1918-10-18 — Page 9

THE BUDGET DEBATE.

INTERESTING SPEECHES BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS REPLY TO POINTS RAISED.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, FRIDAY, OCTOBER

On Thursday interesting speeches conversion of the. Sterling Loan into were delivered at the Legislative one of local currency at the existing Council meeting on the second reading high rate of exchange, a financial transaction which should not be be yond the powers of the Govern- Mr. Landale's Speech.

ment's Bankers A redemption by The Hon Mr. Landale was the purchase at a considerable discount could no doubt be effected as te

of the Supply Bill

A

I

to follow the usual procedure and. There would be no loss in interest

the time being, to address the Coup-

per cent. War Loan pending com

be in the neighbourhood of $3/6,000,-

to which I wish to refer on my own with that of 2 to the dollar would behalf which I will indicate later, and other Unofficial members have some matters they also wish to speak about.

I need hardly any that we all en- dorse your expression of sympathy with Sir Henry and Lady May and sincerely hope that the improvement in their daughter's health will con: tinue and that the Governor will be able to enjoy a much needed rest and holiday.

I think the Government are to be congratulated on the very satisfac-

000.

I notice that it has been estimated amount to $200,000 during the year, that receipts from land sales will not a very large sum, for which, in my opinion, the land policy of the Government is to blame. The result of the present policy of short leases,, for which a high premium is demanded, and a Crown Rent im posed, in addition to onerous terme for road making and drainage, is the present shortage of better class

houses. This policy was to doubt inaugurated in the interest of the community as a whole, and to fre

Colonies and a recommendation as to comprise all the Unofficial munication thus established instead sent from us that the War Bonus as Members of Council

Mr. Holyoak's “Address. larger scheme to include, the whole of sa at present through the Central from 1st January, 1918, should be 10 If the inauguration of this proce Police Station. We should like the studying the estimates of the year dwelt on the unsuitability of the pro- Hon. Mr. P. E. Holyoak said in of the hospitals He had already per bent on the present amount redure does not meet with approval Government to take immediate steps 1918 he noticed nothing with regard sent hospital and the member repre ceived by cach member of the Civil here.or is beyond the power of H.E to effect this connection with the Service whether permanently or tem the Governor, or the Officer Ad-Central Exchange...

to the salaries of Government offi-senting the Justices of the Peace also porarily employed without condition ministering the Government for the

cere, which almost without excep dealt with it fully from the building We think the station tower at or distinction. In the meantime we time being, which I cannot believe it Kowloon has been long enough with recognised by the Government was removal to a more suitable site from tion were inadeqyste That was point of fiew and he suggested ite purpose to move in Committee a sup- is, we with the proposal submitted out a clock and we would like to proved more or less by the fast that health point of view. That the plementary Fote sufficient for this to the Secretary of State for the see this rectified and a suitable clock they constantly saw "duty pay present site could hardly be regarded.

Colonies and his sanction obtained that would show the time by night Committee thereto. For all such expenditure at well as by day placed in the post added to salary, which, he concludas curative from a European point and revise where necessary the scale Station extension, Imports and Ex-ed for it should be appointed to enquire into on buildings, as the Central Police tion which has already been provided, was given because the Govern- of view could not be denied He ment recognised that the salaries would also have liked to have seen of pay drawn by the entire Govern-ports Office, Quarters for European

were insufficient. Be that as it might some reference to the development ment Service. This should be done Officers on Leighton Hill, Quarters

they all thought the time had come of Victoria Hospital. It was a ques without any further delay as it is for scavenging coolies comprised in

modern lines and in tune with the go in Council and the reply given matter that will probably take some itens 1, 2, 3, 5 on page 97 we would

expenses of the day Under "Ad was be considered eminently un considerable time to go into. The all like to see the plans before being

ministration" they would like to see satisfactory and he had hoped that same Committee might also enquire asked to vote the money. We par- into the working of the Widows and ticularly wish to know in what way

purpose

To connder that s

subject.

With regard to the Military Con- tribution we are still very strongly opposed in principle to the method of Assessment but for Patriotic reasons we do not propose to press the matter until after the War.

The injustice inflicted upon the

for

a revision of salaries

upon

tion which he asked some mouths

an item included for the provision they would have, borne fruit in the

first speaker," He said-I proposegards a large portion of this Loan Orphans' Fund regarding which we the 850,000 asked for this year, for personnel of the Fleet and the Amar of a good motor car for Government estimates. The hospital was orginally as the Senior Unoficial member for br investments of the balance istributors are being fairly dealt with, going to be spent. We wish to know the Naval and Military Services are they could meet visitors to

are not at all satisfied that the can the Imports and Exports Offee is by the rate of exchange at which House. The day had gone by when intended for Europeans and certainly these was intended, as far as he could cil on behalf of all Unofficial memplete redemption. The saving to the Chamber of Commerce proposes building and are most strongly ad- sented as you knów, Sir, to the method of Government House chairs taking in maternity cases. For.a but my hon. friend who represents how it is proposed to construct this paid in Hongkong has been represhores with the somewhat antiquated trace the original purpose of it, for bers. There are one or two matters the Colony comparing recent rates to ask for some information on this verse to any piece meal construction Government at Home and so far has and in keeping with the spirit of the very considerable time past these such as was adopted in building the not been adequately adjusted. We hour they would like to see a first had been denied entrance, and he We consider the amount of $2,100 Law Courts with such disastrous feel very strongly on this point class car provided as part of the sumitted that the Victoria Hospital set down for afforestation in the results. A contract for the complete and would like to know whether any equipment of Government House was not fulfiling the intention of the Northern district as inadequate and construction of a building such as reply has been received from the and, if one might venture the criti people who subscribed the funds in

apon this work, would like to see a large sum spent finished within a year or eighteen Secretary of State for the Colonies, cism, it would not be out of place the arst place, or the greatest ob

months. Any other methed we con- We consider that the amount re

if Government House were brought a ject of public health interests. He Brigade has an adequate permanent sider unnecessary and wasteful

We are not satisfied that the Fire this should be let by tender to bequired for this exchange compen little more up to date in the matter hoped the Government would see its

staff or that the equipment is suffi

sation would be a fair charge on of furniture. It was probable that way clear to deal with it and he ask- We hope the construction of this the revenues of the Colony during in the course of coming days, at theed that a committee of enquiry be cient and up to date and we would building does not foreshadow a con- the War, and demobilisation of the conclusion of the war, they would appointed. like an assurance from the Govern- tinuation of the irksome demands of Argy

have distinguished visitors passing On the building of roads be offered As far as I can make out from the more frequently through Hongkong congratulations to the Government ment that the very important mat this office which are only pat up with

tended to. ter is being fully considered and at as a war measure, and have very somewhat cryptic Egures which I than had been the case in the past for the remarkable progress which largely increased the clerical labours have received from the Colonial and these things tended to make an had been made on this side in the tory state of the Colony's Finance

referred to this matter when the must not be lost sight of that Hong Section of the Kowloon Canton Rail regarded

As regards education Mr. Pollock in all shipping and other offices It Treasurer the working of the British impression and could not be dis improvement of roads for motor traffic. Last year he criticised freely, There has been a great improvement

supplementary estimates were under kong owes its prosperity to the fact way has shewn a loss of $2,500,000 to Under the heading of Education and he thought justly, on the fact in this respect during recent years

discussion before this Council and that until quite recently it was a date. I do not wish to blame the the report of the Committee appoint that a great deal of money was being and much credit is due to those res vent as far as possible profit being other hon. members have something Eee port and the soccer is becomes Oficials who manage the Britished by the Governor to enquire into spend in developing land on the ponsible for the Administration: lumade in land transactions. While to say on this subject. Generally rain a free port the better... Section of the line, but I am not con- the teaching of English in Govern-other side at the expense of acces

rete a large sum for education: speaking we would be prepared to

I would like again to protest vinced that the Government havement schools which was laid before say improvements on this sido to against the system under which all done everything in their power to the council on August 2nd

aroid danger. Since that time a

which there appears to be a demand,

As to a better class school for such Public Works are paid for out improve matters.

stated that Sairingpan school was better policy had been followed and of Revenue. The only businesslike personally I would rather, see some way of supplying the Colony with ment of the Chinese Section leaves tween two busy roads on a very nar.

It is well known that the manage on a most unsuitable site, being be- there had been a remarkable im

provement between here and Deep scheme drawn up and approved such works is by means of short much to be desired, that the juncrow site and opposite a very noisy Water Bay. On behalf of the Un- whereby some arrangement could be loans in local currency with adequate tion of the line with the Kwangtung row of houses. The accommodation official Members he tendered hearty made by which the parents of Eur-sinking funds which would provide Railway is necessary for improved was insufficient and could not be ex-congratulations to the Government. circumstances cannot afford to send burden of repayment. We would border. Now, have the Government school built on a more suitable site, deen Docks, part of which was very

the amount required for each year earnings, and also the completion of tended. They recommended

In the estimates he had not noticed their children to a cooler climate for their education, would be enabled

the Dairy Farm Road down to Aber- like to see a scheme of the kind energetically attempted to bring which they recommended should be to do so without additional cost

adopted

about any of these things which are in the eastern district. He had look. dangerous and he hoped that during the third item on page & which

be spent upon establishing an ex-

The Unofficial Members of the so essential to the future of Hong-ed in vain through the estimates for the coming year the Government rends: “Assessed taxes ordinancé

us the absolute necessity for the pro-done so. 6 of 1001 approved estimate 1916:

The Government's policy having climate is unsuitable for children. vision of a, poultry market and we wrapt up in the Municipal Adminis- the Committee, nor even that the

I am afraid they are so which was unanimously suggested by ments so as to make it as perfect.

as other parts. $1,657,400, estimate 1918 €2,010,340." checked the natural supply of houser For instance would it not be possible wish a sum of $50,000 included intration of this place that these larger temporary accommodation which had This amount includes the earnings it is for them to undertake the lay to subsidise some school at Weihai-

His Excellency: You are referring the estimates for that purpose. of certain Government undertakingsing out of sites and the leasing of wei so that the fee charged the

trading matters are neglected. I been existing in the shape of two

to the portion of the road beyond such as waterworks and should be these prepared sites at low Crown parents would be the same as if the with very much regret that we lis not interested in British trade with mediately, be replaced by a

The programme for road con- think the Colonial Office having matshede ever since 1912 should, in

the Dairy Farm! struction we welcome but it was many other matters to attend to are case a site could not be found in Farm down to Aberdeen Docks. Mr. Holyoak: Beyond the Dairy detailed in euch a way that the Rents to those who desire immedia school were situated in Hongkong tened to the reply of the Govern-China of which Hongkong is the manent building more suitable for They hoped also that Kennedy road working result of any one of them tely to build. In what I have said We Dow come, Sir, to the

ment to the question asked by the chief Depot. I think the Govem teaching. Hon. Mr. Bird and him-

would shortly be open to motor traf-

should not, however, be lost sight a very small annual of that some of our Revenue is not derived from a permanent source and that taxation which is permissi- bie in War-time will have to cease

as soon as the War ends,

bencft, at

shown by the estimated figure of $200,000, may have been secured to the community it has been done af very great inconvenience to those who wish to live in better class houses, and the effect upon land transactions as far as existing leas

1917

that

the catimates are presented and to ed property is concerned, has been opean children, whe under existing while more equitably distributing the the Hankow Line to the Kwangtung the site be abandoned and a new any provision for improvement of

The first matter to which I wish to draw attention is the form in which ask that radical alteration be made in this form. I do not think that it can be contended that it is either

elcar. As "an in

businesslike or

exactly the

opposite of what was in tended, for the supply of new houser having been interfered with the value of house property has beep

stance I would ask you to refer to forced up both from a rental and rather than that public money shouldiSanitary Board have represented tokong? I am not sure that they have any provision for the new school would be able to provide for improve

sale point of view by the ordinary rule of supply and demand.

pensive school here where the

per-

..

could be seca. it is important that regarding land sales I am speaking Etimates for the Public Works De-Hon. Member who represents the ment of this Colony is out of touch I self had visited this school only a few and if not all of it at least the. proper statements of individual entirely for myself, it is a matter partment and as my hon. friend who Justices of the Peace regarding with the Foreign Office who look days before and they found the first part of it, especially in view of which I have not discussed with the now represents the Justices of the the road from Pokfölum to the Peak after British trading inferests else. school crowded and be had no hesita the fact that very shortly that would

It is a laborious business to ex

few

works be shown, particularly so as Government undertakings tend trother Unofficial Members. There is Peace is an expert in such matters increase. The first cost of a work another point which requires con he will be able to make more val suggested by the Automobile Asso-where in this part of the world. should appear in such statement»

sideration. Very large properticeable criticisms than I can, I therefore advice. I could have understood Departments, the Colonial Office, the school were not suitable and were and not as at present be entirely situated in the centre of both the intend to only briefly refer to

tion in saying that the matsheds in be the terminus of the Peak Tram- ciation acting under the best expert With a multitude of Government which teaching was going on in that way for some months to come. Lost sight of.

City of Victoria and Kowloon are in of the items under

Coming to charitable services and the reply had the Director of Public Foreign Ofice, the Overseas Depart resented by Chinese. He thought grants in aid, of 'Charitable Institu the heading Works, for whom I have a great ment of the Board of Trade, the provision should, be made either for tions he would gaggest that the trot from the estimates as now Many of these sites must be quite un fore doing so however I would like Victorian ideas of the development even yet got a Commercial Attache alteration of the present building.filiated Hospitale should be increas occupation of the War Department Public Works Extraordinary. Be respect, been here, for his somewhat Ministry of Commerce, we have not the rebuilding of the school or the vote to the Alice Memorial and A presented the cost of the working of suitable for Military purposes or for to read you an extract from a speech of the Colony are well-known, but in Hongkong, we have no scheme for The school was known to be doing ed from 3300 to $1,000. It was doing many Government departments and Military quarters and the whole mat I made in this Council on the 23rd. for this reply to be given with a" "seem that the purpose is to befog to an exchange of property whereby for the year 1914 were under discus-of Public Works at the head of the undertakings and it would almest ter requires looking into with a view October, 1913, when the estimates young and energetic Acting Director improving British trade after the well, it was crowded and they were excellency work, was in need of the enquirer rather than to assist the Garrison would find more suitsion

War

turning away scholars because they funds, and deserved larger support. hita. Some comments in the Pressable quarters and the business com-

In this Budget no provision is could not accommodate them, thus from the Government. In consider the other day illustrate what I meau. munity more space for development refer to is one that has been called ment does not wish to construct the place for the terminus of a great one. In connection with the same located to "German Charitable In The first matter I would like to it the reply means that the Govern of the Works required to fit this when they preferred to go to that astounded to see the sum of $15,000 al-

Department is amazing. We take made for even the commencement forcing them to go to other schools ing these votes he was somewhat. Government intend to take this mat represents the Chamber of Com-know of a better, nothing has been

We shall be glad to hear that the attention to by the hon member who road for although they say they Continental Railway and three or question he saggested that the grade stitutions." He could only prezume ter op

Shortly after I had the

Owing to the figures of the Fubije Works Department and the Water Works being mixed up it is very difficult to say what the cost to the Colony of either Department is

my

4.

represent

merce.

in

•

Government should so use the term

mans

"Storm Signals.”—On page 40 we honour of becoming a member of put in the estimates for this better four years is all that is necessary of the school, iu justice to the head that the vote, was intended to carry I feel quite sure that our able Co-Observatory and I would like to

bave the estimated cost of the Royal this Council, His Excellency the Go road, on that side of the hill at any to complete the connections once ar master, although, he held no brief for on the work which was taken over vernor announced that I had been rate. We should be sorry to think Agreement between the Govern him, should be raised to that of the from the German institutions such lonial Treasurer could greatly im- point out that we do not think the appointed a member of the Public that this proposed shelving of the ments of Great Britain and China Ellis Kadoorie school, because at the Blindenheim, and the Berlin prove matters were be allowed a

bas been arrived at,"

the present time the master best results in the interests of ship Works Committee That, sir, is matter is due to pique and that our

Was Foundling Home. But if that were free hand; if not expert Chartered ping will be obtained by the Hong practically the last I have heard hence as a fresh proposal from the have read the recently published reber of pupils.

road will be trotted out a few years I do not know, Sir, whether you teaching a considerably larger num- the case he was amazed that the 'Accountants should be employed. kong Observatory baring a different about this Committee. As far as 1

The monthly financial statements Storm Signal Code from that in ust

know, apparently it rarely, if ever,

P.W.D. The road would open up port on the provision of a great His Excellency: You mean grade "German," so very offensive in these of assets and liabilities are very dif- at the Coast Ports of China. Ee meets, and as far as I know it has many good building sites and would harbour in China of sufficient size of salary.

days to every right thinking person: cult to understand. For instance fore this new Code was adopted, the not been consulted regarding the very pay for itself in a short time. Motor and depth of water to provide for Hon. Mr. Holyoak: Grade of It would have been better put in as the shipping control account is matter was not, sufficiently clearly large expenditure on public works access to the Peak is much wanted the confidently expected great in- salary 1 I presume grade of school. a vote in support of charitable in- shewn on the 30th Jane as a liability explained to those who

which are proposed in this Budget and we therefore wish 8100,000 add-crease of trade on the Pacific Ocežo.

His Excellency: The grade of the stitutions taken ovir from the Ger of $81,509-47 wher, it is well known shipping here. Without going in The Unofficial Members of this Comed to the estimates for this road.

In that report the cost of providing school is exactly the same. the result will be a very profitable the merits of the dispute between the mittee are quite willing to give any sulars of the very large amonat put Tsingtan is estimated at Tis 100,000, Mr. Landale had touched upon the Widows' and Orphans' Pand" and

We would like to have some parti such a harbour at Shanghai or Hon. Mr. Holyoak proceeded that

His last criticism dealt with the one to the Government. It is diff Royal Observatory and the Consuch advice and assistance they can cult to say where the tinking fente Laspector in Shanghai I may say

connection with these public down for Reclamation at Baishuipo. 00-or say: £20,000,000-and it is necessity of making some provision be thought the Government must to the two loans are and we should that I think they both disregarded works and regarding such works as We notice with surprise that considered by a competent authority for the sons and daughters of Ear have been aware of the extreme dis- like to know and to be assured that the interests of those who have the Public Works Department : Eastern Reclamation scheme and we amount to improve the Hongkong were unable to read their children throughout the Civil Service in con- no provision has been made for the that it would cort about the same opeans, who, owing to circumstances, satisfaction which seemed to exist the sinking fund for the Sterling pay it accidents result from the condertake, and they do not appreciate are quits at a loss to understand Harbour to the same extent. It is home for education. That there was action with that fund and therefore Loan is invested in that currency. fusion they have created. An Ob

the figure-head position which is at The value of property purchased servatory is of little use unless it is present accorded to this Committer, the very dilatory way in which the ships with a draft of from 40 to 50likely to be a more or less growing he felt sure the Government would by the Government for stafi occupa working in harmony with neighbour.

which must originally have been Government has handled this mat feet that are expected. This matter permanent population of that charac be prepared to deal sympathetically tion or other purposes is pot shewa ing stations and we wish the Gor.created for some useful purpose ter. The overcrowding in the Wan of Harbour improvement requires ter in the City of Vicaris could not with what he had to say. As far as as an asset which I think is wrong.

ernment to take up this question of

The result of that speech was

chai District is notorious, and the the earnest consideration of the be denied. That they must provide he could make out from the and the position would be more cor Storm Signals with the authorities

that when the Committees were rear- offensive condition of the foreshore Government and would form a fitting for their education equally could not estimates the sum of 852,000 was rectly set out by including valuation

ranged for the following year I was all along the Frays at low tide is subject for submission to and dis be denied and whether it be in the estimated as revenue and their out in China and arrange for the use of not appointed to the Public Works also only too well known. As tac cussion by the enlarged Public form of an assisted school or going payments in pensions amount should be taken to avoid typhoon E. the Governor a member of the lic Works in a great measure will already referred. disasters and a heavy responsibility Law Committee a subject which I fall upon.

where a finished education sould be year of 820,000 which, he presumed, rests upon both the Royal Observa know very little about.

the Marine Lot holders With the improved position in given to boys and girls to fit them for was intended to be used as was ap tory here and the Meteorological

Public economy does not enter Europe and the prospect of an early future life, was a matter for further parently done for some years, se re- Authorities in China, in, this respect of the Unofficial Members of this would like to know the cause of the us to seriously consider the work deserved the very serious considers and was begun in 1831 per cent Now, Sir, it is the unanimous desire largely into the question and we termination of the War it behoves discussion. They submitted that it venue. As far as he was aware this It is a matter for regret that so Commeil that the mates for the delay and to many conditions and distinctions Public Works should in futurs be mediately commenced.

see the work im that it will be necessary to take intion of the Govt.

was deducted from the series of all hand after Pears has been declared Under Puble Waris Exteronin the Civil Servante compulsorily and lowance to the payment of which we Public Works Committee and fully lying Police Station at Tai O is to will be worthy of the Sacrifices made a sum of money was had previously agreed and upon

and 198 by order of the further consideration of the subject plained to them and discussed by be connected by teleph

by those who have fought and by the improvement them before they came before thi we wish the whole question referred Council. We would like to see the tions should be connected with the Cause for hich the Allies

this The Telephones at all Police Sta those who have died in the Great Asylum which had long been lared the question of the I back to the Secretary of State for Public Work Committee enlarged to Central Exchange and

to the Dolny fighting the Freedom of th

wished that this had

20

of such property. I do not think it identical codes. Every precaution Committee bat was appointed by Host of this very much needed Pub Works Committee to which I have thoroughly up to date central schooled $27,000 leaving a profit for the

is right that the value for instatic

of quarters which amonats to a verj

large sum should be lost sight' of The rents charged for the recent Go vernment purchases of house proper ty on the Peak show a return of

about 5 per cent, on the capital only

without providing for any depreciathave been attached to the war a \ embmitted in the frat instance to the Wesco glad to hear that the cut A Pence which we sincerely: trust Bry he was find to fad at last, this per cent added by the Government

tion. We are in favour of providing

quarters but we would like a record of the cost kept

We presume that the Governmenj

was estimated for

by the Gow

of State the fund was ment and

I