HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 127

7TH OCTOBER, 1909.

PRESENT:― connection with the Estimates for 1910; and an HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR abstract showing the differences between the FREDERICK JOHN DEALTRY LUGARD, Estimates of Expenditure for 1909 and 1910. K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O. Market Byelaws THE COLONIAL SECRETARY―I beg to HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL R. G. BROADWOOD, C.B., A.C.D. (General Officer move that the approval of this Council be Commanding). given to the Market Bye Laws under the Public Health and Buildings Ordinances, 1903. Hon. Mr. F. H. MAY, C.M.G. (Colonial These bye-laws have been made by the Secretary). Sanitary Board. Hon. Mr. W. REES DAVIES, K.C. (Attorney- THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, General). and the motion was agreed to.

HON. Mr. C. MCI. MESSER (Colonial Standing Committees Treasurer). HIS EXCELLENCY ― I appoint the following Committees for the session 1909- HON. MR. P. N. H. JONES (Director of 1910:― Public Works). Finance Committee―All the members of HON. MR. A. W. BREWIN (Registrar- the Council excepting the Governor, the General). Colonial Secretary to be Chairman. HON. MR. F. J. BADELEY (Capt. Law Committee ― The Captain Superintendent of Police). Superintendent of Police, Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, HON. Dr. HO KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G. Hon. Mr. Wei Yuk, Hon. Mr. Murray Stewart, the Attorney-General to be Chairman. Hon. Mr. E. OSBORNE. Public Works Committee ― The Colonial HON. MR. E. A. HEWETT. Treasurer, Hon. Mr. Osborne, the Director of HON. MR. MURRAY STEWART. Public Works to be Chairman. Malicious Damage Ordinance Hon. Mr. WEI YUK, C.M.G. THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the MR. C. CLEMENTI (Clerk of Councils). third reading of the Bill entitled an Ordinance Minutes to amend the Malicious Damage Ordinance, The minutes of the last meeting were read 1865. and confirmed. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, Financial Minutes and the motion was agreed to. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by Governor-in-Council Relief Ordinance command of His Excellency the Governor, laid THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the on the table Financial Minutes (Nos. 40 and third reading of the Bill entitled an Ordinance 41), and moved that they be referred to the to relieve the Governor in Council of certain Finance Committee. duties. THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to. and the motion was agreed to Papers —— THE ESTIMATES. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the on the table the following papers:― Summary first reading of a Bill entitled an Ordinance to of recommendations made by the apply a sum not exceeding Five million six Retrenchment Committee; Byelaws made hundred and twenty-five thousand six hundred under section 16 of the Public Health and and eighty-three Dollars to the Public Service Buildings Ordinance, 1903, Draft Estimates of the year 1910. for the year 1910; Financial Statements in 128 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

The Bill was as follows:― THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded. Whereas the expenditure required for the HIS EXCELLENCY said:―Gentlemen, ― service of this Colony for the year 1910 has, When I introduced the Estimates last year I apart from the contribution to the Imperial pointed out that although we had estimated for Government in aid of Military Expenditure, an increase in 1909 over 1908 on ordinary been estimated at the sum of Five million six revenue of $126,000, due chiefly to increase in hundred and twenty-five thousand six and certain licence fees, nevertheless the ordinary eighty-three Dollars: revenue for the current year would be Be it enacted by the Governor of Hongkong $389,000 below the realised revenue of 1907 with the advice and consent of the Legislative and $568,374 below that of 1906. The papers Council thereof, as follows:― now laid before you show that some improvement has taken place, and the 1. This Ordinance may be cited as the anticipated ordinary revenue of 1909 will, if "Appropriation Ordinance for 1910." realised, exceed that of 1908 by $98,513, and 2. A sum not exceeding Five million six only falls short of 1907 by $309,168 instead of hundred and twenty-five thousand six hundred $389,000. This, moreover, takes no account of and eighty-three Dollars shall be and the same the new liquor duties collected during the is hereby charged upon the revenue and other current year, which I dare say will add another funds of the Colony for the service of the year half lakh at least to our revenue this year. The 1910 and the said sum so charged may be actual ordinary revenue last year was expended as hereinafter specified, that is to $6,034,849, while it is estimated that the say:― probable amount realised this year, Expenditure irrespective of liquor duties, will be $6,133,362, which is $79,666 in excess of the Governor, ...... $84,878 estimate. The decrease, however, in land sales Colonial Secretary's Department (under extraordinary revenue), which were and Legislature, ...... 68,542 estimated at $150,000 and will probably yield Registrar-General's Department, .. 45,985 only $72,800, eliminates this surplus, and Audit Department, ...... 28,305 leaves the total anticipated revenue for the Treasury, ...... 59,597 current year practically identical with the Harbour Master's Department, ..... 229,931 original estimate, irrespective of the half lakh Observatory, ...... 22,029 from liquor duties. Poor as the land sales have Miscellaneous Services, ...... 144,307 been this year, they are nevetheless better than Judicial and Legal Departments, .. 233,677 last year by some $3,500, and if they may be Police and Prison Departments, ... 739,157 regarded as an index of prosperity it is Medical Departments, ...... 236,546 gratifying to note that they show an upward Sanitary Departments, ...... 358,018 tendency, however slight. Botanical and Forestry The financial statement shows the estimated Department, ...... 50,495 balance of assets on December 31 next to be Education, ...... 237,459 $1,350,108, as against $1,073,041 last year, a Military Expenditure,― satisfactory increase of about three lakhs. Volunteers, ...... 42,135 From this large reserve we hope in part to Public Works,― meet the cost of building the new typhoon Public Works Department, ...... 333,582 refuge. Public Works, Recurrent, ...... 427,500 Our total estimate of revenue ordinary and Public Works, Extraordinary, ... 940,820 extraordinary for next year stands at Special Land Resumption, ...... 374,805 $6,908,797 and our expenditure is estimated at Post Office, ...... 444,313 $6,951,542, which shows an excess of Kowloon-Canton Railway, ...... 100,000 expenditure of $42,745. This in the Charge on account of Public Debt, 176,206 circumstances is justifiable, since (as I shall Pensions, ...... 227,940 explain in reviewing the heads of revenue) our Charitable Services, ...... 19,456 estimate is in one or two cases a conservative ————— one, which may probably be Total, ...... $5,625,683 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 129 exceeded, and, on the other hand, no sum has probably accrue from the closing of the divans, been included on account of the contribution and will be covered by the extra duties on promised by the Imperial Government to the liquor. You will recollect that I stated in regard loss on opium, since there has been no time to to this question that the first proposal of ascertain the intentions of the Home raising the liquor licence fees did not provide Government. for the loss on opium, for which, had that proposal been adhered to, additional taxation The Problem. would have had to be imposed. Pawnbrokers' licences are expected, judging by the Generally speaking, our problem this year experience of this year, to increase by $2,300, was to raise sufficient revenue, or to decrease and prospecting licences decrease by $2,000. expenditure, to meet in the first place the deficit of four lakhs which in the current year I have made a guess estimate of $600,000 was provided by the, so to speak, fortuitous for the product of the new liquor duties, while appropriation of the Widows' and Orphans' $60,000 is estimated as the cost of machinery Fund, together with an extra lakh for the for enforcing them, and licence fees will difference between the interest paid this year probably decrease by $31,300, leaving a net 1 on the railway, with 2 4 lakhs for opium loss increase from taxation of liquor, after a rebate and 3 lakh for working expenses of the has been made to the military and naval forces 4 of $508,700. Stamp duties, owing to the railway, for half a year―a total of about eight regulation enforcing a stamp on receipts over lakhs. Of this we get a net five lakhs from $10 and also to better collection will, it is liquor and one from stamp dues, while the anticipated, yield an extra lakh. The fees for remaining two are provided partly by local registration of companies, judging by the retrenchments in expenditure and partly by current year, will produce $3,600 more than anticipated increase in the existing sources of last year's estimate. The total increase under revenue. In 1911 we shall probably have an licences and internal revenue is estimated at additional six lakhs to provide on railway $4,660,858, an increase of $497,176 on this account, and this, I hope, will be largely met year's estimate. Under the third head, there by the cessation of expenditure on the Post were last year a considerable number of over- Office and Law Courts and by an increased estimates: Bills of health, $1,100; fees of yield from the liquor and stamp dues. There is, Court, $3,000; gunpowder depot, $3,000; however, no need to anticipate the difficulties medical treatment, $1,000; sugar certificates, of 1911. $1,000, due to certificates being no longer required for Colombo; and sale of vaccine, The Heads of Ordinary Revenue. $2,000, with various other minor items. On the Turning to the Estimates of revenue for next other hand, the fees of pupils, at Queen's year, I will run briefly though the various College and other schools, is estimated to heads. Assessed taxes show an increase of increase by $18,000 and the fees from the $38,000, due chiefly to the inclusion of new Technical Institute by $850. Against these buildings at Quarry Bay; the remainder of the increases there is some corresponding assessment remains much the same as this year. additional expenditure under the Educational Chair licences increase $8,820. Fines and vote. The receipts from water supply are forfeitures have been under-estimated, and it is expected to show an additional $30,000, more believed that next year they will increase by meters having been instituted. The total vote $5,500, especially as it may be anticipated that under this head is $557,675, an increase of some will accrue owing to the imposition of $32,961 over last year. liquor dues and abolition of divans. Junk licences show a decrease of $2,000, Divan The Post Office is estimated to yield an licences disappear, and the Opium Farm, for additional $52,000 due to increased business, which the accepted tender is $1,183,200, and to this must be added $27,000, which the shows a decrease of $268,800 on the existing Imperial Government has promised, being contract. Including divan licences the direct half the estimated loss on the Postal loss in 1910 is $225,860. This loss is only half Agencies, to which I shall refer in discussing of the amount which I was advised would the Postal vote. The estimate 130 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL under rents of Government property shows a changes of any particular interest or considerable increase, buildings, $1,700; importance. Under Governor a decrease of encroachments, $4,000; leases in the Old $2,000 is effected in the furniture vote. In the Territory, $1,000, Markets $2,000 (due to the Secretariat the absorption of passed cadets, completion of Kowloon market); and piers owing to vacancies and promotions and their $1,500, while quarries alone show a decrease replacement by un-passed cadets, involves a of $1,500, as one lease expires in the coming saving of $4,000. In the Registrar-General's year. The total increase on last year's estimate department some considerable changes have under this head is $9,320. Under been effected during the present year. The Miscellaneous Receipts the conservancy issuing of various licences and other matters of contract is less by $8,776 than heretofore, and that kind have been transferred to the Captain a decrease of another $1,000 is expected under Superintendent of Police, the Sanitary miscellaneous receipts. Department, etc., with the object of confining the Registrar-General's work as much as The total ordinary revenue for 1910 is possible to that covered by the title "Protector estimated at $6,629,297, as against an of Chinese" in the Straits Settlements. This, as anticipated sum of $6,133,362 in the current you are aware, has been effected by an year, and an actual realised revenue of Ordinance lately passed by this Council, while $6,304,849 in 1908. a second Ordinance, 4 of 1908, amending the Extraordinary Revenue Emigration Ordinance has thrown upon the department a large amount of additional work Under extraordinary revenue, land sales, in connection with the better supervision of estimated this year at $150,000, only realised what are now termed "assisted emigrants." $69,358 in 1908, and are only expected to realise $72,800 this year. The estimate for next I regard this as a most important and year is therefore decreased to $100,000. The valuable reform with which I am glad to have Widows' and Orphans' Fund does not, of been associated. Since the nature of the change course, reappear as a credit, and we have to is familar to you I need not enter into details find the $371,500 from other sources, as I now. You will remember that in order to meet have explained. The contributions are the increase of staff rendered necessary by this increased from $40,800 to $42,500. Special change, we last year increased the fees for light dues were over-estimated this year by medical examination of emigrants and $3,000. There are two new heads of provided a sum of $1,200 as allowances to two extraordinary revenue, namely, the passed cadets assisting in this work. This contribution promised by the Imperial scheme has proved unsatisfactory, partly Government of half the loss on the postal because no passed cadet was available, and agencies, estimated at $27,000, to which I partly because the combination of the duties of have just alluded, and the receipts from a half- Assistant Land Officer and Assistant year's working of the Kowloon-Canton Registrar-General was not found to be Railway put at $20,000. compatible with the efficient discharge of the duties of either post. In the coming year a new The total ordinary and extraordinary second Assistant Registrar-General has been revenue estimated for next year stands at appointed. The department has thus been $6,908,797, as against $6,708,996 for the considerably strengthened both by an increase 3 current year (which included 3 4 lakhs for the of staff and a decrease of extraneous work, and Widows' and Orphans' Fund last year) ―an will undoubtedly be able to deal more increase of about two lakhs for the current effectively with the many matters in relation to year in addition to this three and three-quarter the Chinese population, which are its proper lakhs. province. The elimination of the duties I have referred to has caused the transfer of certain Expenditure clerks to other departments, with a Turning to the Expenditure in 1910, I will consequential decrease here. There are some perform my usual task of running rapidly minor retrenchments which you will see in the through the Estimates for the various summary of the Retrenchment Committee departments in order to call your attention to report laid on the table. HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 131

The Dumping of Dead Bodies Office. He is now recognised primarily as an administrative officer, and he will in future With reference to the Registrar-General's combine the duties of Police Officer and department, I spoke last year of the institution Magistrate, of Treasury Officer and Land of Street Committees in connection with the Officer, being assisted by an Assistant District new Dispensaries, and I expressed the hope Officer, who will equally undertake these that by enlisting the cooperation of the duties and be available to replace his senior Chinese we should put an end to the during his absence at any time with full disgraceful and barbarous practice of knowledge of each department of work. Each abandoning corpses in the street and harbour. officer when touring a separate part of the The amendment of the Public Health and Territories will thus be able to do the whole of Buildings Ordinance last year was also the work in the district without the designed to relax the stringency of the law in overlapping and duplication hitherto certain directions where it seemed possible to unavoidable. Ignorant villagers cannot readily do so without danger to the community, by the understand fine subdivisions of duties of light of the new knowledge regarding the officers, and are puzzled to know why the dissemination of plague resulting from the Assistant Land Officer who settles all matters researches of the Indian Plague Commission. in relation to their land should be unable to The substitution of methods less onerous to receive the Crown rent due upon it, and so on. property owners and involving less The officer hitherto holding the title of interference with domestic privacy in the Assistant Land Officer now becomes Assistant matter of disinfection have already, I hope, District Officer and both officers are vested resulted in a considerable restoration of with full and identical powers in regard to confidence. (Applause.) These measures, each of the functions they perform. My together with the formation of Street experience in dealing with primitive people Committees and Dispensaries, have effected a leads me to believe that this change will tend decrease in "dumping" which has been most to efficiency, and I am sure it will be greatly marked. The number so abandoned in 1906 appreciated by the people, who need no longer was 1,447. In 1907 it fell to 1,293, the travel long distances to lay certain matters decrease having taken place entirely in the last before another officer while one is actually in few months when the new system began. This their district. It is appreciated by the officers fell to 989 in 1908 and up to the end of themselves who are charged with these duties, September this year the number is only 261, or and who in the past could hardly have an average of 348 for the year. I heartily satisfactorily discharged them had they each congratulate the Registrar-General and his held rigorously to the official limitation of staff, and the Chinese gentlemen who have their own duties. So far as the Estimates are assisted in this result. concerned, you can now see at a glance what The audit expenditure is increased by $894 the cost of the administration in the New for the railway work for the last half of the Territory is, instead of attempting the difficult year, and by $1,040 charged by the Controller task of computing it from some four or more and Auditor-General for pension liabilities of different heads of estimates when the same auditors. You will see from the summary of the officer appeared under different designations. Retrenchment Committee's report that there There are also a few minor reductions are some matters of importance in connection amounting to nearly $1,200. with this department, regarding which I am in Post Office and Postal Agencies correspondence with the Secretary of State. The Hongkong Post Office shows a saving The New Territory of $3,000, chiefly accounted for by the Under Treasury, I will invite your attention abolition of the entry "commission on money to the new department under the head orders, $2,500," which is now deducted from Judiciary. The District Officer in the New receipts. You will see also in the summary of Territory has hitherto been primarily a police the Retrenchment Committee report that a officer, and his staff has been shown partly saving of $2,000 is anticipted at once, and under Police, partly under Treasury, partly under Magistracy and partly under Land 132 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

$8,000 eventually, by the abolition of overtime shall succeed in covering the remaining loss allowance except on Sundays and holidays. partly by contributions from the British This recommendation is based on the fact that communities concerned, or alternatively by "the salaries of the clerks have been largely raising the postal rates. I have observed that a increased and graded under the system which paraphrase of the letter addressed to Shanghai has been applied to the whole clerical service," on the subject has appeared in the local Press, and also that "long hours on one day are and I would say in this connection that it compensated for by short hours at other appears to me that it is not the Municipal times." The change, of course, only applies to Council of that Settlement, which represents a officers appointed subsequent to this ruling. cosmopolitan community, but the British merchants, who should defray the cost of the With regard to the Postal Agencies, I am British agency, and I cannot believe that a glad to be able to inform the Council that as a wealthy place such as Shanghai will rest result of my representations to the Secretary of content that Hongkong should pay for its State, the Imperial Government has recognised postal facilities at a loss which is estimated its responsibility in this matter, and has this year at $40,440 (including the military undertaken to bear half the net loss accruing contribution, which, of course, we cannot from the conduct of the postal agencies in expect them to pay). China. Weihaiwei will pay whatever it costs to conduct its Post Office. His Majesty's I had also asked that the gross receipts from Government suggested that those agencies the Postal Agencies should be exempt from which show a loss should be required to payment of the 20 per cent. military contribute, and I have accordingly caused a contribution, which should only be levied on letter to be written to each of them informing the nett profit, if in the future any profits are them of the terms of the telegram from the made. The Secretary of State supported my Secretary of State, and inviting them to bear a view, and he informs me that he is appointing half of the remaining deficit or quarter of the a Commission to inquire into the whole whole loss. I am still in correspondence on this question of military contribution. If during this subject, and the matter could not be settled in coming year a satisfactory arrangment by time for precise adjustment in the Estimates which Hongkong shall be entirely relieved of before you, owing to the long delay of nearly all loss on this account is not arrived at, it will eighteen months before I received a definite be open to this Government to decline to reply to my representations to the Home conduct the agencies any longer, and it cannot authorities. The present arrangment is be said that we have not done our utmost in provisional for one year only, and the the interest of British interests in the Far East. Postmaster-General anticipates the loss on Incidentally we have reduced the cost of the these agencies will decrease owing to the Shanghai Agency by $2,000 by abolishing the increased railway facilities at the port of Dalny, sorting at sea. The total postal expenditure which will decrease the transport changes. shows a decrease of $4,500.

The agencies began to show a loss in 1908, The Harbour and Excise Department in which year, including the military contribution on gross receipts, it amounted to At the Harbour Office the replacement of a $53,172, of which Shanghai accounted for first by a fifth grade telegraph clerk effects a $39,485. For the coming year the loss is saving of $1,140, and the vote for coal for estimated at $53,760 (Shanghai $40,440, or, launches has been reduced by $2,100. The without military contribution, $27,200). I have large sum ($2,100) for fog signalling apparatus been moving in this matter, as you are aware at Gap Rock last year is non-recurrent. The from my statements on the Budgets of the last nett saving in the whole department amounts two years, ever since I have been in the to about $4,700, and a further saving of $2,550 Colony, and I am glad to have succeeded in appears under special expenditure for a buoy inducing the Imperial Government to for Cust Rocks. The only considerable change recognise its responsibility― which was fully in this department is in consequence of the admitted by Lord Elgin. They are pledged to meet half the net loss, and I am in hopes that I HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 133 new liquor duties, the collection of which will Balingtong Channel, but we may be sure it devolve upon the Superintendent of Imports. I will not be forgotten. So soon as the present have decided that this office shall until further negotiations between China and Japan are notice be detached from the ex officio duties of satisfactorily concluded I have hopes that we the Harbour Master. The Superintendent of may witness the erection of a station at Pratas Imports and Exports remains directly ―(applause)―which will be of invaluable responsible to me for the collection of the assistance to our typhoon warnings. liquor duties. The cost of his staff, and all incidental expenses, will be met from a lump Under Miscellaneous Services, the subhead sum of $60,000, for which provision has been of the same name has been reduced by made, and when the system has gradually $15,000. This cannot be regarded as a evolved itself during the first experimental retrenchment, for the expenditure hitherto year we shall be able in the Budget of 1911 to shown under this head must in future appear distribute the vote, and insert in their proper separately, as it should do. Thus, last year, the places the actual staff which experience will full vote of $20,000 was exceeded by $37,332, have shown to be necessary, and the various and included loss on exchange and the other charges involved. I may observe that this purchase of the Laichikok quarantine station. cost will not be entirely included in the The economy in the method of printing in the Harbour Office; a part will be incurred by an Gazette saves $4,000, while a small increase extra staff in the Government Analyst's has been made for printing miscellaneous department and part may appear under Police. papers in order to co-ordinate and improve the records. The Observatory The Subsidiary Coinage Question Under Observatory there is little change except that an increase has been allowed for Under Redemption of Subsidiary Coins meteorological telegrams, which will add to its there is an increase of $4,000. This is efficiency. The Director concurred with the calculated to cover the loss on discount upon Retrenchment Committee that when the post subsidiary coin received as legal tender during of Assistant Meteorologist falls vacant it need the year, and not, as in the last two years, to not be filled. In running through these heads of cover the loss by withdrawal and Estimates it has been my object not merely to demonetization. In 1908 a sum of $36,000 was explain changes in figures, but to inform you, estimated for this purpose, and the actual and through you the community at large, of all expenditure was $164,674, which included matters of interest and importance which have stock in hand. In 1909 the same sum of occurred during the past year or are in $36,000 was provided; and the actual contemplation in the approaching year. It is expenditure is estimated at $134,000, which unavoidable that this should greatly prolong gives a total of nearly three lakhs in two years. my speech on this occasion, but for my own For my own part, I can see no object in part I welcome this annual opportunity of withdrawing our currency from circulation so explaining matters of policy and of progress, long as its depreciation below par value is and I am sure I shall not exhaust your patience obviously due, not to an excess in the quantity, in doing so. It is the one occasion upon which but to the existence of a parallel coinage which the Government, which is entrusted with the is not legal tender and which circulates at a welfare of the community, has an opportunity discount and influences the value of our own. of giving an account of its stewardship, and of (Applause.) If and when our coinage is shown enlisting the interest of the inhabitants of the to be redundant it will, in my view, be time Colony in the various matters not directly enough to take steps to withdraw a portion. At connected with legislation, and which present it seems to me that it is unnecessary to therefore do not ordinarily come before this incur this loss while the whole question Council. In regard, then, to the Observatory, remains as yet undecided and our financial we have not yet heard of the establishment of position is difficult. The matter is, however, the wireless station which the Government of one which affects the trade and commerce of the Philippines undertook with such willing the Colony, and I am referring co-operation to erect in the Islands of the 134 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL the question to the Chamber of Commerce and value shall be minted of one standard of the China Association, which are fineness and one authorised pattern. representative bodies entitled to speak for Meanwhile the necessity for increasing her those interests. Since a sum has been provided import duties is daily becoming more in the Estimates in excess of that provided imperative, to China, and several of the during the last two years, when the policy of Powers have declined to agree until the demonetization was in operation, either policy questions of likin and coinage are can be followed so far as the Estimates are simultaneously dealt with. It is in these concerned. The actual loss incurred by circumstances, I think, legitimate to hope that Government by payment of discount on the decree I have referred to is the beginning subsidiary coins is calculated at $26,777. of a real attempt to deal with this matter. I cannot leave this question without a I made an attempt within a few days of my reference to the larger aspect of it. The attitude arrival in this Colony to ascertain the views of of the Government has been described as one the merchants, bankers and financiers of of apathy and devoid of a definite policy. This Hongkong upon this vexed question, and in is incorrect. There are two policies open to us. August, 1907, I appointed a large and One is to adopt some vigorous method of influential Committee to investigate and report restriction of Chinese subsidiary coinage, the upon it. The findings of that committee were other is to await the result of the pressure now by no means unanimous, and the majority being brought to bear upon the Chinese were divided amongst themselves on several Government to reorganise their coinage and issues. By a narrow majority they more especially to control the issue of their recommended the first of the two policies, mints. The first policy ― that of vigorous namely, one of restriction of Chinese coins. repression of Chinese coinage ― would, no But, I think, though I am not certain, that the doubt, result in the rehabilitation of our small Chairman agrees with me that it would be currency. It would also probably result in a better to defer putting that recommendation great influx of that currency from China, and into operation at present. The Chamber of compel us to large measures of demonetization Commerce and the China Association, which at the present moment our finances can moreover, advised against this policy. In the ill afford. It is urged by those who oppose that circumstances I have adjudged it most policy that it would interfere with the minor advisable up to the present to adopt the course operations of trade, especially among the advised by these two bodies, and I wish to Chinese; that to enforce it would require impress upon you in doing so that we are measures which would be highly unpopular adopting a definite policy which does not and that it would be resented in Canton. They denote either apathy or indifference. say that the companies who suffer are few and (Applause.) During the coming year we shall that the remedy is in their own hands, namely, judge whether events justify us in continuing either to refuse non-legal tender or to put up this policy or in adopting some alternative. their fares or prices. The matter is too large to deal with on this occasion in detail, and it would be better to Those, on the other hand, who advocate the discuss it separately should any unofficial second line of policy urge that although many member desire to raise the issue. years have passed without anything effective having been done by the Chinese Government, I cannot, however, leave this subject the last year or two has seen a movement the without a passing reference to a speech result of which we ought to await before delivered by a prominent and greatly taking a plunge in the dark. During last year respected member of this community who we were awaiting the return of His Excellency formerly occupied a seat at this Council. Tang Shao Yi, who had been sent to Europe Speaking as the Chairman of the Hongkong, and America, with (it is understood) the Canton and Macao Steamboat Company, he special object of studying this question. Since stated that a loss of $28,389 had been incurred his return one important edict has been issued by the company on subsidiary coin during the which a Home paper describes as "a half-year. I disregard the charges of lack of foundation stone of the Mackay Treaty." It wisdom, courage or foresight and the enacts that all coins now current of whatever HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 135 accusation of indifference, apathy and coinage. It is, moreover, a fact that the supineness which the speaker stated to be Steamboat Company with ourselves did raise amazing, even for this Government, and which the rate of passage money to compensate for his audience applauded, and I come to the the discount on the subsidiary coinage we are facts. I have here an extract from a letter forced to receive, and the Company's accounts addressed to me unsolicited from the manager speak for themselves." of Messrs. Butterfield and Swire, and he says I will not quote further from Mr. Law's that he considers it his duty to write in interesting letter, which is devoted to explanation of the statements to which I have arguments against the policy of restricting alluded, which he describes as irrelevant and Canton subsidiary coinage, and to justifying fallacious. He proceeds to explain that as the present policy of the Government. It is Messrs. Butterfield and Swire are working in only on this one occasion during the year that agreement with the Hongkong, Canton and the Government has an opportunity of Macao Steamboat Company he is qualified to justifying or at least explaining its action. speak. He informs me that "ninety to ninety- Charges of apathy and indifference are brought five per cent. of the earnings on the Canton against it, and I have thought it fitting to put line are collected on board in subsidiary coin the other side of the matter before the Council. and must always be collected on board." My friend Mr. Law can debate the question Nothing that the Hongkong Government can with my friend Mr. Shewan as to the facts at do would change this custom of paying on issue in this particular matter. I am only board or cause passengers to pay in anything concerned to demonstrate to the Council that but subsidiary coin. At present they pay in there is no apathy or indifference on the part of Hongkong subsidiary coin and Canton the Government. We are watching the signs of subsidiary coin, as both are at about the same the times, and are ready at any moment to discount. If Hongkong barred Canton adopt such a course as may recommend itself, subsidiary coin from import into and and meet with the approval of the merchants circulation in Hongkong, it would not make and bankers, taking into due consideration the any difference to the Chinese passengers, who political issues involved, the cost to the would only then pay in Canton subsidiary taxpayer, and the effect on trade as a whole, coinage as the cheaper money, and if the and not merely to one or two companies. steamers attempted to collect Hongkong subsidiary coinage, assuming that by The Judiciary and Police prevention of Canton subsidiary coinage our Reverting to the Estimates:―Economy in subsidiary coinage could be raised to par, the telegrams sent by Government results in a saving passengers would travel by other steamers not of $3,000. The vote for the management of the imposing this condition. It follows that the Widows' and Orphans' Fund is no longer Steamboat Company has to accept that which necessary now that the fund is transferred to is offered in payment of passage money, and Government, but it has been retained for next the subsidiary coinage would still have to be year to meet the fees of the actuaries who are sold at market rates. Again, assuming that making the valuation. It appeared last year under Canton subsidiary coinage is barred out of Treasury. Transport has been reduced by $4,000. Hongkong and that Hongkong subsidiary Under the heading of Judiciary there is a saving coinage is by this action raised to par, it is not of about $2,000 due to new appointments under unreasonable to suppose that with the the Supreme Court, and a new head, as I have Hongkong market closed against it Canton already described, is opened under "District subsidiary coinage might even go to a greater Officer" with transfers from various other discount than at present, and therefore the departments, the total amounting to $35,524. The Steamboat Company would be worse off than net increase in the Judiciary amounts to $17,194. they are now, for it is certain that under these With regard to the Police, reductions have been conditions most of the subsidiary coinage effected, as in other departments, by the creation collected on board would be Canton subsidiary of the new District Officer sub-department. One coinage, which they would have to sell at lance-sergeant has been abolished in market price in Canton. The Steamboat Company could not by any means they possess force passengers to pay Hongkong subsidiary 136 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL the New Territory. The Retrenchment Public Works Recurrent, and the votes for Committee recommended two. The coolie labour, incidentals, disinfectants, light, Retrenchment Committee also recommended paint, and rent show a saving amounting in all the sale of No. 3 launch, but I have decided to to about $13,200. The opening of Mataukok retain her with a stoker and seaman in charge cattle-depot, on the other hand, involve some to take the place of other launches when under extra staff, which will be more than recouped repair and also for use in emergencies. This by fees. The total saving effected is $50,864. effects practically the same reduction in cost The Forestry Department shows little change, and avoids the necessity of the whole crew of there is a small saving. a launch remaining idle while it is under repair. The saving amounts to $9,684. The transfer Education from Miscellaneous Services of $24,000 In the department of Education provision is (equalisation on exchange on Indian police made for one additional master at Queen's pensions), however, brings the total up to College in view of the increase in school fees. $603,279, and converts a decrease of about It had long ago been decided to bring Queen's $7,000 into an increase of about $17,000. With College under the Education Department regard to the Prison, four warders and one whenever Dr. Wright's service should chief warder, four assistant warders and seven terminate, and this has now been accomplished. guards have been dispensed with on the It involves a saving of $900 for examination recommendation of the Retrenchment fees. A further instalment of dual desks is Committee, at a saving of over $9,500. provided for at a cost of about $4,000 and $800 has been set apart for scholarships to The Medical Service Queen's College from the district schools Under the heading of Medical, a new which will, I hope, promote a closer touch. At medical officer for the New Territory and Saiyinpun, Yaumati and Wanchai the purchase Railway is provided from June, 1909, when of desks is completed, which saves $2,000. the railway is expected to open. Hitherto two- The small school at Aberdeen his been closed thirds of his salary has been borne by on account of insufficient attendance. The construction funds. On the other hand, one amount of the grants under the code continues assistant medical officer of health at Kowloon to increase and reaches the large sum of has been abolished under the Sanitary $55,000. I propose to examine this question Department vote. The abolition of the Hygeia, during the coming year. The Technical to which I shall allude later, effects a saving of Institute has proved to be a most valuable some $5,500, including the temporary staff at institution. The vote for the lecturing staff is Kennedy Town Hospital. The Other Charge increased by $2,000. The total education vote votes, which have had a tendency to increase is increased by about $5,320, and it is each year and are not fully expended, have anticipated that this will be much more than been reduced, as you will see, in many cases, met by increased school fees. under the heads incidental expenses, medicines and appliances, and provisions for The Military Contribution and Defence patients. The total medical vote is decreased Under defence there is the usual 20 per cent. by $11,650. In the Sanitary Department the for Military Contribution, which, in principal clerk has been abolished, and the consequence of the increased revenue we have Secretary, whose former duties are now largely to raise to meet expenses, amounts to a larger performed by the Head of the Department, is sum than last year. The Secretary of State has placed on a lower rate of pay, a saving of informed me that he proposes to appoint a about $6,000. The second assistant medical committee to inquire into the incidence of this officer of health, the remaining sanitary contribution. I have already expressed to you surveyor and three inspectors (leaving 24 and my own view that the Colony cannot complain one storekeeper), 10 artisans, 3 boatmen, 1 of having to pay only a very little over a quarter market overseer, and some minor staff are the cost of its defence without any contribution abolished, effecting a total saving of over to the navy, though I am of opinion that $26,800. The Other Charge votes have also been considerably decreased, two large items amounting to $6,800 being transferred to the HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 137 the mode of levying it might be altered so as to be completed during the year, a very integral better carry out Mr. Chamberlain's object of part of the construction will still be proceeding making it fall less heavily in years of depleted not only up to, but beyond, the end of next revenue. Under the other charges for the year. I think therefore that it is legitimate to Volunteers, considerable reductions have been charge interest on capital to construction made, with the concurrence of the account for the whole of 1910 and to charge it commandant, amounting to $5,200. to open line account from 1st of January, 1911. Public Works Dept. and Railway Loan Pensions do not call for any remarks; they Account show an estimated decrease of $3,300. In the Public Works Department one Charitable services is increased by the Railway Loan Account senior executive- additional grant to the new Tung Wah Hospital, engineer has been appointed as second Kowloon, of $2,100. assistant in order to cope with the Public Works Extraordinary―Buildings administrative work in the office and a new I will as usual run briefly through the overseer has been created. A land surveyor has programme of public works extraordinary for been appointed in place of two second grade the coming year. For the Law Courts we set surveyors, and a new scale of pay adopted for aside $105,000, and for the Post Office these officers, involving with incremental rises $230,000, and these sums, I am glad to say, are a total increase of $3,216. The Other Charge the last large votes for these great works. Only votes are increased by $10,800, which is $75,000 is estimated to be required to deducted from the miscellaneous service vote complete both in 1910. (Applause.) Public under Public Works Recurrent and shown latrines absorb the same sum as has been under its proper heads. The vote for drawing devoted to this object during the past few materials and survey work is increased by years. The gradual replacement of offensive $1,000 to meet increased work. Under Public private latrines and urinals, and the provision Works Recurrent the miscellaneous service of public conveniencies, if necessary by vote of $11,000 disappears, $6,800 is included resumption of the site required, on which for cemeteries taken from the Sanitary $92,692 will have been spent to the end of department; the total shews a decrease of 1909, is a measure of sanitation which I regard $5,500. as throughly practical and necessary and of Under charges on account of public debt, urgent importance. $32,000 is provided to you will find that whereas $276,890 was complete the new market at Kowloon, which is provided this year for interest on railway not only greatly required but will be advances, no sum is provided next year. It is remunerative in fees. The total cost will be the usual custom to charge interest on capital $66,000 and the expenditure to end of 1909 is during construction to capital account, and I $34,000. This is largely a refund, as $16,900 have obtained the sanction of the Secretary of will be unexpended this year. The delay is due State to do so. $482,921 will have been paid to unexpected difficulty in the foundations and out of revenue during the present and past two delay of steel work. years on this account, and the amount which The necessity for the extension to No. 2 would have been payable next year is Police Station was described by me last year. I estimated at $330,000. This will add eight regret the Director of Public Works has not yet lakhs to the railway cost, the repayment of been able to commence the works, but a which will, under the operation of a sinking beginning will be made shortly, and the sum fund, be spread over a long term of years shown in the estimate is a re-vote of the instead of falling in its entirety upon the remainder. Taipo Land Office require $2,000 Colony now. You are aware that the line is to complete, and the steps of the ballroom at expected to open for traffic on July 1st, and it Government House show a sum of $1,300. would therefore seem proper to charge only This work will be completed during the half the interest on capital to construction current year, and the sum carried forward to account and half to open line account. The line next year is the retention money payable after will, however, only be opened by utilising the six months of maintenance by the contractors contractor's "over-land" loop line, and as in accordance with the terms Messrs. Leigh and Orange's contract will not 138 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL of the contract. The extension of the Public $6,000 per mile, including resumption. I Works Department offices will be completed consider this main trunk road through the New this year at a cost of $2,000 more than the Territory as a work of the first importance, original estimate, as it has been found both for the purpose of facilitating trade and necessary to add a second storey and a covered also for police control. Since the road was way in order to accommodate the survey staff. made from Castle Peak to Pingshan the traffic The matshed in the compound which it has upon it has been immense. Traders and others been necessary to put up for part of the staff who formerly had to make a long detour now has been taken down. The staff quarters at go direct and save much time, while from the Taipo are completed and so is the quarantine latter point of view, namely, police control, the station at Laichikok, where $5,282 additional patrols are now able to police the district much expense had to be incurred―owing to the bad more efficiently and in less time. As another foundations of the boundary wall and extra result of this road construction, it is probable repairs. Its total cost is $15,782. The that the point at which it leaves the seafront extensions to Queen's College are completed. will command a very high price as a pier site. It has not been possible as yet to begin the The vote for forming streets is reduced to erection of the market at Aberdeen, for which $30,000 from $35,000. Of this $7,000 will be provision was made this year, but it is hoped added to the $6,000 from the new roads in the that it will shortly be begun. Kowloon vote towards forming the nullah in Waterloo Road; $2,000 for lowering the road The same sum as in the current year, near the French Convent at Happy Valley and $30,000, is provided for new roads in $2,000 for tram diversion on Shaukiwan Road, Kowloon. The three chief items included in to both of which the Government has long the programme under this vote are (a) The been pledged; $2,000 to complete Reclamation completion of Argyle Street, which will form Street, $2,000 for roads in the Hunghom the main thoroughfare between the new district, and $1,500 each for Salisbury Road railway station at Yaumati and the seafront and and Marine Lot 29, the balance being for the villages of Yaumati and Mongkoktsui. A general works. The vote of $27,500 for raising small portion of this work is debited to the Chatham Road is in repayment for work railway, the amount to be paid from revenue undertaken by the Kowloon-Canton Railway being $9,265, which, together with $21,152 ―the portion to be done by the Public Works already spent, makes a total of $30,417. (b) A Department being completed this year. This sum of $6,000 is charged to this vote for the completes the whole of this important completion of the nullah in Waterloo Road. (c) improvement rendered necessary by the new $12,000 is to be devoted to the prolongation of reclamation at a total cost of $51,000. Nathan Road, including a cutting through a hill, the soil from which is required for The road on Victoria Peak, for which $4,300 reclamation, under which vote the balance of was provided this year, has not been cost will be debited. undertaken in the pressure of more important works, and we do not propose to proceed with Communications it next year.

New roads in the New Territory are retained Drainage, etc. at $25,000, which will be devoted almost exclusively to the prolongation of the Castle The reconstruction of gullies, upon which a Peak Road, which we hope to carry on to sum of $93,600 will have been spent by the complete eight miles in 1910. Four and a half end of this year, is now practically complete, miles will be completed this year on the new and only $600 is allotted next year for system I described in a former Budget speech, completion. A sum of $15,000 is allotted for namely, the road is six feet broad in banks and training nullahs, of which $8,000 will be spent eight feet in cuttings, while the bridges are on improvements at Shaukiwan, in which made to the full eventual width of fourteen district, as you are aware, the Sanitary Board feet and the land resumed is sufficient to have made representations on the initiative of eventually extend to this breadth. By this the military authorities, who complained of the means the initial cost is reduced to about HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 139 prevalence of malaria in the Lyemoon Bar- dues, and this sum is entered against the work. racks, and we propose to spend about $3,500 The remainder of the expenditure during the this year, making a total of $11,500, With coming year will be debited to the special fund, regard to flushing tanks and iron pipes, three and defrayed from the Colonial reserves. The tanks are completed out of six, and iron pipes sale of the dredger will also add to the fund for have been substituted for ear-thenware in the work. The amount already spent (including Bonham Road at a total cost of $19,263. It is the cost of dredger) is $306,693, which is not proposed in 1910 to continue the substitution as much as we had hoped to expend, but the in Garden Road at a cost of $5,000. This, you delay in getting forward with the work is due will recollect, is part of the Chadwick scheme to the necessary time occupied in preparing the which the Government has been consistently designs and plans. The deepening of carrying out for seven years past. Causeway Bay has been pushed on rapidly and Miscellaneous drainage stands at $43,000, the will be completed this year. The sum shown, principal items of which are new drainage viz., $11,000, is the balance of the estimate works at Shaukiwan, $7,300; the extension of and is retention money due to the contractor the storm-water drain on the railway on the expiration of the period for which he is reclamation, $2,100; new storm water drains responsible for maintenance. The total cost is near the Yaumati Pumping Station, $5,000; $74,000. The sum put down in the Estimates extension of the sewer near the Yacht Club, for resumption on Marine Lot 29, which was $2,410; extension of sewer near Yaumati borne on this year's Estimates, has not fallen Theatre, $2,140; storm water drains, due for payment. Half, namely, $10,700, will Samshuipo, $4,000; Reclamation Street, be paid this year, and half next year. $1,100; and Hok Un, $5,000. Water Works Miscellaneous Works The Albany filter beds reconstruction and The sum of $5,000 is allotted for pushing extension has proved a costly undertaking, forward the triangulation survey of the Colony, totalling about $182,000. The sum of $16,000 which, I am glad to say, is making progress. provided next year is retention money, and The old heading of this vote is not applicable, $6,000 is a re-vote from this year; this, I am for many of the old traverse marks cannot be glad to say, will complete this work. Kowloon identified, and money is wasted on the work of Waterworks form one of the great trying to re-establish them completely. Where undertakings of which this Colony is justly they can be found they are included in the new proud. Its cost is $1,194,600, and the sum triangulation. The note includes the cost of provided next year, $37,520, is all that is engaging a temporary man on a two years' required to complete it. The vote for agreement. The sum of $18,000 will complete miscellaneous waterworks has been increased the reinforced concrete piers at Green Island next year, from $25,000 to $28,000, in order to and Kowloon City. I do not propose to proceed admit of improvement of Mt. Parker with the one opposite the Harbour Office at catchwater (Tytam). A twelve-inch main will present. Its estimated cost is $27,000; the total be laid from the Albany filter beds to convey cost of the two completed will be $34,734. the Tytam water to West Point, and for this Blake Pier roofing is completed, and cost $12,000 will be expended in 1910. We shall $8,546 over the estimate, which was due to an already have spent $20,000 for the pipes this alteration in the design made by the Crown year. West Point will thus not have to rely on Agents and a loss on exchange. The Pokfulam reservoir only, and the additional Miscellaneous Works vote is $35,000. This is supply will, I am sure, be greatly appreciated for the various urgent minor works for which by the Chinese population of that district. necessity is shown during the year. They will, I hope, include the beacons on Bansansiah and New Works Douglas rocks, and the smal pier at Saikung. The new works for 1910 comprise the With regard to the typhoon refuge, under following:―(1) Coolie quarters at Kendyne Revenue you will find that $90,000 is expected to be realised from the special light 140 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Town Hospital. On the recommendation of the only to repatriate or otherwise dispose of the Retrenchment Committee, supported by the women who, under local Ordinances, are acting Principal Civil Medical Officer and by committed to its charge. When no means of Dr. Stedman, I approved the sale of the disposal, such as marriage or repatriation, hospital ship Hygeia, and in future smallpox presented themselves, the directors were glad patients will be treated in the Kennedy Town in many cases to hand over girls to the care of Hospital, which, together with the Tung Wah the Eyre Refuge. This institution has now been Infectious Diseases Hospital, alongside, have organised with a representative Committee hitherto not been utilised to their full potential under the presidency of the Right Reverend utility. I have already stated the amout of the Bishop Lander, and with an extended sphere of saving in staff thus effected in addition to the usefulness. It appeared to me that no better use sum received by the sale of the Hygeia. There could be found for this building than as a are, however, some matsheds between the reformatory for girls. I consulted Mr. Belilios hospital and the hill in the rear of it which are on his recent visit here, and with his cordial used as cook-houses and coolie quarters, and concurrence the home has been handed over to soon after I came to the Colony I pointed out the Eyre Refuge Committee. the great danger from fire which they Gaol Extension and Other Works constituted to a building which might contain many invalids incapable of saving themselves. The Gaol, on the other hand, has long been These will be replaced at a cost of $3,600. (2) found to be somewhat restricted in space, and $8,500 is provided for a slaughter-house at from time to time the ordinary rules as to Shaukiwan, which is much required, and segregation of prisoners have had to give way which will be remunerative. (3) A sum of to the necessity of accommodating inmates, $18,000 has been provided for extension of the and it has occasionally been necessary for gaol. prisoners to sleep in the passages, etc. I look, therefore, on this proposed gaol extension as a Belilios Reformatory for Girls very necessary and urgent matter, together Hitherto the Belilios Reformatory has been with some improvements in ventilation which used as an overflow or branch prison. This I have personally inspected, and which meet building was a charitable bequest given to the with the approval of the Principal Civil Colony for a specific purpose, and in my view Medical Officer and the Captain it is altogether irregular to use it for such a Superintendent of Police. The cost will be purpose as a branch prison. It is, moreover, largely reduced by the employment of prison very distant from the central prison, and not labour. well suited for such a purpose. The object of (3) A sum of $40,000 is allotted to the donor was that the building should be used reclamation work at Yaumati, which may be as a reformatory for boys, but changes in the classed as remunerative expenditure, since the law and its administration in regard to juvenile new lots formed will bring in revenue by offenders were partly responsible for the fact premia and Crown rent. We hope during next that no inmates were forthcoming to occupy year to effect the beginning of some extremely this building, even supposing that such an necessary sanitary improvements in the village institution were adapted to the requirements of of Tai Hang. The total cost is estimated at this Colony, of which I have doubts. Only one $15,500, and of this $4,500 will be expended. boy was ever placed in it, and he shortly after $8,000 is devoted to the building of a new escaped. (Laughter.) police station at Tsun Wan, which is On the other hand, owing chiefly to the considered to be a matter of much importance exertions of the lady whose name the for the effective supervision of the New institution bears, the "Eyre Refuge" for Territory. The present station at Au Tun, which derelict Chinese women and girls had come is only a mile distant from the station at Ping into existence, and its good work was Shan, is no longer necessary as it was in the recognised by the Po Leung Kuk, which is, as earlier days, the more so that the two stations you are aware, an institution maintained are connected by the new read. The police entirely by Chinese for the rescue of women detachment there will therefore be moved to and girls. The Po Leung Kuk, however, does Tsun Wan. not profess to provide a permanent home, but HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 141

Finally, a sum of $15,000 has been set down Engineer, a sum of $100,000 has been for the rebuilding of one of the Government provided, while the earnings are put down at pavilions. These two buildings have, as you $20,000, which I hope may be exceeded. A are aware, been provided for the members of traffic manager has been engaged to organise the Civil Service, who are allowed to occupy the working of the new line and he is due to them for a fortnight in rotation during the hot arrive shortly. As soon as he arrives I hope to weather in order to recruit their health and open negotiations for the joint working obtain a change from the lower levels. They agreement with the Canton section. The pay a sum for maintenance of furniture, and I consulting engineers, after careful think the Colony obtains its value for the consideration, have decided that it will be capital expenditure on the buildings in the necessary to dismantle two or more of the renewed health and vigour thus obtained. The bridges which failed owing to the extremely buildings were reported to be unsafe for unstable nature of the subsoil in which the habitation last year, but were temporarily foundations are sunk. In consequence I have strengthened by guys and stays so as to render decided to abandon one bridge which had been it possible for them to be occupied during the designed to cross a proposed road north of summer. It will be necessary next year to Yaumati. It is probable that it will be many rebuild one of them. I had hoped to provide a years before the road is made, and I am sum to start a pier at the end of Nathan Road, informed that the bridge can be erected if the total cost to be $24,000, but this must be required at any subsequent time. This will deferred to next year, for the list of works is reduce the extra cost involved in rehabilitation. already as much as the Public Works The work is proceeding satisfactorily. At the Department can supervise, nor is there any end of last month the total of the big tunnel money available. completed and lined was 4,935 feet, and as this work is proceeding at an average rate of The total of the Public Works Extraordinary nearly eighty feet a week, we may hope to see for 1910 is $940,820; to this must be added a the completion of the tunnel by the end of sum of $374,805 for land reclamation in the April or early in May. The remainder of the neighbourhood of the new railway station at railway is also nearing completion. Kowloon. I have considered it wise to resume this land for the future extension of the station Conclusion in the not distant future, but as it will not be immediately occupied, its cost is not debit- On the whole, gentlemen, I hope you will able to railway construction funds until such agree with me that our difficulties have been time as it may be wanted. Meanwhile it can be fairly met for the coming year. We have had to let on short lease, and the rental will, I hope, submit to a tax on liquor, but it is not, in cover the interest on the capital sum. Against comparison with Home duties, a very high one, this may be set the sum of $330,000, which is and I hope that the method of its enforcement the amount of interest on advances which will not give rise to any infringement of the under the system hitherto in operation would freedom of the port beyond what is absolutely have been payable next year. The total of the needful for its collection. I anticipate an extraordinary expenditure is therefore increased yield in 1911, and since the $1,315,625. expenditure on the law courts and post office will then have ceased and the typhoon refuge This allusion to the Kowloon Station brings will be paid for out of Colonial Reserves, I am me to the Railway Estimates. With regard to in hopes that with returning prosperity and an the figures I have little or nothing to say, since increase in the ordinary revenue which it is not long ago that I made a full statement accompanies prosperity, we may be able in to the Council on this subject. You will see 1911 to meet our heavy liabilities on account under statement "B" that the construction staff of interest and sinking fund without any is being rapidly reduced, and is calculated for further increase of taxation. We have still to the half-year only. The open line staff and struggle against the low rate of exchange working expenses are included for the which enhances the cost of imports from remaining half-year in a new head of estimate, Europe for sale in China, but, on the other and, on the advice of the Chief Resident hand, I hope that the removal of vexatious 142 HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL restrictions on landed property is already Land Reservation Ordinance beginning to show a resulting confidence. (Applause.) THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to Liquors Ordinance Amendment provide for the Reservation of certain lands in Victoria, in the Peak District, and in Kowloon The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the as Recreation Grounds, and to provide for first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to Regulations as to the use thereof. amend the Liquors Ordinance, 1909. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to. and the motion was agreed to. Public Places Regulation Ordinance Trade Marks Ordinance Amendment THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Public Places Regulation Ordinance, amend the law relating to Trade Marks. 1870.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to. and the motion was agreed to.

Inspection of Steam Boilers Ordinance Chinese Extradition Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for the periodical Inspection of Steam amend the Chinese Extradition Ordinance, Boilers and Prime Movers. 1889.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to. and the motion was agreed to.

Pension Ordinance Amendment Typhoon Refuge Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the The second reading of the Bill entitled An first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to Ordinance to authorize the Construction and amend the Widows' and Orphans' Pension Maintenance of a Harbour of Refuge upon and Ordinance, 1908. over certain portions of the Sea Bed and Foreshore situated upon the Harbour frontage THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, at Taikoktsui, Mongkoktsui, and Yaumati, and the motion was agreed to. Kowloon, in this Colony, was adjourned.

Protection of Women and Girls' Ordinance Cemetery Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the The Committee on the Bill entitled An first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to Ordinance to set apart certain Crown Land to amend the Protection of Women and Girls' be used as a burial ground for persons Ordinance, 1897, as amended by the professing the Christian religion, other than Protection of Women and Girls' Amendment members of the Roman Catholic Church, was Ordinance, 1905. adjourned.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, HIS EXCELLENCY ― Council stands and the motion was agreed to. adjourned until next Thursday week. HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 143

FINANCE COMMITTEE. dollars ($302) in aid of vote, Public Works Extraordinary, Miscellaneous, Compensation —— for resumption of Lot No. 3212 in Survey District IV., New Territories. A meeting of the Finance Committee was then held, the Colonial Secretary presiding. Judicial and Legal The following vote was passed:― The Governor recommended the Council to Public Works Extraordinary vote a sum of Twenty Dollars ($20) in aid of the vote, Judicial and Legal Depart, ments, The Governor recommended the Council to Land Registry Office, Other Charges- vote a sum of three hundred and two Incidental Expenses.

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