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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16TH DECEMBER, 1876.
"It is suggested that, as the work of erecting a new Central School is likely to be prolonged over one year, a portion only of the $50,000 required for the completion of the work, say $30,000, be voted for the ensuing year."
(Signed,) ( }
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"J. GARDINER AUSTIN, C.M.G.
"C. MAY.
"P. RYRIE.
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"H. Lowcock.
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"W. KESWICK.”
"I beg to append a note to the within Report to the effect that I think the estimate of the Fire Brigade expenses should be increased by a sum sufficient to cover the salary of a duly qualified Engineer to be constantly attending to the steam-engines. At nearly every fire that has taken place, either one or both of these engines have been ineffective for a portion of the time, and I attribute this to the fact of their not having an Engineer in constant attendance upon them. A thoroughly efficient Engineer can be engaged in England for about £5 a week and quarters. A portion of this expense would
small defects would be detected and remedied at once; probably be saved in repairs, as
it is now, they are not likely to be
detected until serious mischief to the engine or boilers has taken place.”
"14th November, 1876."
The Council then goes into Committee on the Bill.
(Signed,)
The changes recommended in the Report of the Sub-Committee are agreed to.
"P. RYRIE."
At the instance of the Colonial Secretary, a sum of $120 is struck off from the vote for the Colonial
Secretary's establishment.
Upon taking the vote for the Fire Brigade, it is moved by the Honourable PHINEAS RYRIE, and seconded by the Honourable HENRY LOWCOCK, that an additional sum of $1,000 be added to the vote with a view to obtaining the services of an engineer to be permanently in charge of the Fire Engines.
Discussion follows, and finally the motion is carried, subject to any subsequent conclusion that may be arrived at, consequent upon an enquiry which His Excellency intimates that it is his intention to institute into the state of the Fire Brigade.
The Bill is then committed without further alteration and is passed, bearing the Title of “An Ordinance enacted by the Governor of Hongkong, with the Advice of the Legislative Council thereof, to apply a Sum not exceeding Eight hundred and Eight thousand Two hundred Dollars to the Public Service of the Year 1877,"-being "No. 7 of 1876."
His Excellency moves the second reading of the Companies Amendment Ordinance.
The Chief Justice opposes the motion.
Debates ensues.
Finally the Bill is withdrawn.
The following Bills are read a first time:-
A Bill to consolidate and amend the Ordinances relating to Deportation, Conditional Pardons, the Branding and Punishment of certain Criminals, and the Ordinance No. 9 of 1857, entitled “An Amended Ordinance for better securing the Peace of the Colony."
A Bill to consolidate and amend the Law relating to Public Gambling.
A Bill to amend the Law relating to Piracy.
A Bill to amend the Law relating to the Postal Matters of the Colony.
His Excellency adjourns the Council until Monday, the 27th instant, at 2.30 P.M.
A. E. KENNEDY, Governor.
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Read and confirmed, this 11th Day of December, 1876.
H. E. WODEHOUSE,
Clerk of Councils.