242 THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 18TH FEBRUARY, 1899.
NOTICE OF QUESTIONS. Mr. BELILIOS gave notice that at the next meeting he would ask the following questions:-
(1.) The plot of land lying between Arbuthnot and Hollywood Roads to the N.E. of Victoria Gaol which has been resumed and cleared of the houses formerly standing thereon, and which has for about 12 months been lying fallow and unproductive, being a valuable site, will the Government state whether any plan for utilising it was considered before the rent- earning dwelling houses were demolished?
(2.) If plans for utilising the ground had not been considered before the destruction of the property standing on this site, will the Government state whether or not such plans are under consideration now?
(3.) If plans and specifications for building on the site are ready in the hands of the Public Works Department, will the Government be good enough to state when it is probable that such buildings will be ready for occupation by the Government servants or others for whom they may have been designed, and at what date the Colony may expect to be relieved. from payment of rents for the accommodation of such Government Öfficers?
RESOLUTION. The Colonial Secretary moved the following resolution :—
Whereas it has been usual to warn officer s appointed to the service of this Colony since 1894, from a country possessing u gold standard of currency, that the exchange compensation allowance on half their salaries will be granted to them so long as it is granted to other members of the service, but that the continuance thereof is not guaranteed and is subject to the annual vote of the Council, and it is deemed that such warning is calculated to deter eligible persons from entering the public service, it is hereby resolved that it is expedient to discontinue such warning in future, and to regard the compensation as a permanent but not as a pensionable emolument. The Colonial Treasurer seconded.
Question-put and agreed to unanimously.
BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO CONSOLIDATE AND AMEND THE LAWS RELATING TO MERCHANT SHIPPING, THE DUTIES OF THE HARBOUR MASTER, THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF THE WATERS OF THE COLONY, AND THE REGULATION OF VESSELS NAVIGATING THE SAME.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Secretary seconded. Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a first time.
BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO CONSOLIDATE AND AMEND THE LAWS RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE IN THE SUPREME COURT.-The Acting Attorney General moved the first reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a first time.
BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND CONSOLIDATE THE LAW RELATING TO PRISONS.- The Acting Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
Council in Committee on the Bill,
Council resumed and Bill reported with amendments.
BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO SOLICITORS OF THE SUPREME COURT. The Acting Attorney General noved the second reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question--put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
The Colonial Secretary in support of a suggestion made by the Honourable Colonial Treasurer moved that the Bill be referred to the Law Committee.
Mr. WHITEHEAD seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FOR THE NATURALIZATION OF MAK NGÁN WAN, alias MAK CHIN K', alias MAK SUI NIN, alias MAK YAT Wo alias MAK SUN,-Council in Committee on the Bill.
Council resumed and Bill reported with amendment.
The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a third time.
Question put-that this Bill do pass.
Bill passed.