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CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM.
UNANIMOUSLY DEMANDED BY A PUBLIC MEETING AT THE THEATRE ROYAL.
"AN UNOFFICIAL MAJORITY AND ELECTION INSTEAD
OF NOMINATION,
FOUR REPRESENTATIVES FOR BRITISH SUBJECTS IN THE SANITARY BOARD ELECTORATE,
which is not laid upon the table, and can not be called for, and, therefore, is never public either to members of the Legislative
спее
was sent Home by me nearly three years go to the Scorciary of State for the Colonice. Since then the Constitutional
Reform Association has been formed and
The answer
we received on that necnsion was that the
Council who have detrated the subject or to the members of the general public who can assure you that the Commitice of are deeply interested in it. It is common the Association, in framing the resolutions knowledge that the official vete has been which are before you this evening. have used on many occasions, even during the given them their most anxious and care- time I have been connected with the Can- fut consideration. eil, to defend what were the considered Chairman has said that the question of (Applause). The views, not only of the Chamber of Com
constitutional reformn is an ald one, and mierer, whom have the honour to repre I am a sufficiently old resident of this Bent, but of the community itself. The Colony to have signed the petition of fret case I can recall in my own experi- 1894, which was sent home to the then was the frustration by the official Secretary of State for the Colonie, the In spite of the inclement weather, Press to the question of Chinese repre-
vote of our attempt to destroy Beranin Marquis of Ripen. yesterday evening, the Theatre Royal sentation. I may frankly tell you that Lrade marks. In the second case, an was well filled with a gathering repre
which we considered sentative of all sections of the community fully and were largely influenced at the mans aliould not be allowed in the Colony He suggested that a Municipal Conneil these resolutions very attempt to pass a resolution, premature unofficial majority could any granted,
though it may have been, that the Ger of Hongkong, who, after an enthusiastic outset of affairs in not inviting the for a period of years was defeated and might be granted in this Colony. Well, but Lord Ripon did make a suggestion. meeting inating an hour and a quarter. Chinese to take a part in this appeal ridiculed by the official vote. accepted, with absolute panimity, resolution asking that official repre invited, through their authorised mem-
because, less than two years ago they were Albeit, gentlemen, since then, resolutions Municipal Council from that date to (Applause). gentlemen, we have not been granted even the Legislative Council bé bere, nominated by the Government, carried in almost every part of the British unofficial majority
oa similar lines have been adopted and this. increased from six to nine-thereby giving to join dur petition to the Secretary of Empire and they
When in 1916 a netition for an an unoficial majority of one-and that State for the Colonies for an elective ro enforced. (Applause). Again, gentlenion of State for the Colouies--Mr. Bonat Law
вест likely tu there should be seven elected membera, all presentation instead of a nominative re could conceive that if we had bad an
be Council went. Bome again to the Secretary on the Legislativo of them British aubjects, returned follows:-
At that time they chose, unofficial majority to deal with the ques-being given for the rejection.
- it was rejected without any reasons One by the Hongkong General Chamber the Government and say that they did have remained so long undecided as it Chairman has covered, but I can say, with through their own members, to write totion of the service dollar, it would not wish to go again over the ground which our I do not not desire to take part in the request.did. The unofficial members of the One by the Chinese General Chamber of they have, apparently, held various meat took, on behalf of the Colony, to bear the Well, gentlemen, in the last few days Legislative and Executive Councils under
cost which would have been invoved hadi the services salaries beca paid at
the
Bentation on
of Commerce.
One by the Justices of the Peace.
Consmerce or some other body representa Live of the Chinese
Four (one of Portuguese race and three
presentation.
inge at the Chinese Chamber of Com merce, and we have learnt, somewhat to
unofficial majority in this Colony. Some him, that there are good, and valid, and sufficient reasons why we should have an people have attempted, I believe, to side- track these suggestions by saying that wo
of British racs) by British subjects who our surprise, that there is a desire among oxchange rate of 2 shillings. After months should press for a Municipal Council, bui are on the Furors' List and those who are the Chinese for more representation, and, of discussion the arrangement then sug-1 am not in favour of that course, because
liahle for, but, exempt front, jury service. being a progressive body, it was but The Hon. Mr. P. H. Holyoak presided, natural that we should incorporate in and was supported on the platform by the our own ideals what appeared to bo a Hon. Mr. H. E. Pollock, K.C., Messrs. fair thing for the Chinese also. C. G. Alabaster, B. L. Bowley, A. G. Coppin, A. 8. D. Coasland, Andrew Forbes, J. W. Graham, A. E. Griffin, E. Ormiston, W. L. Pattenden, C. H. P. Hay, J. A. Plummer, A. Ritchie, D. Templeton, C. D. Wilkinson, J. P. Braga, and E. A. M. Williams, Dr. C. Forsyth and Mr. H. B. L. Dowbiggin (Hun. Bec.).
The resolutions which have to propose Lu you deal with two wide principles. The first is the principle of election persus nomination by the Government for all unofficials save the awo Chinese members. The second is to ensure that the wishes of the public on all public and
THE CHAIRMAN'S SPEECH.
local or domestic questions shall be car- The CHAIRMAN said: Gentlemen: We ried out. I think that this Government have met to consider a proposal for reform has failed to realise, not only before the ing the unofficial representation un the war, but more especially since the war Legislative Council in this Colony, It is broke out and the Home Government in a good many years since the subject was consequence, be, also failed to realise- - ärst mooted by my hon. friend on the that there is such
gested has ILL last been agreed 10. (Applause).
I fear very mueb that if we were granted I have stated, gentlemen, a Municipal Council it would be will that there is no animosity on my part subject to Clovernment influence and con- the examples of officiul trol. Therefore we are not proceeding in in piling up antagonism to popular demand, 1 merely
desirability and advisability of having en state them that I may prove to you the the form of the legislative xdy, which that direction but are pressing to change unofficial majority.
draws up our lawe, and which controls thus dispositions of our revenue. (Applause). I think, gentlemen, that this must appeal to you as being a sound proposition. Sup
4
It is obviously different thing to pass a vote in Council by a majority of one vole than to have it defeated by an officiat majority and to have an explanation privately dispatched to show why it was defeated. There have been many occasions, in connection with what I call purely domestic affairs in this Colony, such as the calling, for the sake of example, for a Commission to enquire into the hospital administration here,
Posing that a critic bas suggested that wo masent officials in this Colony to carry have able and thoroughly efficient, per-
on the Government. There are also allo
and permanent officials at Home in tirat Britain, but I have never heard such an argument put forward in opposition in a proposal with regard to representa.
a thing as public which is not above reproach (applause) tion in the House of Conunions. You not
right, (Mr. Pollock)-Applause--and, da opinion in this Coluay. (Applause.) The or into any of the other public services, only have the permanent officiels at Homo
where unofficial proposals have been auto-
majority. When dealing with questions you also have beyond that the representa- matically turned down by the official working in the Government offices, but which affect the welfare, to some extent tion of the people in the people's house, the very life, of the individuals of the the House of Commons. (Applause).
you know, petitiona have been sent home large assembly gathered here this even upon the same subjeci which met with ing, I think, is a proof of the fact that refusal. On the last occasion we should public opinion cannot, and will not, bo have carried the matter further but for ignored. (Applause.) The resolutions the fact that we were engaged upon the which I have to propose are as follows: Colony, the Colony ought to be able to Applying that principle by analogy here, great world-wide war, and-rightly or "That this public meeting of Hong-demand that, having asked for an enquiry, I think we ought to have an unofficial wrongly, an things may be conceived wo kong residents, whilst affirming its un- ita wish should be granted. (Applause).ajority in the Legislative Council of thought it wise to hold our bands in ordor
swerving loyalty to the Crown and Neither questions nor demands for en- Empire, is of opinion that the instruc- quiries are put lightly by unofficial mem-
this Luiony. As my honourable friend, tions to His Excellency the Governor re-
bera. They involve a very great deal of question in the minds of anyone of us lo the Chairmas, pointed out, there is n lative to the mode of selection of the trouble, and I cannot conceive any un- Legislative Council requiro amendment oficial member of the Legislative Council policy of the Empire. That policy must auterlere with the hava and military in such a way as to steure:
oc treated as upe, and that pouey will, in
that we might not in any manner what
OF £8
putting questions to the Government with.
1.--That as regards all the unofficial out being perfectly sure that matters with members of the said Council (other which those questions are concerned re
the future, as in the past, be directed by the naval and military experts at Home.
than the two Chinese nominated mem. 1quire a good deal of investigation. Undor You may be quite ecrtain that the un- bera) the principle of election instead of Prescat conditions the taking of the neces official members of the Council
sary trouble in framing those enquiries always support the policy which tends to
nomination shall be applied.
will
2. That the number of unofheint is an extremely thankless job. It is with the good of the Empire and to the
members shall be increneed from 6 to 8,
confidence I leave the resolutions in your defence
of the Empire.
(Applause).
and that the number of official members hands for while they perhaps may not be think that nobody would venture to
shall remain as at present, namely, B.
ideal and I do not say they are, from
suggest after the contributions which the
soever prejudice our own case or embarase either the Government of this Colony or the Home officials by pressing the matter which, after all, was one of domestic reform. The war, happily, has now been; triumphantly finished-(Applause)--and we are free to consider those questions which most intimately concern
8, not only at home but in the distant parts of our Empire, of which Hongkong is not an insignificant wait. Our present system of government has been aptly described as
"benevolent despotism" abenevolent autocracy." (Applause). Well, gentlemen, there is much to be said for this form of government in distant
members (all of whom shall be British represent a sincere and carefully consider. parts of our Empire which must include
subjects) two shall be elected by the ed effort to improve the conditions under money and materials, that the men of permanent officials, when they are per-
Hongkong General Chamber of Cons which we live here, and to infuse into them this Colony are deficient in patriotism merce; one by the Justices of the Peace; more of that liberty of action and of or in their devotion to the Empire. (AP- manent, and the carrying on of a con-
three (two of whom shall be of British self-Government which is our birth-right. plause.) sistent policy from year to year. We do
la asking for an unofficial race and one of Portuguese race) by (Applause).
majority in this Colony, we are not not in any sense seek to disturb that when British subjects who are jurymen, or
asking for anything without precedent. we say that the hour has come when a are qualified for, but exempt from jury
In the Colonies of British Guiana, greater view in the domestic policy of this
Cyprus, and British Honduras-which service; and one by the Chinese General Colony should be allowed to the British
Mr. POLLOCK, in seconding the resola-
last obtained an unofficial majority o Chamber of Commerce, or some other tions, said:-I do not speak from a for they have all been granted unofficial late as 1913-you will find the precedent residents of it. (Applause). It cannot)
body representative of the Chinese com- small experience of the Legislative Coun- majorities. bo toe clearly stated, that we do not seek. munity.
If those Colonies have ab and have never sought to interfere, in
cil, because I may remind you that of the
unofficial majority, I do not see why And in order that due and prompt 30 years which I have resided in the ongkong, should not be provided wit any degree whatsoever with any part of attention and consideration may be given Colony, during
unofficial majority also
Gentlemen, whni might be called the Imporial policy to the opinion thus publicly expressed, this period I
ono balf of that about 4 year when the last meeting have occupied the of the British nation as dictated from meeting requests the Government to trans- tion of a
of the Constitutional Reform Association posi member of the Legislative ward a motion for Constitutional Reforza was held, pledged myself to bring for Home for the benefit of the whole mit this resolution by telegram to His Council, either Empire (Applause)--and
On the official side as soon as the end of the war was in I do not Majesty's Secretary of State for the as acting Attorney-General, or re a re- sight, and I am particularly happy to hesitate to say that in no part of Colonies. the Empire will more loyal subjects
presentative of the public,
come before you this evening and to re- (Applause). doem my pledge. I have much plecause The reason, gentlemen, for asking for Therefore, when I approach a question in seconding the resolutions which have of the British Crown be found an unofficial majority of one, briefly, is of this sort I am not speaking without been proposed by the Chairman. than in Hongkong. (Applause.) At the this:-My experience of the Legislative ample experience behind mo.
plause.) same time that should not deter us from Council is nothing like so long as that Chairman has pointed out, you have two taking a survey of the situation and con.of my honourable. friend on the right, questions to consider this evening-one de sidering what can be done to bring about who will corroborate what I say. Upon the question of election of unofficial men-
3. That of the seven elected unofficial every point of view-they nevertheless Colony has made in this war in men,
MR. POLLOCK SECONDS THE
RESOLUTIONS.
Ал our
on
ago,
(Ap
AMENDMENTS TO THE RESOLUTIONS.
orger measure of representation upon every occasion that the Government scos bera instead of their. nomination 1 the Mr. J. H. McGuigan stated that he wish- The CHAIRMAN having announced that the resolutions were open for discussion, the Legislative Council to dent with such Fft to refuse a resolution proposed by the Government, and the other is the securingod to move by an amendment that the
questions as the Hospitals, Police, Sani- unofficial members of the Council, and of an unofficial majority on the Legisla
tary Board, Educational Administra- directly that announcement has boon tive Council. With regard to the prin-third resolution should be altered to read tions, Housing Reform,, and the question made, the officia] vote in automatically ciple that the public ought to have the an follows:- of dealing with Revonte raised within the registered against it, which always means right to elect its own representatives upon Colony, and as to the proportion of it that the resolution must be defeated. the Legislative Council I cannot imagine which should be devoted respectively to am perfectly well aware that the full that any thinking person can have more. Imperial neoda, on the one hand, and the facts of the debate are at once sent Home than ono view, namely that the representa- development of the Colony on the other. to the Egcretary of State for the Colonica, tives of the public should be elected by (Applause.) The majority of these ques-by His Excellency the Governor, but it is the public. (Applause). With regard to tions are always dealt with at Home by equally true that the debate is accom seguring the unofficial majority on the some such body as a Municipal Council.panied by a private dispatch-at inant Legislative Council, it will be within the Heferenco has zocoritly been maile in the infer that it is-from His Excellency knowledge of many of you that a position-
That of the seven elected noficial Į members (all of whom shall be British subjects) one shall be elected by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Dr some other body representative of the Chinese Community, one by the British wubjects of the Portuguese comm- munity, and the remaining five by British subjects of paro European
cent
upon a franchiles wimilar to that naw in use for elections to the British House of Commons."