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So far as I am aware it will not be necessary to trouble you with legislation of any importance in the near future so that we may anticipate an unusually short session.
I am in communication with the Viceroy of Canton and Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary in Peking in reference to the opening up of the West River to Foreign trade, and also in regard to the question of preferential duties granted on junk carried tea to the detriment of Foreign shipping. These are two weighty matters affecting existing trade and its possible extension. A favourable solution of them would be hailed with great satisfaction by me in consequence of the undoubted benefits which would accrue therefrom to the Mercantile Community of Hongkong. ·
And here, Gentlemen, it is not inappropriate for me to refer to the happy relations which for the last two years have existed between the Government and the Chamber of Commerce and which it will always be my endeavour to maintain unimpaired.
We have to be thankful for exemption from serious epidemic or destructive storms in 1893. In the late typhoon it is true that Gap Rock Light was considerably injured and that costly repairs will have to be effected; but otherwise thanks to the timely warnings issued from the Observatory the damage done to property was infinitesimal, and little or no loss of life occurred.
The general behaviour of the Chinese during the past year has been most exemplary, and the criminal class has largely decreased.
In conclusion, Gentlemen, I shall not lay myself open to the charge of being over-sanguine when I assert that there is distinct evidence that the condition of the Chinese Community is improving, that business is more settled, and that the prospects are better than they have been at any time during the past three years. It is my earnest desire, in which you will cordially join, that still brighter and happier times may be at no distant date in store for all classes of Residents in this important and progressive Colony.
Council Chamber, 4th December, 1893.
WILLIAM ROBINSON.
RULES UNDER "THE SUPREME COURT ORDINANCE, 1873."--The Colonial Secretary laid on the table certain "Rules made by the Chief Justice, under Section 24 of The Supreme Court Ordinance, 1873, (No. 12 of 1873), for the taxing of costs in the Summary Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court,' and gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move their revision and approval.
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APPROPRIATION BILL, 1894.-The Colonial Secretary gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding Two Millions Three hundred and Forty-seven thousand, Two hundred and Forty-five Dollars to the Public Service of the Year 1894.
SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION BILL, 1892.-The Colonial Treasurer gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorise the Appropriation of a Supplementary Sum of Two hundred and Thirty-five thousand One hundred and
Eleven Dollars and Ninety-three Cents to defray the Charges of the Year 1892.
Mr. CHATER acknowledged the interest with which the Council had heard His Excellency's address.
ADJOURNMENT.—The Council then adjourned until 3 P.M. to-morrow, the 5th instant.
Read and confirmed, this 5th day of December, 1893.
ARATHOON SETH, Clerk of Councils.
WILLIAM ROBINSON,
Governor.
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