Proposing Resolution V—tho adoption of the budget for 1923 and authorization of a loan issue of Tls. 6,000,000—Mr. Simms went over the heads of the proposed expenditure and mentioned that the plang were now passed for the new Bund jetty and that work would commence shortly. It would interest them td know that the central drainage '\scheme would be in operation before the end of this month. Turning to the question of the pensioning off of some of the older officials of the Council] he explained the modified scheme and mentioned as regards employees who joined after July 1, 1921, that the maximum pension would _be £200, while the average pension would work out at well under £100. He would ask Mr. Burkill to address the meeting on electricity matters.
Mr. Burkill said that the report and accounts showed the Electricity Department to be in a sound state and the result of the year's working could be considered extremely satisfactory, the net profit being Tls. 70.000 more than the estimate. While the result of the year's working might be considered satisfactory. the depart ment was undoubtedly feeling the effect of the industrial depression so prevalent in Shanghai. The estimates of profit for the present year had been on a conservative basis, namely.. Ts. 1.398.591. Every care was taken to effect economies, and unless.there was an absolute collapse in Shanghai industries, he thought that they could make this profit, If not, the equalization fund could be called upon to help their contribution to Municipal funds. They had now sufficient plant to meet all demands and when the plant was completely installed, he hoped that consumers would not have to suffer again from any temporary breakdowns.
Mr. Simms then proposed the adoption of the budget, and Mr. Lambe seconded.
THE MUNICIPAL ORCHESTRA, Mr. Gilbert E. Poet proposed as an amendment that the estimated expenditure on the Municipal Orchestra and band be reduced from Tls. 133,790 to Tls. 132,790. He stated that he purposely made the amount a nominal one, so as not to embarrass the Council but at the same time to obtain an expression of opinion. By voting for the amendment the ratepayers could indicate to the Council that they wera spending more money on the Band than was desirable.
Mr. V. J. S. Rumbld seconded the amendment, pointing out that the expenses of the Band were increasing at an alarming rate. The Orchestra wad an expensive luxury: it was giving them good music which was appreciated by a very small section of the ratepayers. Mr. Rumble brought up the matter of the proportion which ought to be borne by the French Municipal Council, pointing out that a large proportion of the audience ati the Symphony Concerts were residents of the French Concession. Could they afford increased expenditure on luxuries when necessities were vitally needing their money? He asked them to remember that they wera not outting out the Orchestra end Band but simply asking when ther they intended to call a halt or not. Shanghai was cursed at present with a wave of suicidal extravagance.
Mr. N. G. Maitland suggested that the expenditure on the Band was not out of the way. He ferred to the vicissitudes through which the Band had passed, including the war, which matically broke it up altogether. The present now Orchestra cost more than originally anticipated but that would be no wonder to any reasonable person knowing the difference between pre and post war expenditure. He mentioned that the important question of military music for the S V.C. was receiving attention. Tu Shanghai circumstances made Municipal support necessary to giving the community the refining and educating influence of music and ho asked them to vote against the Amendment. a Mr. Ceci] Holliday supported the amendment nointing out that since 1919 the estimate for the Band had increased 158 per cent. He thonaht they ought to retrench and foremost amongst: luxuries undoubtedly was the band.
Mr. Simms in reply mentioned that they had approached the French Municipality for an increased contribution. The Council had an absolutely open mind but could not help feeling that it would be a step in the wrong direction to do away with the Band.
After Mr. Rumble had spoken the Chairman put the amendment to the meeting and after counting hands declared it lost.
There was no further discussion and the budget was then passed.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.