60
C.S.0.
213 of 1889.
C.S.0.
275 of 1889.
C.S.O.
278 of 1889,
C.S.O. 277 of 1889.
G.S.0. 2927 of 1888.
C.S.0.
276 of 1889.
But happily on this point also there is a satisfactory reply. The papers which will be laid on the table show that the local authorities at Shanghai having, in the urgent need of their countrymen, made appeal for assistance, Europeans and Chinese have alike responded to it, and being drawn together by the bond of a common humanity are working in unison for the establishment of relief-agencies. When moreover regard is had to the number and names of those who are taking part in this movement, there can be no more opening for reasonable doubt that any aid afforded will be properly applied than that such aid is urgently required.
As to the amount of contribution, the Governor, all things considered, is of opinion that it should be at least ten thousand dollars. He therefore invites the Council to pass a vote for that amount; he proposes to remit this, or any other sum which may meet with the approval of the Council, to H.M.'s Consul-General at Shanghai, with the request that he and the other British Consular Officers stationed there will apportion the fund among the various relief agencies, without any regard to religious or denominational prejudices, in such a manner as, according to their joint discretion, may appear likely to do most good.
As no possible amount of contributions can afford substantial relief to all, or even to any large proportion, of the millions who are suffering from this calamity, the Governor hopes that the vote which he now proposes will not prove to be a check but will rather operate as a stimulus, to that private benevolence for which the community of Hongkong is so honour- ably known; and he trusts that here also as at Shanghai, Europeans and Chinese will exert themselves for an object which appeals alike, if not equally, to the sympathies of both.
By Command,
Government House, Hongkong, 28th January, 1889.
Read also the correspondence on the subject.
FREDERICK STEWART,
Colonial Secretary.
After some further explanation on the subject by the Colonial Secretary, the Committee unanimously recommend that the sum of $10,000 for this purpose, suggested by His Excellency the Governor, be voted.
(2.) Read the following Minute by His Excellency the Governor :—
G. WILLIAM DES VEUX.
The Governor recommends the Council to vote the sum of $17,562, being balances of votes passed in 1888, which require to be re-voted, viz. :--
Furniture for Victoria College,
New Streets at Kennedytown,
.$ 896.00
Home for Women and Girls rescued under Ordinance No. 9 of 1887,
3,955.00
6,700.00
3,750.00
2,261.00
$17,562.00
Lower Richmond Road,
Rainstorm damages during 1888,
Government House, Hongkong, 28th January, 1889.
After explanation by the Surveyor General of the several items mentioned, the Committee recommend that the respective sums be re-voted.
The Committee then adjourn sine die.
FREDERICK STEWART,
Chairman.
Laid before the Legislative Council on the 25th February, 1889.
Read and confirmed on the 1st March, 1889.
ARATHOON SETH,
Clerk of Councils.