THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 15TH MAY, 1897.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.-No. 188.
3
The following Despatch respecting Defence Works at Hongkong, which was laid before the Legilsative Council on the 10th instant, is published.
By Command,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 11th May, 1897.
J. H. STEWART LOCKHART, Colonial Secretary.
HONGKONG, No. 70.
Governor
Secretary of State to Governor.
DOWNING STREET,
30th March, 1897.
SIR,---I have the honour to inform you that since the construction of the Defence Works at Hongkong, it has been found necessary at all stations to provide a more efficient defence against torpedo craft, and it is now proposed to make the neces sary change of armament.
2. The estimated cost of such armament, including guns, mountings, &c., is £28,500; and the total estimated cost of the necessary works in connection with the new armament is £8,230; this amount being made up as follows:-
Emplacements, &c., at Stone-cutters' £1,900, Emplacements at Belcher's
Point £4,000, Platforms, Magazines, &c., at Lyemun £1,500, and Storage for six Machine Guns for general defence £830.
3. Following the precedent in regard to the cost of the existing Works and Armament, Her Majesty's Government propose that the cost of this new armament shall be borne by the Imperial Government, and the cost of the works by the Colonial Government; and I trust that the Legislative Council will agree that this is a fair and reasonable arrangement.
4. The expenditure might be spread over two years, about £4,000 being pro- vided before 31st March, 1898, and the remainder before 31st March, 1899. i am assured by the Secretary of State for War that the possibility of utilising the existing works as much as practicable will be carefully considered and that every endeavour will be made to keep down the cost of the works.
5. I have to add that there are various new services of the nature of Barracks or for the completion of existing defences, which will have to be executed at Hongkong; but as these were not included in the Barrack Scheme already entered into with the Colonial Government, it is not now proposed to make any lain: upon the Colony in respect of these services, which will, it is estimated, cost some £11,500. I have, &c.,
J. CHAMBERLAIN.
Sir W. ROBINSON, K.C.M.G.,
$c..
&c.,
gc.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.- No. 189.
The following Calendar of Probates, etc. and Return of Supreme Court Cases for 96, which were laid before the Legislative Council on the 10th instant, are published.
By Command.
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 11th May, 1897.
No. 53.
J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,
Colonial Secretais.
REGISTRY SUPREME CORZ, HONGKONG, 22nd March, 1897.
SIR,-1 have the honour to forward to you herewith the following Returns for the year 1896,
viz. :-
1. Calendar of Probate and Administration granted by the Supreme Court during the year 1856. 2. Return of Cases coming under the cognizance of the Court in its Original, Summary and Appellate Jurisdictions.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
J. W. NORTON KYSHE,
The Honourable
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,
&c.,
St.,
&c.
Registrar.