The Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD gave notice that at next meeting of Council he would ask the following questions, viz. :-
1. Is the Government aware of, and if so, did it sanction the blasting of rock which took place in the drain in the comparatively narrow thoroughfare of Queen's Road Central, opposite the Hongkong Hotel, where the life of the city concentrates, on Monday 13th, Wednesday 15th, and Thursday 16th July to the serious danger of life and property?
2. Will the Government inform the Council in regard to the position of the matter of the general extension and sanitary improvement of the Public Recreation Ground in the Happy Valley, including the extension of the Race Course, and state whether it is intended to proceed with the scheme for which the money was voted by the Council in the estimates for this year. 3. Will the Government inform the Council whether the seven years' lease is to be issued of that piece of ground at the Race Course to the east of the Bowrington Canal, known as the Public Gardens, as granted to the Hongkong Athletic Club in the Honourable the Colonial Secretary's letter, No. 1094 of 31st May, 1890, addressed to Mr. W. H. Young, and if not to be issued will the Government state the reasons for its not fulfilling the promise made to the Athletic Club as above stated.
The Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD asked the following question :--
Will the Government lay upon the table copies of all recent correspondence on the subject of the appointment of a Chinese Consul to Hongkong, and also copies of the correspondence on the same subject in the years 1868 to 1876?
His Excellency replied.
BILL ENTITLED
"AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE LAW IN RESPECT OF THE SALE OF SHARES IN COMPANIES REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCES 1865 TO 1886 AND IN OTHER JOINT STOCK COMPANIES."--The Council went into Committee on the Bill.
Council resumed and Bill reported with amendments.
BILL ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' PENSIONS ORDINANCE, 1890."-The Acting Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Treasurer seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
The Council went into Committee on the Bill.
Council resumed.
BILL ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE WOMEN AND GIRLS' PROTECTION ORDINANCE, 1890."The Acting Attorney General moved that the Bill be re-committed.
The Registrar General seconded,
Question-put and agreed to.
Council in Committee, on the Bill.
Council resumed and Bill reported with amendments.
The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.
The Registrar General seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a third time.
Question put that this Bill do pass.
Bill passed.
BILL ENTITLED "THE OPIUM ORDINANCE, 1891."-The Council agreed to postpone consideration of the question of the first reading of the Bill.
BILL ENTITLED "THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION BILL, 1890."-The Acting Colonial Secretary moved the second reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Treasurer seconded.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD moved that consideration of the question be postponed.
Honourable Ho KAI seconded.
The Council divided on the amendment when it was lost by eight to two votes. Question-that the Bill be read a second time-put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
The Council went into Committee on the Bill.
Council resumed.
ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned till Friday, the 24th July, at 3 P.M.
Read and confirmed, this 24th day of July, 1891.
A. M. THOMSON, Acting Clerk of Councils.
G. DIGBY BARKER, Officer Administering the Government.