1048
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 8TH DECEMBER, 1894.
The majority of public officers in Hongkong consider that they are being treated in this respect less favourably than their brother officers in the Straits. They have, consequently, memorialised the Secretary of State, and it is hoped that his Lordship will reconsider his decision in the matter, as the principle of higher remuneration has been recognised in the other Eastern Colonies and the amount involved is only about £1,400 a year.
In conclusion, Gentlemen, I thank you for the attention with which you have listened to my somewhat lengthy statement. In these very critical times it would be rash to attempt to forecast the future, but it seems quite possible, if not probable, that one of the results of the present war will be an expansion of commerce. In that case it is not too much to hope that Hongkong will have its full share in any such development.
I shall faithfully co-operate with you in any measures having for their object the public good, whilst on the other hand I shall rely upon you to assist the Government in all matters which may be conducive to the welfare of the community.
War with its attendant horrors still overshadows the North of China, Corea, and Japan, and the clouds of the recent pestilence in our midst cannot yet be said to be thoroughly dispersed.
Whilst we trust that Great Britain and the other Western powers may not be involved in the former we hope for the merciful preservation of Hongkong from a recurrence of the latter.
Whatever happens, however, we must be prepared at any cost to do our best to guard the public health from danger, to meet any difficulties that may arise, and above all to protect, cherish, and, if possible, develop the large and valuable commerce of this important Colony. STANDING COMMITTEES.-His Excellency appointed the following Committees:-
(a) Finance Committee,-
The Colonial Secretary, Chairman.
All the Members of Council, except the Governor.
(b) Law Committee,-
The Attorney General, Chairman.
The Registrar General.
The Honourable J. J. KESWICK.
The Honourable Ho KAI.
The Honourable E. R. BELILIOS.
(e) Public Works Committeer-
The Director of Public Works, Chairman.
The Colonial Treasurer.
The Honourable C. P. CHATER.
The Honourable E. R. BElilios.
The Honourable A. McConachie.
ADJOURNMENT.—The Council then adjourned till Thursday, the 6th December, 1894.
Read and confirmed, this 6th day of December, 1894.
J. G. T. BuCKLE,
Acting Clerk of Councils.
WILLIAM ROBINSON,
Governor.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.-No. 461.
The following Bills, which were read a first time at a Meeting of the Legislative Council held this day, are published.
J. G. T. BUCKLE, Acting Clerk of Councils.
Council Chamber, Hongkong, 6th December, 1894.