PAPERS.-The Colonial Secretary laid on the table the following papers: -
(1.) Despath respecting the Defences of Hongkong.
(2.) Despatch respecting contribution towards the Eastern Mail Service. (3.) Report on the Finances of the Colony.
On the motion of the Colonial Secretary, the Council adjourned till 4 P.M. to enable the Address of the Legislative Council in reply to the Speech of His Excellency the Governor to be prepared.
The Council re-assembled at 4 P.M.
The Chief Justice took the Chair.
The Acting Clerk of Councils read at the table the following Address to be presented to His Excellency the Governor, in reply to the Speech he had been pleased to deliver to the Council :---
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY,
1. We the members, of the Legislative Council of Hongkong, in Council assembled, desire to thank Your Excellency for your speech, and to assure you of our cordial co-operation in the labours and duties of the Session which has now been opened.
2. We regret that the trade and commerce of the Colony have been injuriously affected by the political complications which prevail in this region; but we trust with Your Excellency that the present depression will prove to be only temporary, and that the return of peace at no distant date will restore the elasticity of the public revenue. Meanwhile we acknowledge the necessity for a prudent economy; and in that view we shall carefully consider the list of proposed public works to be submitted to us, so as to report as to which of them should be pushed on and which may be conveniently postponed.
3. We are glad to hear that the Imperial Government has determined to proceed with the measures required for the protection of this City with its harbour and shipping. We doubt not that the Colony will be prepared to contribute its share towards the cost of the Defence works to be undertaken, and we shall carefully consider such propositions for that purpose as may be laid before us.
We trust, however, that as soon as the plans of the defences are completed, the valuable lands now reserved, which may not be required for military purposes, will be restored to the Colonial Government, free of all restriction.
4. While thanking Your Excellency for the steps that you have taken to impress upon the Imperial Government the expediency of providing for the junction of the Eastern and Western divisions of this City by means of a continuous marine embankment, we regret that the necessary negociations with the War Office and the Admiralty have not yet been brought to a successful issue.
5. We are glad to understand that the condition of the several departments of the public service is satisfactory.
6. We shall carefully consider the Legislative measures which are to be introduced in the course of the Session.
7. We look with hope to the results to be obtained by the Commission appointed to revise and consolidate the laws now in force in this Colony.
8. We shall be glad to consider the propriety of enacting in a permanent form some of the provisions of the temporary Peace Preservation Ordinance. It is a cause for thankfulness and satisfac- tion that on the occasion of the recent disturbances the precautionary measures promptly adopted by the Government, supported by the military, sufficed for the speedy repression of all tendency to disorder and the perfect restoration of tranquillity. While we recognize with pleasure that the Government has ample strength to enforce obedience to law, and will not brook the interference of Chinese Secret Societies, or of other unauthorized associations, we believe with Your Excellency that it will always receive the loyal support of all nationalities dwelling in this Colony under the protection of the British flag..
9. In conclusion, we join with Your Excellency in the sincere hope that, under the favour of Divine Providence, the prudence, firmness and justice of the Government and Legislature will conduce to the general welfare and contentment of all classes and races in the population.
The Honourable P. RYRIE moved that the Address as read be adopted.
The Honourable F. D. SASSOON seconded.
Question-put and passed.
The Colonial Secretary moved, That the Address in reply be presented to His Excellency by the Honourable P. RYRIE and the Honourable F. D. Sassoon on Friday, the 5th instant.
Question-put and passed.
The Council adjourned at 5 P.M. until Wednesday, the 10th instant, at 4 P.M.
Read and confirmed, this 10th day of December, 1884.
J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,
Acting Clerk of Councils.
G. F. BOWEN,
Governor.