1927-02-19 — Page 1

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

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19th February, 1927.

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FINANCE COMMITTEE.

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A meeting of the Finance Committee was held in the Council Chamber, the Colonial Secretary (Hon. Mr. W. T. SOUTHORN), presiding.

PRESENT:―

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY (HON. MR. W. T. SOUTHORN).

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

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

HON. SIR HENRY EDWARD POLLOCK, KT., K.C.

HON. SIR SHOU-SON CHOW, KT.

HON. MR. A. O. LANG.

HON. MR. H. W. BIRD.

HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL, C.M.G., LL.D.

ABSENT:―

HON. MR. D. G. M. BERNARD.

SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENDITURE.

H.E. the Governor's message No. 1, giving items of Supplementary Expenditure Nos. 1 to 8 of 1927, was considered.

The amounts, totalling $215,097 were approved.

ITEM No. 4.

Re-vote of $8,050 to complete the building for the magnetic instruments at Au Tau, New Territories:―

SIR HENRY EDWARD POLLOCK―For what purpose are the magnetic instruments required and why is it necessary to put them so far from the Observatory as Au Tau?

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―I am afraid I cannot answer that question. The site was selected by the Director of the Observatory. The instruments are entirely in his charge.

THE CHAIRMAN―The matter has been before the Council before. The whole of the technical details are given on the file dealing with the matter.

SIR HENRY EDWARD POLLOCK―Does it appear that it is necessary to go as far out as Au Tau?

THE CHAIRMAN―Yes. The site was specially selected. The site has to be one which is not under magnetic influences in any way. The buildings could not be erected near any iron works for example.