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"The above Estimates of Revenue, as compared with the Revenue actually brought to "credit in the lust completed year, viz.: 1890, shem a falling off of $639,810.
Nearly the whole of this large sum is to be accounted for by the decrease of "$440,000 under the head of Licenses and of $138,000 under the head of ** Interest. As the farms have been re-let for the usual term of three years, it may "be taken that the estimated Revenue for 1892 will also be about the same for the years 1893 and 1894. Before that period expires, the Secretary of State hus intimated that the Farming system ought to be considered with a view, if prac- ticable, to its modification, and the adoption of a system of Licenses to be issued "at high rates-the object being to diminish the evils of the Opium traffic without
'seriously crippling the Revenue,"
66
Will the Government lay upon the table a copy of any despatch received from the Secretary of State within the past few months intimating that the Farming system before the new three years lease about to be granted expires, should be considered with a view if practicable to its modification, and the adoption of a system of Licenses to be issued at high rates,--the object being to diminish the evils of the Opium traffic without seriously crippling the revenue.
The Acting Colonial Secretary replied.
The Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD moved the following resolution :-
1. That in future two copies of all papers to be laid upon the Council table be forwarded direct to the Un-official Members at their private address if possible 24 hours before the Meeting of Council or longer.
2. That the Government lay on the table a return shewing,
1. The number of Police beats, and the arrangement of such beats.
2. The number of European Police on day duty and the number on night duty, and
their distribution during the day as well as during the night.
3. The number of Indian Police on day duty and the number on night duty, and their
distribution during the day as well as the night.
4. The number of Chinese Police on day duty and the number on night duty, and their
distribution during the day as well as the night..
5. The number of Constables and Officers on duty at fixed points by day and by night. 6. The number of Constables and Officers detailed for the regulation of traffic.
Honourable P. RYRIE seconded.
His Excellency addressed the Council and the resolutions were withdrawn.
The Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD gave notice that on that day fortnight he would move the * following resolution:-
In consequence of the fact that the cost of the Administrative Staff of the Government of Hongkong is constantly increasing, having risen from $547,650 in 1887, to the enormous amount of $758,139 in 1891 and to the still larger estimated sum of about $800,000 for 1892 exclusive of $65.200 for Pensions for 1892 it is incumbent on the Un-official Members of Council, who being the lawfully constituted guardians of the public purse, to earnestly consider ami strenuously urge upon the Government the necessity for retrenchment in every possible direction more especially when it is remembered that the Colony's financial position is not strong, that we are threatened with a shrinkage in its revenue in the near future, and that our position with reference to Opium, and the revenue derived therefrom is precarious, that Government appoint a Commission composed of Members cxclusive of Government Officials with full powers to enquire into and report on the working of all the Departments of the Government with the view to retrenchment, and to the desirability or otherwise of the redistribution of work, the amalgamation of certain offices, the increasing of the hours of the official day, privileges in the way of leave, &c.
BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE BUILDING ORDINANCE, 1889.”—The Acting Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill.
The Acting Surveyor General seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
Council in Committee on the Bill.
Council resumed and Bill reported with amendments.