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In conclusion, I would observe that, after the persevering efforts which I have made during the two years of my administration here, to procure the strengthening of the Defences, and to promote the general interests of this Colony, I need hardly assure this Council that I sympathize deeply with the grave inconveniences to which our Mercantile community have been subjected for some time past in consequence of the protracted Franco-Chinese complica- tions. The general depression of trade has, moreover, led to a serious depression in the public revenue. But I have entire confidence in the elasticity of our resources, and in the energy and enterprise of this community; and I hope that the return of peace will soon restore the former prosperity and progress of Hongkong.
THE BILL ENTITLED THE BILLS OF EXCHANGE ORDINANCE, 1885, IN COMMITTEE.-REPORTED.— NOTICE OF THIRD READING.--On the motion of the Attorney General, the Council resumed consider- ation, in Committee, of the Bill entitled The Bills of Exchange Ordinance, 1885.
The Bill was reported with amendments.
The Attorney General gave notice that, at the next Meeting of Council, he would move that the Bill be read a third time.
THE BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC VICAR APOSTOLIC OF HONGKONG.-COMMITTED.-On the motion of the Attorney General, seconded by the Colonial Secretary, the Bill entitled an Ordinance for the Incorporation of the Roman Catholic Vicar Apostolic of Hongkong, was Committed.
A BILL ENTITLED THE POST OFFICE ORDINANCE, 1884, AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, 1885.-FIRST READING.-On the motion of the Attorney General, seconded by the Colonial Secretary, a Bill entitled The Post Office Ordinance, 1884, Amendment Ordinance, 1885, was read a first time.
ADJOURNMENT OF THE OTHER ORDER OF THE DAY.-The Attorney General moved the postpone- ment of the other Order of the Day.
Question-put and passed.
The Council adjourned until Wednesday, the 15th instant, at 4 P.M.
Read and confirmed, this 15th day of April, 1885.
ARATHOON SETH,
Clerk of Councils.
G. F. BOWEN,
Governor.