1930-06-20 — Page 12

12

-SALARIES” REPORT

APPROVED.

(Continued from Pagę. 11.)

Public Opposition. The views expressed from time to time by several correspondents in the columns of the Press should not be perused with difference and the leading articles of the Press which represent the trend of public opinion should not be ignored.

The Kowloon Residents Associa. tion, which has always taken a

all matters keen interest in

of public Interest, connected with the Peninsula, ha, with the usual commendable zeal that charac terises the work of that useful association, forwarded its report and submissions to the Govern ment expressing its opinion that it would be unfair to increase taxation to provide for cost of increased salaries.

has the effect of tiding over a try ing situation for the time being and of, being fair to both the sterling-paid men and the dollar paid men and will reintroduce the motion in a more opportune sea- For these reasons I have pleasure in supporting the amend ment..

gon.

Hon. Mr. J. Owen Hughes-In view of the fact that the amend- bland inment I had the honour of pro- posing has been lost and, bearing in uind the very generous man- ner in which the Chinese members of this Council supported us in our endeavours, I think it is due circum- to them that under the stances we should now support them in the view that they take on dollar salaries. We do eo, if I may be allowed so to express it, on the ground that half a loat is better than no bread at all and certainly it is only fair after the support they have given us that we should assist them as a last resort.

I must therefore emphasize the fact that there is a very strong current of opposition by the pub lic in general to any contemplated- Increase in assessment tax to pro- vide funds

Increase of for Salarles. With these few remarks I have much pleasure to second the amendment.

GOVT'S. CASE RESTATED.

Cannot Accept Second Amendment.

QUESTION OF FAIRNESS. The Colonial Secretary-When HON. MR. TSO'S WARNING. I was listening to the speech of my honourable friend, the second Chinese member, i almost felt he Colony In Precarious Financial was one of my supporters and not

Position.

as one who was proposing an amendment. I really must thank him for the very fair way in which he spoke of the salarles which have been suggested by the Salaries Commission. In fact until he had got quite a long way through his speech I felt that he was supporting me all through for he pointed out that both at the apex and at the bottom the salaries of Government servants were inadequate. The sting of his speech came,

A DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Hon. Mr. S. W. Teo.-Sir-In supporting the Hon. Dr. Kotewall's amendment I desire to express, at the outset, my high appreciation of the valuable work done by the members of the Salaries Commis- sion. Had it not been for the unprecedented fall in the sterling value of silver, which neither the Commissioners nor any one else in the Colony could foresee, their recommendations, which were cal culated at

a 2/- dollar basis, might, with some modifications, be adopted without having to resort

to additional taxation.

But since the report was inade the value of silver has dropped in an alarming manner which has the effect of not only changing the whole aspect of the Salaries re-

however,

打骂

stings have a habit of doing, in the tail and I gather from his address that while he is really fully in favour of all the increases recommended by the Salaries Commission he is not in favour of putting them fully into force at the present time. Well, Sir, 1 desit, I hope adequately, with this very point in my opening remarks and you, Sir, also dealt very adequately with it in your remarks

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 1930.

ta-

been carried would bring this sum! (is) upon all dutiable tobacco al uo to roughly $11,000,000. To this ready in the Colony at the coming have to be added other allowances into operation of this resolution, scattered all over the Estimates. It shall be as follows per pound is safe to say, then, that Personal weight. Emoluments alone consumo at least

11,500,000

per annum, which is more than half the estimated cor rent revenue for 1930, as given in paragraph of Sir Cecil Clementi's despatch of the 22nd January, 1930, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

substantive motion. That ramark of his shows. I think, how care fully and without prejudice Tap- proached this matter. I tried to approach each aspect of the ques tion with an open mind, and arrived at my conclusion with honest conviction. When the Colonial Secretary said that the sting was in the tall, I suppose be only indulged in a metaphor. I did not intend and do not intend any sting. I only hope there is nosting anywhere in this mat-

Now, the public believes, as I do, Colonial Secretary that the Government Service is ter. The very kindly said that I had expres-over-staffed, and that there is room sed the opinion that I agreed with for economy. It seems to me that all the increases recommended by rntrenchment could best be elected

this in the direction of reduction of. the Commission. Yes, with little modification, that the recomDersonnel rather than reduction of mendations should be approved in salary, and also by a reorganisation better days with two exclusions and redistribution of work In my mentioned by the Hon. Colonial view, the Colony is not putting its splendid native material to a sufi. Secretary.

nient use. With proper training, many Chinese, Portuguese and Indians would be found suitable for Euro- positions now occupied by peans. I think that the Honour- the Colonial Secretary able hear me out that Ceylon has gone far towards this end without any appreciable loss, of efficiency.

The Colonial Secretary also said that my amendment was neither fair to the dollar man nor to the sterling man, and he proceeded to give reasons why the amendment was not fair, to the sterling man in particular. If, Sir, there is any difference of opinion in the inter- pretation of a former decision, my interpretation is shared by all my otherwise Unofficial colleagues, they would not have agreed to ex- tending the exchange down to 18 Gd, and no further. We are agreed in this matter but I do not admit the Unofficials are wrong.

The Colonial Secretary has also advanced arguments, to show that the Colony. can afford the new ex- penditure proposed. In my opening speech I advanced arguments to refute that statement and I think my arguments were sufficiently cogent to persuade at least the Unofficial members and the public that they were not only strong but reasonable. With these remarks, Sir, I leave the fate of my amend ment to the fairness of this Coun- cil.

Amendment Lost.

On being put to the meeting, the amendment was lost,

A division was called for and the votes were recorded as follows:

For the Amendment:Hon. Mr. J. Owen Hughes, Hon. Mr. C.G.S. Mackie, Hon. Mr. R. H. Kotewall, Hon. Mr. S. W. T'so, Hon. Mr. J. J. Paterson, Hon. Mr. A.F.B. Silva-

Netto.

CLO

I

I do not advocate reduction of salaries attached to the posts now occupied by Europeans if no Europeans are placed in them: believe in equality of treatment, provided that the native can offer equal efficiency. But there can be no doubt that substantial savings could be effected in exchange com pensation, long-leave pay and free passages, by the employment of non- Europeans in the place of Euro- beans.

I could adduce further arguments in support of the motion, but since understand that Your Excellency is prepared to accept it, I prefer to are the details to be worked out by the Committee. I have pleasure in seconding the motion.

Government Accepts.

To Draw on Reserven. The fall in the dollar occurred

early in the year, and every cu-

LOCAL RADIO,

A STUDIO CONCERT ARRANGED.

1

6.00-7.00 p.m. Chiness programme. 6.00 p.m. Fantasia and Fugue on.

B. A. C. H. (Liszt). Guy Weltz. Westminster Cathedral Organ. 7.08 Beautiful Isle of Somewhere.", Marion Talley, 7.14 One Little Dream of Love.

-Renee Chemet. (Violin). 7.20 Gems From "The Student

Princo of Heidelberg."

Victor Opera Co.

deavour, has been made to meet the altered circumstances by cur An unmanufactured

tailing expenditure where possi bacco;

ble, quite apart from any savings The radio programme for to-day (1) If unstripped:

which may occur owing to our in- includes a studio. concert by local (a) containing 10 pounds ability to spend all the provision, artistes.

or more of moisture Some services, however, as for in- per 100 pounds weight stance sterling pensions, interest thereof... 75 cents and sinking fund on the Con-] (b) containing less than solidation Loan, and passages, 10 pounds of moisture have to be paid for in sterling per 100 pounds weight and do not admit of reduction. It thereof 84-centa. Is difficult to say at the moment (2) If stripped:

exactly what 'additional expendi- (n) containing 10 pounds ture. will be necessitated owing to or more of moisture the fall in the dollar, but it will per 100 pounds weight be necessary to draw to some ex- thereof 90 cents. tent on our reserves, most of (b) containing less than which are in sterling. The amount 10 pounds of moisture involved, however, should give no per 100 pounds weight reason for alarm. Our reserves thereof... $1.00. stand at present at a substantial B-On manufactured tobacco: figure, and will be ample to meet

(1) Cigars ****

$2,00. any deficit on this year's working (2) Cigarettes. $1.00. and to pay for loan works carried (3) Other manufactured out both this year and next, the tobacco, including cost of which will be repaid out of snuff and cigar cut-a future loan, which will be issued tings

$3.00," when the time is ripe." It will, however, be necessary to balance our current expenditure and eur. Hon. Mr. C. Mel Messer. Your rent revenue for 1931, apart from Excellency, In seconding the re-expenditure on legitimate loan solution. I would like to say a few works, which can be paid for words regarding the present eventually out of the proposed financial position of the Colony. loan.

The resolution was carried.

Financial Position

The financial result of 1929 was

as follows:

Ca-

penditure, bringing the balance of assets over liabilities to 89,662

the

728 My Angel. Paul Whiteman. 7,35. The Swallows,

Darwin Bowen Jr. 7.43 Negro Spiritual Melody.

Kreisler. 7.50 Autumn Sea.

Associated Glee Clubs. 7.58 Sweethert O Mine. Marvin. 8.05 A. Dream.

Crawford, 8.11 Drinking Song (Lucrezia

'Borgia). Onegin. 8.18 Gems from "The Chocolate

Soldier). Vieter Light Opera Co. 8.25 Southern Melodies Waltz.

8,34 Sometime. 8.40 Moment Musical,

Hawaiian Orch. Galli Curel.

Casals (Violincello).

8.46 Nights of Gladness..

Rudy Seigers Orch. 8.52 Serenity. (Vieuxtemps).)

Chemet 9.00 Weather Report and News

Bulletin Studio Concert. 9.05 Pianoforte solo (Selected).

Miss A. Baptista. 0.24 Scent of the Lilies (Cable).

Mr. H. Annis, Tenor. 9.22 Malaguena. (Violin Solo).

Kreisler. (Victor Record). 9.30 March of the Musketeers

(Frim). The Queen's Orchestre. 9.38 One Fine Day.

(Madam Butterfly).

Miss Randle. Soprano. 9.45 The Blue Danube Waltz.

(Strauss).

The Orchestra. 9.55 a.. Nirvana.' (Adams).

b. I Know of Two Bright Eyes. (Clutsam).

Mr. C. D. Wright,

The Orchestra. 10.10 a. A Perfect English Rose

Tax on Petrol, The revenue was budgetted st

The Attorney General moved $22.278,600 and expenditure at the first reading of a Bill intituled

dencit of

"An. Ordinance to provide for the $24,799,650, leaving a $2,521.050. The actual revenue was however, $23,654,475, being taxation of Light Hydrocarbon $1,275,875 more than the estimate. Oils." He said: Attached to the Bill is a memorandum of Objects The actual expenditure was $21,- 983,257 being less than the es-and Reasons which has already timated expenditure by $2,816,393. been published in this morning's The net result of the year's work papers and which, in accordance ing was, therefore, an excess of with custom, will be published in Hansard report. "It will therefore $1,571,218 in revenue Over

not be necessary for me to say more than that the object of this The Colonial Secretary. The

Bill is to impose a tax of 15 cents a gallon on all Light Hydrocarbon Government, Sir, accepts the mo- 852.

At the commencement of Oila, a list of which is given in tion of the honourable member and will be pleased to appoint a Re-year we had £492,000 liquid as the fourth schedule on Page 30, trenchment Committee on the lines sets with the Crown Agents and which are in the Colony on and

after 1st July next, with the suggested. In view of the fact that $2,144,000 held locally.

For 1930, the' estimates were ception of Light Hydrocarbon Oils the Government is accepting this

sterling salaries Government account or on ac- motion I do not propose to attempt based on a 1/10 dellar for all ser-imported as ship's stores on local 10.04 Indian Love Song. mover and seconder although there which were based on a 1/8 dollar, count of the Imperial Government, any reply to the arguments of the vices except Oficer Com-is a good deal which might be Fuid and the estimates showed a de- and with the additional exception of Light Hydrocarbon Oils manu- marding the Troops, the Colonial in reply, particularly to the re- ficit of $4,555,595.

The revenue up to the present, factured in this Colony and re- Secretary, the Attorney General, marks of my friend, Dr. Kate The names of the the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, wall.

however, is $776,030 in excess of moved under export permit. I Treasurer, the members of the Committee

previous experience leads one to The Colonial Secretary second- be announced later. Departments expect that under normal circum-ed and the Bill was read a first will be instructed to afford every stances the expenditure would be time, possible facility to the Committee considerably below the estimated and if the Committee can suggest figure, thus considerably reducing

"To the Rev. Mother of St any practicable scheme whereby the estimated deficit. As already Thomas's Convent, Oxford, my the cost of administration can be stated; the expenditure in 1929 Westminster chimes striking clock. reduced without loss of efficiency, was nearly three millions below

ofcouch with all its contents for the money to meet the increase no-one will be better pleased than the estimate. The provision of with its bracket, and my Ottoman salaries, as recommended by the use of the convent." This be Salaries Commission, is, however, quest was contained in the Miss Annie Wilhel a new factor, and it is proposed will of

The King of Egypt has accepted to introduce fresh taxation, fomina Philpot, who died on Febru- cluding that which is the subject ary 20, leaving £2,705. Miss Phil the Nahas Pashq Cabinet's resigna of the present resolution. The pet, who lived at Lonsdale-road, tion, tendered on June 17 owing to fresh taxation will, it is anticipa- Oxford was the daughter of the its inability to accept amendments ted yield this year a net sum of late Rev. W. B. Philpot, of Ber-from the Palace regarding the Con- $428,000.

sted, Sussex..

stitution question.-Reuter.

Against: The

Colonial the

and

commendations but also of putting in reply to the Hon. Mr. Owen Director of Public Works, the Cap the exact terms of reference will the proportionate amount due, and beg to move the first reading.-

the economic condition of the Colóny into a precarious position. Thus we are faced with a situation fraught with dangerous sequences. Trade has been bad on account of internecine strife in China which is our market and the unprecedented fall in the ex- change value of silver has made it worse. Capital has become up productive for want of trade and is being diesipated by high cost of living. Under such circum stances can we ask the public

Hughes amendment. The Gov-tain Superintendent of Police, the ernment, does not agree with the Harbour Master, the Director of Hon. Dr. Kotewall that the Colony Medical and Sanitary Services, His cannot afford to pay the increase Excellency the Governor, con-

recommended and consequently I The amendment was lost by ten have your authority, Sir, for say votes to six. ing that the Government cannot The original resolution was then see its way to accept the motion of my honourable friend. I have put to the meeting and was carried stated very fully the Government's by teh votes to six. reasons for going on with the Salaries scheme at the pregunt time. and I need only refer what I have said with referenze

to

RETRENCHMENT.

1 bear the burden of further to this particular motion, víz.. taxation? The answer of the that in the opinion of the Govern-Government Departments Said public in all quarters is emphatic-ment It is not fair cither to the ally "No."

Much Larger Sum.

sterling or the doliar paid officers.

The old sterling salaries were based ог certain substantive

to be Overstaffed.

INQUIRY TO BE MADE

terests of this Colony, that His Excellency the President of this Council, be invited to appoint a Committee to be called a 'Retrench ment Committee' for the purpose of advising the Government. where, and the manner in which, economy in expenditure can, and should be made, in the personnel and admin- istration of this Colony."

the Government

The resolution was passed.

TOBACCO TAXATION.

Treasurer on Financial Position of Colony,

our revenue

1930 was

nre.

NO REASON FOR ALARM. The Government in its motion salurice paid at $12 to the pound Hon. Mr. J. Owen Hughes said:

The Colonial Secretary.-Sir, 1 now asks the Council to approve coupled with a sliding scale of ex-I have now to move, the motion that a sum of $1,628,917 be charg-change compensation. The scale standing in my name:

rise to move the resolution stand- ed upon the Revenue and other originally went down to 2/6d. then "That it is desirable, in the in- ing in my name to, increase the funds already provided in theto 1/9d. and later on to 1/6d.

duties on tobacco. Of the need Estimates for 1980 for the purpose The lower limits were fixed from

for an increase in of carrying into effect as from the time to time because no one fore-

honourable members are no doubt 1st of January 1930, the recom- saw the depths to which the

well aware from what has been mendations of the Salaries Com-dollar would fall; but there is no

said at an earlier stage of our mión, as modified by the pro-logical reason for fixing the limit

proceedings. It is important that powed solution. This large sum at 1/6d, and no fairness to the

our current expenditure should be of $1,628,917 is, I understand, the officers in 80 dolag. The limit

met from our current revenue and estimated actual amount required destroys the balance of the scheme

unfortunately owing to the drop in the dollar our current expendi for payment of additional salaries, and, as I pointed out before, leaves but in point of fact I feel sure some officers with less dollars I would like to express the great ture, a large portion of which is that, what with the payment of than their substantive salary gratification of the Unofficial mem- in sterling, will cost us more dol- Military contribution and other would entitle them to if converted bera that you are in favour of the lars than we had anticipated when carimitments, a much larger eum at the current rate of exchange motion. There are many reasons the Budget for will have to be raised from taxa-without any exchange compensa- for bringing it forward and we ap- pared; and to this increase must tion order to meet payment of tion whatever

preciate your attitude very much. be added the cost of the Salaries these additional salaries.

To the dollar salaried officers During my stay at Home last year, Scheme which is itself increased The Hon. Dr. Kotewall has, in the proposal seems even more un- I observed in one of our local by the depreciation of the dollar. his speech, fully set out the fair. My honourable friend ad- papers that there is one cívil ser- In introducing the Salaries various representations sent to us fruitted that the recommendations vant to every 77 to 111 people in Scheme I mentioned certain pro by the Chinese Community against of the Commission were not un- this Colony, the population being pasals for the raising of addi- further taxation and I need not reasonable. I too pointed out that variously estimated at between tional revenue. The first of these dwell on them here further. But the Salaries Commission consider- 700,000 and one million. I admit to be put into force in the increase any further taxation, except posed an increase of 20% to be neces- not being able to say whether those of the tobacco duties, and I do sibly on luxuries, has the effect sary with the dollar at 2/ It figures (if correct) aro justified, not think anyone will raise any of increasing the cost of living must be regarded as even more but undoubtedly there is a very serious objection to the proposed and the poorer classes will be the necessary with the dollar at 1/3d. general belief that greatest sufferers. Some people seem to think that the drop in the exchanze value of silver does not affect the dollar-paid men. But I can assure you, Sir, that their cost of living has been much increased in consequence.

Adoption Inopportune.

to 1/4d. for there must be very

many

of increases. Tobacco though al- our Government departments are most universally used must stili be regarded as in the nature of a few indeed even of Our dollar overstaffed. paid officers who have not suffer- This Retrenchment Committee luxury. The tax will fall only In the et from the increased cost of should make careful enquiry not on those using tobacco living. The Government there only with regard to the number en- Colony. It will not affect the fore considers it would be very gaged in different departments, but manufacture of cigars or ci- unfair to put off the dollar paid also into the routine followed, and garettes in the Colony as these officers with a grant of only half to find out whether or not, by the will either be manufactured in. bond or will be entitled to draw of the very reasonable recom- adoption of other and more modern back on export. The rates of

To adopt the recommendation of mendations proposed by the methods of working, a reduction in draw-back- have been adjusted to the Salaries Commission now, even Salaries Commission. The chief the number employed could not be suit the new duties. The revised in modified form, is inopportune burden of my honourable friend's effected without loss of efficiency, estimate of revenue from tobacco In view of the present depression remarks was that the Colony

+

emoluments.

Service Overstaffel

Hon. Mr. R. H. Kotewall.—AI-

at the old rates is $2,200,000. In

in trade and the necessity of in- could not afford these increased

a full year the increase of the creasing taxation.

I say that the Personally, I am

not against Colony can afford it as has been though Your Excellency has al duties should bring in a further the increase of salaries of Civil adequately shown by the figures ready signified your intention to $700,000 but owing to the stocks of duty paid tobacco existing when servants. On the contrary, I-am I quoted on the subject of taxa- accept the resolution, nevertheless the revised duties were introduc on principle in favour of mention in the course of the earlier I think the matter is of such pubed the Government does not ex- being well paid for their services part of the afternoon. I there-lic interest for me to make the re-pect to derive more than about. whether they be Civil Servants or fore,. Sir, have to Inform honour-marks I intended to make $300,000 additional revenue from otherwise. I do not agree with able members that the Govern 1 beg to second the motion. this source during 1930. I now the idea that Civil Servants should ment is not able to accept the I need not enter into elaborate move the following resolution: be placed in the matter of pay on | honourable member's amendment. ficures to prove that it is necessary. "Resolved that the duties on the same category as non-civil-

According to Sessional Paper No. tobacco set forth in section 6 of servants or vice versa. The rea-

Honest Conviction.

3 of 1930 'relative to the Salaries the Tobacco Ordinance, 1916, Or son for such view is already ex- Hon. Mr. R H. Kotewall-In Commission, the total amount paydinance No. 10 of 1916, be altered plained by the Hon. Dr. Kotewall the first place I should just like able in salaries on a sterling and and that, subject to the provi in his speech with which I concur. to touch upon a rather humorous dollar basis, together with the sions of sub-section (8) of the But I do earnestly hope that for remark made by the Colonial High Coat of Living Allowance ex- said section, the duty payable (1) the reasong above stated the Gov-Secretary when he said that he tended down to the rate of exchange upon all tobacco imported into the ernment will withdraw its motion was almost persuaded to believe of 1/64, is $9,308,400 this year. The Colony after the coming into in favour of the amendment which that I was going to support the adoption of the motion that bas just operation of this resolution, and

That Scratch is Dangerous!

an

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McGeoch

Mr. Hubert Annis. 10.18 Rose Marie Selection...

The Orchestra. 10.28 Buy My Strawberries

Down Vauxall War. (Oliver). Miss Randle. 10.36 Salut D'Amour (Elgar).

The Orchestra. 10:43 Maintain Lovers (Squire). Siciliana (Mascagni).

Mr. C., D. Wright.

The Orchestra.

10.52 Virginia Reel. 11.00 Close down

Cairo, June 19.

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