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OFFICIAL REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS
Meeting of 28th July, 1954
PRESENT:
HIS EXCELLENCY THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE
GOVERNMENT (PRESIDENT)
MR. ROBERT BROWN BLACK, C.M.G., O.B.E.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL CECIL STANWAY SUGDEN, C.B., C.B.E.
THE HONOURABLE THE COLONIAL SECRETARY
MR. CLAUDE BRAMALL BURGESS, O.B.E., Acting.
THE HONOURABLE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
MR. ARTHUR RIDEHALGH, Q.C.
THE HONOURABLE THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS
MR. RONALD RUSKIN TODD.
THE HONOURABLE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY
MR. ARTHUR GRENFELL CLARKE, C.M.G.
THE HONOURABLE THEODORE LOUIS BOWRING, O.B.E.
(Director of Public Works).
DR. THE HONOURABLE YEO KOK CHEANG
(Director of Medical and Health Services).
THE HONOURABLE LEONARD GEOFFREY MORGAN
(Acting Director of Education).
DR. THE HONOURABLE CHAU SIK NIN, C.B.E.
THE HONOURABLE LAWRENCE KADOORIE.
THE HONOURABLE LO MAN WAI, O.B.E.
THE HONOURABLE NGAN SHING-KWAN.
THE HONOURABLE DHUN JEHANGIR RUTTONJEE.
THE HONOURABLE KWOK CHAN, O.B.E.
DR. THE HONOURABLE ALBERTO MARIA RODRIGUES, M.B.E., E.D. THE HONOURABLE JOHN ARTHUR BLACKWOOD.
MR. ROBERT WILLIAM PRIMROSE (Deputy Clerk of Councils).
ABSENT:
THE HONOURABLE HAROLD GILES RICHARDS, O.B.E.
(Director of Urban Services).
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MINUTES.
The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 14th July, 1954, were confirmed.
PAPERS.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid upon the table the following papers: —
Subject G.N. No.
Sessional Papers, 1954: —
No. 12—Annual Report by the Director of Marine for the year 1953/54.
No. 13—Annual Report by the Controller of Stores and Sand Monopoly for the year 1953/54.
Defence (Finance) Regulations, 1940.
Possession of Gold (Goldsmiths) (Amendment)
(No. 4) Order, 1954 ……………………………………………………A. 91
RESOLUTION REGARDING
ADDITIONAL PENSION TO CHEUNG LAN FONG.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the following resolution: —
WHEREAS by resolution made and passed by the Legislative Council on the 3rd day of March, 1954, it was resolved that the pension granted to Cheung Lan Fong on the dealth of Police Constable Cheung Kwan be increased as from the 15th day of March, 1953, from $60 a year to $120 a year, the same to be payable until the 25th day of April, 1972, or until the marriage of the said Cheung Lan Fong, whichever is the earlier;
AND WHEREAS the said resolution was made and passed on the erroneous premise that the said Cheung Lan Fong had been granted a pension of $60 a year whereas in fact that pension
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had been increased, by reason of a resolution made and passed by the Legislative Council on the 17th day of December, 1952, to $97.50 a year;
AND WHEREAS the reason for making and passing the said resolution on the 3rd day of March, 1954, as stated in the preamble thereto, was to increase the pension granted to the said Cheung Lan Fong on the marriage of Wong Yuk Chun, widow of the said Police Constable, in like manner as if the said Wong Yuk Chun had died on her said marriage.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the resolution made and passed by the Legislative Council on the 3rd day of March, 1954, have effect as though it had authorized the increase of the pension granted to Cheung Lan Fong from $97.50 a year to $195 a year.
He said: Sir, on 3rd March, 1954, Council made and passed a Resolution that the pension ranted under Section 17(1) (ii) of the Pensions Ordinance, Chapter 89, to Cheung Lan Fong, daughter of the late Police Constable Cheung Kwan, be increased as from 15th March, 1953, from $60 to $120 per annum. This ex gratia increase was made following upon the re-marriage of the girl's mother whose pension ceased as from the date of her re-marriage, i.e., 15th March, 1953.
Due to an oversight, another Resolution made and passed by Council on 17th December, 1952, providing an ex gratia increase from $480 to $780 per annum to the widow's original pension was not taken into account when preparing for Legislative Council the Resolution to which I have just referred. As a result of this ex gratia award, Cheung Lan Fong's pension was increased from $60 to $97.50 per annum, and it was on the latter sum that the increase in her pension consequent upon the remarriage of her mother should have been based. The amount of the doubled pension should therefore have been $195 instead of $120 per annum. The purpose of this Resolution is to correct this error, for which I express regret.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY seconded.
The question was put and agreed to.
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RESOLUTION REGARDING GRATUITY FOR MAGH SINGH. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the following Resolution: —
WHEREAS—
(1) Magh Singh, P.C. B.480 Joined the Hong Kong Police Force on the 9th February, 1938, and was selected to return to the Colony from India after the liberation of Hong Kong;
(2) He reported at Calcutta in 1947, but for private reasons was prevented from continuing his journey to Hong Kong;
(3) It was decided to terminate his services as from the 28th January, 1948;
(4) It is considered that he should be deemed to have retired on abolition of office;
(5) No provision is made in the Police Pensions Regulations made under the Police Force Ordinance, No. 37 of 1932, for the payment of gratuities on abolition of office;
(6) It is considered that an ex gratia payment of a gratuity computed as though he had been invalided with less than ten years' service should be paid to this officer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Magh Singh be paid an ex gratia gratuity of $307.42.
He said: Sir, Magh Singh, P.C. B.480 joined the Hong Kong Police on 9th February, 1938. He was repatriated to India on 22nd November, 1945, after the liberation of the Colony. He was selected for return to Hong Kong in 1947 and he arrived in Calcutta on 26th December, 1947, but for personal reasons failed to continue his journey to Hong Kong. His failure to report for duty, when ordered, resulted in the termination of his services with effect from 28th January, 1948. He claims, however, that when he reached Calcutta he heard that his father was ill and returned home; he then applied to return to Hong Kong with the next party, but did not receive an order to do so. There is evidence to support this officer's statements and it is therefore considered that he should be regarded as having retired on abolition of office on 1st February, 1948, instead of on termination of service.
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There is no provision in the Police Pensions Regulations made under the Police Force Ordinance No. 37 of 1932 for the payment of gratuities on abolition of office, and it is considered that an ex gratia payment of a gratuity computed under Police Regulation 6 as though Magh Singh had been invalided from the service with less than ten years’ service should be paid to him. That is the purpose of the Resolution. The gratuity amounts to $307.42.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY seconded.
The question was put and agreed to.
RESOLUTION REGARDING GRATUITIES FOR
DEPENDANTS OF TEJA SINGH AND JARNAIL SINGH.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the following resolution: —
WHEREAS—
(1) The late Teja Singh P.C. B.162 and Jarnail Singh P.C. B.525 were killed in the discharge of their duties as Police officers;
(2) Provision is made in the Police Pensions Regulations, made under the Police Force Ordinance, No. 37 of 1932, for the payment of a pension to the widows and orphans but not to the parents of such officers;
(3) The said Teja Singh and Jarnail Singh left no widows or orphans;
(4) It is considered that an ex gratia payment of a gratuity equivalent to a commuted pension should be paid to the dependant of each of the said officers:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Ishar Singh the father of the late Teja Singh and Ram Kaur the mother of the late Jarnail Singh each be paid ex gratia a gratuity of $500.
He said: Sir, Teja Singh, P.C. B.162 and Jarnail Singh, P.C. B.525 were killed in action in December, 1941. Death gratuities plus arrears of salary were approved and paid to the father of the late Teja Singh and to the mother of the late Jarnail Singh respectively. Had these two officers left a widow or orphan, a pension would be payable under Pension Regulation 14(1), but there is no provision in the Police Force Ordinance
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No. 37 of 1932 for payment of a pension to parents. There is, however, a clear and just case for an ex gratia payment of $500 to the dependant of each of these officers, calculated on the analogy of Police Pension Regulation 25 on the capitalization of pension benefits covering a period of five years. That is the purpose of the Resolution.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY seconded.
The question was put and agreed to.
MILK AND DAIRIES (AMENDMENT) BY-LAWS, 1954.
MR. T. L. BOWRING, in the absence of MR. H. G. RICHARDS, moved the following resolution: —
RESOLVED that the Milk and Dairies (Amendment) By-laws, 1954, made by the Urban Council on the 6th day of July, 1954, under section 5 of the Public Health (Food) Ordinance, Chapter 140, be approved.
He said: Sir, the objects and reasons are fully explained in the explanatory note. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.
The question was put and agreed to.
RESTAURANTS AND FOOD STALLS (AMENDMENT)
BY-LAWS, 1954.
MR. T. L. BOWRING, in the absence of MR. H. G. RICHARDS, moved the following resolution: —
RESOLVED that the Restaurants and Food Stalls (Amendment) By-laws, 1954, made by the Urban Council on thc 6th day of July, 1954, under section 5 of the Public Health (Food) Ordinance, Chapter 140, be approved.
He said: Sir, the objects and reasons are fully explained in the explanatory note. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.
The question was put and agreed to.
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TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, 1951.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY moved the following resolution: —
RESOLVED pursuant to subsection (2) of section 29 of the Telephone Ordinance, 1951, that as from the 30th day of July, 1954, the Schedule to the said Ordinance be amended by the addition to Part V of the following new item:—
“4. For every call from a Pay Station. 30 cents."
He said: Sir, the Telephone Company some time ago commenced the installation of public telephones and public telephone kiosks in the Colony, and has hitherto been charging a fee of 40 cents per call. Even at this charge these public telephones are far from profitable, and any reduction in the charge is unlikely to give rise to an increase in the number of calls made, which would suffice to reduce the loss on working. Nevertheless the Company has agreed with Government that the charge shall in future be 30 cents, and that the loss on working of these telephones must be accepted as part of its duty as a public utility.
I should add that a lower charge is impracticable. The reason for this is that the Company has on order a number of automatic coin boxes with button A and button B, such as are common in other parts of the world. The mechanism of these boxes is actuated by the weight of the coins inserted, and the mechanism will not work unless three ten-cent coins are used.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.
The question was put and agreed to.
MINING BILL, 1954.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL moved the First reading of a Bill intituled "An Ordinance to make better provision with regard to prospecting for minerals and mining, and for purposes connected therewith. "
He said: Sir, Legislation concerning prospecting and mining in this Colony was enacted for the first time in 1906. The Ordinance, which consists of five sections, empowers the
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Governor in Council to grant prospecting licences, mining licences and mining leases, and contains a general power to make regulations for the purposes of the Ordinance. That is all; and that is the Ordinance in force today, which this Bill is designed to repeal and to replace with more elaborate provisions.
I do not propose to examine the scheme of this Bill, as I think it has been sufficiently explained in the statement of objects and reasons. But I think that I should say something about the reasons which have made further legislation necessary.
In 1938, at the invitation of the Government of Hong Kong, the Senior Inspector of Mines of Perak, the Federated Malay States, carried out an investigation, since there were definite indications of mineral deposits in the New Territories and the neighbouring islands. It was thought that if these were prospected and mined by up to-date methods, and by persons with adequate capital, they might prove of economic value to the Colony. The investigator recommended a new mining Ordinance and regulations, but did not consider that the condition of the mining industry at that time required the formation of a "Mines Department". He therefore recommended that regulations should be drawn up in simple form so that mining operations could be controlled and supervized by non-specialist officers already in Government service. Further development on the legislative side was precluded by the pre-war emergency and the Occupation.
After the war, in December 1946, the Secretary of State for the Colonies pointed out that no other industrial development had such potentiality for good or ill as mining, and that it was therefore of the utmost importance that governments should retain adequate control at all stages, in order to ensure that mining enterprises be carried on in the interests of Colonial territories and for the general benefit of the community at large. At the request of the Colonial Development and Welfare Committee, the Government decided to carry out an economic minerals' survey in the Colony. In June 1948, the Geological Adviser to the Colonial Office examined the position, and concluded that the time had come for the appointment of an officer of the standing of Inspector of Mines, together with appropriate subordinate staff. It was also about this time that a considerable degree of illegal mining was taking place, with consequent loss of revenue to Government on royalties, leases, and so forth. As a result of the increase in illicit mining, the Commissioner of Labour suggested that the time had come
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to put mining on a legal footing, not only in the interests of the health and safety of workers engaged in the industry, but also in the interests of the economy of the Colony.
In furtherance of this policy, the Government decided in 1951 that it was desirable that a mines department or a mines branch of an existing department should be set up as soon as possible, and that it should be sufficiently staffed to exercise proper control over mining operations. In the same year a Superintendent of Mines, and later other mining personnel, were appointed. It also became obvious that an entirely new legal structure would be required to secure the objects previously outlined, and this has culminated in the present Bill, which, although somewhat elaborate, is regarded as necessary.
Here, perhaps, I may say a word about the local mining industry, which I think is usually regarded as the Cinderella of our industries. The principal mineral deposits in the Colony are Iron ore, Wolfram, Lead, Graphite, Kaolin clay, and Molybdenum, Tin, Bismuth and Scheelite, the four last-mentioned being found in varying quantities in association with Wolfram. The total value of all minerals won in the year 1953 was nearly 4 million, 4 hundred thousand dollars, and with the introduction of modern machinery and up-to-date methods there are good prospects of further development. Under the new legislation it will be possible for mining companies and firms to obtain leases for 21 years (or longer if the Governor in Council approves), and provided the lessee carries on mining in a businesslike manner, he will have security of tenure. It is hoped that this will provide an inducement to people to put money into mining ventures using modern methods and machinery, and that this will be to the economic benefit of the Colony.
Finally, I would call attention to paragraph I of the statement of objects and reasons wherein mention is made of two sets of regulations: one to provide for safe working conditions, and the other containing general regulations necessary to supplement the Ordinance. Both sets are almost complete, and should be ready for enactment as soon as this Bill passes into law, as I trust it will.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.
The question was put and agreed to.
The Bill was read a First time.
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Objects and Reasons.
The "Objects and Reasons" for the Bill were stated as follows: —
This Bill is designed to make better provision with regard to prospecting for minerals and mining. The existing Ordinance, which consists of five sections, was enacted as long ago as 1906, and its provisions are entirely inadequate for the proper control and regulation of prospecting and mining and the safety and welfare of persons employed therein. Regard has been had in the drafting of this Bill to recent mining legislation of other colonial territories.
2. In order to understand the scheme of the Billy, it is necessary to appreciate two main factors: first, the mineral wealth of the Colony is vested in the Crown, and a declaration to this effect is made in clause 3; secondly, land is classified as either Crown land, i.e., land other than private land, or private land which is defined in clause 2 as follows—
““Private land” means land held under lease, agreement for lease, tenancy agreement, licence, permit, deed of appropriation, or other valid title from the Crown, and also land occupied by Her Majesty's Forces under lease, licence, permit, requisition or other permanent or temporary title.”
3. So far as Crown land is concerned there is no difficulty in giving rights to prospect or mine. In relation to "private land" the position is very different: the Crown owns the minerals, unless there has been an express grant of them to someone else, and can give the right to work them, but it cannot derogate from its grant to the Crown lessee by giving someone else a right to mine on the surface of the leased land. The scheme of the Bill, therefore, is broadly this: the Crown may authorize persons to prospect for or to mine minerals in any specified area in the Colony, including both Crown and private land; but that does not authorize that person to conduct prospecting or mining operations on the surface of private land without the prior consent in writing of the owner of the land and any lawful occupier: vide clauses 15 (1) and 26. Where therefore a person who is authorized to mine wishes to do so on the surface of private land, he will have to make an arrangement to this end with the owner and any lawful occupier. On the other hand, the holder of a
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mining licence or mining lease may carry out mining operations under private land within the area assigned to him without the consent of the owner or lawful occupier, but he is under an obligation to pay compensation for any disturbance of surface rights or any damage to the land or things on the land caused by his underground operations: vide clause 34(1). This is an important clause: any dispute about the compensation payable for disturbance or damage may be determined by the Commissioner of Mines, subject to an appeal to a Mining Compensation Board to be appointed by the Governor (clause 34(2) and (5)). But the parties are not precluded from having recourse to their ordinary legal remedies in the courts if they so wish (clause 34(10)).
4. Prospecting for minerals (which is dealt with in Part III) will only be lawful under a licence granted by the Commissioner of Mines. The licence will be subject to such terms and conditions as the Commissioner may determine, and will be for a period of six months, renewable for one further period of six months. The Commissioner is empowered to cancel a prospecting licence on any of the grounds mentioned in clause 20.
5. Mining (which is dealt with in Part IV) will only be lawful under either a mining licence or a mining lease. A mining licence which is a temporary authority to mine is grantable by the Commissioner of Mines and is subject to prescribed rentals, royalties etc., and to such terms and conditions as the Commissioner may determine. A mining licence will be for a period of six months in the first instance, but may be renewed for further periods of six months each, up to a total period of two years, and in reckoning that total period any period during which the holder of the mining licence has held a prospecting licence for the same or substantially the same area will be taken into account. A mining licence is subject to cancellation by the Commissioner on the grounds mentioned in clause 22.
6. A mining lease is a more formal and more secure mining title grantable by the Land Officer. Before granting a lease, he has to be satisfied that the mineral-bearing qualities and quantities of the land justify the grant and that the applicant commands sufficient working capital to ensure proper development and working. A lease will be subject to
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prescribed rentals, royalties, etc., and to such covenants and conditions as the Land Officer may determine, and may be granted for a period of not more than twenty-one years unless the Governor in Council authorizes a longer period: it will be renewable for further periods not exceeding twenty-one years, if the lessee has carried on mining in a business-like manner and has observed the terms of his lease. Power is given to the Land Officer to revoke a lease on the grounds mentioned in clause 32, but before exercising this power he must give notice of his intention to the lessee specifying the reasons, and there is an appeal by way of petition to the Governor in Council.
7. Particular attention is invited to clauses 11 and 12 whereby the Governor is empowered to close areas to prospecting or mining and to prohibit all prospecting or mining for specified minerals. Holders of prospecting licences or mining titles who are adversely affected by any such closure or prohibition are entitled to compensation (clause 13), and any dispute is to be determined by arbitration.
8. Part V contains provision relating to compensation for the use of the surface of private land, disturbance of surface rights, etc. In the event of any dispute, it may be determined by the Commissioner of Mines subject to an appeal to the Mining Compensation Board appointed by the Governor.
9. Part VI contains provision relating to possession and purchase of minerals, and introduces a system of licensing for dealers in minerals who are required to keep proper records of their transactions.
10. Provision relating to the appointment and functions of mines officers will be found in Part VII. The Commissioner is empowered to appoint any public officer to discharge all or any of the functions of a mines officer under the Ordinance and the regulations. The functions of a mines officer include the inspection of land on which prospecting or mining is being carried on, the examination of books, records, plans, etc., the obtaining of information about prospecting and mining operations from persons engaged therein, and the suspension of prospecting or mining where it is necessary in the interests of safety.
11. In Part VIII there is provision for the reporting of accidents and for inquiry into the cause thereof.
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12. Part IX which contains provision relating to offences and penalties calls for no special comment.
13. In Part X (Miscellaneous Provisions) power is taken to resume Crown land within the area of a mining lease if the Governor in Council decides it is required for a public purpose. Compensation is payable, and any dispute is to be determined by arbitration (clause 66). Clause 67 enables the Governor in Council to make regulations in relation to a wide range of subjects, and it is proposed to make two sets of regulations. One set will provide for safe working conditions, and the other will contain the regulations, other than those concerned with safety, which are necessary to supplement the Ordinance. Clause 70 repeals existing legislation: existing prospecting and mining licences and mining leases granted under the 1906 Ordinance will not, however, be invalidated but will be subject to the new legislation in so far as its provisions are not repugnant to any express provisions of such licences or leases.
SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 1954.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL moved the First reading of a Bill intituled "An Ordinance to amend the Supreme Court Ordinance, Chapter 4."
He said: Sir, the purpose of this simple amendment is sufficiently explained in the statement of Objects and Reasons and there is nothing that I can usefully add thereto.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.
The question was put and agreed to.
The Bill was read a First time.
Objects and Reasons.
The "Objects and Reasons" for the Bill were stated as follows: —
The object of this amending Bill is to enable the Chief Justice or a Puisne Judge, to accept and perform such other offices or places of profit as the Secretary of State may sanction. This amendment is necessary before a Puisne Judge can be appointed to sit on a commission to deal with certain disputes arising out of the Anglo-Japanese Peace Treaty.
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FIRE BRIGADE BILL, 1954
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL moved the First reading of a Bill intituled "An Ordinance to make better provision as to the constitution, duties and powers of the Fire Brigade and as to the discipline of members thereof and to make provision for a welfare fund; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid."
He said: Sir, there is little that I can usefully add to the statement of objects and reasons appended to the Bill.
The existing Fire Brigade Ordinance which was enacted in 1923 has proved inadequate in certain respects, and this Bill seeks to repeal it and to replace it with a more comprehensive measure. One matter which has been provided for in considerable detail is the discipline of the Brigade, to which Part III of the Bill relates. The offences against discipline are set forth in the First Schedule, and for such offences senior officers are deal with under the procedure laid down in Colonial Regulations and General Orders for officers of the Government service generally. Subordinate officers and rank and file are dealt with under the procedure laid down in the Second Schedule and the punishments which may be inflicted are set out in the Third Schedule.
Another important matter which is provided for in this Bill is the establishment of a Welfare Fund on lines similar to that of the Police Force. Detailed regulations for the proper management of the Fund are contained in the Fourth Schedule.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.
The question was put and agreed to.
The Bill was read a First time.
Objects and Reasons.
The "Objects and Reasons" for the Bill were stated as follows: —
1. The Fire Brigade Ordinance (Chapter 95) which was enacted in 1923 made provision to regulate the fire brigade. The great increase of population and the vast building growth within
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the restricted area of the Colony which has occurred since that date has thrown upon the fire brigade a very heavy burden and has led to substantial increases in its strength. In consequence it is considered necessary now to make more precise definition of the constitution, duties and powers of the fire brigade and to provide in greater detail for the discipline of its members. It is also desired to establish a welfare fund.
2. This Bill, which is intended to replace the present Ordinance, seeks to accomplish these purposes and consists of five Parts as follows—
Part I — Preliminary
Part II — Constitution, Duties and Powers
Part III — Discipline
Part IV — Welfare Fund
Part V — Miscellaneous.
3. Part II provides for the constitution of the fire brigade in clause 3 and sets out in clause 7 under general headings its duties. Clause 8 sets out the various powers granted to the fire brigade when a fire occurs.
4. Part III deals with the discipline of members of the fire brigade. Offences against discipline are provided for by clause 9 and set out in the First Schedule. In the case of senior officers, disciplinary proceedings are to be in accordance with the normal proceedings for misconduct in the case of public officers (clause 10), but in the case of subordinate officers and rank and file a revised procedure is provided (clause 11 and Second Schedule). The Chief Officer is given certain powers of punishment (Third Schedule) but in the case of subordinate officers they are limited and the award of the more severe penalties, such as dismissal and reduction in rank, is reserved to the Governor.
5. Part IV makes provision for the establishment and control of a welfare fund similar to that of the police force. Detailed regulations for this fund are set out in the Fourth Schedule.
6. Part V contains a number of miscellaneous provisions. Clause 16 enables the Chief Officer to issue fire brigade general orders dealing with routine matters. Clause 17 provides that
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damage done by the fire brigade on the occasion of a fire is to be deemed damage by fire. Members of the fire brigade acting in the course of their duties at a fire are given a limited protection from civil liability by clause 18. Clause 20 provides for the making of regulations by the Governor in Council for certain purposes. Clause 22 creates certain offences.
ADJOURNMENT.
H.E. THE OFFICER ADMINISTERING THE GOVERNMENT: —That concludes the business for today, Gentlemen. Council will adjourn to this day fortnight.