M. Merivale. Perhaps you may have heard of some proposal, which I have not; further reform
Ley: Council of Hong Kong.
I send you the correspondence which passed when four unofficial members were added to the Council in 1849.
Refs. 1 & 7 1849. 9 39/49
M.W. Ball
I have to demonstrate the Constitution is different since 1836. At least I understand it proposes to be very much more numerous.
Electors, of whom 176 foreign. Chinese 2000 and 1637 unless reduced by the operation of the "Educational test" which we seem to propose.
I understand the dispute between the Governor and myself as Colonial Secretary and cannot see why Hong Kong should be governed differently from Singapore. And the statistics of this despatch, showing the overwhelming amount of foreigners, will give sufficient reason.
The Legislative Council has control over the revenue. So far as that of Hong Kong consists of Crown Rents, the Legislative Council has little direction.
Supposing, however, it is thought further on these lines: it seems to me the Community has considerably advanced on the road.
Memorandum on the reconstruction of the Councils of the Colony
On the proposed reconstruction of the Councils of this Colony, I have to state the following. In, I think, February of last year, at the request of His Excellency, I drew up a plan which underwent revision and alteration and eventually admitting into them what I never recognized the effectiveness of.
I wish to observe that although before considering this in detail Despatch No 110 of 8th August 1855, submitted to the Secretary of State in May.
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# Memorandum on the reconstruction of the Councils of the Colony
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