THN HOEGIONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 15T, 1910.
HONGKONG
LEGISLATIVE J
COUNCIL.
it seems much a natural thing for the Corern cumsion nas pabão! space, in opek gardona sedimet në sien aktrisarkh at thòin deg tikki rachel at 1 had an impression that it would | The COLONIAL SECRETARY Bonded, and the ment to desire to retain their hold upon the which are now being laid out. The plot in foot work. Apart from the signatures in thabletter, be used for public purposes only. I notion was agreed to
nest remaining site alone the ses front, that taide the rectangle of Royal Square And Its the naofeial members of this: Connell are do not, therefore, feel altogether crushed by
It is pointed out in the memorandum that skas anyone would have felt confident in inclusion in the eagle rould distort its befe to repent the low of the copy the proof that no promise to make agar this measure provides a procedure for searching Tone when the intention. In any symmetry. The value of the lot, upset price,munity. I look to them to expres their opinion, den was ever made. It may be that, as I said for poison, as defined by clause 2, which there is and if this resolution finds any consensus of before, the impression grow up in the public good reason to believe in in the possession of
A meeting of the Hongkong Legislativo master the impression was ever greatest, is six lakho and the interest, pus opinion slyngst those who express the views of | mind—it was not only in my mind, I call any person contrary to the provisions of the
Council was held yesterday in the Conncil Chamber,
The following were present :— HIS EXCELLENOY THE GOVERNOR, BIR DEALTHY LUGARD, FREDERICK JOHN K.C.M.G., .B., D.S.O:
Becretary),
General).
or
was abroad
Hon. Mr. OSBORNE-Had this resolution been to be used for public purposes. I noticed
land preparations.
·Council
Hon. Bir F. H. MAT, K.C.M.G. (Colonial communication, on Saturday last. did Ahe next few years, I am afraid für some con. in the crowded districts of the town, I would which indicated that others besides tion of poison, and it provides si spocifto penalty
Hon. Mr. F. A. HAZLAND (Attorney.
Hon. Mr. A. M. THOMSON (Colonial Trea the short time at taken on the strength of etilor for remunerative works, I think bulldhar site, is literally surrounded by open from your Excellency as a justification for the principal Ordinance.
dent of Police).
Hon. Mr. W. J. GRESSON, Hon, Mr. B. A. HawaTT. Hon. Mr. WET YUK, C.M.G. Mr. C. CLEMENTI (Clerk, of Cannells).
MINUTES.
The miantes of the last moeting were read
and confirmed. At
FINANCIAL MINUTES.
The COLONIAL, BECXETARY, by consmand of would take to erect a building, and because Fear we have had to postpone it because, we / mitable offices för all public affairs except the are justified in selling this alte. His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table to build they would clear sway hovels and dis provide a handsome pier as an adequate approach in the fallness of timerally believed, will deal more than six inkhe,
Financial Minnies (Nos. 13 to 26), nud moved that they be referred to the Finance Com
mittee.
The COLONIAL TREASUREE seconded, and
the motion was agreed to.
РАРДНА,
The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following papers-Financial Returns for the year 1909. Report of the Registrar of the Supreme Court for the year 1909 and Report of the Police Magistrata's Court for the year
1909.
FINANCIAL
The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the report of the Finance Committee (No. 2) and moved its adoption.
The COLONIAL BECERTARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.
KOWLOOK-CANTON BAILWAY VOTE.
the
-in
Hon. Mr. STEWART--That, sir, I understand is the price which you expect to receive for the lot in question. I take it, then, that you will require to sell both these sites to washle you to carry on this work.
MERCHANT SKIPPING ORDINANCE. AMENDMENT.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL Moved the Arst reading of "An Ordinance further to amend the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to..
The memorandum attached to the Bill states Ordinance No. 9 of 1909 section 41 was sin ended by declaring that Acts hereafter passed amend ing the Merchant Shipping Act, 1994, shall be in fores the Colony,
It is desirable that the principal Ordionuos be farther ameaded by declaring that the end Acts shall be its fros in the Colony only they are not inconsis'out with the provisions of the principal Ordinance,
UMALICIOUS DAMAGE AMENDMENT
NA ORDINANCE,
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL, Moved the frst. reading of Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to amend the Malicious Damage Ordinance, 1865." The COLONIAL SECRETARY SOCOnded, and the
motion was agreed to.
According to the memorandum this Bill re- peals the Malicious Damage Amendment Ordin- ance, 1909, and re-enacts Part I. without my amendment.
Part II. is amended by declaring that the Governor-in-Counoil instead of the Governor shall impose the 'fino which is payable under Boction 5.
Before the matter is submitted to the Gov- ernor-in-Connuil for decision, oa inquiry is, to 25 be held by the District Officer and an Assistant District Offloor in order to give the persons on whom the punishment may fall & fall oppor- tunity of being heard.
* CROWN ADMIƏ ORDINANÜR. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the frat
The Grown
Hence the neces
The COLONIAL SECRETARY SOwnited, and the
"The ATTORNEY-GENERAL then moved the
being agreed to, moved the second reading of
Whether it simply grew up out of its own inherstim, together with Crowns rentestsson, the community, I abril be glad to defer thousbene sasure you when I showed the latter I received principal Ordinance. It is proposed in the frats ontobability the fact remain that it existed and so forth, amounts to a sum of $44,100 widdly. I for one abarad it. Comoquently I was your. The Colony, as you all know, is at present on the other hand, there is no such consensus from the Colonial Secretary to various people instenes that the Ordinance shall apply only to considerably taken aback by this mortifyingnews, under's considerably heavy burden in meeting of opinion in favour of the resolution, I propose they all expressed surprise: The impression socaine, sucaine and like embatasztre and their
that the sale should go through
that if was public At dent I did not fool sure that I was free to interest and working expense that a mare
Clause 15 empowern publish it; the original communication did not together with the large work that we
the Com make this plain, Not
a Mail paragraph to males regulations of controll-
impression had ing the sale, possession, importation and arporta I learn that this had been your Excellency's adderable number of years, Milere is not likely to have given to my whole-hearted support; but also been left on the minds
valuatie those consulted by me. I was prepared to hear on violation of requistions made under the intention. Since then I have done my bet, in be any margin left for other works of pablis ssing that the land in question,
disposal, to ascertain the
Clause 16 enables Governor-in-Council views generally held,
it is of very great importance that we paces, the Cricket and Parade grounds arrows proposed step that the Colony was in dire neet . Mr. W. CHATHAM, C.M.G. (Director of the information afforded. It is commonly should be in as soon as possible the extension the road, the public square adjacent, and the money to carry on the Government, I remark to add to or remove from Sohedonia Coun
said there is no public spirit in this Colony of the Tylam Reservoir in order to provide an hole harbour in front, I think that to trans- ed in proposing this resolution that to my mind principal Ordinance any article declared to bo Public Works),
Hon. Mr.A. W.B2swin (Registrar-General). I deny that in this case. Among those I have adeqante water supply and to relieve as from form it into a paltry flower patch, when we only has reason would justify it. I now learn a poison.
money for the Clause 17 provides alternative and wo Hon. Mr. F. J. BADELEY (Capt. Superintensity as regards the desirability of retain believe also that it is a matter of great im- distance un the bill, would be an act of extension of our water works. In arguing for drastic penalties for concealing or selling
been able to consult I found surprising unan- the constant bugbear of a water famine. I already possess beautiful gardens short that the idea is to utilise this ing the site for public purposes. Some were portance to rebuild the Magistracy and to wasteful and superfluous luxury; indeed the necessity for that, your Excellency and the poisons as defined or for violating any regula- of opinion that it should he kept as an open provide extra accommodation that is urgently the only benefit that would accrue from hou. member on my left omitted to take into space and laid out as a garden permanently required by the police at the Central Police such a misuse of the land would be to give an account what I had already anid, that if you want made as to the possession, importation or Others favoured a building provided it was a Station. It is also necessary to provide a piar esthetic setting to the front of the Hongkong this six lakhs for that purpose you have got the operation of such poisoas. public building. Only one out of the great on the other side, and I should like to see a pie land should be reserved for future public build not imagine that land is valueless. I imagine Clab In regard to the second reason, that the present law courts and post office to sell. I do number whose opinion I took favoured the opposite Royal Square called Royal Fier. That Government's proposal; He favoured it only work has been on the estimates over since I ings, the argument strikes me as being somewhat it to be extremely valuable, and until you know strained, considering that already possess what you can get for that I do not see that you because his spirit could not support contem hare teen in the Colony, but from year to plation of the length of time the Government ven
HIS EXCELLENCY-It will require a great have no money to build it. I should like if Law and the Post, buildings for which are in pro had no confidence that until they were reddy that site werd sold to etzmerics small amount to ceas of erection, and it is
be ready for escupation. The Colonial Secretary's Office and the Public reputable, discreditable matsheds which still, to the Square itself. In view of these prossing I am sorry to say, disfigure the Prays He needs I have no hesitation in saying that I do Works Department might perhaps with advan- thought that protext after pretext would be not think this Colony is in a position to forego so tage be located on the site, but I do not think raised against laying out the enclosure as advantageons a sale. In a debate which took that under the present financial airemastances of
the Colony the benefit of mach a change would As ETCELLENor-We have no plans about en open space pending the day when they place here in 1903, when Sir Hoary Blak jistily Government in sacrificine the large eat the other site yet. It has not yet fallen vacant
He was im expressed the hope to which I have would be ready to build. patient, that was all.
Hon. Mr. FrawART-In any case, the Gor. But I reminded him already referrel, un hoa. member reproached the offered and which will enable work to proceed on that we have your Excellency's assurance Government for having at that time allowed more than one needed public improvement, ernment have several lots to sell, and, as I said that the herols in question will be swept this very site to remain unremunerative estate amongst which, as pointed out by your Ex before, this seems to me to bathe last thing they away as soon as possible. The terms of this for so many years. If it remains unremunera cellency, are Status Pier, Kowloon Fier, to ought to sell and not the first. Your Excel. pressat protest enable meat so torby the City tive for further period of, say only ten years, grounds as id like to add patio bathing loney refered to the fact that the dynamistry of grounds East and West, and the adornment the square was not to be interfered with in who strongly attracted
at least will be half a dollare. Hall idas. It is possible to disagree about that it remains auremunerative for a period of twenty of that unpicturesque
wilderness known any way by building on this site. Of course BB King's · Park; Kowloon, The hon. not If it had I would not have suggested and yet to agree on the lines of my resolution. years the sum obtained, with interest will be The influentially signed letter sent into the Col- much nearer a million and a half. I agree myself member who moved this resolution has putting a city hall th-ra But it is absolutely public print of our necessary for the purpose I have in view that onial Secretary, the day before yesterday, is with the view taken by the unofficial member who reminded u perhaps the best argument I can put forward spoke on that occasion, that it is not a reasonable duty to posterity. I think we need no such the building should be of granite and in style During the past 25 years, Sir, which would be in keeping with that of the Law. in support of it. If the Government, in asking thing to allow highly valuable sites to remain emateng he more both out of the builders Court, Cosmos pucire that any private for allerosed to be a uiled by it, I cannot
of opinion, were in any way unoccupied. We do not find that in London Hongkong
almost everything we seriously disposed
or in any city in the United Kingdom honde;
possess corporation, no matter how wealthy, would be believe that they will disregard such a weighty one, sites are allowed to remain vacant which Ars that makes for progress, comfort and con- inclined to put a building of the sort that I
that site.
if they pay imagine It was signed by over 40 Justices of the Peace, valued from £2 109 to £3 per square foot,venience has been provided during the last picture on anong ilaw nearly all the loading men of the as this is, for a series of years on the off chance quarter of a century-Reclamations, Water- this enormous for it they will desire British mercantile community. More slanatures that they may appreciate in value or possibly works, Roads, public and private Offices, Clubs, to recuperate themselves to a certain extent could have besa obtained, if time and permit be required for public buildings. Leases will Hotele, Docks, Wharves, Recreation grounds, by erecting a high building and letting out prob The COLONIAL SECERTARY-Sir, I beg toted, but there was rason to believe that unless fall, in which posterity, can utilise. In case of Tramways, Industrial buildings, Churches; ably the top floors as offess for other people. If protest was made promptly the Gorern urgent necessity we have an Ordinance Schools Hospitals, and finally the University, you put a four-storey building on that site, and I more the following resolution standing in my ment would definitely commit itself. I bo which allows resumption for publiq pur
for which the Colony owes so much to your do not see how you can possibly impose condi- naras: It is hereby resolved that a run of Here that many of the general public would poses. So far as the price of the present plot Excellency, testify with force and eloquence tione that there should only bs two Two million and one hundred thousand Dollars have signed on land opportunity afforded. But of land is concerned, I think you will agree to the manner in which residents whose the aspect from the front will be anything but (82.100,000) be advanced out of funds in the in any case the support of over 40 of that with me that it is a very high one, and one Working days are nearly over, have provided satisfactory from an artistic point of view, eastedy of the Government for the purpose partionlar section of the public, which I have which we are not likely to considerably improve for the Colony's future to the benefit of There is already a bailding to the east of it With which looks positively ridiculous from the bar- of construction of the Kowloon Canton Rail the honour to represent, indicates pretty upon within at all a reasonable period. With posterity rather than themselves. way (British Bootion) during the year 1910" well the general view of the matter. The regard to the question of other sites for pablie the opening of the Railway, Hongkong bour; it is so high and narrow, and I do not reading of a Bill entitled," An Onlinubuce to In connection with that resolution I have just latter amplißes the resolution by particularly purposes or for Government offices and buildings commences a new chapter of its history, and if feel at all satisfied that any of the conditions regulate the Law reking to Crown Suits," handed to members a financial statement show protesting against the proposal in view of of that class, there are other sites, to which the men who come after us are able during the you propose will rellove the position from In doing so he said I may mention that this ing the endings under which the expenditure possible future developments of this Colony. the hon. member alluded, such as the ex next 25 years to shove as good a record as this, that danger. In any case, however stately Bill is simply a formulated piece of legislation for the current year is divided. I regret, Sir, Uther reasons for reversing the decision to sell isting sites of the Law Court and the then, sir, posterity will have even less use than a building there might be from an artistic with respect to the regulation of procedure in
we today for a flower garden on the finest site point of view, it would not be the same thing to connection with Crown suita. that this statement was not ready earlier, but are thereby suggested. Apart from the question Font Office, together with disused sites now it has only just been received from the printers, of a City Hall, but particularly in view of pos held by the military authorities. The hon in the Colony.
me as a public building. That is what I see proposes to institute a suit against a certain In the appeulir for the published estimates of sible future developments of this Colony, are member desires that upon this site there should
Hon. Mr. HEWETT-Your Excellency, when there, and that is what I thing ought to be put campsay here and one of the witnesses who is pO- the current year, the expenditure in the railway you quite sure that the Government will never be erected a building which should be noteworthy the hon member moved this resolution first and there, and, therefore, although there is a great ing to be called on behalf of the Crown is a public is put down at $1,500,000 in round figures have reason to regret parting with this sita among the buildings of this Colony for its nobility began to speak it appeared to me there were array against me in this room, I do not feel servant in the Public Works Department. The gares in the resolution show an excess of Will no extension of our public offices require of design; that it should be a granite building several questions to which I mi, ht venture to disposed to withdraw my resolution. Instead, He is going home on sick leave, and it will be three lakhs of dollars. This excess is principally to be made? Is the space provided in the new erected by the Public Works Department of this reply, but after the very exhaustive manner in I would ask the Government to do this to necessary as soon as the writ is issued to take due to the increased expenditure on earthwork Law Courts for the Land Office sufficient? I Colony. That presupposes a very larze outlay, which your Excellener has dealt with the whole allow me to say whether, after the publication of his evidence de bene case,
:1 and tunnels and the permanent way. The in-understand not. I have heard other suggestions and if it is crested primarily for its artistic effect question, and after the manner in which the this argament, those people whose moral support aity of having this Bill passed today. dresse on earthwork and tunnela was fully ex
as to lack of space in these buildings designs we can only hope to get from any-rent-whiethon. member on my right has spoken, very I have been until now counting upon, and one of plained in the report recently laid on the table el ten years ago, when there was less work may be charged upon it sufficient to cover the little remains to be said. The only hesitation whom has just deserted from me laughter) Bill was read a first time. and in the remarks which you made upon that Even if you are satisfied on this point, take cost of the building, if we get enough to do that Lover had in supporting the Government in its agree with me or with you. The hon. member report.
The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded; and another possibility into consideration you pro and we shall therefore remain permanent losers - proposal to utilise this particular site for other who represents the Chamber of Commerce said suspension of the Standing Orders, and, this
pass to make &
Goreument issue of notes. of this mume of $44,000 which is interest on purposes than a flower garden was possibly that that he had not beard day partsonlar ob the motion was agreed to.
Will the available space in the Post Office premium and on the assessed rates. We are in the immediate future, the ground might be fections from people he had consulted. I the Bill.
1 where I understand you propose to have your not new considering the question of laying required for government offices. However, the cannot imagine whom the people could have Hon. Mr. STEWART-I rise, Sir, to move Treasury always be available Hardly, I out the sea front of the Colony We have question has been vory folly discussed elsewhere: beep whose opinion he took. Nearly all the that in the opinion of this Council it is desir-imagine, if the mail services increase. Where there some very fine buildings which are the ad- I have made it my business to go into the mat people that I should imagine he would have can able to reserve for public purposes the plot of and how are ether Government offices to ex-miration of visitors to this Colony, and I do not ter very thoroughly, and I believe there vass signed the letter that went in the day be land situated on the sea front to the north of pand? Where are your railway offices to be deny that the artistic effect could have been im is no question at all that for many years to fore yesterday to the Colonial Secretary. Every the new Law Courte." I wonder what would You would need to hease some of the staff proved by more uniformity in the general designs come the sites at present available to the Govern British member of the Chamber of Commerce be said if the municipality of Venice were on this side of the harbour, I would say. We are now only considering one particularment are ample to meet all the growing needs of except him signed it, so that unless all these propose to sell for office buildings a site on the I merely throw out these suggestions to show building, and we desire, and I personally desire, this Colony Personally, I have not discussed the signatories have changed their opinion, I am open space between the Doge's palace and that I do not seek to advance only the consid- that it should be a worthy building. We propose question of this resolution to any great extent, but still confident that I have the majority of the Baxisoving a great Library. The whole world erations to which I am personally committed to insure that by conditions imposed on the Imix very freely all day long among people re community at my back, and I will ask you to One of those conditions shall be presenting all views of the Colony, and I have not delay still farther until public opinion will would ring with protest. Why -Impposs ba Nor da I sank to advance only the Interests purchaser. cause all men's sense of the fitness of things roof that section of the community which I have that the design shall be approved by the Gur. heard ale action which the Government propon all the facts. It is quite possible that particular expression of opinion have another opportunity of expressing itself gards the landing place opposite St. Mark's as the honour to represent. I advance also consid ernor in Council; that, of course, includes the against the this city's frant doorstep, and the ground erations with which the administration his height of the building and all other posed to take a view of the financial condi- some of those who signed the letter will-hein: indicated as being necessary to the artistio concern. My protest embraces all objections. points connected with its structure, and a ton of the Colony the Government would by no faenoed by the considerations which you have effect of that marvellous frontage, With As far as I am able to judge, it indicates the eu of not less than $100,000 skall be manner of means be justified in allowing this put forward, but until I know that, I do not that. I do not seek to compare for a mo- riers of an overwhelming majority of the spent upon it. The applicants are the Standard ground to lie vacant. It should be used for recede from the position I have taken up. ment our modest frontage. To do so woula British section of this community. For their Oil Compong, and we believe, the tect of that it should be utilised for the benefit of the Secretary
Government purposes if so required or failing Hon. Mr. Ossogne Sir, the hon. Colonial be ridiculous. But it is not ridiculous to urge opinion the Government has asked. I position of that firm insures they will erect on
HIS EXCELLENCY-Yon ere not in order in artistio consideration in a discussion affecting this resolution you have it compressed that site an adequate and worthy building. If Colony as the Government now propose, especially the disposal of the remaining open space on BD as to unite in - Bomman Cause all the conditions wo impose are not agreed to ty in view, as you Excellency pointed out, of the speaking again, bat you can make a personal our public square. Speaking in this place foar who for any reasan object to proposal to the purchaser the sale will not be put through important urgent works which have become explanation.
Hon. Mr. OSBOEXE-Yes. The hon. Colonial months ago I expressed the hope that some xarifice the legitimate pride of the community On the other hand, I hope that with the capital absolutely necessary to meet the growing needs when the Colony, present houry undertakings in one sine oits. The sacrifice proposed by the sum realised by the sale of this property of the Colony. Therefore, as the matter has Secretary apparently convicted me of incen-
we shall be able, ne I have said, to crest a bean fally discussed on a previous occasion, I sistency. In public works shall have been fulfilled, and Government, as distinguished from the com- the existing depression of trade shall have munity and nothing could so sharply dis
must warn those members who may have had it goes to the vote. been succeeded by a period of prosperity, the tinguish the two as such a proposal-can to my pies and to eat the reservoir scheme, and I certainly shall vote against the resolution if it Hon. Mr. GEESSos-Sir, you referred to Government should erect on the site to which mind only be entertained for a moment on one in mind to support this resolution that if they this resolution refers a City Hall, a granite ground by showing that the Colony is in the do so they postpone to the Greek Kalends any letter sent in which was also referral to by building in the classic style worthy of the most moet dire financial straits. Even then, there such works of utility which may add to the com- the over of the resolution as having many beautifully situated sity in the King's Dom- are other lands to sell. The present site of the fort of the population here, because I do not see influential signatures I may say, Sir, that I have signed that letter Since then I have inions. "That was no mere rhetorical flourish, It Law Courts and the site of the present Post how they will get available money for works of was the deliberate expression of a long-cherished Office, these you have still These should be that nature unless we can secure certain learned the price the Government are going The site referred to capital is by sale of land of this sort, to receive for this ground, which very idea. The file was not dismissed as chimerical the first things to sell. by year predecessor. It was certainly not so in the resolution should be the last. Believing That, gentlemen, is the position which I have largely exceeds anythiur. I hoped they would treated by this popular official who for a time this earnestly, I commend to the favourable to put to you. As guardians of the finnades inet. I will conaratulate the Government
OPIUM AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, - acted under him as Colonial Secretary. I refer consideration of the Government the resolution this Colony I do not think we are justified in rery much inde-d if they will pat this to Bir. Sercombe Smith. I remember discus- which I now move.
losing this chance of sale, and for its invest sale through and receive six lakhe to go
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first sing the mattor with him. I remember that Hon, Mr. WEI Yux seconded.
ment either in remunerative work or work fully towards the revenge of the Celony. We we agreed upon the point. mention HIS EXCELLENCY-I propose to reply acknowledged by everyone to be work which have been hearing also from you, Sir, of the
reading of a Bill entitled," An Ordinance to uneficial this to show that it is no new fad peculiar before any
speaks in urgently required for the comfort and urgent necessity to provide other public works
amend the Opinn Ordinance, 1909." **
The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded. It is view which is further, in order that the arguments which atuity of the Colony. I'mur it suggested in a and the difficulties with which the finance will
The memorandum states to an enthusiast. held over by those responsible for the ad- I propose to put before you may be pre letter to the papers over the signature of the have to be met. I cannot support the resolation,
The Bill amends the Opium Ordinance, 1909, by declaring that it is an offence to be in pos- ministration of the Colony. The building plant for your und in making and that the hon. member who has spoken that the site tight and hold like to say I withdraw my signature tured should, indeed must, harmonise with, speeches on the resolution. I am glad that the be used for a City Hall I have referred to the to that letter.
Sossion of morphine or compound of opium The COLONIAL SECRETARY-Sir, the mover Band be complementary to, the Law Courte, resolution which has just been proposed by the papers on this subject and find my predecessor
Ordinanes or is obtained in accordance with any and by the nobility of its design should hon member who represents the Justices of the placed it on record that he personally inspected of the recalation said he was under the impres ment. I misunderstood the hon. member. The unless it is exempt from the provisions of the fittingly represent the City's proper pride. Peace has been brought befers the Legislative the City Hall and found that the accommoda-sion that this particular site would be reserved resolution then before the Council is as
Clause 3 of the Bill amends section 56 of the I use the words advisedly. Civic pride is Council, because it will give me an opportunity tion there was adequate except for the for public purposes, and that it came as a surproposed by the hon, member and seconded by the regulations made thereunder. proper pride. It is part and parcel of a healthy of making this public statement. That, as he hss Library, which was chiefly used by the European prise to him to learn there was no intention of sell hou. Mr. Wei Yak.
The vote was then taten with the following principal Ordinance by making it quite clear
that the Governor-in-Council has power to. public spirit. A healthy public spirit in any himself said, was the object with which a letter population, and he had in mind that the ing it. I cannot understand, Sir, how he sun hare prosporous community invariably manifests was sent to the unofficial members of the Council Museum, which ischiefly used by the Chinese popo- laboured under such an impression in view of the result:
Ayes-Hon. Mr. S ewart and Hon. Mr. exempt any medicine from one or more of the itself in fine, public buildings. Even s mere in order to invite discussion and public opin lation, might perhaps be housed in a new buildin, question after question which has been asked on
provisions of the Ordinance.
4 of the Bill omends section 85 of the. trading station such as this may legitimately on upon this point. It is not the penal course perhaps in the Public Gardens, and this would the subject. In 1904 his very respected brother, harbour aspirations of the kind. Why should to parane in patting up for auction a black of give adeguate room for the Library at the CityMx. Gershom Stewart asked. The open space Noen Hon Mr. Osborne, Hon. Mr. Gres-incipal Ordinance by declaring that the
son, Hon, Mr. Hereit, Bexistrar-General, Hongkong in this respect be content to public land, and this unusant course was pursued fall. In any case this Colony will not be in a in front of the Hongkong Club being no
Treasurer, Attorney-General, Colonial SPpropriation of penalties referred to therein Dires or of Public Words, the Colonial remain so far behind Bombay, for instans in this instance because I fully share with the position to build such a hall as the hon. member longer used for the storage of cement
also relate to morphins and compounds At least we may laitimately aspire to have hon. member who has just spoken desires, of, granite for a public city hall blocks, and the mall railway to the Pray for
of opiam, op, will the show building on our finest site. It is the solicitude with regard to this partionlar on that site for the next twenty years or the crans having been
HIS EXCELLENCY-Gentlemen, the objast of only one remaining upon which it would be plot, and I am none the less interested than he so. I do not think we should make a fetish ernment be able soon to allow the Botanical
this Bill relating to opium is to re-introduce the worth while to erect such a building. If the dein in neding the beauty and artistic effect of utility. On the other hand, I do not Department to open up the space for public use
HIS EXCELLENCY I havo received a telegram enactment that possession of Compounds of to this Colony think wo should make a fetish of artistic con- as a garden, as promised by Sir Henry Blake cision againet, which this resolation protests is of the main
on 20th July, 19039" Again at a meetin to You propose to sell this land on a 75 years' fine looking space, which I should propose
preserve a fair proportion between the two, and in February, 1908, Mr Osborne asked: Will from the Secretary of State which I desire to read opinn and morphis shall be illegal. In the Ordin to the Council Governor, Hongkong. The ances which were replaced by the Conclidating lease, renewable for a further 75 years at call the Royal square, surrounded as it is by in view of the conditions we propose to place the Government cause this land to be laid out sum of £9,000 stealing has been inserted in the Ordinance which was passed last year pensession the will of the purchaser, to alienate it, statues of their Majesties the King and Queen upon the sals I do not think that posterity as a public garden (laughter; Hon. Mr. Us Estimates for the coming financial year as a was legal, but it is not so in the present in effect, for 150 years. The irreparable and of their Royal Hishnesses the Prince and will have any ground for complaint that we have bornsTemporarily, Sir) as soon as Ram Lee's graut from the Imperial Funds to Hens kong in Ordinaned. It was not very clear in the mold Ordinance, and it became necessary to enact The rospect of the loss of the opluso revenue. I am nature of the net may well have given the Princess of Wales encircling the statue of our sacribed the dignity and beauty of this Colony ocenpation of it can be determined." Gorerament pause and led your Excellency to late revered Queen Victoria. It is a site I have received the letter to which the hon. answer to that was, "It is proposed to obtain still in correspondence with the Treasury as to the present amendment beanse, I am sorry to seek an expression of public opinion upon of which the Colony may justly be proud member alluded bearing many very influential the sanction of the Secretary of State to lay a grant for the following two years. I think I say, it is believed by the Opium Farmer that the proposal. That was the object of the and upon which no
signatures,
ures, but I do not think that the gentlemen out as a garden piece of ground may congratulate the Council that the Secretary since the opium divans were closed there
in of the corresponding ares to the garden of State has accepted the principle, which I ven- has been a considerable increase of the onial Secretary, to the unofficial members of this of the community. But I wish to emphasige facts which I have laid before you
the ̈decision......... to the that the proposal before you is in no sense an Announcing
Up moment its receipt I was under the encroachment on that square. It is not a bar wrong, but I feel myself convinced that very. there has never been any undertaking on the made to this Colony in respect of opium should of opiunt pills by people who are not
that might have grown t
a to bear.) parked d impression that the whole of the lund north the Lope expressed by one of my predecessore, many of them at any rate would not have part of this Government, and it has twice cor not be limited to the earrent year alone. (Hear, entitled to pressss them under the regulations of the Law Courts and west of the Club was to Sir Henry Blake, seeing that the Govern signed that letter if they had heard what I rected any impression that might hav
have just said, which to summarise. is this: that that effect,
PHARMACY AMENDMENT OBDINANCE. Hon, Mr STEWART Your Excellency be devoted to public purposes, I was ander ment intend to preserve the entire area we have not got a margin for works urgently
The ATTORNET-GENERAL moved the first the impression that an authoritative annonce between the Law C arts and the gardens on required in this Colony unless we can get that never sugavated fax amat that there had ment had once been made to that effect, the opposite side, together. with the correspond Even if unjustified by any such definite promise ing area on the west side of the plot in lg-margin by the tale of a piece of land of this sort, boen aur idea in my ming that the Government reading of a Bill entled, "An Ordinance to
which will giro ng six lakha add szuble us to ever promised to lay on that plet as a guidon. • amend The Pharmacy Ordinance, 1938,"
A DEBATEABLE LAND. SALE.
member
acted upon the chance will be lost irretrievably. only preserved Pproached, It is a very sideration. Our business is to endeavour to
and
cucroachment should
a
The COLONIAL SECRETARY-I had no such intention. My intention solely was to shoir that you had asked such a question with regard to the disposal of this land as a piece of news to the hon. member on your right. Inte
The COLONIAL SECRETARY Seconded, and the motion was agreed to. Council then went into committee and esisidered the Bill clanso by clause.
On resuming, the ATTORNEY-GENIËAL that the Bill had passed through reported committee without amendment.
The Bill was then road a third time and passed. The memorandum attached to the Bill zend as follow-
By section 2 the Attorney General le to comm
the Crown enlose it is provided in any mence in his own name all proceedings made Ordinance that such proceedings shall be taken in the name of some other pablis officer,
By section 3 it is provided that in all contracts or other documents to be signed by the Gov. eraor or other public officer it shall not be necessary 7 Dame anch officer, it shall be-suffi-- clent to came the office he holds, and such public oflcer for the time being shall be deemed to be a party thereto as if he were a corporation
sole.
Election 4 le similar to section 3, except that it provides for contracts and other documenta signed prior to the passing of this Ordinance.
By section 5 & contract made in England by the Crown Agents for the Government of Hongkong shall, in the event of the said contract coming within the jurisdiction of the Courts here, be deemed to have been made by the
Hon. Mr. OSBORNE The piece of ground I referred to is the very piece of ground the Governor.
By sention 6 it is provided that the omission Government is laying out as a garden.
HIS EXCELLENCY-Although I am not to add the title of the public officer after his myself in order in speskin; again to this re-signature to any document shall not exclude such solution, I would ask the permission of the document front the operation of this Ordinance, Connell to reply to a deduite question put by the hon. member, and that is, whether the Gor eroment will consent to hold over the resolu tion until such time as he shall find any other diversions from the let er. I think that would be a course with out precedent.
Hon. Mr. STEWART Pardon me, I did not intend that at all. I only asked that you will delay the actual selling of the land.
HIS EXCELLENCYI will sooept the amend
Wei Yuk.
tary, and Cap air Superin' sndent of Police. OPIUM LOBS COMPENSATION.
- communication from the Honourable the Cole be made without the general consensus fopiniou" who signed that letter wara in poemay be of the Hongkong Bank opposite to it." Bo, sir,tured to su zgest to him, that whatever grant was sating of opium due to the possession
Council,
I
and laws which are enacted. I have also a report from the Registrar-General, who has inquired into this matter and who als confirms the fact that it is probable that the drinking of epiam
(Continued on page 51). wine made out of pians fross 10.on the increase