which considered it had a duty to go into the question and advise

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 153

H.M. Government, wrote a formal letter in the belief that there were boy as well as girl mui tsai―a surprising mistake. Two other societies in addressing themselves formally to the question talked about declaring mui tsai illegal, evidently ignorant of the fact that mui tsai is the name of a person and not of a thing. Mistakes of that kind are perhaps only surface mistakes, but I am afraid they do show the existence of a certain type of mind uncritical and rather apt to jump to conclusions without sufficient evidence.

I think that what is more important perhaps than confusion of mind or ignorance of details is lack of sympathy with an alien civilisation. Chinese civilisation has an ancient and an honourable record, and I, for one, think that in some respects it is superior to our own. I do not say that the custom of employing mui tsai is one of those points. The social structure of that civilisation is very different from ours, and to embark on the task of changing that social structure, even in one detail, is one that may well cause even the boldest legislators to pause. It is recognised, therefore, that we must go slowly and carefully, and we are anxious to avoid doing any violence to sentiments and customs with which perhaps we are not in entire accord.

The custom of employing mui tsai has grown up in the course of long years of adjustment to social and economic conditions and we realise that we incur certain dangers in attempting to deal with that custom. There is a danger that we may lose the quasi-parental control and responsibility which I am sure the better class of employer recognises. There is also the danger that we may increase the risks of neglect, kid-napping and prostitution. But when all allowances and apologies are made for ill-informed criticism, and while we acknowledge that the custom of employing mui tsai is by no means wholly bad and that many of the mui tsai―I think the majority― are contented with their lot and are fairly well off, and while we recognise the dangers of this legislation, it cannot be denied that the system does lend itself to abuse, and grave abuse, in the hands of evil and unscrupulous persons. Hence this Bill.

The Bill is divided into four parts. Parts I and IV may be called formal or auxiliary. Part

II is intended to come into force as soon as the Bill is passed and the Ordinance is gazetted. Part III is to be postponed and not to come into operation until proclaimed by the Governor in-Council. Part II provides that hereafter no one is to take into his employment in the Colony any mui tsai as a mui tsai, and Part III provides that all mui tsai are to be registered, that no one is to employ an unregistered mui tsai, and that all mui tsai over a certain age shall be entitled to wages.

Now as regards the details of the Bill. Clause 2 of the Bill is declaratory. Payment by an intending employer to a parent or guardian of a child has never in this Colony conferred any rights whatever on such employer to retain possession of the child as against the parent, or even to retain possession of the child as against the child itself. The clause, therefore, is simply declaratory of the existing law. Clause 3 is the definition clause. A mui tsai is defined as a female domestic servant whose employer has obtained her services by means of a payment. Paragraph (ii.) of the definition is intended to cover two cases: one is the case where the girl has been transferred from one employer to another, and the other is the case where the employer has died and the care of the house and the custody of the child has devolved on the widow, the son, or the concubine of the employer.

Clause 4 is the main clause in Part II of the Bill,―the part which is to come into operation at once. It provides that no person shall hereafter take into his employment any mui tsai. That, of course, will not prevent anyone taking into his employment as a hired servant a girl who was formerly a mui tsai. Clause 5 provides that no employer shall hereafter take into his employment any female domestic servant under the age of ten years. That is intended to prevent evasion because in the case of children under 10 it would be very difficult to prove that they were or were not mui tsai. Clause 6 provides that every employer of a mui tsai must provide the girl with sufficient food and clothing and medical attendance in case

154 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

of illness, and that no employer of a mui tsai shall overwork or ill-treat a mui tsai or subject her to any punishment to which he might not reasonably subject his own daughter. That, I think, really expresses a duty already recognised by all good employers, who, as I said before, are in a large majority.

That brings us to Part III of the Bill―the postponed part. Clause 7 gives a power of making regulations. The regulations that are at present proposed have been published in draft with this Bill. They deal with registration and also with notice of the death of the employer of a mui tsai and with the wages of mui tsai. Clauses 8 and 9 require registration, and prohibit the employment of unregistered mui tsai. Part of the policy of the Bill is to prevent transfers of mui tsai from one employer to another, but it is obvious, of course, that the case of death must be provided for, and section 11, whilst prohibiting transfers, provides that on the death of an employer the Secretary of Chinese Affairs may make any order which he may think fit for the transfer of such mui tsai to a new employer. No doubt in the ordinary way in the case of death of an employer he would give the child over to the care of the widow if she were a fit and proper person and the conditions of employment were sufficiently good to justify that order. Sub clause (2) of that clause provides that when any person becomes the actual employer in fact of a mui tsai owing to death or for any other reason, such new employer must report that fact within one week. Clause 12 provides that every mui tsai of or over the age of 10 years may leave her employment at any time without any notice and without any payment to any person. That clause again is merely declaratory, as at the present moment such girls have the right to do so. Clause 13 provides that every mui tsai under the age of 18 who wishes to be restored to her parents, and every mui tsai under 18 whose parent wishes the mui tsai restored to his or her custody, shall be so restored unless the Secretary for Chinese Affairs sees some grave objection. That clause, too, is largely declaratory, except that it gives the Secretary for Chinese Affairs a right to enquire into the case in the interests of the girl herself. For example, as I have said in the "Objects and Reasons," he might refuse permission to restore a girl to the custody of a mother who

was living an immoral life.

Clause 14 provides that every mui tsai of or over the age of 12 and under the age of 18 shall have the right to apply to the Secretary of Chinese Affairs and upon such application the Secretary for Chinese Affairs may make any order he may think fit in regard to the custody, control, employment and conditions of employment of the applicant. That is largely declaratory, too, because, of course, every mui tsai has that right at present, and no doubt the Secretary for Chinese Affairs will be prepared to listen to any application by a mui tsai whether she be under 12 or over 18 or between those ages. Clause 15 is the wages clause. The wages proposed are given in Regulation 7 of the Draft Regulations. They may seem small by English standards, but, of course, they must be judged by local standards and in view of local conditions.

I think that is all, Sir, that I wish to say as regards the details of the Bill. In conclusion I only wish to say that the Government fully recognises the difficult and delicate nature of this legislation and the Secretary of State is prepared to consider carefully and sympathetically any representations the Chinese community may wish to make before Part III is brought into operation.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded the first reading of the Bill, which was carried.

Short Adjournment

The Council adjourned whilst the Finance Committee dealt with the Financial Minutes referred to it and reported below.

When the Council resumed, the COLONIAL SECRETARY reported that the expenditure recommended under Finance Minutes Nos. 84 to 99 and the additional financial minute relating to re-distribution of votes for Public Works Extra-ordinary had been agreed to by the Finance Committee and he proposed that they be approved by the Council.

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 155

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the resolution was carried.

Adjournment for a Month

H.E. THE GOVERNOR―That is all the business, Gentlemen. Has any member any views as to adjournment?

HON. MR. POLLOCK ― The Unofficial Members would be glad if your Excellency would grant an adjournment for four weeks.

His Excellency's Thanks and Good Wishes

H.E. THE GOVERNOR―I see no objection. Gentlemen, that completes our labours for this year. I have only once again to thank you very cordially for the assistance you have given to me and for a rather long period of the year to Mr. Severn during my absence. We have had a busy and somewhat eventful year and I hope we may regard ourselves as having done useful work during the course of it. I rely on receiving the same assistance from you in the coming year, and I hope it may be a happy and prosperous one for all of us.

Investiture of Mr. Fletcher, C.M.G.

HIS EXCELLENCY said―Before we part I have to perform a duty which gives me personally great pleasure, and I am sure you also; that is to invest the Clerk of Councils, Mr. Fletcher, with the insignia of a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George which was conferred on him on the King's birthday. It is almost unnecessary to comment on the value of Mr. Fletcher's services in the presence of any of you. You have all known him for a very long time, and you all know how very much we rely on his ability, energy and judgment. It is a great pleasure to me not only to know that Mr. Fletcher has won this distinction, but also that I should have the pleasure of investing him with the insignia myself.

HIS EXCELLENCY, after the investiture said: The Council will adjourn until this day four weeks.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

——

The Colonial Secretary (Hon. Mr. CLAUD SEVERN, C.M.G.) presided over the meeting of the Finance Committee.

A Ford Lorry for New Territories

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of $200 in aid of the vote Police Department, Special Expenditure, Purchase of a Ruckstell Ford Axle for the 1-ton Ford lorry for New Territory work.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum has already been approved by the Finance Committee. It is for the purchase of a Ruckstell Ford axle to enable the lorry to negotiate hills with greater efficiency and ease.

Approved.

Motor Cycle for the Police

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of $765.50 on account of Police Department, Special Expenditure, Purchase of a motor cycle.

THE CHAIRMAN―This expenditure has already been approved by the Finance Committee. The motor cycle is not new but is in good order. Its purchase was recommended by the Locomotive Superintendent who is in charge of the Government motor vehicles.

Approved.

A Railway Vote

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,212 on account of Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Installation of Electric Power.

THE CHAIRMAN―When the statement of the amount due to the China Light and Power Company was submitted by the Manager of the Railway he omitted three items which had been approved in November, 1921, in connection with various works in process of construction. The three works in question were the cost of labour and material for the erection of two rotary feeders, $351.50; one 15-H.P. D.C. motor and installing same, $772; five 25 Ampere meters, $88.50. The

156 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Manager much regrets having omitted to insert these items when the financial minute was taken on the 29th September.

Approved.

Wanchai Fire Station

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,900 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Buildings, new roof for Wanchai Sub-Fire Station.

Approved.

Swatow Relief

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $50,000 in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Swatow Relief.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum was agreed to by the Finance Committee and the approval of the Secretary of State has been received for a total expenditure of $70,000.

HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK―I suppose Sir, that a good deal of this sum has already been spent?

THE CHAIRMAN―Not very much has so far been expended. The Tung Wah Hospital and the Chamber of Commerce funds have been used to a great extent.

Approved.

Peak Hospital

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $15,000 on account of Miscellaneous Services, Repairs to Peak Hospital.

THE CHAIRMAN ― Hon. members are aware that this sum represents the estimated cost of repairs and the installation of a hot water system. The repairs are in progress. It is proposed to hand over the whole amount of $15,000 now to the Committee, so that work will not be interrupted and accounts will be rendered later.

Approved.

Miscellaneous Votes

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $559,667 in aid of the following votes:―

Miscellaneous Services:―

Stationery ........................... $ 17,160.00 Bathing places, North

Point, Kennedy Town

and Stonecutter's Island . 1,500.00 Crown Agents Commission 1,620.00 Language Study Allowance 65.00 Printing and Binding

Ordinances, Regulations

and Reports ..................... 3,050.00 Rent Allowance ................. 25,330.00 Rent of Public Telephone .. 720.00 Telegrams sent and

received by Government 1,720.00 Transport of Government

Servants .......................... 110,860.00 Loss on subsidiary coins ... 394,500.00 Charitable Services:―

Other charitable services ... 3,142.00 —————

Total ....................... $559,667.00

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THE CHAIRMAN―If any member wishes to ask any question on any details of this item I will ask the Colonial Treasurer to explain them. The extra vote for stationary is due to the organisation of the gaol in connection with printing not having been very satisfactory for part of the year. It is now working very well, but in the meantime a great deal of work has had to be done outside the gaol, for which provision had to be made.

HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK―I would like to ask the Treasurer about the item "Loss on subsidiary coins, $394,500?"

THE COLONIAL TREASURER―This has to do with continuing the policy of demonitizing silver coins.

HON. MR. POLLOCK ― No further demonetization is in sight?

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 157

THE COLONIAL TREASURER―Oh, yes. The vote was approved.

Entertainment of U.S. Squadron

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $7,624 in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Other Miscellaneous Services.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required in connection with the entertainment by the community of the officers and men of the United States fleet who visited the Colony in October.

Approved.

Police Harbour Launches

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $600 in aid of the vote Police Department, Special Expenditure, 2 New Harbour Launches.

THE CHAIRMAN―This expenditure has already been approved by the Finance Committee.

Approved.

Passages for Additional Police

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $25,000 in aid of the vote Police Department, Other Charges, Passages.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote has also been approved by the Finance Committee. Hon. members will remember that the European police force was largely increased after the presentation of the estimates, so there was no provision for the cost of the passages of the men, who number, I think, 32.

Approved.

University Scholarships

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $333 in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Grant in aid of other Institutions, Yunnan Scholarships at University.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is due to a change in the academic year of the University from 31st August to 31st December,

necessitating the charge of one-third of a scholarship of $1,000 having to be paid this year. The Government gives two scholarships of $1,000 a year.

Approved.

Pig Weighing Machine

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $100 in aid of the vote Sanitary Department, Special Expenditure, 1 Pig Weighing Machine.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote was for this machine. The excess is due to the higher cost of the improved pattern machine sent out by the Crown agents and sundry charges, making a total of $350.

Approved.

Kowloon Railway Station Improvements

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $7,700 in aid of the vote Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Asphalting Platforms and Concourse, Kowloon Station.

THE CHAIRMAN―This vote has already been approved by the Finance Committee. It is for a desirable improvement of the station where the old wood paying had got into a bad condition.

Approved.

Personal Emoluments

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $12,000 in aid of the following votes:―

Kowloon-Canton Railway, Personal Emoluments:―

Maintenance of Way,

Works and Stations ........ $ 1,700.00 Locomotive, Carriage, and

Wagon Department ........ 5,600.00 Traffic Department ............ 4,700.00 ————

Total ....................... $12,000.00

————

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THE CHAIRMAN ― This sum refers to certain payments under the head of personal emoluments for which it was thought there would be savings under other heads. The items are as follows: Bonus to the staff during the strike in January-March, $7,071; a new appointment of Mr. Smith in the Loco Superintendent's Department, $4,400, representing his salary; the Railway Night School, $1,104; the salary of Mr. Baker, Engineer of Way and Works. This was revised and made equal to that of an executive engineer in the Public Works Department, resulting in an additional $1,200 being due to him.

Approved.

Royal Observatory Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,198 in aid of the vote Royal Observatory, Personal Emoluments.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required to cover salary paid in 1921 to the Chief Assistant of the Observatory while on leave in South Africa. The account was not presented to the Crown Agents until this year.

Approved.

Harbour Launches

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,000 in aid of the vote Police Department, Special Expenditure, 2 new Harbour Launches.

The CHAIRMAN: This sum is required for certain extras to two new harbour launches supplied by the Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Company.

Approved.

Public Works

The Committee also approved the Additional Financial Minute relating to redistribution of votes for Public Works.

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