1925-06-15 — Page 1

PRESENT:―

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 37 15TH JUNE, 1925.

Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea to

Wong Yat.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR (SIR REGINALD EDWARD STUBBS, K.C.M.G.). HIS EXCELLENCY THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING THE TROOPS (MAJOR-GENERAL C. C. LUARD, C.B., C.M.G.).

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY (HON. SIR CLAUD SEVERN, K.B.E., C.M.G.).

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (HON. SIR HENRY POLLOCK, K.C.).

THE COLONIAL TREASURER (HON. MR. C. MCI. MESSER, O.B.E.).

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

HON. MR. D. W. TRATMAN (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).

HON. DR. J. B. ADDISON, M.B.E. (Principal Civil Medical Officer).

HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK.

HON. MR. A. O. LANG.

HON. MR. CHOW SHOU-SON.

HON. MR. H. W. BIRD.

HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.

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

ABSENT:―

HON. MR. C. G. ALABASTER, K.C., O.B.E. Presentation

H.E. THE GOVERNOR ― Before we proceed to the business of the day I have a presentation to make. Wong Yat who is present before you to-day was one of the seamen who volunteered to man the small boat which left the s.s. Bowes Castle during the typhoon of the 18th August, 1923, in the circumstances mentioned here a few weeks ago, and he, with the others, was instrumental in saving three survivors of the s.s. Loong Sang. I have much pleasure in presenting on behalf of His Majesty the King the Silver

HIS EXCELLENCY then fastened the medal on Wong Yat's coat and shook him cordially by the hand, Wong Yat retiring from the Council Chamber with a broad smile on his face and a loud "Good-Bye" to the members.

Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

Papers

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid upon the table papers Nos. 1 to 5.

Order made by the Governor in Council under Section 24 of the Rents Ordinance, 1922, Ordinance No. 14 of 1922, on 11th June, 1925.

Regulation made by the Governor in Council under sections 25 (4), 33 (2) and 42 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899, Ordinance No. 10 of 1899, on 4th of June, 1925.

Notification of the rescission of the Order of the 18th March, 1925, proclaiming Hoihow to be a place at which an infectious or contagious disease prevailed.

Report on the Assessment for the year 1925-1926.

Report of the Captain Superintendent of Police for the year 1924.

Finance

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by order of H.E. the Governor, laid upon the table Financial Minutes 25 to 28 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.

38 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

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

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid upon the table the report of Finance Committee, No. 5, and moved that it be adopted.

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

The Telephone Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ― I beg to move the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance for the establishment of an improved telephone service in the Colony. The financial aspects of this measure were dealt with fully by the Hon. The Colonial Secretary in his speech in this Council on the 21st of last month. This Bill follows in its provisions the terms of the resolutions which were approved by that meeting, and it also includes certain provisions for safe-guarding the public and also the undertakings of other companies. The various sections of this Bill are fully explained in the "Objects and Reasons" which are in the hands of hon. members, and, therefore, I think it is unnecessary for me to recapitulate them at this meeting. I shall be pleased at the next meeting of this Council to answer any question which may be put to me by hon. members in regard to any of the details of this Bill.

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

H.E. THE GOVERNOR ― The Council stands adjourned until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23rd.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

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

Conduit Road Widening

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $22,500 in aid of the vote

Public Works, extraordinary, Hongkong, communications, 28, roads: (w) Conduit Road widening.

THE CHAIRMAN―This has already been approved by hon. members.

Submarine Cables

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,800 on account of Public Works, extraordinary, Hongkong, miscellaneous, concrete tank for the storage of submarine cables.

THE CHAIRMAN―It is necessary to have a place for storing submarine cables in the Colony. The only alternative is to lay them at the bottom of the harbour where they are liable to damage from the shipping and to theft. The cables are too valuable to take this risk.

Approved.

Secret Service

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,000 in aid of the vote Police Department, other charges, secret service.

THE CHAIRMAN ― The vote in the estimates is $8,000. The monthly payment so far has been $1,500 and there appears to be no reason to anticipate a reduction. The additional $10,000 is estimated as sufficient to cover the expenditure to the end of the year.

Approved.

British Empire Exhibition

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of £25,000 in aid of the vote miscellaneous services, British Empire Exhibition.

THE CHAIRMAN ― This is the Government grant this year to the British Empire Exhibition.

Approved.