1929-11-22 — Page 1

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 279

22nd November, 1929.

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Finance Committee was held on 22nd November, 1929, the Colonial Secretary presiding.

Votes totalling $115,735, contained in Message No. 16 from H.E. The Governor, were considered.

Item No. 89: Public Works Extraordinary:―Communications, Improvements to Salisbury and Nathan Roads, $20,000.

HON. MR. J. P. BRAGA.―Sir, in connexion with this vote, I think this meeting provides a favourable opportunity for calling public attention to the fact of buses overtaking each other in Kowloon. Owing to the present alterations to the roadway, Nathan Road is reduced to half its width, and the buses have a nasty habit of overtaking stationary buses, which is a distinct danger to traffic. I know this is not really the moment to raise the matter―in Finance Committee―but I think the Director of Public Works will appreciate it and will pass it along to the traffic department in order to avert the possibility of a serious accident in Kowloon.

THE CHAIRMAN.―I am much obliged to you for raising this matter, Mr. Braga. I will have it passed on to the traffic police, and ask them to look into it.

HON. MR. J. P. BRAGA.―I should be glad if you would, because the mere fact of the road being dug up as it has been, of necessity― the improvements could not be carried out otherwise―has reduced this 100-foot road by half its width.

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.―Yes, that is so.

HON. MR. B. D. F. BEITH.―It is only temporary.

THE CHAIRMAN.―I will see it is investigated.

HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.―Could the Director of Public Works tell us what he roughly estimates the life of the road to be after these improvements?

THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.―Ten, fifteen or twenty years.

Item No. 96: Public Works Department, Special Expenditure:― Water Supply Expenditure incurred on emergency works and importing water on account of the drought, 1929, $75,000.

280 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.―In regard to item 96, Sir, what is the Government's policy in regard to the brick tanks?

THE CHAIRMAN.―The policy, Dr. Kotewall, is to retain them until we see whether we survive the next dry period without needing them. We do not want to let them be taken away until we feel sure that they will not be required during the next dry season.

HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL.―May I say, Sir, that I consider that a wise policy. All the votes were approved.