QUESTIONS.-Mr. POLLOCK, pursuant to notice, asked the following question :-
With reference to the statement in paragraph 5 of the Despatch_of_the_Officer Administering the Government to the Secretary of State, dated the 24th June, 1907, to the effect that "the great majority of the contributors, and all the directors, except the Chairman, were opposed to the transfer of the Fund", will the Government state whether any, and, if so, how many of the contri- butors, who were then opposed to the transfer of the fund, have given notice to the Government of any alteration of their views on the subject?
The Colonial Secretary replied.
Mr. STEWART Considered the reply to the above question to also answer his aud conse- quently withdrew the following question standing in his name :-
Have the Government taken steps, to ascertain the individual wishes of contributors to the Widows' and Orphans' Fund, with regard to the Government's proposal to take over that Fund; and, if so, will the Government inform the members of this Council how many subscribers are for and how many against that proposal?
EVIDENCE (COLONIAL STATUTES) AMENDMENT BILL.-The Colonial Secretary, in the absence of the Attorney General, noved the First reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Evidence (Colonial Statutes) Ordinance 1908.
The Colonial Treasurer seconded.
Question-put and agreed to.
Bill read a first time.
WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' PENSION BILL.-The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council and moved the Second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for the Transfer to the Government of Hongkong of the Widows' and Orphans' Pension Fund and of the Management and Control of the Pensions of Widows and Orphans and to consolidate the laws in relation thereto.
The Colonial Treasurer seconded.
Mr. STEWART, Mr. POLLOCK, the Colonial Secretary and His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council.
Question--put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned until Thursday, the 30th July, 1908.
Read and confirmed this 30th day of July, 1908.
C. CLEMENTI,
Clerk of Councils.
F. D. LUGARD, Governor,