156
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 27тя FEBRUARY, 1892.
1892, or at any time after 30th June, 1892, should the state of the market be favourable. I have already stated that the estimated surplus of revenue over ordinary expenditure for 1892 will be about $256,260, and there appears no reason to doubt, notwithstanding the decrease in the opium revenue, that a similar amount will be available in future years, if the expenditure is carefully watched. It must not be forgotten that considerable additions to the revenue will be derived at no very distant date from the new Central Market and the depôts for slaughtering cattle, so that looking to these and other sources of revenue, I do not think that by borrowing £210,000 a too heavy burden would be imposed upon the revenue of the Colony. That it should have fallen to my lot in my first address to the Council to suggest that it should consent to an increase of the public debt is to be regretted, but I cannot flinch from the responsibilities of my office, and I anticipate that the Council will be prepared to share this responsibility, as my views as to the necessity of such a course coincide with those of some of my predecessors, as well as those of several honourable members. The question is one of great urgency, however inadequately and imperfectly it may have been brought before you. In speaking of the loan I should say I have adopted throughout the use of round numbers, as being least confusing, and the amounts I have quoted must be regarded as approximate only. It would, in my opinion, be most satisfactory to the com- munity if a Committee were appointed to consider the subject fully and in all its bearings. Should the Council agree in that view, I would nominate the following gentlemen to be a Com- mittee for that purpose, feeling sure that they will readily place their valuable services at the disposal of the Government:-The Honourables the Registrar General, the Colonial Treasurer, C. P. CHATER, J. J. KESWICK, and T. H. WHITEHEAD, In order to assist them I would appoint the Clerk of Councils as Secretary, giving him authority to lay before the Committee any official papers and returns that may be called for or may tend to throw light on the financial position or the future prospects of the Colony. Before concluding I should like to say that, having regard to the history of the past, and notwithstanding the somewhat gloomy picture my financial statement presents, I have every confidence in the future of Hongkong. It is true that the Colony has passed and is passing through a period of severe depression, but there are distinctly favourable and promising indications of better times to come. I have been very much struck by the peaceful, sober, and industrious habits of the Chinese. I hope the leading members of that community fully understand that they and their compatriots will have in me a Governor, a friend, and a supporter in all their reasonable aspirations. It is my most anxious desire to see greater attention paid in our elementary and secondary schools to the teaching of the English language, and this matter I hope to take up before the end of the vacation. The establishment and recent extension of sugar refineries, dock accommodation, brick and cement and rope works are healthy signs, and indicate the advantages which would accrue to the population generally from a further encouragement of local industries. The community may rely upon my aid and assistance in fostering in every legitimate way the development of such enterprises. It will also be my endeavour to cultivate harmonious and friendly relations with the Government author- ities of the mainland of China, with which we are so closely connected geographically and commercially. I am afraid, gentlemen, that my remarks have been somewhat prolix, and that I may have been guilty of repetition, but the occasion is undoubtedly an important as well as an interesting one, and that must be my excuse if I have erred in those directions. I thank you for your forbearance, and in claiming your confidence and support I can honestly assert that during my tenure of office I shall try by every means in my power to promote as far as possible the well-being of the community, and to maintain the efficiency of the public service.
PAPERS LAID ON THE TABLE.-The Acting Colonial Secretary, by command of Ilis Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the Report of the Acting Superintendent of the Fire Brigade for 1891, the Surveyor General's Report for 1891, and the Report of the Water and Drainage Department for
1891.
VOTES REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.---The Acting Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following Financial Minutes and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee, viz. :-
:--
C.S..
83 of 1592.
WILLIAM ROBINSON.
The Governor recommends the Council to re-vote the sum of Twenty-three thousand Seven hundred and Fifty-eight Dollars and Ninety-two Cents, ($23,758.92), for the following "Extraordinary Public Works" voted for 1891.
It was not possible to finish these works during last year, so a re-vote is required.
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Vaccine Institute :-
Original vote, Expended in 1891..
Balance,.....
.$ 3,500.00 1,812.77
..$ 1,687.23