QUESTIONS.—Mr. BELILIOS pursuant to notice asked the following questions :—
(1.) The plot of land lying between Arbuthnot and Hollywood Roads to the N.E. of Victoria Gaol which has been resumed and cleared of the houses formerly standing thereon, and which has for about 12 months been lying fallow and unproductive, being a valuable site, will the Government state whether any plan for utilising it was considered before the rent- carning dwelling houses were demolished?
(2.) If plans for utilising the ground had not been considered before the destruction of the property standing on this site, will the Government state whether or not such plans are under consideration now?
(3.) If plans and specifications for building on the site are ready in the hands of the Public Works Department, will the Government be good enough to state when it is probable that such buildings will be ready for occupation by the Government servants or others for whom they may have been designed, and at what date the Colony may expect to be relieved from payment of rents for the accommodation of such Government Öfficers?
The Colonial Secretary replied.
Mr. CHATER, with the permission of His Excellency the Governor, asked the following question:-
Will the Government state whether any steps have been taken to prevent sales of land in the Kow-
loon extension since the signing of the Convention?
The Colonial Secretary replied.
BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO CONSOLIDATE AND AMEND THE LAWS RELATING TO MERCHANT SHIPPING, THE DUTIES OF THE HARBOUR MASTER, THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF THE WATERS OF THE COLONY, AND THE REGULATION OF VESSELS NAVIGATING THE SAME.-The Acting Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Mr. BELILIOS addressed the Council.
The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council.
His Excellency addressed the Council,
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
The Acting Attorney General moved that the Bill be referred to the Standing Law Committee. The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO CONSOLIDATE AND AMEND THE LAWS RELATING TO CRIMINA PROCEDURE IN THE SUPREME COURT.-The Acting Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
The Acting Attorney General moved that the Bill be referred to the Standing Law Committee. The Colonial Secretary seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND CONSOLIDATE THE LAW RELATING TO PRISONS.- The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Secretary seconded.
His Excellency suggested the withdrawal of the motion for the third reading of the Bill in order that the amendments made in Committee might be embodied in a reprint of the Bill.
Motion withdrawn accordingly.
ADJOURNMENT.—The Council then adjourned till Monday, the 27th February, 1899, at 3 p.m.
Road and confirmed this 27th day of February, 1899.
J. G. T. BUCKLE,
Clerk of Councils.
HENRY A. BLAKE,
Governor,