1923-12-13 — Page 1

158 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 13TH DECEMBER, 1923.

PRESENT:―

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

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

HON. SIR CLAUD SEVERN, K.B.E., C.M.G. (Colonial Secretary).

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

HON. MR. MCI. MESSER, O.B.E. (Colonial Treasurer).

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

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

HON. MR. H. T. CREASY (Director of Public Works).

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

HON. MR. CHOW SHOU-SON.

HON. MR. A. R. LOWE.

HON. MR. A. O. LANG.

HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.

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

ABSENT:―

HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK.

Minutes

The minutes of the last meeting of the Council were approved and signed.

Papers

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid on the table the following papers, which had been published in the Government Gazette since the last meeting of the Council:―

Order under the Rope Company's Tramway Ordinance, 1901, on 18th October, 1923.

Regulations under the Peak Tramway Ordinance, 1883 on 18th October, 1923.

Regulations under the Public Places Regulation Ordinance, 1870, on 18th October, 1923.

Order under the Post Office Ordinance, 1900, on 18th October, 1923.

Two Orders under the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, on 25th October, 1923.

Two Orders under the New Territories Regulation Ordinance, 1910, on 25th October, 1923.

Rule under the New Territories Regulation Ordinance, 1910, on 25th October, 1923.

Regulation under the Ferries Ordinance, 1917, on 1st November, 1923.

Regulation under the Stamp Ordinance, 1921, on 15th November, 1923.

Regulations under the Public Places Regulation Ordinance, 1870, on 22nd November, 1923.

Order under the Rents Ordinance, 1922, on 6th December, 1923.

Finance

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid on the table Financial Minutes Nos. 89 to 107, and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.

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

T H E C O L O N IA L S E C R ETA RY, b y command of H.E. The Governor, also laid on the table the Report of the Finance Com-

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 159

mittee, No. 13 and moved that it be adopted.

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

By-laws Relating to Importation of Animals

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid on the table new by-laws relating to the importation and landing of animals and the mitigation and prevention of disease among animals and moved that they be approved by the Council.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

The Holidays Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the Holidays Ordinance, 1912. He said: The main object of this Bill is that which is intended to be effected by clause 3. That clause proposes to add a new section―section 8―to the principal Ordinance. The section deals with the issuing, serving and execution of certain kinds of process. Process in ordinary civil actions is excepted and will still be dealt with by the Code of Civil Procedure. Accordingly, this section deals mainly, though not entirely, with criminal procedure. There is some doubt at present in the case of some forms of criminal process whether they can be executed on Sundays and other holidays. It seems obvious that if there is power to serve a summons, or execute a warrant, that it should be possible to do that act on a holiday as well as on an ordinary week-day, otherwise a suspected criminal would have the whole Colony as his sanctuary on every holiday. This section clears up a doubt as to whether these particular forms of criminal process may or may not be executed on Sundays or other holidays. It also provides that where there is power to arrest or search, or make a seizure, that power may be exercised on holidays as well as on ordinary week-days. The Ordinance gives no new power of arrest, or search or seizure, but merely enables what is possible on ordinary days to be done also on holidays. As the Ordinance is being amended it was thought a convenient time to bring section 3 up-to-date. Section 3 contains a list of the general

holidays and the new list which is substituted by clause 2 of the Bill for the list in the present Ordinance brings the list of holidays up-to date in accordance with what has been the practice in recent years. I have mentioned in paragraph 7 of the "Objects and Reasons" the alterations made. I beg to move the first reading.

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

The Law Relating to Opium

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend and consolidate the Law relating to Opium. He said: This Bill is a long and rather formidable looking one, but, of course, a great deal of it is merely consolidation. I think that it will be enough if I state very shortly what the chief changes are which are made in the law by this Bill. In the first place all provisions relating to the existence of an entrepôt trade in raw opium in Hongkong are swept away. In future, if this Bill becomes law, the only case in which the importation of raw opium will be legal will be the case of opium on through bills of lading destined for places which allow the importation of raw opium, raw opium for the Macao opium farm, and raw opium for the Superintendent. The two classes of raw opium on a through bill of lading for a country which allows importation and of raw opium for Macao are dealt with in clause 4 of the Bill, and very stringent conditions have to be observed, otherwise the importation will be illegal. For example, the arrival and departure of the opium must be reported fully to the Superintendent. With regard to raw opium on a through bill of lading passing through the Colony there is one particular provision which is of considerable importance, contained in paragraph (f) of sub-section (2) of clause 4, which provides that this opium must be accompanied by a certificate in the form set out in the first schedule. That certificate is based on a form recommended by the Opium Section of the League of Nations Advisory Committee and is a certificate to be given by the country of destination stating that the importation of the particular shipment in question into the

160 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

country will be allowed. That certificate must accompany the opium on the ship and must be produced to the Superintendent. Apart from the three cases in which raw opium may be imported, all dealings of any kind in raw opium are prohibited absolutely. Of course, dealings in prepared opium are also absolutely prohibited, except dealings by or under the authority of the Superintendent.

Another new provision in the Bill is that contained in clause 23 which provides that no opium is to be sent by post, and that the Postmaster-General has power to open and detain any postal article which he suspects may contain opium or which he suspects may contain evidence of some offence against this Ordinance. That applies to any postal article what ever be its destination and whatever be its origin.

Then the powers of search on suspicion, as distinct from the general search which takes place on steamer wharves and elsewhere, have been very much increased and widened. That is contained in clause 31 of the Bill, which gives power to seize, remove and detain anything which appears to contain evidence of any offence against the Ordinance. The officers who are to have that power of search will be selected by the Superintendent under the powers conferred by sub-clauses (1) and (4) of that clause.

Sub-clause (2) of clause 36 is also new, though a similar provision appears in the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. It provides that any person who is proved to have "had in his possession or under his control anything whatsoever containing any opium shall, until the contrary is provided, be deemed to have been in possession of such opium."

In accordance with the policy of the English Dangerous Drugs Acts, it has been made an offence to do any act in aid of or in contemplation of any transaction outside the Colony which would be an offence against the corresponding law of that place.

Sub-clauses (3) and (4) of clause 38 deal with the case of conviction of a company or firm of an offence under this Ordinance. In the case of conviction of a company the directors and other officers are also guilty of the same offence. In the case of conviction of a firm, every partner and every person concerned in the management is also to be deemed guilty of

the same offence unless it is proved that the act occurred without his knowledge and consent.

A novel feature is the collection of all the penalties in the form in which they now appear in clause 39. I think that that will be more convenient than if they are scattered over various sections of the Ordinance. There are also several minor amendments which attempt to make the law more watertight, to which it is unnecessary to refer. I beg to move the first reading.

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

The Police Force Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the Police Force Ordinance, 1900. He said: This Bill contains a great number of amendments to the principal Ordinance, but the actual changes which the law makes are not, I think, of great importance, though they are desirable in many cases because they bring the law into line with what is now the existing practice.

In the first place the Bill provides for the taking of an oath or the making of a declaration by police interpreters, by launch hands employed by the Police Department, and by telephone operators. In the case of launch hands and interpreters they are sworn in at present, but without any statutory authority, and the Captain Superintendent of Police believes that the taking of an oath has an appreciable moral effect.

Then the Bill recognises another practice which is at present in force without statutory authority: that is the engagement for definite terms of interpreters, launch hands and telephone operators. It also provides for the engagement of police on probation. That is also done now without statutory authority. It provides also for the reengagement for short terms of police officers who are approaching their retiring age: that is to enable them to retire at that age if they so desire. That is now done without statutory authority, and possibly against statutory authority.

The magisterial penalties for breach of duty magisterial penalties for breach of duty which at present apply only to the Police Force proper are extended by the Bill

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 161

to launch hands; they are called in the Bill "members of the crew," which include deck hands and engine room hands of police launches and motor boats.

The disciplinary powers of the officers of the Police Force are extended by the Bill to the whole of the civilian staff. That includes launch hands and also such persons as telephone operators and police interpreters and clerks. The disciplinary punishments that can be imposed by an officer of the Force are codified in clause 12. In clause 13, the power of the Governor to dismiss is extended to members of the civilian staff. Clause 14 gives power to give rewards to launch hands and interpreters as well as to members of the Force proper and gives power to award medals and badges to launch hands.

Section 31 of the principal Ordinance makes it an offence to assault police officers acting in the execution of their duty. Clause 16 of the Bill extends that to assaults on members of the crew. Clause 20 provides that the civilian staff is to be subject to the general pension minute, and not to the police pension regulations.

Clauses 22 and 23 are, I think, important alterations in the law. Clause 22 gives a general power of search, arrest and detention similar to the particular power given recently in the Arms Ordinance. Clause 23 gives power to take the finger prints of any person who may be lawfully in custody. At present there is no very clear authority for taking finger prints, though it is arguable that under the gaol regulations finger prints of prisoners in the gaol may be taken. The clause makes it clear that any person in custody may have his finger prints taken, and it is an offence to obstruct the taking of finger prints. The other amendments, Sir, are, I think, consequential or minor. I beg to move the first reading.

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

Forest Officers' Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to confer certain powers of arrest on forest officers. He said: This Bill proposes to give forest officers―which includes the officers

and the heads and the assistant heads of the Botanical and Forestry Department―power of arrest for certain offences specified in the Schedule. These offences relate chiefly to the stealing and damaging of trees and other plants. It is also made an offence to assault or resist or obstruct any forest officer in the execution of his duties. That is an offence at present, but I think the provision occurs more conveniently in this Ordinance than where it is at present in the Magistrates' Ordinance.

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

The Companies Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the Companies Ordinance, 1911. He said: This Bill proposes to make three amendments in the Companies Ordinance. The first one―which is dealt with by Clause 2―is explained, I think, fairly fully in the Objects and Reasons. I would only like to say in addition to what appears there, that this is a relieving amendment: it does not impose any fresh burden: it is intended to relieve companies of a possible burden which a very strict interpretation of Section 64 (2) might be supposed to impose upon them. It is intended to make it clear that when a company uses an unofficial name, a kind of nickname, like Ewo or Taikoo, it need not append to that name the Chinese characters meaning "Limited"―only when they use a translation of their full name or a transliteration of it.

Clause 3 deals with the hardship which is found to follow from a particular provision of the Ordinance, inserted by an amending ordinance, which provides that if a company fails to obtain a certificate to commence business within one year of its incorporation it will be struck off the register. No provision was made for the company being put back on the register, though of course it might be a mere oversight which led to its being struck off, and it may be desirable in the interests of creditors that the company should be put back. This section merely gives the Court power to put a company back on the register if it is expedient.

162 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

The third amendment is dealt with in Clause 3 and provides that amongst the charges which must be registered in the office of the Registrar of Companies will be included, in future, a mortgage or a charge upon any ship, lighter or launch owned by the company. It is obviously desirable that any charge of that kind created by a company should be registered in some place where, on search, the public may ascertain the fact of the charge. I beg to move the first reading.

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

Interpretation Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the Interpretation Ordinance, 1911. He said: None of the amendments proposed by this Bill is of any great or urgent importance, but it is desirable that they should be made now because of the revision of the Ordinances which is now in course of being carried out. Clause 2 is intended to make it quite clear that any powers given by an ordinance of making regulations, or doing other acts, may be exercised at any time between the passing of the ordinance and its coming into operation. The present section is a little ambiguous and might possibly be construed as meaning that that power extends only to acts strictly necessary to bring the Ordinance into operation. It is convenient to have the power to make regulations, which, of course, cannot come into force until the Ordinance itself comes into force.

Clause 3 and Clause 4 deal with what I may call purely revision points ― they are amendments necessary on account of the revision of the ordinances.

Clause 5 provides that, if the accused is charged with possession of a thing and the offence is possession without lawful authority or excuse, the onus of proving lawful authority or excuse shall lie on the person charged. That is the only new point in the section.

Clause 6 contains a definition of the Colony which is intended to make it clear that the term "Colony" includes "the waters of the Colony," unless, of course, some contrary inention is shown to be necessary by the context. Clause 7,

again, deals with purely revision points. I beg to move the first reading.

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

Passports Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to regulate the admission of persons into the Colony of Hongkong. He said: This Bill is intended to carry out what is now a very general policy throughout the world, of requiring passports, or some official evidence of identity, from persons entering the territory of a State. The Bill is a skeleton Bill in order to enable regulations to be made or altered from time to time as circumstances require.

Clause 2 gives power to make regulations. Clause 3 gives power of arrest or search; Clause 4 provides for certain presumptions; I think that all the facts referred to in the Clause are matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the accused. Clause 5 is the penalty clause.

The regulations are contained in a schedule of the Bill.

Regulation 1 provides that no person is to enter the Colony―the words "by land, air or sea" have now been omitted―unless he has either a passport or some other official document establishing his nationality and identity which has been subsequently approved by the Captain Superintendent of Police. That second part of the regulation is intended to refer to a document which, I understand, is sometimes issued in some foreign countries. It is not a passport in the full sense of the word, but it is a card of identity, or an identity book, and this regulation is intended to give power to accept that if the document produced is approved by the Captain Superintendent of Police. Regulation 2 lays down the requirements of a valid passport. Regulation 3 requires any person having a passport or other document of identity or nationality to produce it on demand by a police officer. Regulation 4 gives a magistrate power to order the expulsion of any person from the Colony who enters the Colony without a valid passport, and regulation 5 contains a list of persons exempted―persons to whom

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 163

these regulations are not to apply. I beg to move the first reading.

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

The Adjournment

H.E. THE GOVERNOR―The Council will adjourn until this day week at 2.30 p.m. ——

FINANCE COMMITTEE

——

A meeting of the Finance Committee was afterwards held, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding.

A Hospital Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $9,500 in aid of the following votes:―

Medical Department:―

Civil Hospital, Other Charges:―

Provisions for Patients ....... $7,500.00 Washing .............................. 1,000.00 Victoria Hospital, Other Charges:―

Provisions for Patients ....... 900.00 Washing .............................. 100.00 ————

Total ......................... $9,500.00

————

THE CHAIRMAN ― These sums are required owing to the increase in the number of patients―the increase at the Government Civil Hospital was 700 and at Victoria Hospital, 75.

Approved.

The Cost of Forest Fires

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $950 in aid of the following votes:―

Botanical and Forestry Department, Other Charges:―

Forestry, Hongkong ............... $800.00 Transport ................................ 150.00 ———

Total .......................... $950.00

———

THE CHAIRMAN―With regard to the $800, the hill fire on the Peak in February cost $200 and the planting of trees in Shek O Road $350. There has also been an increase of pay to the temporary workers in the Department, of from 40 to 45 cents, owing to the difficulty in getting men. As regards the second item, transport, the increase is due to numerous fires in the neighbourhood of Aberdeen at the beginning of the year.

Approved.

Railway's Electric Power

Installation

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,636 in aid of the vote Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Construction, Installation of Electric Power.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum was required in addition to the sum of $13,500 provided in the Estimates, and is due to the fall of exchange since the electric motors were ordered―a fall from 2/7d. to 2/2-15/16 in the case of one motor and 2/3-1/16 in the case of two others―also to an increase in the price to the extent of £100.

Approved.

A New Territory Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum $3,500 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, (113) Miscellaneous Works.

THE CHAIRMAN―The maximum amount laid down for works charged against the vote, miscellaneous, New Territories, was $2,000, and this work at Taipo Market cost more than the vote of $2,000. The total cost of the filling in has been $5,500 and the balance―$3,500― is now required.

Approved.

Alterations at Government Civil

Hospital

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $5,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Buildings, Alterations to Government Civil Hospital Buildings.

164 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required this year in connection with the work of providing extra accommodation in "C" Block of the Government Civil Hospital; 26 beds, and a ward kitchen to "A" Block, and furniture. The total cost is $10,000 and $5,000 will be expended this year.

Approved.

A Charitable Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,700 in aid of the vote Charitable Services, Grant in aid of Charitable Institutions, Alice Memorial and Affiliated Hospitals.

THE CHAIRMAN―On the 7th November 1922, the Finance Committee approved a Government contribution to those institutions, and an increase is proposed in recognition of the increased amount of work.

Approved.

A Colonial Secretariat Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $340 in aid of the following votes:―

Colonial Secretary's Office,

Other Charges:―

Incidental Expenses ............... $130.00 Gas, Electric Fans and Light . 100.00 Hansard Reports .................... 100.00 ———

Total .......................... $340.00

———

THE CHAIRMAN―This increase has been incurred owing to the Colonial Secretary's Office having taken over the whole first floor of this building and there has been an addition to the staff of messengers.

Approved.

Fans and Light for Opium

Department

The Governor recommended the Council to voate a sum of $400 in aid of the vote Imports and Exports Department, Other Charges, Opium, Electric Fans and Light.

THE CHAIRMAN―Owing to the boiling of opium having to be finished by the 30th June, boiling was in operation continuously from the 1st January and this led to the increased consumption of light.

Approved.

A Rotary Converter for the

Railway

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $816 on account of Kowloon Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Rotary Converter.

THE CHAIRMAN―This was ordered in 1922 and no provision was made in the Estimates for 1923; therefore the amount required has to be voted now.

Approved.

Police Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $850 in aid of the following votes:―

Police Department, Special

Expenditure:―

1 Searchlight (for No. 4

Launch) ............................ $600.00

1 Prisoners' Van (Dennis

Chassis) ............................ 250.00

———

Total ......................... $850.00

———

THE CHAIRMAN ― The vote for the searchlight was $3,500, but the contract was $600 more than this. The vote for the prisoners' van was $6,500―and this extra amount was required.

Approved.

The Vaccination Campaign

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $15,000 on account of Sanitary Department, Special Expenditure, Vaccination.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required for the special vaccination campaign, for which no provision was made in the Estimates.

Approved.

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 165

Miscellaneous and Charitable

Services

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $130,359 in aid of the following votes:―

Miscellaneous Services:―

Bathing Places, North

Point, Kennedy Town,

and Stonecutters' Island .. $3,450.00 Crown Agents' Commis

sion .................................. 1,752.00 Grant in aid of Scientific

Institutions ...................... 124.00 Grants in aid of Other

Institutions ...................... 137.00 Motor Cars, Running

Expenses ......................... 3,892.00 Newspapers, and Periodi

cals .................................. 1,733.00 Other Miscellaneous Ser

vices ................................ 37,797.00 Printing and Binding ........... 7,699.00 Rent Allowances ................. 8,896.00 Rent of Public Telephones 1,746.00 Telegrams sent and received

by Government ............... 4,743.00 Transport of Government

Servants 54,448.00 Upkeep of Typewriters ....... 176.00 Erection of a Motor Car

Shelter, etc., at Kowloon

Point ................................ 551.00 Charitable Services:―

Charitable allowance to

Tsoi Hin Ki ..................... 7.00 Other Charitable allow

ances ............................... 543.00 Passages, and Relief of

Destitutes ........................ 2,381.00 Charitable Pension: Siu

Kam Ho, widow of late

L.S.C. 100 Sin Chuen ..... 284.00 —————

Total ......................... $130,359.00

—————

THE CHAIRMAN―The Treasurer asks for these various sums: I do not know whether hon. members wish to know the reasons for all these various increases. As to the bathing places, I believe it included an extra bathing place in Kowloon. As to the Crown Agents'

commission, a larger amount is required owing to lower exchange, and that applies to all the items down to the School of Oriental study, London Institution. As to newspapers and periodicals, the amount required was not estimated for. Other miscellaneous services― the amount which was voted was found to be too small, because the Government undertook the cost of entertaining the crews of foreign squadrons who visited the Colony, and this led to a considerable increase over the amount voted.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―There was the visit of a geologist.

THE CHAIRMAN―I think it is all due to entertainment allowance, but it may have been under-estimated owing to the visit of the geologist from Canada. Printing and binding has increased. It was under-estimated owing to the inability of the Gaol to execute certain work which had to be placed with the Government Printers in consequence. More rent allowances have been granted, there being no quarters available. The increase under "Rent of Public Telephone" is due to lower exchange and need for more lines. Telegrams sent and received by the Government were also under-estimated. During the war the amounts spent on these went to a very high figure, and it was cut down afterwards. The vote was sufficient up to last year, but I understand there has been a good deal of telegraphing for the British Empire Exhibition.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER ― A considerable amount.

THE CHAIRMAN ― "Transport of Government servants" was under-estimated. That was chiefly due to the large increase in the Police Force.

HON. MR. LANG―The passage rates have been reduced very considerably during the last few months.

THE CHAIRMAN―Yes If members would like a detailed statement as to that it can be obtained. I have no doubt it will be of interest.

The vote was approved, subject to details being supplied.

166 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

A Chinese Secretariat Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $675 in aid of the vote Secretariat for Chinese Affairs, Personal Emoluments.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required to pay the salary of a steno-typist who was engaged during the year at a salary of $900 per annum. It was thought that the salary could be paid out of reductions in salaries, but there were no reductions.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―I should like to ask whether a steno-typist has been engaged for the Buildings Office?

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―A stenographer has been engaged.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―And for the Director of Public Works Office?

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― One is about to be engaged.

Approved.

Rent of Fire Station at Mongkok

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $900 on account of Fire Brigade, Other Charges, Rent of temporary Fire Station.

THE CHAIRMAN―It has been decided to keep on the temporary fire station premises at Mongkok to be used as a temporary police station. This sum is to provide for rent from the 1st July to the end of the year.

Approved.

A Gratuity to Mr. T. L. Perkins

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of £1,000 on account of Miscellaneous Services, Gratuity to Mr. T. L. Perkins.

THE CHAIRMAN―This is for payment of a gratuity to Mr. Perkins of £1,000. On the departure of Mr. Perkins from the Colony, His Excellency referred to the excellent work done by him as Director of Public Works. I have no doubt that this special recognition will be approved by hon. members.

Approved.

A Harbour Office Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $4,000 in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, Other Charges, Repairs and Stores for Launches.

THE CHAIRMAN―The launch H.D. 1 has had a very expensive overhaul which was not foreseen, costing $4,198. The annual expenditure is usually $1,400. Owing to typhoons this year, the ordinary expenditure on repairs to H.D. launches has been $1,200 more than expected.

HON. MR. LANG ― Are these launches insured against typhoon risks?

THE CHAIRMAN―I do not think they are insured at all. I do not think any Government buildings or property are insured. It does not pay. We have so many of them it really pays to do our own insurance.

Approved.

Pensions for Fireman's Widow

The Governor Recommended the Council to vote a sum of $25 per month on account of Charitable Services, Charitable Pension to Chan Sam Nui, widow of the late Fireman No. 75, Chu Yan.

THE CHAIRMAN ― The deceased was killed by the breaking of a turn-table extension ladder, and as he met his death in the course of his duty it is proposed to make provision for his widow to the extent of two-thirds of the salary he has been drawing.

HON. MR. POLLOCK―Is this only one payment of $25?

THE CHAIRMAN―$25 per month.

Approved.

Purchase of Motor Lorries and Cars The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $11,275 in aid of the following votes:―

Sanitary Department, Special

Expenditure:―

2 Motor Refuse Lorries ..... $8,358.00 2 Motor Vans ...................... 1,900.00 2 Motor Cars ...................... 1,006.00 1 Portable Disinfector ........ 11.00 ————

Total ........................ $11,275.00

————

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 167

THE CHAIRMAN―The amounts provided in the estimates are for two motor refuse lorries, two motor vans, two motor cars and one portable disinfector. All these have been exceeded by the amounts shown in the minute. The lorries finally bought after much correspondence and discussion, were two Albion lorries and they cost with all expenses £807 10s. each. The two motor vans are Cubitt vans costing £720, and the two motor cars are also Cubitts, the extra amount for the last two being $1,006.

HON. MR. LANG―Is this on account of exchange?

THE CHAIRMAN―No. Since the estimates were framed we got English cars, lorries and vans of a type we thought the best. We are getting better vehicles and English ones. I understand we have got very good value for our money.

Approved.

Stamps and Stamping Machines

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $4,600 in aid of the following votes:―

Treasury, Stamp Office:―

Other Charges: Stamps, etc. $ 600.00 Special Expenditure:

Stamping Machines ......... 4,000.00 ————

Total ........................ $4,600.00

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THE CHAIRMAN ― The estimates for expenditure on stamps from the Crown Agents was exceeded owing to the increased consumption necessitating a large order. The stamping machines were ordered to replace worn-out machines. They are expected shortly and will be debited in this year's account. They were not included in the 1923 estimate as it was not until 1923 that it was found necessary to replace the old ones.

Approved.

This concluded the proceedings.

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