394
conditions of intercommunication. But simultaneously with this change, there have been local changes of an equally potent character; and if intercommunication has given more power to the Central authorities, the spread of advanced ideas on modern appliances in different parts of the Empire, has given new force to the localism against which the Imperial Government has to contend. Thus with those who still hope that China may be reformed upon com- paratively conservative lines, namely without any too sudden or too marked change upou the old order of things-which unquestionably would be the best policy the first problem to be solved is that of bringing the Central and Provincial authorities more into harmony. It is only under such conditions that auy general representative system for the whole Empire could be worked with any hope of success. And this change must be brought about by improvements in both directions simul- taneously. The problem in China trans- lated into European ideas is thus one as much of consolidation as of reform, or perhaps to speak more accurately, of consolidation combined with and going pari passu with reform. The government of the Viceroys must come at once more iuto harmony with the Central authorities on the one side, and of the people under the Viceroys on the other; and the changes which have to be brought about must in the first instance be rather matters of compromise than the sudden assertion of completely new principles. So far, therefore, as popular representation is concerned, this will probably be only possible in the first instance in individual provinces-but some- thing in the form of local Parliaments might be introduced, subject to a supreme Council which in the course of time would no doubt develop into some form of Imperial Parliament. That the Peking authorities will be slow to introduce the changes can be readily understood, but, conservative as they are, they cannot but be aware that the time has come when it is
uecessary
no longer possible to hold the empire together unless the Governmeat is brought into conformity with the true interests of the country and the legitimate rights and aspirations of the people.
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL.
A meeting of the Hongkong Legislative Council was held on the 19th instant in the Council Chamber.
PRESENT:~
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR FREDERICK JOHN DEALTRY LUGARD, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.
HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL R. G. BROADWOOD, C.B., A.C.D., General Officer Commanding the Troops.
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
FINANCIAL MINUTES.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table Financial Minutes Nos. 63 to 65, and moved that
they be referred to the Finance Committee.
The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
FINANCIAL.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee (No. 11), and moved its adoption.
The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
CLEANLINESS AND VENTILATION BYELAWS.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY—Sir, I have the honour to move the approval by this honourable Council of a byelaw under section 16 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, to amend No. 5 of the Domestic Cleanliness and Ventilation Byelaws contained in schedule B of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance. The object of this Byelaw, Sir, is to limit the cleansing and limewashing of tenement build. ings to once a year instead of twice, as under the byelaw as it now exista, and also to eliminate from the provisions of the byelaw certain domestic buildings, including Chinese shops.
The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS seconded
the motion, which was agreed to.
THE HARBOUR OF REFUGE AND STATUTES,
Hon. Mr. POLLOCK asked the following questions standing in his name :-
1. Will the Government state what steps it is taking in connection with the proposed con- struction of an additional harbour of refuge? 2. Will the Government consider the
advisability of introducing legislation, as to British possessions and protectorates, framed the proof in this Colony of the statutes of
upon similar terms to the Evidence (Colonial Statutes) Act, 1907 ?
The COLONIAL SECRETARY replied: གནམ་
1. A scheme for the construction of a new shelter has been prepared and awaits considera- tion by the Public Works Committee to whom it has been again referred as it involves much greater expenditure than was originally estimated,
2. The Government is prepared to consider the matter with a view to introducing legislation.
FIRE BRIGADE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first
reading of a Bill entitled "An Ordinance to amend the Fire Brigade Ordinance, 1868,"
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and
the Bill was read a first time.
HIS EXCELLENCY-Council stands adjourned until after the meeting of the Finance Com mittee.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
A meeting of the Finance Committee wax then held, the Colonial Secretary presiding. The following votes were passed
POLICE AND PRISON VOIE,
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[December 23, 1907.
SUPREME COURT.
Friday, December 13th.
IN SUMMARy JurisdicTION,
BEFORE MR. A. G. WISE (Puisne Judg3).
CLAIM FOR BOARD AND LODGING. Li-Lai-obun sought to recover from Caro- line Holm the sum of $105 due for board and lodging. The plaintiff was represented oy Mr. Crowther Smith (of Messrs. Almads and Smith) while the defendant appeared in person.
Plaintiff told the Court that the defendant went to live at his house in the month of May, and agreed to pay nim $35 a month. She had paid nothing since July 4th, and the plaintiff claimed till Uctober 5th.
went to reside with plaintiff on May 27th, and left on December 13th without giving notice. She paid $35 a month for the four months, but did not get a receipt. She admitted owing 835 for the month of Leptember,
Defendant informed his Lordship that she
Plaintiff, recalled, said he had received only one payment,
His Lordship (to defendant)—Another time you had better get receipts and keep them when you board and lodge with anyone. You will have to pay. There will be judgment and costs for plaintiff.
A SOLICITOR'S UNDERTAKING. Kwong 1so-king brought action against Messrs. Dennys and Bowley to recover the sum of $100 due for taxed costs in the case E. J. Grist (of Messrs. Wilkinson and Grist) of Ip Tseung-nin v, Kwong Tas-king. Mr.
appeared for the plaintiffs, the defendants being represented by Mr. . B. L. Bowley.
r. Bowley asked that the case be allowed to stand over sine d:e, pending the decision of the Full Court on the appeal. The Full Court had granted a stay of execution in the case of Ip,Tssung.ain, and the present case arose out of that action.
Mr. Grist-I am opposed to any stay of exe cution in this case, because the Fall Court acted ultra vires in granting a stay of execution in the other case.
His Lordship-I cannot go into that. Mr. Grist-Again, the Full Court cannot affect a solicitor's undertaking to pay.
His Lordship-That is another matter, but you must not raise the point of ultra virss before me.
Mr. Grist-I don't think your Lordship is bound by the decision of the Fall Court. It had not power to make such an order.
His Lordship-That does not matter at all. You must apply to the Full Court to upset that order.
The Governor recommended the Council to Mr. Grist-I shall show, even if the stay vote a sum of two hundred and forty-five dollars is good, that it in no way affects a solicitor's ($245) in aid of the vote Police and Prison De-undertaking to jay, partments, A.-Police, Other Charges, Secret The case was adjourned. Services.
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one hundred and ninety-three dollars ($193) in aid of the vote Medical Depart- ments, B.-Hospitals and Asylums for the following items :-
Monday, December 16th.
IN AFFELLATE JURISDICTION.
BEFORE THE FULL Court.
THE PIRATED JUNK CASE: IRREGULAR
PROCEDURE.
Other Charges. Lunatic Asylums-Incidentai Expenses $17.60 Hon. Mr. F. H. MAY (Colonial Secretary).
24.18 Hospital bulk Hygeia-Provisions, &o... Hon. Mr. W. REES DAVIES (Attorney. | Victoria Hospital for Women and
Sir Henry Berkeley, K.C., instructed by General)
Children-Provisions
151.22 | Mr. F. B. L. Bowley (of Menars. Dounys and Bowley) appeared to apply for leave to appeal 8193.00 from the decision of Mr. H. H. J. Gomperts, Acting Puisne Judge, which was delivered on November 26th in the summary action between Ip Tsung-nin and Kwong Two-king.
Hon. Mr. A. M. THOMSON (Colonial Trea- surer).
Hon. Mr. W. CHATHAM, C.M.G. (Director of Public Works).
Hon. Mr. A. W. BREWIN (Registrar- General).
Hon. Commander BASIL R. H. TAYLOR, R. N. (Harbour Master).
Hon. Dr. Ho KAI, M.B., C.M., C.M.G. Hon. Mr. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C. Hon, Mr. E. A. HEWETT.
Hon. Mr. H. KESWICK,
Hon. Mr. WEI YUK.
Hon. Mr. E. OSBORNE.
Mr. A.G. M. FLETCHER (Clerk of Councils).
MINUTES.
The minutes of the previous meeting were ead, and confirmed.
¦
Total
POLICE AND PRISON DEPARTMENTS. The Governor recommended the Council to
vote a sum of One thousand eight hundred and thirty-four Dollars ($1,834) in aid of the vote Police and Prison Departments, B.-Fire Brigade, Other Charges, Typhoon Damages. On Council resuming, the COLONIAL SECRE- TAKY reported that Financial Minutes Nos. 63, 64 and 65 had been considered by the Finance Committee, who had unanimously recommended their adoption. He moved, therefore, that the minutes be now adopted.
The COLONIAL TREASUREE seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
HIS EXCELLENCY-Council stands adjourned sine die.
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The Chief Justice-No notice of motion has been filled,
The Paisne Judge-There is only one hotībe of motion; that is the Attorney-General's, and it is dead.
Sir Henry Berkeley—There was a nolics of motion on the change of soligitors on the film. Your Lordships will remember what took plnos on the day I moved last.
The Puiane Judge-We gave you till 10,3) this morning to proosed. "You" have got a prvosed in the proper way, but you have not
done so.