HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 115

29TH DECEMBER, 1925.

PRESENT:― Report of the Director of Public Works, together with the report on Land Survey HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR (MR. Work for the year ending March, 1925. In CECIL CLEMENTI, C.M.G.). doing so he expressed the regret of the Government at the lateness of certain HIS EXCELLENCY THE GENERAL OFFICER Departmental reports. The reason lay in the COMMANDING THE TROOPS (HON. COLONEL C. strike which deprived the printers of their RUSSELL-BROWN, D.S.O.). skilled labour for a considerable period. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, ACTING (HON. MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER, C.M.G., C.B.E.). Financial Minutes THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (HON. MR. J. H. KEMP, K.C., C.B.E.). THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by THE COLONIAL TREASURER (HON. MR. C. command of H.E. The Governor, laid upon MCI. MESSER, O.B.E.). the table Financial Minutes Nos. 88 to 94, HON. MR. H. T. CREASY (Director of 101 to 103, 108 to 113, 115 to 120, 122 to Public Works). 156 of 1925 and 1 and 2 of 1926 and moved that they be referred to the Finance HON. R. C.M.G., C.B.E. M E. R. HALLIFAX, Committee. (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).

HON. SIR , K.C. THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK. and this was agreed to. HON. MR. CHOW SHOU-SON. Financial Committee HON. MR. A. O. LANG.

HON. MR. H. W. BIRD. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by order HON. MR. R. H. KOTEWALL. of H.E. The Governor, laid upon the table MR. S. B. B. MCELDERY (Clerk of reports of the Finance Committee Nos. 13 Councils). and 14, and moved that they be adopted.

Minutes THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and this was agreed to. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. The Kowloon Hospital

Papers HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK asked the following questions: THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by order of H.E. The Governor, laid upon the table the (a) What provision, if any, is the Quarterly Return of Excesses on Subheads Government making for the treating of met by savings under heads of expenditure Maternity cases in the Kowloon Hospital? for the 3rd quarter of 1925 and also the following reports for 1924:―The Medical Report, the Sanitary Report, the Report on the Botanical and Forestry Department, the Report of the Director of Education, and the 116 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

(b) Will the Government revert to its certainly be so. Cases which in the opinion of original intention of allowing private Medical the Medical Officer are urgent will be treated Practitioners to visit and treat their own at the hospital. patients in the Kowloon Hospital should they so desire? HON. MR. HOLYOAK―The answer to my THE COLONIAL SECRETARY read the question did not convey that impression. following replies: (a) There is no accommodation for H.E. THE GOVERNOR―The answer refers maternity cases at the Kowloon Hospital, to exceptions being made in cases of urgent though in urgent necessity, as for example in necessity. the event of a typhoon, an exception would be made to the rule. HON. MR. HOLYOAK ― In case of a The site has been so laid out that typhoon. extensions can be added as required. The question of building a maternity wing will be H.E. THE GOVERNOR―That is only one considered later, if experience shows that obvious case quoted where a patient could not there is a sufficient demand to justify the possibly get across the harbour. expenditure. (b) The Government is not prepared to Land for the University reconsider this matter. There was originally a proposal that a part of the Kowloon Hospital THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the should be set aside as a Nursing Home, to be following resolution: run on the lines of the Peak Hospital, but it Resolved that whereas the War Office was decided that the difficulties of has presented to the Government of management and discipline rendered such an Hongkong, for purposes of the University arrangement impracticable. A private of Hongkong, the sites of Fly Point and practitioner can inform the Medical Officer in Elliot Batteries, this Council hereby charge of any circumstances in connection records its deep appreciation of this with a case, and, if the Medical Officer or the generous gift. patient so desires, he can be called in in As hon. members are aware these two sites consultation. lie along the Pokfulam Road to the West of Hongkong University, and in close proximity HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK―Arising out to it. As it had long been thought desirable of the answer to the first part of my question that land should be acquired for purposes of (a) I submit that the treating of maternity University extension, when Sir John Oakley cases of urgency should be decided not by came to the Colony in the late summer of climatic conditions but by the necessities of 1923 in connection with the question of the patients. That a patient might, or might military land exchanges he was asked to not be, transported across the harbour in value these sites among certain others in a typhoon weather is not an answer to my supplementary report in order that the query. The question was put in order to Government might know its liability if it convey to the Government the distinct should desire to make arrangements with the understanding that maternity cases should be War Office to acquire them. The land was not treated at the Kowloon Hospital. I think required for the garrison. Sir John Oakley Kowloon has been rather let down by the valued these two sites in the sum of $76,580, Government in this particular. It was never the area being 191,450 sq. feet at 40 cents a understood by this Council that maternity square foot. Sir John Oakley made cases were not to be treated there and I, representations to the War Omce as to the therefore, suggest that this matter be crying need of the University for room for reconsidered and that arrangements should be future expansion and the War Office has most made for at any rate dealing with cases of generously came forward with this gift to the urgent necessity. Colony. The gift is made to the Government to use at their discretion for the purpose of H.E. THE GOVERNOR ― That will the extension of the Hongkong University. HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 117

SIR HENRY POLLOCK―On behalf of the Magistrates Ordinance, 1890 Unofficial members I have very much pleasure in seconding this resolution and in The first reading of a Bill inttuled, An expressing to the Military authorities our Ordinance to amend the Magistrates appreciation of the generous gift which has Ordinance, 1890, was upon the Orders of the been made. Day, but the Bill was held over to a future meeting. The resolution was passed unanimously and His Excellency the Governor stated that FINANCE COMMITTEE it would be conveyed to the War Office through the Secretary of State. A meeting of the Finance Committee followed, the Acting COLONIAL Financial Procedure SECRETARY presiding.

THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY―I THE CHAIRMAN―All the papers relating beg to move the following resolution which to the votes which are to come before the stands in my name:― meeting have been circulated so that members are aware of all the details of the Resolved that the following rule be proposed expenditure. inserted in the Standing Rules and Orders of the Legislative Council immediately Compensation and Resumptions after Rule 16:― 16A. The Governor may at any time The Governor recommended the Council to refer direct to the Finance Committee vote a sum of $50,000 in aid of the vote any proposal concerning additional Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, expenditure not already provided for in Miscellaneous, 93, Compensation and the annual estimates. Resumptions. The practice has been for financial minutes THE CHAIRMAN―The vote is $30,000 to be referred by resolution of the whole and it has been continually necessary to Council to the Finance Committee. The expand this vote because of the rapid Council, however, is for many weeks at a progress made in the neighbourhood. time not in session and so comes about the Approved. unavoidable necessity of actually incurring expenditure, or liability for expenditure, H.E. The Governor before it is possible to get the Finance Committee together. Obviously it is desirable The Governor recommended the Council to that the legislature should approve of vote a sum of $6,200 in aid of the following expenditure before any liability is undertaken votes:― and so it is proposed to put on record in the Governor, Personal emoluments $1,700.00 Standing Rules and Orders this new order that Governor, Other charges: H.E. The Governor may at any time refer Electric fans and light for public direct to the Finance Committee any proposal rooms...... 500.00 concerning additional expenditure not already Furniture...... 3,750.00 provided for in the annual estimates. That Incidental expenses...... 250.00 means that H.E. The Governor will send a message to the Finance Committee and the Total ...... $6,200.00 Finance Committee can sit at any time to consider the proposal―in public for these is THE CHAIRMAN― The first item is in no question of private sessions― and can regard to the salaries of the Governor's Aide- de-Camp and Private Secretary. Certain recommend them to the whole Council. changes were made and leave was granted to the Private Secretary. The item for furniture is THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded, required for furnishing . and the resolution was passed. Approved. 118 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Weighing Machines Audit Department The Governor recommended the Council to The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $741 on account of Public vote a sum of $3,276 in aid of the following Works Department, Special Expenditure, Six ― Weighing Machines. votes: Audit Department: THE CHAIRMAN―These machines were Personal emoluments ...... $2,124.56 ordered in 1924. Other charges: Approved. Transport and travelling expenses ...... 80.00 Rain from the Peak Fog Conveyance allowance ...... 38.44 The Governor recommended the Council to Home expenditure...... 1,033.00 vote a sum of $4,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Miscellaneous, 39, Total...... $3,276.00 Miscellaneous Works.

THE CHAIRMAN―This sum is required THE CHAIRMAN―The first item is due to for experiments in rain producing by one of getting out a new assistant. The work has the professors at the University. It is hoped by grown considerably. means of electric current to produce rain from Approved. the Peak fogs and electrical machinery is required to bring about that much desired Public Works result. The Governor recommended the Council to SIR HENRY POLLOCK ― Has the vote a sum of $89,850 in aid of the following machinery been put into operation yet? votes:― Public Works Department, Other THE CHAIRMAN―No. Presumably they Charges: are waiting for the fogs. Incidental expenses, stores...... $ 250 Approved. Transport and travelling expenses . 5,000 Judicial and Legal Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong: The Governor recommended the Council to Lighting, 12 extension of lighting . 11,600 vote a sum of $1,900 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong: Judicial and Legal Departments, A―Supreme Buildings: Court, Personal Emoluments. 2 Overseer's quarters, Elliot Approved. filter beds ...... 5,000 3 D'Aguilar ― erecting quarter Mong Kok Tsui Market for officers ...... 8,000 The Governor recommended the Council to Communications, 28, Roads: vote a sum of $500 in aid of the vote Public (t) Access road to War Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Buildings, Memorial Nursing Home, 75, Extension to existing Market at Mong Stubbs, Road...... 15,000 Kok Tsui. Miscellaneous: Approved. 39, Miscellaneous Works...... 15,000 Water Works: Training Nullahs 42, Taitam Tuk Scheme ― The Governor recommended the Council to additional pumping plant (b) vote a sum of $10,000 in aid of the vote engine and boiler ...... 30,000 Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Drainage, 82, Training Nullahs: ― (b) Total...... 89,850 Matauchung, training and diverting main Stream course. Approved. Approved. HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 119

Road Improvements Approved. The Governor recommended the Council to Police Equipment vote a sum of $7,550 in aid of the following The Governor recommended the Council to votes:― vote a sum of $1,159 on account of Police Public Works, Extraordinary, Department, Special Expenditure, 200 rifles Hongkong: and bayonets. Buildings: Approved. 12, Government stores, extension $ 500 Communications, 28, Roads: Fire Brigade Motor Pump (c) Wanchai Road―Widening to The Governor recommended the Council to 42 feet ...... 600 vote a sum of $2,000 in aid of the vote Fire (k) West Bay Development, Road Brigade, Special Expenditure, 1 motor pump. construction ...... 50 Approved. (bb)Garden Road above Kennedy Road, Improving Sanitary Department and widening...... 6,000 The Governor recommended the Council to Water Works: vote a sum of $2,500 in aid of the following 54, Jardine's Look-out Service votes:― Reservoir ...... 200 55, Eastern Pumping Station ...... 200 Sanitary Department, Other Charges: Baskets, buckets and shovels...... $1,500 Total ...... $7,550 Brooms, brushes and bamboo hats 500 Incidental expenses ...... 500 SIR HENRY POLLOCK―What is being done in Wanchai Road? Total ...... $2,500

Approved. THE CHAIRMAN―We are trying to get a better access between Queen's Road and Quarters for European Police Wanchai East. The Governor recommended the Council to Approved. vote a sum of $680 in aid of the vote Prison Police Department, Rent of Quarters for European Officers. The Governor recommended the Council to Approved. vote a sum of $26,500 in aid of the following votes:― Police Motor Cyclists Police, Other Charges: The Governor recommended the Council to Ammunition...... $ 2,000 vote a sum of $1,511 in aid of the vote Police Passages...... 18,000 Department, Other Charges, Conveyance Rations for Indian Police ...... 4,000 Allowances. Rent of Stations...... 2,500 THE CHAIRMAN ― This is due to the Total ...... $26,500 motor cyclists. Motor cycles are found to be a most efficient form of conveyance. The Approved. Police provide their own machines. Fire Brigade Approved. The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $5,645 in aid of the following votes:― The Governor recommended the Council to Fire Brigade, Other Charges: vote a sum of $7,000 in aid of the vote Public Incidental expenses ...... $ 145 Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Repairs to motor engines and plant 5,500 Miscellaneous, 123, Miscellaneous Works. Approved. Total ...... $5,645

120 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Colonial Secretariat Legislature, Personal Emoluments. The Governor recommended the Council to Approved. vote a sum of $450 in aid of the following votes:― Police Secret Service Colonial Secretary's Offices, The Governor recommended the Council to Other Charges:― vote a sum of $1,000 in aid of the vote Police Gas and electric fans ...... $250.00 Department, Other Charges, Secret Service. Incidental expenses (typewriter, etc.)...... 200.00 Approved. Prison Department Total ...... $450.00 The Governor recommended the Council to Approved. vote a sum of $2,000 in aid of the vote Prison Department, Subsistence of Prisoners. Kowloon-Canton Railway Approved. The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,658 in aid of the vote Motor Watering Carts Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Additional Machines for The Governor recommended the Council to Carpenters' Shop. vote a sum of $838 on account of Sanitary Department, Special Expenditure, 2 Motor Approved. Watering Carts. Architectural Office Approved.

The Governor recommended the Council to Printing Machines vote a sum of $201 on account of Public Works Department, Special Expenditure, Safe The Governor recommended the Council to for Architectural Office. vote a sum of $800 on account of Prison Department, Special Expenditure, Printing Approved. Machines, etc. Hongkong Roads Approved.

The Governor recommended the Council to Legal Expenses vote a sum of $20,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, The Governor recommended the Council to Communications, 28, Roads, (g), Road from vote a sum of $1,000 in aid of the vote Western end of Robinson Road to Conduit Judicial and Legal Departments, E.―Crown Road. Solicitor, Other Charges, Legal Expenses. Approved. Approved. Government Quarters Miscellaneous Services

The Governor recommended the Council to The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,600 in aid of the vote vote a sum of $300 in aid of the vote Miscellaneous Services, Furniture for Miscellaneous Services, Other Miscellaneous Government Offices and Quarters. Services. Approved. Approved. Colonial Secretariat The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $197,000 on account of The Governor recommended the Council to Miscellaneous Services. vote a sum of $2,500 in aid of the vote Approved. Colonial Secretary's Department and HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 121

Motor Refuse Lorries Government House Car The Governor recommended the Council to The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $962 in aid of the vote Sanitary vote a sum of $414 on account of:― Department, Special Expenditure, 5 motor Governor, Other Charges:― refuse lorries. Upkeep of Motor Cars:― Approved. Four new tyres ...... $143.00 Students in Government Schools Patrol, 60 gallons...... 111.00 One chauffer ...... 160.00 The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,445 on account of Education Total ...... $414.00 Department, Special Expenditure Medical fees and glasses for Students in Government Schools. Approved. Castle Peak Quarry THE CHAIRMAN―The practice has been to charge a fee of $5 at Queen's College and The Governor recommended the Council to $3 in other schools to cover the cost of these vote a sum of $3,476 in aid of the vote Public medical examinations. The expenditure has Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, outrun the receipts and this vote is now asked Miscellaneous, 120, Opening up of Quarry, for. Castle Peak.

HON. MR. BIRD―Does the Government Approved. supply glasses to the students? Magistracy THE CHAIRMAN ― In certain cases. It The Governor recommended the Council to depends upon the means of the student. We vote a sum of $70 in aid of the vote Judicial have given no undertaking. and Legal Departments, B.― Magistracies, Approved. Hongkong, Personal Emoluments. Patrol Launches Approved. The Governor recommended the Council to Railway Account vote a sum of $6,900 in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, Special The Governor recommended the Council to Expenditure, 4 Patrol Launches:―Upkeep of. vote a sum of $3,500 on account of Kowloon- Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Approved. Recasting Accounts of the Kowloon-Canton Railway (British Section). Mount Gough Police Station Approved. The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $13,800 on account of Public King's Park Recreation Ground Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Buildings, The Governor recommended the Council to Mount Gough Police Station and the vote a sum of $14,000 in aid of the vote additional Barrack Shed. Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Approved. Miscellaneous, 86, King's Park Laying out Ground for Recreation purposes. Resumptions Approved. The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $14,553 in aid of the vote Rainstorm Damage Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, The Governor recommended the Council to Miscellaneous, 124, Compensation and vote a sum of $250 in aid of the vote Resumptions. Approved. 122 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, The Governor recommended the Council to Miscellaneous, 18, typhoon and rainstorm vote a sum of $12,000 in aid of the vote damages. Public Works, Recurrent, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 50, typhoon and rainstorm Approved. damages. Shing Mun Scheme Approved. The Governor recommended the Council to Compensation and Resumptions vote a sum of $19,500 in aid of the following votes:― The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,869 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, New Public Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Territories:― Miscellaneous, 124, Compensation and Communications: Resumptions. 114, Roads (g) Waterloo Road Approved. extension (100 ft. wide) section between Kowloon Saiyingpun School Boundary to foot of hill S.E. The Governor recommended the Council to of tunnel (estimate for 150 ft. vote a sum of $9,542 on account of Education wide) ...... $4,500 Department, Special Expenditure, Equipment Water Works: of Saiyingpun School. 127, Shing Mun Valley Scheme: (c) Temporary Intake and This Minute was withdrawn. Conduit...... 15,000 Volunteers

Total ...... $19,500 The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,326 in aid of the following votes:― THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS― Military Expenditure: The $15,000 is required because more work B.―Volunteer Defence Corps, Other has been done than was anticipated. Charges: SIR HENRY POLLOCK ― When is the Equipment for the Engineer scheme likely to be completed? Company...... $901 Camp expenses ...... 150 THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―At Transport ...... 275 the end of May or the beginning of June, that is the tunnelling. Total ...... $1,326

SIR HENRY POLLOCK ― I mean the whole Scheme. This Minute was also withdrawn. THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS―I Mail cannot give a date for the completion of the whole work. The Governor recommended the Council to Approved. vote a sum of $2,473 in aid of the following votes:― Miscellaneous Post Office, Other Charges: Repairs to steam launches...... $2,104.50 The Governor recommended the Council to Mail bags, etc...... 260.60 vote a sum of $1,500 in aid of the vote Public Telegrams ...... 107.90 Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, Miscellaneous, 123, Miscellaneous Works. Total ...... $2,473.00

Approved. Approved. Rainstorm Damages HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 123

Watchmen Public Works, Extraordinary: Hongkong Water Works: The Governor recommended the Council to 50 New Principal Water mains vote a sum of $12,000 in aid of the vote in the City of Victoria...... 10,000 Judicial and Legal Departments, A. ―

Supreme Court, Other Charges, Incidental Total ...... $35,000 Expenses, Watchmen. Approved. Approved. Transport Railway Sidings The Governor recommended the Council to The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $200 in aid of the vote Judicial vote a sum of $4,000 in aid of the following and Legal Departments, C.―District Offices, votes:― Southern District, Other Charges, Transport. Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure:― Approved. New Sidings Loco. Yard, East .... $3,000 Car Expenses Siding for Ashes, Loco. Yard...... 1,000 The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,800 in aid of the vote Total ...... $4,000 Miscellaneous Services, Motor Cars, running expenses. Approved. Approved. Water Works Educational The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $10,000 in aid of the following The Governor recommended the Council to votes:― vote a sum of $3,357 in aid of the following Public Works, Recurrent: votes:― Kowloon Water Works: Educational Department, Other Charges: 40, Maintenance of Water Incidental expenses ...... $1,554 Works ...... $ 5,000 Cookery classes ...... 226 Public Works, Extraordinary: Upkeep of pianos...... 75 Kowloon Water Works: Equipment of classes for technical 94 Distributing mains, institute...... 40 improvements and extensions. 5,000 Grant in aid of rent ...... 72 Subsidies to elementary vernacular Total ...... $10,000 schools in Hongkong...... 1,390

Total ...... $3,357 Approved. Compensation and Resumptions Approved. The Governor recommended the Council to Water Works vote a sum of $9,105 in aid of the vote Public The Governor recommended the Council to Works, Extraordinary, New Territories, vote a sum of $35,000 in aid of the following Miscellaneous, 124, Compensation and votes:― Resumptions. Public Works, Recurrent: Approved. Hongkong Water Works: Rescue Tug 22, Maintenance of City and The Governor recommended the Council to Hill District...... $15,000 vote a sum of $54,000 on account of Harbour 26, Water account (meters, etc.) 10,000 Master's Department, Special Expenditure,

Construction of Rescue Tug. $25,000 Approved. $25,000 124 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Port Health Officer degree and hitherto they have been devoted constantly to the promotion of the welfare of The Governor recommended the Council to this Colony. I therefore propose that we vote a sum of $93 on account of Medical should enter in our records our high Department, C.―Office of Health Office of appreciation of Mr. Fletcher's services both to Port:―Fees in respect of Study in Diseases of this Council and to the whole Colony. the Skin to be taken by Health Officer of (Applause.) Port. SIR HENRY POLLOCK―On behalf of the Approved. Unofficial members of this Council I desire to associate ourselves very fully with the words COUNCIL RESUMES which have fallen from Your Excellency. It

would take a long time to enumerate the many Following the Finance Committee Council important matters with which Mr. Fletcher has resumed and the Acting COLONIAL been connected whilst he has been in the SECRETARY reported that all the Financial Colonial Secretariat and I will only mention a Minutes submitted to the Committee had few of them on this occasion. He acted during been approved with the exception of Minutes the War as Secretary for the Military Service Nos. 146 and 147 which had been withdrawn. Commission and subsequently as Chairman of He then proposed that the report of the the Vital Requirements Committee of the Finance Committee concerning these Minutes Colony. He also did yeoman service in regard to should be approved by the Council. fixing the terms of the transfer of the military lands to the Government. Although for reasons THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, known to all of us no particular action has been and this was agreed to. taken for the time being on those terms I am confident in the future of this Colony and I High Tributes to Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher believe that at no distant date we shall be able to resume the matter of the resumption of the H.E. THE GOVERNOR said―As this is military lands and then we shall receive the benefit of Mr. Fletcher's untiring services on probably the last occasion on which Mr. this subject. Another matter for which we are Fletcher will be with us as Acting Colonial very much indebted to Mr. Fletcher is the hard Secretary I think it will be the unanimous work he put in over the telephone agreement desire of you all that I should, on your behalf, which has recently been come to. I hope now an offer Mr. Fletcher the congratulations of the expert will be dealing with the subject of Legislative Council on his well deserved telephones that we may shortly have an promotion to Ceylon and wish him "God improved telephone service in the Colony. It Speed" in his new sphere of activities. The would not be advisable for me to refer to all Mr. whole of Mr. Fletcher's public life has Fletcher's services in connection with the strike hitherto been spent in this Colony. He has although they are well known to hon. members been Clerk of this Council since August, of this Council. It is well known that he did 1913, and has repeatedly filled the position of excellent service both in the strike of 1922 and Colonial Secretary. He is now temporarily during the present Strike and I should like to acting in that capacity for, I believe, the mention the extremely good work Mr. Fletcher seventh time. I had hoped that the Secretary did in both Strikes with regard to maintaining, of State would confirm him substantively in and effectively maintaining, all the essential that post, for Hongkong can ill afford to lose services of this Colony. Another point with him at the present time. However, as I happen regard to Mr. Fletcher which I must refer to to know, Ceylon has difficulties as great, if because it is a point from which I have received not at the moment quite so pressing, as those great benefit in the past―and I am sure dozens of Hongkong, and we shall all agree that Sir of others would say the same thing―is his will be fortunate in having Mr. extreme accessibility. I am sure all of Fletcher as his right hand man to help him to surmount those difficulties. Resourcefulness, tact and ability will all be needed. Mr. Fletcher has those qualities in a marked HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 125 us here present appreciate the fact that Mr. control of the Trade Marks Office of the Fletcher has never allowed himself to be Colony. Before Mr. Fletcher's advent that hampered by any rules of red tape. If he was office was in a chaotic condition and the way satisfied that anyone in this Colony required in which Mr. Fletcher speedily remedied to interview him on matters of importance, he matters was an indication of his skill and was always ready and willing to give the ability. I was profoundly impressed at that earliest appointment possible and with his time by his organising powers and the unrivalled experience of the affairs of the evidence thus given very early in his career Colony, which had been gained in long has been borne out continually since. The service in the Colonial Secretariat, one commercial men of this Colony will always felt that one had received very congratulate Mr. Fletcher on the well earned excellent advice; and often Mr. Fletcher was honour that has come to him but nevertheless able to give material assistance in forwarding they will feel keen regret at his departure. As whatever they had in hand. We feel, therefore, Your Excellency knows, the Unofficial that in losing Mr. Fletcher this Colony is members hoped he would be confirmed in his incurring considerable loss. Our loss will be a appointment here. The Secretary of State gain to Ceylon. We feel that it is regrettable thought otherwise. We, therefore, that Mr. Fletcher was not confirmed in his congratulate him upon his appointment and present post as Colonial Secretary but, of wish him every happiness in his new career. course, we realise that these affairs are not in (Applause.) our hands and are outside of our control. We should very much have liked to see him HON. MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER―I wish to continue permanently in his present billet. In express to the Council my warm appreciation saying farewell I can truly say that he and of the quite unexpected and most kind Mrs. Fletcher will be very much missed from congratulations which have been voiced, in the social life of this Colony. We wish them quite unmerited terms by Your Excellency both every happiness and prosperity in the and the other members who have spoken. I new place to which they are going. had forgotten it was in 1913 when I was (Applause.) confirmed as Clerk of this Council, but I think I can claim a much longer record. It was HON. MR. CHOW SHOU-SON―I beg to at the beginning of 1905 when I first took my concur with every word uttered by Your seat in that chair in a very dilapidated tail Excellency and by the Hon. Senior Unofficial coat which I inherited as a legacy from the member, and on behalf of the Chinese late Sir Henry May. We were more particular, community I wish to extend to Mr. Fletcher or rather more ceremonious in our dress in our most hearty congratulations upon his well those days. I have acted seven or eight times earned promotion. At the same time we regret as Colonial Secretary and once as Colonial deeply that he is leaving us. Treasurer. Indeed my changes were so kaleidoscopic that the late Mr. Stephen, HON. MR. P. H. HOLYOAK ― As the whenever he met my wife, would always member of Council representing the Chamber enquire whether the time had come for him to of Commerce, and as one who has filled the call me "Sir" or whether I had to address him Chair of the Chamber at various times, I have in that way. (Laughter.) I am under a very come into contact more particularly with Mr. great obligation to all the members of Fletcher and I should like to endorse Your Council for their unfailing co-operation and Excellency's remarks regarding his services help in the work of the Government, both to the Colony. Long ago―I think it was publicly in this Chamber, and also privately twenty years―I first came into contact with elsewhere in all manner of ways. It is with Mr. Fletcher when he was appointed Official very great regret that I lay down my work in Receiver and in that capacity took over this Colony and say "Good-bye." (Applause.)