32 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 22ND MAY, 1924.
PRESENT:―
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. D. W. TRATMAN (Colonial Treasurer).
HON. MR. H. T. CREASY (Director of Public Works).
HON. MR. E. D. C. WOLFE (Captain Superintendent of Police).
HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C.
HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK.
HON. MR. A. R. LOWE.
HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.
HON. MR. CHAU SIU-KI.
MR. S. B. B. MCELDERRY (Clerk of Councils). ABSENT:―
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR REGINALD EDWARD STUBBS, K.C.M.G.
HON. THE OFFICER COMMANDING THE TROOPS.
HON. MR. A. E. WOOD (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).
H.E. The Governor Indisposed
SIR CLAUD SEVERN (Colonial Secretary), on taking the President's Chair, said: I have to inform honourable members of the Council that H.E. The Governor, under medical advice, is not leaving his house and has asked me to preside at this meeting.
Minutes
The minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.
Finance
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid on the table Financial
Minutes Nos. 19 to 46 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
Papers Laid
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid on the table papers Nos. 1 to 20, which were already in the hands of members (being Regulations and Orders in Council and Rules by the Chief Justice already published in the Government Gazette).
Dissemination of Disease by Mosquitoes
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid on the table By-laws made under Section 16 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, relating to the prevention of the dissemination of disease by mosquitoes, and moved that they be approved by the Council.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded.
HON. MR. POLLOCK―I am very glad that the Government has seen its way to approve of this by law. There is no doubt the scaffolding on the buildings going up forms a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY―I may mention that the proposal that such a by-law should be passed was brought forward by the hon. and learned member (Mr. Pollock).
The motion was agreed to.
Domestic Cleanliness and Ventilation
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid on the table a by-law made by the Sanitary Board,
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 33
under section 16 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance 1903, being an amendment of existing by laws published in the Regulations of Hongkong under the heading of "Domestic Cleanliness and Ventilation," and moved that it be approved by the Council.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
A Public Urinal in Kowloon
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY proposed the following resolution:
"Whereas application has been duly made by the Sanitary Board to the Governor under section 167 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinances, 1903- 1923, for the erection of a Public Urinal in Kowloon at the Junction of Kimberley Road and Austin Avenue:
"And whereas such application having been duly approved by the Governor and a notification of the intention to erect a Public Urinal at such site having been duly published in three successive numbers of the Gazette, certain owners and occupiers of property in the vicinity have objected to such erection:
"And whereas such objections have been duly considered:
"It is hereby resolved by this Council that the above mentioned site and the erection thereat of a Public Urinal be and the same are hereby approved."
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY said―In moving the resolution, I would like to inform hon. members that the erection of a convenience in this part of Kowloon is due to representations of residents in the locality that the erection is desirable. The intention to erect was published in the Government Gazette under Notification S. 44 on the 22nd of February.
An objection, dated 28th February, was received from Messrs. Butterfield and Swire, who pointed out that the place was in close proximity to their staff houses and the Officers' club of the Ocean Steamship Company. This objection was considered by the Sanitary Board on the 11th March and a resolution was passed that it was not desirable to abandon the project or alter the site. Residents in Austin and Kimberley Roads sent a letter addressed to the Head of the Sanitary Board, dated 3rd March, in which they objected to the proposal and stated that they were
considering the idea of utilising the spot as a garden. This letter should have been addressed to the Colonial Secretary but this irregularity was overlooked and it was considered by the Sanitary Board which unanimously agreed to adhere to their recommendation. The position selected is in the centre of an open space, and trees and shrubs will hide the building and will tend to improve the appearance of the place. I beg to move the resolution.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL―I beg to second that.
The resolution was then put to the meeting and carried.
Rents Ordinance Extended
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY proposed the following resolution:
"Whereas by the provisions of section 10 of the Rents Ordinance 1922 it is inter alia provided that it shall be lawful for the Legislative Council from time to time by resolution to extend the duration of the said Ordinance for such term not exceeding one year at any one time as may be specified in such resolution:
"And whereas the Rents Ordinance 1922 has been amended by the Rents Amendment Ordinance 1923 and by the Rents Amendment Ordinance 1924:
"Now it is hereby resolved by the Legislative Council that the duration of the Rents Ordinance 1922 as amended by the Rents Amendment Ordinance, 1923, and by the Rents Amendment Ordinance, 1924, be extended until and including the 30th day of June, 1925."
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, said―In moving this resolution I feel sure that it will have the whole hearted support of all hon. members. I have been reading the debates which took place when the Rents Ordinance was first introduced in 1921 when most of us were doubtful as to what would be the result of this somewhat doubtful legislation. It will not be denied that during the three years that the Ordinance has been in force the result to the community in general has been wholly beneficial. Experience has shown
34 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
us, year by year, that the principal Ordinance required amendment, and amending Ordinances have been passed. In fact, this is the first occasion on which it has been possible to bring forward a resolution to continue the Ordinance for another year without amending the Ordinance itself. I think there is ample evidence that the restrictions imposed by the Ordinance are still required. I therefore move the resolution.
HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C., said―I have very much pleasure in seconding this resolution which has the unanimous support of all the Unofficial members of this Council. We are all sorry not to see His Excellency in his accustomed place this afternoon, and trust that his indisposition will be of very brief duration.
The resolution was then put to the meeting and carried.
The Stowaways Ordinance Amendment Bill
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL―I beg to move the first reading of an Ordinance to amend the law relating to stowaways. This Bill, Sir, proposes to repeal the Stowaways Ordinance of 1903 and to re enact the provisions of that ordinance with certain technical alterations which are designed to clear up difficulties of construction in the present Ordinance, and so carry out the policy of that Ordinance with more certainty. The alterations, which are technical, are fully explained, I think, in the objects and reasons, and I beg to move the first reading.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER ― I beg to second that.
The Bill was read a first time.
Adjournment
THE PRESIDENT―The Council will sdjourn sine die.
——
FINANCE COMMITTEE
——
A meeting of the Finance Committee was afterwards held, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding.
Harbour Lighting
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,000 in aid of the vote Harbour Master's
Department, Other Charges, Acetylene gas for lighthouses and general upkeep of Aga lights.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required for the upkeep of the Beckwith Bell which was installed after the preparation of the Estimates. The requirements are six Cylinders costing $1,800 and gas $252.
Approved.
Grant for Leprosy Relief
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of £100 on account of Miscellaneous Services, Grant to the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association in London.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has already been approved by the Finance Committee.
Approved.
X Ray Outfit for Government Civil Hospital
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,250 on account of Miscellaneous Services, Coolidge Portable X Ray Outfit.
THE CHAIRMAN―The X Ray apparatus at the Government Civil Hospital has caused trouble for some time. In December last Dr. McKenny inspected a small installation at Canton which was giving better results than the one at the Government Civil Hospital, and as a small installation was obtainable at once it was decided to get it.
Approved.
Charitable Services
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $300 on account of Charitable Services, Charitable Allowance to Mr. G. A. Noronha.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is a vote for tuition fes for the son of the late Government Printer in recognition of valuable services
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 35
to the Government. It was made on the recommendation of the Director of Education.
Approved.
Road Construction
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $60,000 in aid of the following vote:―
Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong Communications:―
(a) Road connecting Broad-wood
Road with Wong-nei-chung
Gap Road ................................... $15,000.00 (b) Conduit Road widening ........... 45,000.00 ————
Total ................................ $60,000.00
————
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has already been approved by the Finance Committee.
Approved.
Observatory Wireless Station
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,500 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Miscellaneous, Wireless Receiving Station, Royal Observatory.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has already been approved by the Finance Committee.
Approved.
The Beckwith Bell
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of £943 0s. 0d. on account of Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, Installation of the Beckwith Bell.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is the cost of installing the Beckwith Bell by the Swedish Trading Co. The work was entrusted to this Company as they guaranteed to instal the bell and turn over the apparatus to the Government in running condition. There appeared to be a great advantage in having it tested by the makers' agents after final erection.
Approved.
The Kowloon Magistracy
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $12,000 on account of Special Expenditure, Conversion of Old Yaumati Police Station into a Temporary Magistracy and equipment thereof.
THE CHAIRMAN―This work was undertaken after the preparation of the Estiments but on account of the urgent necessity to open a Magistracy at Kowloon the cost was not ascertainable until the completion of the work.
Approved.
New Burners for Collinson and Lyemun Lights
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of £295 on account of Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, Alteration of Cape Collinson and Lyemun Lights.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required for a new burner for Cape Collinson and altering the present flashes of the lights. That will cost £82 10s. and there are also two burners for the Lyemun Pass lights, £212 10s.
Approved.
Lyemun Pass Lights
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $5,240 on account of Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, Installation of Aga Lights on Lyemun Pass.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has already been approved by the Finance Committee. It is for the new lights on Lyemun Pass and the cost of extra cylinders.
Approved.
A Stamping Machine
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,700 on account of Treasury, Stamp Office, Special Expenditure, Stamping Machine.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is a re-vote of an amount voted last year.
Approved.
36 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Resumptions at Kowloon
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $25,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous (127), Kaulungtong Development: (a) Resumption.
THE CHAIRMAN―The Arbitration Board is continually making awards in connection with the resumption of land in Kowloon. This sum of $25,000 is required to supplement the sum of $10,000 provided in the Estimates. A further sum will probably be required later in the year.
Approved.
A Railway Vote
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $11,000 on account of Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Construction of the body work of a 2nd class railway car.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has already been approved by the Finance Committee.
Approved.
Kowloon Cemetery
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Buildings, Sextons' Quarters, Kowloon Cemetery.
THE CHAIRMAN ― As there was great uncertainty whether this work should be carried into effect, no provision was made in the Estimates.
Approved.
Lyemun Lights
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $890 on account of Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, Installation of Aga Lights on Lyemun Pass.
THE CHAIRMAN―This additional sum was required for the concrete foundations and bridges in connection with the two Aga lights at Lyemun Pass. This extra expenditure in the cost of the lights could not be foreseen when their erection was approved by the Finance Committee.
Approved.
Searchlights for Police Launches
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,800 on account of Police Department, Special Expenditure, Searchlights for Nos. 5 and 6 Police Launches.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has already been approved by the Finance Committee.
Approved.
Motor Truck Tyre Press for Railway
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,506.16 in aid of the vote Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Motor Truck Tyre Press.
THE CHAIRMAN―When this apparatus was ordered it was anticipated that it would cost £150, but it actually cost £297 8s. and the vote was exceeded by $1,506.16.
Approved.
New Police Station at Shatin
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $15,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Buildings (110), New Police Station, Shatin.
THE CHAIRMAN ―The revised estimate is $50,000, as stated in the Estimates for the current year. $35,336 was spent last year and $9,937 since the beginning of this year. The sum of $15,000 now asked will be sufficient to complete the work.
Approved.
Registration of Companies at Shanghai
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $7,000 in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Departments, (a) Supreme Court, Other Charges, Registration of Companies at Shanghai.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 37
THE CHAIRMAN―After much correspondence between the Secretary of State and the Minister at Peking it has been decided that the $3,000 paid for the registration of companies at Shanghai should be raised to $10,000. This vote is for the balance.
Approved.
Personal Emoluments
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,600 in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Departments, D. ― Attorney-General, Personal Emoluments.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is required to pay the salary of the acting Attorney-General during the month of the Attorney-General's recent absence.
Approved.
Charitable Pensions
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $180 on account of Charitable Services, Charitable Pension to Chan Chun Yau, widow of the late P.C. C612 Cheung Cheong.
THE CHAIRMAN―The deceased constable was shot dead by armed robbers on the 7th August last. In accordance with recent practice a pension of two thirds of his pay ($22 a month), amounting in this case to $15, was approved by the Executive Council in November last. No provision having been made in the Estimates, it is necessary to take a vote.
Approved.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $180 on account of Charitable Services, Charitable Pension to Chan Sam Mui, widow of the late Fireman No. 75, Chu Yam.
THE CHAIRMAN―The deceased was killed by falling from a turntable ladder on the 10th November and the Executive Council on November 22nd approved of a pension of $15 a month to his widow, being two-thirds of the pay of the deceased.
Approved.
Beacon Light
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a
sum of $10,000 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, Beacon Light, Cheung Chau Channel.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has already been approved by the Finance Committee. The former beacon was damaged by the typhoon of August last and the rocks on which it was erected moved.
Approved.
Patrol Launches
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $100,000 on account of Harbour Master's Department, Special Expediture, Patrol Launches.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has been already approved by the Finance Committee. This is not for building launches but for the fitting out of four launches and the general expenses in connection with the running of them. There is a further vote coming before the Finance Committee for the purchase or construction of two launches to take the place of two of the four launches now running which are not suitable. The Finance Committee will see when the next vote comes before them that the launches it is proposed to construct will be suitable for Police work when they are no longer required as patrol launches in connection with the prevention of piracy.
Approved.
Mr. Perkins' Gratuity
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of £1,000 on account of Miscellaneous Service, Gratuity to Mr. T. L. Perkins.
THE CHAIRMAN ―Mr. Perkins has written expressing his grateful thanks to the Government of Hongkong and this Council for having granted him this sum of money in recognition of his service.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―Has this not already been voted?
38 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
THE CHAIRMAN―It was voted in 1923, but the payment was made this year and it is necessary to revote the sum for 1924.
Approved.
Vote for British Empire Cancer Campaign
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of £1,000 on account of Miscellaneous Services, Grants in aid of Scientific Institutions, Contribution to The British Empire Cancer Campaign.
THE CHAIRMAN said this had been already approved by the Finance Committee and there had been some correspondence with the Secretary of State on the subject. The Colonial Office wrote to the Ministry of Health saying that the Government of Hongkong was prepared to make this contribution on behalf of the Colony, provided that full co-ordination referred to in the letter was attained, and inquiry was made as to the present position of the matter. The Minister of Health replied that the negotiations had resulted in satisfactory co-ordination and the Minister therefore considered that the contribution could now be properly made. It was made, and a letter has been received from the British Red Cross Society thanking the Government for its generous contribution in response to the British Empire Cancer Campaign Appeal, and
asking the Government to accept and offer to the Legislature of the Colony the grateful thanks of the Grand Council for their generous donation.
Approved.
The Upkeep of Aga Lights
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of £55 in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, Other Charges, General Upkeep of Aga Lights.
THE CHAIRMAN―This is a revote. A similar sum was voted last year but was not expended.
Approved.
A Printing Bill
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $5,000 in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Printing and Binding Miscellaneous Papers.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This has already been approved by the Finance Committee. The sum is required for printing the new edition of General Orders, Police Regulations, Police Beat Book, and a Manual for the Police School.
Approved.
———————
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.