601
5. I accordingly submit for your consideration the enclosed Draft Bill* for the reconstitution of the Sanitary Board on the lines suggested by those gentlemen, from which you will observe that it is proposed that the new Board shall consist of three officials, viz., the Colonial Surgeon, the Director of Public Works, and the Captain Superintendent of Police, and two unofficial members to be elected by the ratepayers,
6. In view of my previously expressed opinion on this subject I cannot pretend to regard the proposed new Board as entirely satisfactory. It will certainly prove better adapted to fulfil its objects more speedily and effectively than the Board as at present constituted, but on the other hand it must necessarily involve, even though it be only in a minor degree, division of responsibility. I am unwilling, however, to press my views in undue opposition to public opinion as represented by the Unofficial Members of Council, and I am unable to devise a more satisfactory compromise than that contained in the Draft Bill.
7. As it is very important that this question should be settled as soon as possible, I shall be glad if you will convey your decision to me by telegraph at the earliest possible date.
I have the honour to be;
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble Servant,
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of Stute
for the Colonies,
$c.,
&c.,
&c.
W. ROBINSON,
Governor,
HONGKONG,
No. 37.
SIR.
(Secretary of State to the Governor.)
DOWNING STREET,
21st February, 1896.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 337 of the 2nd of December enclosing a draft Ordinance for the reconstitution of the Sanitary Board.
Under the circumstances set forth in your despatch I approve of the intro- duction of this Ordinance and telegraphed to you accordingly on the 13th instant. I have the honour to be,
Sir
Your most obedient, humble Servant,
Governor
J. CHAMBERLAIN.
SIR W. ROBINSON, K.C.M.G.,
&c.,
fc..
&c.
* Already printed and circulated to Members of the Legislative Council.