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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 12TH SEPTEMBER, 1874.
The Honorable JAMES WHITTALL, pursuant to notice, puts the following Questions:-(1.) "Is the Powder Magazine on Kellett's Island used for Naval and Military purposes only, or is it used or intended to be used as a General Depôt for the Storage of Gunpowder, &c." (2.)
"What is the largest quantity of Gunpowder and other explosive substances supposed to be stored there, and what quantity of such articles is stored there now."
The Honorable the Colonial Secretary, by direction of His Excellency, states in reply, that the Questions of the Honorable Member were communicated to the Military Authorities, who considered it inexpedient to give any information relative to the quantity of Powder stored at Kellett's Island.
His Excellency adds, that the whole of the Powder belongs to the Imperial Government, and that, on Military grounds, the Officer Commanding has declined to give any information respecting the amount of Gunpowder or other stores contained in the Magazine.
The Council resolves itself into Committee, and resumes the discussion and consideration of the
Merchant Shipping Consolidation Bill, adjourned from the last Meeting.
The Honorable the Attorney General submits the amendments which the Special Committee, appointed
on the 10th August, are prepared to recommend in Section VII of the Bill.
The Council agrees to the proposed amendments in general; and it is Ordered that the Honorable the Colonial Secretary and the Honorable the Acting Treasurer be associated with the Members of the Special Committee for the purpose of framing Sub-section 4.
Section 16 is amended, and agreed to.
Section 21 having been struck out, it is Ordered that the Sections next after following be re-numbered in succession.
Section 27 is amended, and ordered to stand as Section 26.
His Excellency here lays on the Table the Report of the Harbor Master (H. G. THOMSETT, Esquire, R.N.), upon the modifications suggested in October, 1869, by the Commission of Inquiry into the operation of the "Harbor and Coasts Ordinance, 1866," and invites consideration of Part- III of the Bill in connection with the modifications then proposed,―remarking at the same time, that the Harbor Master is strongly of opinion that no change should be made in the Law as at present stands.
The Report of the Harbor Master is read, and the Provisions of Part III of the Bill are discussed Clause by Clause, and agreed to with certain verbal amendments.
During the discussion, it was moved by the Honorable the Acting Treasurer, and seconded by the Honorable PHINEAS RYRIE, that in Sub-sections 14 and 15 of Section 36 (now re-numbered and made Section 35), the words relating to the forfeiture of Junks be struck out. Council divided.
Noes (7).
Ayes (2).
Mr. RYRIE.
THE ACTING Treasurer.
Mr. WHITTALL.
Mr. ALEXANDER.
Mr. ROWETT.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.
Majority of five against the motion.
Motion lost.
The remaining Sections are amended, and several new Clauses are introduced.
Schedule Cis ordered to stand.
Schedule D is discussed, and amended.
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