PRESENT:―
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 115
29TH DECEMBER, 1925.
Report of the Director of Public Works,
together with the report on Land Survey
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR (MR. CECIL CLEMENTI, C.M.G.).
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING THE TROOPS (HON. COLONEL C. RUSSELL-BROWN, D.S.O.).
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, ACTING (HON. MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER, C.M.G., C.B.E.). THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (HON. MR. J. H. KEMP, K.C., C.B.E.).
THE COLONIAL TREASURER (HON. MR. C. MCI. MESSER, O.B.E.).
HON. MR. H. T. CREASY (Director of Public Works).
HON. MR. E. R. HALLIFAX, C.M.G., C.B.E. (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).
HON. SIR HENRY POLLOCK, K.C.
HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK.
HON. MR. CHOW SHOU-SON.
HON. MR. A. O. LANG.
HON. MR. H. W. BIRD.
HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.
MR. S. B. B. MCELDERY (Clerk of Councils).
Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.
Papers
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by order of H.E. The Governor, laid upon the table the Quarterly Return of Excesses on Subheads met by savings under heads of expenditure for the 3rd quarter of 1925 and also the following reports for 1924:―The Medical Report, the Sanitary Report, the Report on the Botanical and Forestry Department, the Report of the Director of Education, and the
Work for the year ending March, 1925. In doing so he expressed the regret of the Government at the lateness of certain Departmental reports. The reason lay in the strike which deprived the printers of their skilled labour for a considerable period.
Financial Minutes
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. The Governor, laid upon the table Financial Minutes Nos. 88 to 94, 101 to 103, 108 to 113, 115 to 120, 122 to 156 of 1925 and 1 and 2 of 1926 and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.
Financial Committee
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by order of H.E. The Governor, laid upon the table reports of the Finance Committee Nos. 13 and 14, and moved that they be adopted.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.
The Kowloon Hospital
HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK asked the following questions:
(a) What provision, if any, is the Government making for the treating of Maternity cases in the Kowloon Hospital?
116 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
(b) Will the Government revert to its original intention of allowing private Medical Practitioners to visit and treat their own patients in the Kowloon Hospital should they so desire?
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY read the following replies:
(a) There is no accommodation for maternity cases at the Kowloon Hospital, though in urgent necessity, as for example in the event of a typhoon, an exception would be made to the rule.
The site has been so laid out that extensions can be added as required. The question of building a maternity wing will be considered later, if experience shows that there is a sufficient demand to justify the expenditure.
(b) The Government is not prepared to reconsider this matter. There was originally a proposal that a part of the Kowloon Hospital should be set aside as a Nursing Home, to be run on the lines of the Peak Hospital, but it was decided that the difficulties of management and discipline rendered such an arrangement impracticable. A private practitioner can inform the Medical Officer in charge of any circumstances in connection with a case, and, if the Medical Officer or the patient so desires, he can be called in in consultation.
HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK―Arising out of the answer to the first part of my question (a) I submit that the treating of maternity cases of urgency should be decided not by climatic conditions but by the necessities of the patients. That a patient might, or might not be, transported across the harbour in typhoon weather is not an answer to my query. The question was put in order to convey to the Government the distinct understanding that maternity cases should be treated at the Kowloon Hospital. I think Kowloon has been rather let down by the Government in this particular. It was never understood by this Council that maternity cases were not to be treated there and I, therefore, suggest that this matter be reconsidered and that arrangements should be made for at any rate dealing with cases of urgent necessity.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR ― That will
certainly be so. Cases which in the opinion of the Medical Officer are urgent will be treated at the hospital.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK―The answer to my question did not convey that impression.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR―The answer refers to exceptions being made in cases of urgent necessity.
HON. MR. HOLYOAK ― In case of a typhoon.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR―That is only one obvious case quoted where a patient could not possibly get across the harbour.
Land for the University
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the following resolution:
Resolved that whereas the War Office has presented to the Government of Hongkong, for purposes of the University of Hongkong, the sites of Fly Point and Elliot Batteries, this Council hereby records its deep appreciation of this generous gift.
As hon. members are aware these two sites lie along the Pokfulam Road to the West of Hongkong University, and in close proximity to it. As it had long been thought desirable that land should be acquired for purposes of University extension, when Sir John Oakley came to the Colony in the late summer of 1923 in connection with the question of military land exchanges he was asked to value these sites among certain others in a supplementary report in order that the Government might know its liability if it should desire to make arrangements with the War Office to acquire them. The land was not required for the garrison. Sir John Oakley valued these two sites in the sum of $76,580, the area being 191,450 sq. feet at 40 cents a square foot. Sir John Oakley made representations to the War Omce as to the crying need of the University for room for future expansion and the War Office has most generously came forward with this gift to the Colony. The gift is made to the Government to use at their discretion for the purpose of the extension of the Hongkong University.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 117
SIR HENRY POLLOCK―On behalf of the Unofficial members I have very much pleasure in seconding this resolution and in expressing to the Military authorities our appreciation of the generous gift which has been made.
The resolution was passed unanimously and His Excellency the Governor stated that it would be conveyed to the War Office through the Secretary of State.
Financial Procedure
THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY―I beg to move the following resolution which stands in my name:―
Resolved that the following rule be inserted in the Standing Rules and Orders of the Legislative Council immediately after Rule 16:―
16A. The Governor may at any time refer direct to the Finance Committee any proposal concerning additional expenditure not already provided for in the annual estimates.
The practice has been for financial minutes to be referred by resolution of the whole Council to the Finance Committee. The Council, however, is for many weeks at a time not in session and so comes about the unavoidable necessity of actually incurring expenditure, or liability for expenditure, before it is possible to get the Finance Committee together. Obviously it is desirable that the legislature should approve of expenditure before any liability is undertaken and so it is proposed to put on record in the Standing Rules and Orders this new order that H.E. The Governor may at any time refer direct to the Finance Committee any proposal concerning additional expenditure not already provided for in the annual estimates. That means that H.E. The Governor will send a message to the Finance Committee and the Finance Committee can sit at any time to consider the proposal―in public for these is no question of private sessions―and can recommend them to the whole Council.
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded, and the resolution was passed.
Magistrates Ordinance, 1890
The first reading of a Bill inttuled, An Ordinance to amend the Magistrates Ordinance, 1890, was upon the Orders of the Day, but the Bill was held over to a future meeting.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
A meeting of the Finance Committee followed, the Acting COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding.
THE CHAIRMAN―All the papers relating to the votes which are to come before the meeting have been circulated so that members are aware of all the details of the proposed expenditure.
Compensation and Resumptions
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $50,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Miscellaneous, 93, Compensation and Resumptions.
THE CHAIRMAN―The vote is $30,000 and it has been continually necessary to expand this vote because of the rapid progress made in the neighbourhood.
Approved.
H.E. The Governor
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,200 in aid of the following votes:―
Governor, Personal emoluments $1,700.00 Governor, Other charges:
Electric fans and light for public rooms.............................................. 500.00 Furniture......................................... 3,750.00 Incidental expenses........................ 250.00
Total ............................................... $6,200.00
THE CHAIRMAN―The first item is in regard to the salaries of the Governor's Aide de-Camp and Private Secretary. Certain changes were made and leave was granted to the Private Secretary. The item for furniture is required for furnishing Mountain Lodge.
Approved.
118 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Weighing Machines
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $741 on account of Public Works Department, Special Expenditure, Six Weighing Machines.
THE CHAIRMAN―These machines were ordered in 1924.
Approved.
Rain from the Peak Fog
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $4,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Miscellaneous, 39, Miscellaneous Works.
THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required for experiments in rain producing by one of the professors at the University. It is hoped by means of electric current to produce rain from the Peak fogs and electrical machinery is required to bring about that much desired result.
SIR HENRY POLLOCK ― Has the machinery been put into operation yet?
THE CHAIRMAN―No. Presumably they are waiting for the fogs.
Approved.
Judicial and Legal
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,900 in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Departments, A―Supreme Court, Personal Emoluments.
Approved.
Mong Kok Tsui Market
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $500 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Buildings, 75, Extension to existing Market at Mong Kok Tsui.
Approved.
Training Nullahs
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Drainage, 82, Training Nullahs: ― (b) Matauchung, training and diverting main Stream course.
Approved.
Audit Department
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,276 in aid of the following votes:―
Audit Department:
Personal emoluments ................ $2,124.56 Other charges:
Transport and travelling
expenses .............................. 80.00 Conveyance allowance ........... 38.44 Home expenditure................... 1,033.00
Total................... $3,276.00
THE CHAIRMAN―The first item is due to getting out a new assistant. The work has grown considerably.
Approved.
Public Works
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $89,850 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works Department, Other Charges:
Incidental expenses, stores............. $ 250 Transport and travelling expenses . 5,000 Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong: Lighting, 12 extension of lighting . 11,600 Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong:
Buildings:
2 Overseer's quarters, Elliot
filter beds ............................... 5,000 3 D'Aguilar―erecting quarter
for officers ............................. 8,000 Communications, 28, Roads:
(t) Access road to War
Memorial Nursing Home,
Stubbs, Road.......................... 15,000 Miscellaneous:
39, Miscellaneous Works........... 15,000 Water Works:
42, Taitam Tuk Scheme ―
additional pumping plant (b)
engine and boiler ................... 30,000
Total.......................... 89,850
Approved.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 119
Road Improvements
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $7,550 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong:
Buildings:
12, Government stores, extension $ 500 Communications, 28, Roads:
(c) Wanchai Road―Widening to
42 feet ..................................... 600 (k) West Bay Development, Road
construction ............................ 50 (bb)Garden Road above
Kennedy Road, Improving
and widening......................... 6,000 Water Works:
54, Jardine's Look-out Service
Reservoir ............................. 200 55, Eastern Pumping Station ....... 200
Total ..................... $7,550
SIR HENRY POLLOCK―What is being done in Wanchai Road?
THE CHAIRMAN―We are trying to get a better access between Queen's Road and Wanchai East.
Approved.
Police
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $26,500 in aid of the following votes:―
Police, Other Charges:
Ammunition.................................. $ 2,000 Passages........................................ 18,000 Rations for Indian Police ............. 4,000 Rent of Stations............................ 2,500
Total ................... $26,500
Approved.
Fire Brigade
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $5,645 in aid of the following votes:―
Fire Brigade, Other Charges:
Incidental expenses ........................ $ 145 Repairs to motor engines and plant 5,500
Total ..................... $5,645
Approved.
Police Equipment
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,159 on account of Police Department, Special Expenditure, 200 rifles and bayonets.
Approved.
Fire Brigade Motor Pump
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,000 in aid of the vote Fire Brigade, Special Expenditure, 1 motor pump. Approved.
Sanitary Department
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,500 in aid of the following votes:―
Sanitary Department, Other Charges: Baskets, buckets and shovels......... $1,500 Brooms, brushes and bamboo hats 500 Incidental expenses ........................ 500
Total ..................... $2,500
Approved.
Quarters for European Police
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $680 in aid of the vote Prison Department, Rent of Quarters for European Officers.
Approved.
Police Motor Cyclists
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,511 in aid of the vote Police Department, Other Charges, Conveyance Allowances.
THE CHAIRMAN ― This is due to the motor cyclists. Motor cycles are found to be a most efficient form of conveyance. The Police provide their own machines.
Approved.
New Territories
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $7,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 123, Miscellaneous Works.
Approved.
120 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Colonial Secretariat
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $450 in aid of the following votes:―
Colonial Secretary's Offices,
Other Charges:―
Gas and electric fans .................... $250.00 Incidental expenses (typewriter,
etc.)............................................. 200.00
Total ................... $450.00
Approved.
Kowloon-Canton Railway
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,658 in aid of the vote Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Additional Machines for Carpenters' Shop.
Approved.
Architectural Office
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $201 on account of Public Works Department, Special Expenditure, Safe for Architectural Office.
Approved.
Hongkong Roads
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $20,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Communications, 28, Roads, (g), Road from Western end of Robinson Road to Conduit Road.
Approved.
Government Quarters
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,600 in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Furniture for Government Offices and Quarters.
Approved.
Colonial Secretariat
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,500 in aid of the vote Colonial Secretary's Department and
Legislature, Personal Emoluments. Approved.
Police Secret Service
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,000 in aid of the vote Police Department, Other Charges, Secret Service.
Approved.
Prison Department
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,000 in aid of the vote Prison Department, Subsistence of Prisoners.
Approved.
Motor Watering Carts
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $838 on account of Sanitary Department, Special Expenditure, 2 Motor Watering Carts.
Approved.
Printing Machines
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $800 on account of Prison Department, Special Expenditure, Printing Machines, etc.
Approved.
Legal Expenses
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,000 in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Departments, E.―Crown Solicitor, Other Charges, Legal Expenses.
Approved.
Miscellaneous Services
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $300 in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Other Miscellaneous Services.
Approved.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $197,000 on account of Miscellaneous Services.
Approved.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 121
Motor Refuse Lorries
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $962 in aid of the vote Sanitary Department, Special Expenditure, 5 motor refuse lorries.
Approved.
Students in Government Schools
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,445 on account of Education Department, Special Expenditure Medical fees and glasses for Students in Government Schools.
THE CHAIRMAN―The practice has been to charge a fee of $5 at Queen's College and $3 in other schools to cover the cost of these medical examinations. The expenditure has outrun the receipts and this vote is now asked for.
HON. MR. BIRD―Does the Government supply glasses to the students?
THE CHAIRMAN ― In certain cases. It depends upon the means of the student. We have given no undertaking.
Approved.
Patrol Launches
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,900 in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, 4 Patrol Launches:―Upkeep of.
Approved.
Mount Gough Police Station
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $13,800 on account of Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Buildings, Mount Gough Police Station and the additional Barrack Shed.
Approved.
Resumptions
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $14,553 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 124, Compensation and Resumptions.
Approved.
Government House Car
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $414 on account of:―
Governor, Other Charges:―
Upkeep of Motor Cars:―
Four new tyres .................... $143.00 Patrol, 60 gallons................ 111.00 One chauffer ....................... 160.00
Total .................. $414.00
Approved.
Castle Peak Quarry
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,476 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 120, Opening up of Quarry, Castle Peak.
Approved.
Magistracy
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $70 in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Departments, B.―Magistracies, Hongkong, Personal Emoluments.
Approved.
Railway Account
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,500 on account of Kowloon Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Recasting Accounts of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (British Section).
Approved.
King's Park Recreation Ground
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $14,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Miscellaneous, 86, King's Park Laying out Ground for Recreation purposes.
Approved.
Rainstorm Damage
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $250 in aid of the vote
122 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, 18, typhoon and rainstorm damages.
Approved.
Shing Mun Scheme
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $19,500 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories:―
Communications:
114, Roads (g) Waterloo Road
extension (100 ft. wide)
section between Kowloon
Boundary to foot of hill S.E.
of tunnel (estimate for 150 ft.
wide) ...................................... $4,500 Water Works:
127, Shing Mun Valley Scheme:
(c) Temporary Intake and
Conduit..................................... 15,000
Total ................... $19,500
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― The $15,000 is required because more work has been done than was anticipated.
SIR HENRY POLLOCK ― When is the scheme likely to be completed?
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―At the end of May or the beginning of June, that is the tunnelling.
SIR HENRY POLLOCK ― I mean the whole Scheme.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―I cannot give a date for the completion of the whole work.
Approved.
Miscellaneous
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,500 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 123, Miscellaneous Works.
Approved.
Rainstorm Damages
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $12,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 50, typhoon and rainstorm damages.
Approved.
Compensation and Resumptions
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,869 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 124, Compensation and Resumptions.
Approved.
Saiyingpun School
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $9,542 on account of Education Department, Special Expenditure, Equipment of Saiyingpun School.
This Minute was withdrawn.
Volunteers
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,326 in aid of the following votes:―
Military Expenditure:
B.―Volunteer Defence Corps, Other Charges:
Equipment for the Engineer
Company.............................. $901 Camp expenses ........................ 150 Transport .................................. 275
Total ..................... $1,326
This Minute was also withdrawn.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,473 in aid of the following votes:―
Post Office, Other Charges:
Repairs to steam launches....... $2,104.50 Mail bags, etc. ......................... 260.60 Telegrams ................................ 107.90
Total ................ $2,473.00
Approved.
Watchmen
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 123 Public Works, Extraordinary:
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $12,000 in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Departments, A. ― Supreme Court, Other Charges, Incidental Expenses, Watchmen.
Approved.
Transport
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $200 in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Departments, C.―District Offices, Southern District, Other Charges, Transport.
Approved.
Car Expenses
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,800 in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Motor Cars, running expenses.
Approved.
Educational
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,357 in aid of the following votes:―
Educational Department, Other Charges: Incidental expenses .......................... $1,554 Cookery classes ................................ 226 Upkeep of pianos.............................. 75 Equipment of classes for technical
institute......................................... 40 Grant in aid of rent ........................... 72 Subsidies to elementary vernacular
schools in Hongkong.................... 1,390
Total ................... $3,357
Approved.
Water Works
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $35,000 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Recurrent:
Hongkong Water Works:
22, Maintenance of City and
Hill District.......................... $15,000 26, Water account (meters, etc.) 10,000
$25,000
$25,000
Hongkong Water Works:
50 New Principal Water mains
in the City of Victoria......... 10,000
Total ................ $35,000
Approved.
Railway Sidings
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $4,000 in aid of the following votes:―
Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure:―
New Sidings Loco. Yard, East .... $3,000 Siding for Ashes, Loco. Yard...... 1,000
Total .................. $4,000
Approved.
Water Works
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,000 in aid of the following votes:―
Public Works, Recurrent:
Kowloon Water Works:
40, Maintenance of Water
Works ...................................... $ 5,000 Public Works, Extraordinary:
Kowloon Water Works:
94 Distributing mains,
improvements and extensions. 5,000
Total ................ $10,000
Approved.
Compensation and Resumptions
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $9,105 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 124, Compensation and Resumptions.
Approved.
Rescue Tug
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $54,000 on account of Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, Construction of Rescue Tug.
Approved.
124 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Port Health Officer
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $93 on account of Medical Department, C.―Office of Health Office of Port:―Fees in respect of Study in Diseases of the Skin to be taken by Health Officer of Port.
Approved.
COUNCIL RESUMES
Following the Finance Committee Council resumed and the Acting COLONIAL SECRETARY reported that all the Financial Minutes submitted to the Committee had been approved with the exception of Minutes Nos. 146 and 147 which had been withdrawn. He then proposed that the report of the Finance Committee concerning these Minutes should be approved by the Council.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to.
High Tributes to Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher
H.E. THE GOVERNOR said―As this is probably the last occasion on which Mr. Fletcher will be with us as Acting Colonial Secretary I think it will be the unanimous desire of you all that I should, on your behalf, offer Mr. Fletcher the congratulations of the Legislative Council on his well deserved promotion to Ceylon and wish him "God Speed" in his new sphere of activities. The whole of Mr. Fletcher's public life has hitherto been spent in this Colony. He has been Clerk of this Council since August, 1913, and has repeatedly filled the position of Colonial Secretary. He is now temporarily acting in that capacity for, I believe, the seventh time. I had hoped that the Secretary of State would confirm him substantively in that post, for Hongkong can ill afford to lose him at the present time. However, as I happen to know, Ceylon has difficulties as great, if not at the moment quite so pressing, as those of Hongkong, and we shall all agree that Sir Hugh Clifford will be fortunate in having Mr. Fletcher as his right hand man to help him to surmount those difficulties. Resourcefulness, tact and ability will all be needed. Mr. Fletcher has those qualities in a marked
degree and hitherto they have been devoted constantly to the promotion of the welfare of this Colony. I therefore propose that we should enter in our records our high appreciation of Mr. Fletcher's services both to this Council and to the whole Colony. (Applause.)
SIR HENRY POLLOCK―On behalf of the Unofficial members of this Council I desire to associate ourselves very fully with the words which have fallen from Your Excellency. It would take a long time to enumerate the many important matters with which Mr. Fletcher has been connected whilst he has been in the Colonial Secretariat and I will only mention a few of them on this occasion. He acted during the War as Secretary for the Military Service Commission and subsequently as Chairman of the Vital Requirements Committee of the Colony. He also did yeoman service in regard to fixing the terms of the transfer of the military lands to the Government. Although for reasons known to all of us no particular action has been taken for the time being on those terms I am confident in the future of this Colony and I believe that at no distant date we shall be able to resume the matter of the resumption of the military lands and then we shall receive the benefit of Mr. Fletcher's untiring services on this subject. Another matter for which we are very much indebted to Mr. Fletcher is the hard work he put in over the telephone agreement which has recently been come to. I hope now an expert will be dealing with the subject of telephones that we may shortly have an improved telephone service in the Colony. It would not be advisable for me to refer to all Mr. Fletcher's services in connection with the strike although they are well known to hon. members of this Council. It is well known that he did excellent service both in the strike of 1922 and during the present Strike and I should like to mention the extremely good work Mr. Fletcher did in both Strikes with regard to maintaining, and effectively maintaining, all the essential services of this Colony. Another point with regard to Mr. Fletcher which I must refer to because it is a point from which I have received great benefit in the past―and I am sure dozens of others would say the same thing―is his extreme accessibility. I am sure all of
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 125
us here present appreciate the fact that Mr. Fletcher has never allowed himself to be hampered by any rules of red tape. If he was satisfied that anyone in this Colony required to interview him on matters of importance, he was always ready and willing to give the earliest appointment possible and with his unrivalled experience of the affairs of the Colony, which had been gained in long service in the Colonial Secretariat, one always felt that one had received very excellent advice; and often Mr. Fletcher was able to give material assistance in forwarding whatever they had in hand. We feel, therefore, that in losing Mr. Fletcher this Colony is incurring considerable loss. Our loss will be a gain to Ceylon. We feel that it is regrettable that Mr. Fletcher was not confirmed in his present post as Colonial Secretary but, of course, we realise that these affairs are not in our hands and are outside of our control. We should very much have liked to see him continue permanently in his present billet. In saying farewell I can truly say that he and Mrs. Fletcher will be very much missed from the social life of this Colony. We wish them both every happiness and prosperity in the new place to which they are going. (Applause.)
HON. MR. CHOW SHOU-SON―I beg to concur with every word uttered by Your Excellency and by the Hon. Senior Unofficial member, and on behalf of the Chinese community I wish to extend to Mr. Fletcher our most hearty congratulations upon his well earned promotion. At the same time we regret deeply that he is leaving us.
HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK ― As the member of Council representing the Chamber of Commerce, and as one who has filled the Chair of the Chamber at various times, I have come into contact more particularly with Mr. Fletcher and I should like to endorse Your Excellency's remarks regarding his services to the Colony. Long ago―I think it was twenty years―I first came into contact with Mr. Fletcher when he was appointed Official Receiver and in that capacity took over
control of the Trade Marks Office of the Colony. Before Mr. Fletcher's advent that office was in a chaotic condition and the way in which Mr. Fletcher speedily remedied matters was an indication of his skill and ability. I was profoundly impressed at that time by his organising powers and the evidence thus given very early in his career has been borne out continually since. The commercial men of this Colony will congratulate Mr. Fletcher on the well earned honour that has come to him but nevertheless they will feel keen regret at his departure. As Your Excellency knows, the Unofficial members hoped he would be confirmed in his appointment here. The Secretary of State thought otherwise. We, therefore, congratulate him upon his appointment and wish him every happiness in his new career. (Applause.)
HON. MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER―I wish to express to the Council my warm appreciation of the quite unexpected and most kind congratulations which have been voiced, in quite unmerited terms by Your Excellency and the other members who have spoken. I had forgotten it was in 1913 when I was confirmed as Clerk of this Council, but I think I can claim a much longer record. It was at the beginning of 1905 when I first took my seat in that chair in a very dilapidated tail coat which I inherited as a legacy from the late Sir Henry May. We were more particular, or rather more ceremonious in our dress in those days. I have acted seven or eight times as Colonial Secretary and once as Colonial Treasurer. Indeed my changes were so kaleidoscopic that the late Mr. Stephen, whenever he met my wife, would always enquire whether the time had come for him to call me "Sir" or whether I had to address him in that way. (Laughter.) I am under a very great obligation to all the members of Council for their unfailing co-operation and help in the work of the Government, both publicly in this Chamber, and also privately elsewhere in all manner of ways. It is with very great regret that I lay down my work in this Colony and say "Good-bye." (Applause.)
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