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SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERN-
MENT AT THE PROROGATION OF THE SESSION OF THE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF HONGKONG,
23RD SEPTEMBER, 1887.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,
The time has now arrived for closing this session, and it will be for the con- sideration of His Excellency the Governor, Sir G. W. DES VEUX when the Council is to re-assemble.
The Session of 1886-1887 has been unusually prolonged for the purpose of disposing of that vexed and long pending question "The Public Health Ordinance,' and it is hoped you will be well repaid for your labours, when, in the course of time, the benefits conferred by this Bill will have practically manifested themselves, and been duly recognized by the Public.
The Opium Ordinance, as far as can be seen, is fully realizing the anticipations of Government in improving our friendly relations with China, whilst in no way injuring the interests of the honest trader. The Ordinance has been worked locally without, I believe, any friction or inconveniences to our own people, and the Chinese Commissioner of Customs informs me that smuggling has been effectually stopped.
Complaints on the part of the merchants regarding increased duties imposed on certain articles of commerce have been met in a friendly and accommodating spirit by the Chinese Foreign Collectorate, and my despatches on the subject, which are, confidentially, open to the perusal of Honourable Members, will, I trust, have pro- perly represented the commercial interests of the Community.
The invaluable services of His Honour, Acting Chief Justice RUSSELL, who has been chiefly instrumental in bringing about so happy a settlement of this difficult and embarassing Opium question, have been fully recognized by Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Hongkong, and he well deserves the thanks of the whole community whose interests he has so well represented.
Mr. SETH has been most indefatigable and able in his management of the Opium Office, and to him is largely due the successful working of the Ordinance.
Among other Ordinances which have been passed this Session and which call for remarks are:
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1. Legislative Council witnesses, and the Commissioners Powers Ordinances. These are important additions to our Statute Book, as they enable the Legislative Council to compel the attendance of witnesses and to examine them on oath, whilst the "Commissioners Powers Ordinance" authorizes the Governor, for the purpose of instituting and conducting any inquiry which may be necessary, to appoint Commissioners who will have all the powers of the Supreme Court for the purpose of enforcing the attendance of witnesses, compelling the production of documents, and punishing for contempt.
2. The Law concerning Joint Stock Companies has by Ordinance No. 30 of 1886 been amended and improved by the introduction into this Colony of the pro- visions of certain Imperial Statutes.
3. The Law of Defamation and Libel has by Ordinance No. 5 of 1887 been modified and amended by introducing the provisions of the Imperial Act respecting Newspapers and Libels.