1929-09-24 — Page 9

DEBATE ON BUDGET.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1929.

crepancy in the Military Contribu tion figures shewn on pages 12 and 100 of the Estimates. ¿

(Continued from Page 8.)

The large discrepancy between the revised 1990 estimate and tho (n) The Survey work at this approved estimate is due to the re portfs carried out by covery during the current year of Ofcera competent to do the sum of $692,711 from the Milltary work and under regulations Authorities on account of an over. of equivalent value to those payment of Military Contribution in force in the United King-made in 1917/1919.

"dom."

ri

(b) The Staff is numerically adequate to deal efficiently

with the total work of the port.

น

Minimum of Stag. Mr. Wilton, the Board of Trade representative, arrived in the Colony in 1927 and shortly after his arrival proposals for the necessary additions to the G.M.S. Staff were put forward. At that time Mr. Wilton considered the proposals adequate and provision was made in the Estimates for 1928 to carry them into effect. After four months local experiance however, Mr. Wilton informed me that he had underestimated the Survey work of the port and was of the opinion that the proposals as put forward and «for which proviolon had already been made were the absolute minimum of Staff that was required to deal efficiently with the total work of the port. Since these proposals were adopted there has been no increase to the G.M.S. Staff. It is interesting to note that, in tho first eight months of the current year the Survey. Staff has worked overtime on 38 days-15%

Training Expenses for Marine

Surveyors in England. Government holds Itself respon- sible for the cost of training Ma- rine Surveyors in England as this follows the practice of the Board

of Trade.

1

Candidates already trained are' unobtainable: *

Instructions from the Secretary.

of State to make this recovery wore received early in the present year

The sum of $3,321,763 is what we expect to pay for Military Con- tribution in 1929,

It is customary to show revised estimates in the Abstract on page 12 only, and to insert the original unrevised figures in the body of the Estimates.

THE FORWARD POLICY.

Colonial Secretary Replies to

Other Criticisms.

long run. We cannot vacate the report before putting forward present Gaol until the new. Gao? specific proposals. I am, however, is ready, and I venture to predict authorised to say that any prac that 10 years is a modest estimate ticable proposal for the establish for the life of the present Gaol.ment of a Chinese Golf Course I might remind Hon. Members will receive the sympathetic con- that the printing shop proposal sideration of the Government. As was laid before them in the Budget regands the Children's Play for 1929 and a sum of $41.000 grounds in Kowloon to which was voted without demur. When special reference has been made. the plans came to be worked arrangements are now in hand to out it was found that the proposed convert the triangle at the June scheme would not provide all the tion of Salisbury and Chatham accommodation required and an Roads into a public gardan and amended scheme costing $100,000 playground on the vote in the

estimates. has been prepared in its place. current year's The Hon. Director of Public Works might add that so far as I have will be prepared to explain the been able to ascertain no previous detalls In Committee and I trust complaint has been received by the the Government that the scheme of the Chatham Road playground that Hon. Members will agree with Government regarding the railings

will prove to be, an economy in and enquiries will now be made the long run and will approvo in this matter. the expenditure asked for.

Aviation.

The

Education.

I

Motor Road to Canton. The motor road to Canton is an undertaking for which this Gor- ernment cannot accept liability Our own motor roads already run close to the frontier and can be linked up with the Chinese road without much difficulty as soon as the latter is ready.

Henderson himself. Unfortunate ly, Mr. Henderson's hands are already very full with the con- struction of the harbour pipe- line, which he hopea to completo in January next, the construction of the Kowloon byewash reservoir, which is now. In progress, and the commencement of the construction

The Hon. Colonial Secretary said:

My hon. friends the Director of Medical and Sanitary Services, the Harbour Master, the Attorney General and the Treasurer have dealt fully with certain aspects of the remarks of the Unofficial Members which particularly affect their departments. You, Sir, will I understand deal with some of the more important subjects under discussion and it remains for me to answer those criticisms which will not have been covered by other speakers. In the first place Six I should like to thank my un official colleagues for their very Military Contribution has carefully reasoned criticism of hitherto been paid on any profits the Budget and I think the Im which may accrue as the result of pression left on the mind of any

The Government notes with appreciation in the sterling price one who listened to their speeches of investments which we realise was that the principles of the Education has not unnaturally of its attitude towards Aviation important subject of satisfaction the unofficial approval We have not so far paid Milltary Budget aro accapted and that only given rise to comment from more and while it can hold out no hope Contribution on any profits due to the details are subjected to seri than one of my unofficial friends, of an increased contribution from exchange, as this question is underous criticism. It seems to me that The Government will take counsel the Air Ministry towards the cast discussion with the Secretary of the forward policy of services 1s with the Director of Education of Kal Tak Aerodrome It has State.

not in any way condemned for the on the points raised by the Sentor every reason to hope that sub- encouragement of aviation, the re- unofficial member, but I would alantial help towards the cost of establishment of the Statistical remind him that a good deal is the development of the Air Port Department and the forward move already being done in the way of will be forthcoming from the removal af unattended motor cars criticized, as I think somewhat un- tion have all met with the ap hygiene in all schools and in cently instituted by the Home in matters of Health and Sanita instruction in sanitation and Colonial Development Fund re proval of my Hon. friends on the elementary agricultural Instruc- Government. unofficial aide. Their chief comtion in certain selected areas. The plaint. or so it seems to me, is that Hon. Member also asked whether the Government has not at the achool fees should not be reduced. same time been able to undertake The Government does not consider some of the pressing needs of the that the fees charged in Govern Colony in the way of buildings, ment schools are unduly high in roads, recreation grounds, and view of the Educational facilities other material works.

provided and cannot see

any adequate reason for reducing these fees.

Kowloon Tong

The Hon. Sentor Unofficial Men. ber has asked for information re- garding the amount of the arrears of premia due from the Kowloon Tong Estate and the Praya East Marine Lot Holders..

The position as regards Kowloon Tong Estate is as follows:

The total premium originally stipulated was $421.977, of which $120,856.37 has been paid to Gor- ernment. It is expected that the balance $295,120.63 will be received when the houses are completed and the Crown leases issued.

With regard to the Prays East Reclamation Scheme there is still a sum of $143,219.50 due to the Government from Marine Lot Holders by way of premie.

Chair Licences. The item on page 6 of the Esti- mates "Carriage, Chair. etc, Licences" will be subdivided in

..

Bricks Without Straw.. Well, Sir, I may say at once that

even the

the Government fully shares their disappointment, but Government cannot make bricks and the hardest without straw

part of a Budget framer's task is the endeavour to make the quart of the demands go into the pint pot of the revenue. There is hardly a work mentioned by our critics which has not received the most careful consideration of the Government been finally ruled out in favour of works which seemed. merit prior performance. The work of administration has to

The amount of $7,200 for -this purpose for 1929 was un- derestimated and on 27th April.

•1929, ♫ Supplementary Vote future

Estimates as the Hon. of $11,582 was

and taken, bring Senior Unofficial Member suggests, ing the total of this vote for 1929 and Motor Licences will be shown up to $18,782,

separately. For the Hon. Member's information, I may add that the figure, of $230,000 in next year's Estimates is made up of

The sum of $20,9-45 for 1980 is the amount considered necessary to defray the expenses of training during that year without having recourse to-a Supplementary Vote.

This Vote will not be annually recurrent and will'cense as soon as the training of the present Staff has been completed..

New Candidates to fill vacancies caused by resignations, etc. how ever will require to be trained from time to time before coming out to the Colony, Allowances to 17. Diesel Engineers

at $120 each.

Rickshaw and Chair

Licences Truck Licences.......

$95.000 20,000

to the Government to

provided for before money can be

partment of $80,000 for building grants is to meet the following demands.

The Item under Education De

La Salle College, Kowloon. $50,000*

St. Francis School, Victoria," $10,000*

As regards the Central British School at Kowloon the sum pro- vided is for site formation only. The Government is not in a post tion at present to provide funds to commence the buildings. The last of the Hon. Member's list of aid on behalf of the Mun Sang items is an appeal for a grant-in-

Broadcasting.

The Government feels that the of the Aberdeen watorworks provision of a House for the infirm scheme, for which tendors have now is a subject for charitable rather been received. I am happy to know than official enterprise. Much that Mr. Henderson has the skilled care is required in dealing with assistance of Mr. Purver, as very such a proposition lest we find experienced waterworks engineer, ourselves asked to find asylum for who has just declined an offer of all the infirm of Kwangtung, promotion to the Gold Const, in or-- dor to remain in this Colony, where: Motor Parking.

the value of his services to the Braga's remarks I have already cognized. By their joint efforts, I As regards the Hon. Mr. Hong Kong Government is fully re- referred to the Kowloon Tong have no doubt that Mr. Henderson market, the Childron's Play and Mr. Purves will before long grounds and open spaces. The place before us detailed plans and question of motor parking at Kow-estimates for the construction of loon Point is mixed up with the the second section of the Sheng-mun per development of that area from told the Council; directly reliable very dificult question of the pro- scheme; and, as I have already

schemes have been discussed and are in my possession I shall sub- a traffic point of view. Many plans and estimates for this scheme finality has not yet been reached mit the matter for your considera- but it has been strongly borne in tion and ask for the approval of upon the Government that no the Secretary of State. permanent alleviation of the con- gestion is possible without

Unfair Criticism The Senior Unofficial Member adjacent to the Star Ferry Fler. and motor cycles from the area fairly, the delay in constructing the harbour pipe-line, and he pointed out that the Unofficial Members of this Council had, in November, 1926, urged the Government to bring the pipe-line across the harbour. In this matter the Unofficial Members appear to have overlooked the

וי

Disorderly Houses,

the

As regards the disorderly In connexion with Broadcasting houses mentioned by the Hon the Government has made a small Member the matter will be re- provision in the Estimates, and ferred to the Captain Superinten while it sympathises with the dent of Police, who will be re- Hon. Members' desire for morequested to take such stops as may extensive provision it feels that

be possible to abate any nuisance. other demands have prior claims The Captain Superintendent will on the funds available.

be ready at any time to investigato any specific complaint which may be brought to his notice..

Afforestation.

Attention is drawn to the sums provided for afforestation in the North and South districts of the New Territories and it is suggest ed that they are inadequate. I should explain that these sums are for very minor schemes super vised by the District Officers and are adequate for their purpose. Large schemes of afforestation are more properly placed under the control of the Botanical and Forestry Department and adequate provision in made under Head 27.

The Post Office.

The Kowloon Hills,

fact that it

would have been useless to con struct the harbour pipe-ling until water could be supplied to it from the Sheng-mun valley," and that even to-day the land pipe-line has not yet reached Kowloon Point. I informed the Council, in my ad nakedness of the Kowloon hills still have to construct 8,800 feet of The question of clothing the dress of the 5th September, that we with trees is not a new will be referred to the Botanical feet across the railway terminus one. It pipe-line at Sham-shui-po and 450 and Forestry Department but I before it will be possible to deliver am not very hopeful as to the Sheng-mun water at Kowloon Point.. I also explained to the Council on that occasion how work on the Sheng-mun scheme began in 1923 Kowloon and for that matter in that time onwards. It was not

As regards Band concerts in

and was steadily continued from Victoria it was intended to pro-until 1926 that the tunnels through vide a sum of $1,200 in the Estimates but the item was in

prepared to propose a special vote print. The Government will be for this service early next year.

General Principles. With your own remarks to fol-

Band Concerta,

·

found for Public works, and in College. The Director of Educa Office will receive consideration advertently omitted from the still had to build a reception, reser-

this connexion I would refer to the remarks of the Senior Chinese

tion has reported that this school has not yet reached the standard required for a Government grant,

The accommodation at the Post in consultation with the Master General Office Accom- Fost medation generally is becoming

Motor Vehicle Licences 115.000 unofficial member on the rising but it is hoped that if the manage inadequate and the needs of the

The Hon. Senior Unofficial

Member remarked on the item "Message Feed" on page 9.

cas). of administration. The

Government, Sir, admits that the cost of administration is rising and it must continue to rise so long as more and more is demand ed of the Government. The largest increases in Budget are in answer to insistent public demand and have met with

Government service as a whole are

partmental Committee.

it may in course ment accepts the Director's advice grant standard. The Hon. the being considered by a small de- low,, Sie, the ground of the un-pleted.

of time reach Senior Chinese unofficial member refers to the roduction in three educational *subsidies.... I can

..

..

་

the present assure him that no abatement: of to. the appointment of an Inspec-ified that the Government has re-gallons adjoining these filters.

unofficial approval. So far as can remember only one depart ment is charged with being over staffed, and the Harbour Master has, I think, made an effective reply to the charge.

"Message Fees" signify wire- less message fees together with a small amount collected for advices of vessels from lighthouses.

The Estimate for 1930 was based on the receipts for the period It has been found from practical January/May 1929. This period experience since semi-Diesel engines showed a considerable eet-back in were introduced into Government traflic for the Philippine Islands launches that as soon as an engineer and the United States as compared had been trained into the working with the same period in 1928, when of these Engines he became dis- the Estimate for 1920 satisfied with the Government, rates pured. This set-back will probably of pay. Several such Engineers be compensated to a considerable As a matter of curiosity I have have already resigned from Gov- extent by increased traffic with caused the expenditure on Per- ernment service in order to take up China stations, viz. Canton and also sonal Emoluments in Hongkong employment with private firms on Shanghai which started operations to be compared, so far as informa- higher rates of pay. The allowance from 1st July last. But there were tion, is available here, with the as set forth is designed as an in- not sufficient grounds for anticipat expenditure in neighbouring ad ducement to such Engineers to ing a greater revenue in 1980 than ministrations, and we find the in remain in Government Service, that shown in the draft Estimate, of Personal Emolumenta to teresting result that the percent- S.D.3.

(viz., $160,000.

Revenue in the present Budget regards the Kowloon Tong market with it except at the cost of otherHis Excellency the Governor forgets the troubles of 1925, 1926

1:

future.

The

*I

was pre-

Personal Emoluments.

that all legitimate demands are covered by the amounts now in- serted in the Estimates,

11

said:

THE GOVERNOR

Defends Volunteers and Saikung Road.

Smugglers' Ridge and Golden Hill were completed, and after that wa

and a rapid gravity illtration plant, voir in the lower Shek-lai-pui valley of which the first section, capable of filtering five million gallons a day, has only recently been con- There is also still under official members' criticisms will. I construction, and not yet completed, think have been covered and I a covered reinforced concrete reser The Fire Brigade. The Hon. Member has referred trust Hod. Members will be satis-voir with a capacity of 11 million the Government's interest in

Reason for Delay. ortion Officer for the Fire Brigade. cognized the seriousness of their implied in these reductions. The inspection of buildings in respect as fully as the short time avail- amounting to no less than $2,326,- encouragement of Education Is This officer is required for the criticisms and has answered them As I pointed out, expenditure amounts provided last year were of their safety from risk of fire, able has permitted. We cannot all 490 had actually been incurred on greater than the amounts quired by more than the redut Report for 1928 by the Captain but we are tions effected and it is believed Superintendent of Police, and the principles and remembering that Honourable members may perhaps re-On page 45 of the Administrative see eye to eye in matters of detail the development of the Sheng-mun

at one in general scheme up to the 30th June last..

Chief Officer, Fire Brigade, will

we are all united in our desires for ask why the work was not done be found a report of the inspec- the prosperity and well being of more rapidly; but to this. I would tion work done during 1928. It Hongkong I hope that unofficial reply, in the first place, that I Importance of Markets. involved the Inspection of 982. members will find themselves able doubt whether, with the engineer

pre-ing resources at our disposal, more the Hon. the Senior Unofficial and cinemas, 191 garages and 180 sented. (Applause).

The Government agrees with buildings Including 407 theatres to accept the Budget. now member as to the importance of inflammable structures. The work

rapid progress was possible, and, the markets, and provision, has is rapidly increasing as more and

In the next place, that funds could been made for the continuance more attention is paid to this im

not more rapidly have been made': available. Memories in this Colóny and Kowloon City markets. As Fire Brigade staff cannot cope of the work on the Sai Ying Pun portant matter, and the present

aro short; but I cannot believe that there is anyone in this Council who After the sinking of S.D.3.

Tobacco Duties.

(and in this connexion it must Government appointed 赴 Com-

which was referred to by the Hon. equally important, duties. With regard to the remarks of not be forgotten

and 1927. The Colony's finances af mittee consisting of the Treasurer, the Senior Chinese Unofficial Mom Personal Emoluments dealt with unofficial member, provision was

that the same

Mr. Braga as well as by the Senior

Gentlemen, I am very grateful, that time were much embarrassed. the Harbour Master, and the ber, on the subject of Tobacco an expenditure of nearly $2,000. made in the Estimates for 1929

Form of Estimates.

both to the Official and to the Un- It would have been impossible in Colonial Auditor to consider what Duties, it is estimated that half the 000 on loan works in addition to for a temporary market there, at

The Hon. the Senior Chinese official Members of this Council, those years to raise the local loan, steps should be taken in order to anticipated increase under that head voted expenditure), is slightly lessa cost of $1,500, and the proposal

unoffelal member took us to task for the care and attention which which was successfully floated Inst prevent a similar occurrence in the in the 1930 Estimates will be due than the percentage shown by the was accepted at the time without Estimates are printed. I readily and acrutiny of next year's bad- of surplus balances, as there is to over the form in which the haq, been given to the preparation year. There was no accumulation to the more efficient method of col 1927/1928 figures for Ceylon and Committee have been embodied in Tobacco Amendment Ordinance of Settlements, and much less than have been completed by now but

recommendations of this lection rendered possible by the the 1929 figures for the Straits comment. The plans were ready accept his suggestion that the get. More especially I thank my day. We were economizing in every in February and the work might Other Charges and Special Ex-Secretary and the Senior Unofficial poning all expenditure, to which totals of Personal Emoluments, honourable. friends, the Colonial directión, reducing staff and post 2 General Order which it is hoped 1929, and the remainder will accruo the 1929 figures for Shanghai. 1 for the fact that demands have panditure be shown separately in Member, upon whose shoulders hus we were not already committed. "I will have the desired effect. from normal increase of consump therefore venture to doubt the since been put forward out of all future, and have issued instruc fallen the chief burden of debate. claim that, instead of criticizing (Applause.)

tion, Such. estimated increase, fustness of the charge that our proportion to the aum provided. tions accordingly. With all de The criticisms made by the Unoff the Government for delay in this being only 10% in excess of the Personal Emoluments absorb an The revised plina and estimates ference to his views I deprecate cial Members have been most help matter, there is cause for thanks 1924 collection, cannot be regarded unduly high proportion of our were only received last month to the reversion to the old practice ful; and, where any difference in giving in this Colony that the Arst as unduly optimistic,

revenue, while the need for some late for Inclusion in the draft of showing the clerical staff of opinion exists between the Govern-section of the Sheng-mum schema The previous system of taxing improvement of salaries, especial estimates for 1930, and the justice each office separately under that ment and the Unofficials. It is at had not to be proceeded with even tobacco on an "ad valorem" scolely in the lower grades of the ser- was found unsatisfactory and after vices, has been shown by there at present under consideration, unnecessary complication, and I projects, which

or otherwise of these demands is office. It would be a retrograde bottom usually a question of the more slowly than has actually been due consideration superseded; and port of the Salaries Commission..

step in so far as it introduces priority to be accorded to various the case.

we all of us re- but as at present advised I am in- uniform rate imposed in ac- I nass now. Sir. to some of the lined to think that Kowloon

Waterworks Financé, venture hope that it will meet cognize as desirable in the interests

honourable the Bentor. Imports and Exports Department of my unofficial friends.

the Hon. Members' requirements of the Colony. will welcome any suggestions that

excessive. I do not understand clerical staff, taken from the ap

The Colonial Secretary and other Unofficial Member anw the Chinese Chamber of Commerce

the Hon. Mr. Braga's suggestion may put forward for combatting

that the omission of the market pendices, under each head and already dealt with most of the mat- be saddled with long past expendi smuggling, but the Government is

from the Estimates for 1930 is a carry out a total for the whole of tera mentioned in speeches made ture upon waterworks, which has satisfied that the new system of

slight on the Sanitary Board. The the expenditure under the head. by Unofficial Members at the last been paid from time to time out. duties works satisfactorily.

suggestion appears to be entirely have duly noted the Hon. Mem-meeting of this Council; but there of revenue; nor did he agree with unjustified.

ber's criticism as regards the remain a few points on which I the principle that all Government expenditure ought to produce a re- Recreation Grounds.

Inadequacy of the notes in some wish to address you myself.

venue, which would, give a reason-2- departments and will endeavour to

Water Supply. 辈 A good deal has been sald, by secure fuller notes in future. First of all, and most important expended. I cannot, however, hold able rate of interest on the capital 1925. That site is no longer the Hon. the Senior unofficial mem- years. available, being required to be re- ber and his colleagues.on the

of all, is the subject of the water out any hope to this Council, or On the 1st January, 1909, the served for the development of the subject of Recreation Grounds,

Favourite Schemes. ~. ...

supply The Unofficial Members to the Colony, that it will be pos Government under authority of Aerodrome, and I have no doubt open spaces and Children's Play- I have come now to the remarks have unanimously pressed upon my sible to complete the very large and Ordinance No. 15 of 1908 took over the foundation prepared for the grounds. The Government readily of the Hon. Mr. Shenton and Government the importance of ex-very expensive schemes for water- the Widows' and Orphans' Pensiona Gael will be found useful for fu- acknowledges the needs of the desire to sympathize with him in pediting the construction of the works development which are now Fund at $371,500, which sum wasture buildings. The question of Colony in these respecte, and as the absence of his favourite dam in the Sheng-mun gorge, under construction and in com credited to the General Revenue of accommodation in the prisons is Hon. Members know a Committee schemes from the Budget. I am which, as the Senior Unofficial templation without increasing the the Colony. Since then all contri- receiving attention. A proposal has been appointed to go into the afraid his fears as regards the Member wall said is the corner price paid by residente in this butions have been credited to Re has been made to transfer the whole question. This Committee, inadequacy of our financial re-stone of the second section of the Colony for their water supply. Nor venue, and pensions to the widows female prisoners to Lai Chi Kok of which I have the honour to be realised should we attempt to xious as are the Unofficial Members hardship for consumers of water sources are only too likely to be Sheng-mun scheme, I am as an- do I consider that it will be anyt and orphans of contributors are where there is space available, and Chairman; had only just com guaranteed by their being a charge if the transfer can be effected the menced work when I was obliged undertake most of the works he to see this project pressed rapidly to pay for it at a price commensur... on the Revenues of the Colony in situation in Victoria Gaol will be to take a short period of leave for desirable though it may be, must, can assure, the Council that no I am informed that the price of has mentioned. A new City Hall, to a successful conclusion, and I ate with its cost to Government accordance with the provisions of considerably relieved. The pre-reasons of health, and on my the Ordinance.

sant Government, while recognize return everyone was so fully oc as an item of Government expendi pains will be spared to obviate any water in this Colony de cheap. by The fund referred to by the Hon. Ing the need for a new Gaol, cupled first with the water crisis ture, yield priority to many more avoidable delay. Mr. Henderson, Comparison with prices charged Member deased In 1998 when diffors, from Its predecessora, in and then with the Budget that it urgent works.

our waterworks engineer, has just elsewhere. I am collecting data on « The Hon., Colonial Treasurer Ordinance No. 15 of 1908 came into thinking that a new Civil Hospital was found impossible to make pro- undertaking which the Governé already impressed upon him, and titles, when procured; before this

The Vehicular Ferry is

Is an returned to the Colony, and I have this subject and will place the stain': should have priority over a new greas. It la hoped that the Com- Sir, I propose to deal with the observations made by Hon. Un-tish Crown Colonies, including the of the Colony Justify the under next month and will before long Business organisations have shown necessity of preparing plans and ess until it is possible tessure & full It is the practice in many Bri- Gaol, and we doubt if the finances mittee will resume its labours ment hopes to see undertaken by upon my honourable friend, the Council I de not, however, pro

official

private enterprise. Various local Director of Public Works, the pore to increase the price of water Membera

various Straits Settlements, Malaya and taking of both of these costly be able to make useful representa од Financial Items in the Budget Ceylon, to embody Widows and works at once. It is for this rea- tions to Government on this im Interest in the scheme and a call timates for the Sheng-mun gorge supply throughout the year to all shall take the items in the order in Orphans' contributions and the pay son that we thought it worth while portant subject. Meanwhile, the for tenders is only held up pend-reservoir with the least possible de houses connected with the water- which the observations were made.

ment of pensions under the scheme to Improve the printing shop in Government prefore not, to anti ing the inel settlement of the delay. In my opinion, there is no one works both on Hongkong faland and in the general finances of the the Gaol as we believe it will prove cipate the recommendations of eigns to which the plers must In the Colony who can do on the mainland, it would certain- Colony, (Applause.):

an oconomical undertaking in the the Committes but will await its conform.

this work better than Mr. (Continued on Pogo,10,) (1S

LAW MATTERS. Fuctory Legislation Under

Consideration...

*

The Hon. Attorney General

anid:

The

no reason

in hia speech last Thursday to the cordance with home practice. The detalled criticisms and enquiries Tong's demands in this matter are if we show the totals of the members of the Government have why the colonists of to-day should

The Hon. Mr. Shenton referred

subject of factory legislation. This question has for some time ben under consideration by the Govern- ment. A bill to amend the Indus- trial Employment of Children Ordinance, 1922, Ordinance No. 22 of 1922, so as to extend its scope to women and young persons, and certain regulations proposed to be made under the Ordinance as so amended, have already been draft ed, and are now, under consideration by the Governor in Council. This proposed legislation is intended to be a further step in the improve- ment of factory conditions in the Colony. Such improvement must of necessity be slow and gradual, and it is very dificult in auch matters to travel far ahead of neighbouring countries. It is In- tended to follow up this legislation with other, measures.

TREASURER'S REPLY. Discrepancy in Defence Contribution Accounts.

Bald:

The Hon. Senior Uneficial Mem ber remarked on the apparent dis

The Gool.

Taking first the remarks of the Sentor unofficial-member, a re- gards the Gael we all know that new Gaol is required and that Widows & Orphans Pensions the work once commenced at Kal The Hon. Mr. W. D. L. Shenton Tak was suspended owing to the called attention to the position financial diflculties of the year under the Widowe' and Orphans' Pension Scheme.

force.