5
8. We think direct telegraphic communication between Hongkong and Singapore of great practical importance to both Imperial and Colonial interests; and we hope that your Excellency's renewed application to the Home Government on this subject will prove successful.
9. We shall give due attention to the Legislative measures which will be submitted to us; and we are glad to learn that the Commission for the revision of the Laws is now making satisfactory
progress.
10. We are glad that the action taken by your Excellency during the crisis of the Franco-Chinese complications has met, on every point, with the approval of Her Majesty's Government.
11. We concur with your Excellency as to the importance of opening to commerce the great South-western Provinces of China; and we trust that the efforts made in this direction will be crowned with success.
12. We trust with your Excellency that the Commission appointed for the purpose will secure an adequate representation of Hongkong at the approaching Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London.
13. We shall examine with care the reports to be laid before us on the condition of the Public Departments, and on the state of the Taitam Water-Works and of the Sanitary and other Public Works in progress.
14. In conclusion, we beg to assure your Excellency that you may always rely on our loyal co-operation with the Representative of our QUEEN in all matters tending to further the public interests; and that we share your hope that the progressive development of our commerce; rigid economy in our finances; and constant firmness and justice to all races and classes in our population, will, under the Divine blessing, promote the general well-being and contentment of this entire com- munity.
The Honourable P. RYRIE moved that the Address as read be adopted, and addressed the Council, drawing attention to certain Public Works for which votes had been taken from the Council, and no commencement had apparently been made for carrying them out. The Honourable Member referred particularly to the repairs to Murray Pier taking precedence to the extension of Pedder's Wharf.
The Surveyor General replied, and explained with reference to Pedder's Wharf, that it had been found necessary to dredge the foreshore for some distance around it before any new work could be com- menced. The Dredger, which had been engaged at Causeway Bay doing good sanitary work, would soon be brought over to work at Pedder's Wharf.
The Honourable F. D. SASSOON seconded the motion, and addressed the Council.
Question-put and passed.
The Acting Colonial Secretary moved, That the Address in reply be presented to the Governor by the Honourable P. RYRIE and the Honourable F. D. SASSOON at Government House to-morrow, at Noon, it having been ascertained that that hour would be convenient to His Excellency.
Question-put and passed.
The Council adjourned at 6 P.M. until Wednesday, the 14th instant, at 4 P.M.
Read and confirmed, this 14th day of October, 1885,
ARATHOON SETH, Clerk of Councils.
G. F. BOWEN, Governor.