The President nominated the following as members of the sub-committee Mr. Pollock, Mr. Rumjahn, Mr. Lau Chu Pak, Dr. Pearse, and the President.
Mr. Hewett seconded. Mr. Lau Chu Pak suggested the inclusion of Mr. Fung Wa Chon's name.
The President:--I think five are quite sufficient.
Mr. Fung Wa Chan-Yes, I think so; five are quite enough. (Laughter.)
The constitution of the sub-committee as saggested by the President was approved of
CUBICLES IN CHINESE TENEMENTS The following petition in the subject of cubicles in Chinese tenement houses, from Messrs. Io Fook and others, was read:-- TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SANITARY BOARD. The Humble Petition of the under- signed landowners, merchants, tradesmen, shopkeepers and resi dents of the Colony of Hongkong
Sheweth:-
1. That your petitioners are the landowners, merchants, tradesmen, shopkeepers and resi dents of Hongkong and their interests are identical with the prosperity of Hongkong.
2. That since the 1st May, 1953, Sections 45 and rs of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance No. 1 of 1903 have been put into force in No. 5 Health District with the result that no cubicle is allowed to remain in any bouse within the said District not already pro- vided with a window opening directly the external air,
3. That your petitioners understand that all the houses in this Colony whether European or Chinese with very few exceptions are not in accordance with the requirements of the Or dinance in question in respect of the above indicated matters,
4. That great hardship has already been in- Alicted upon your petitioners in general and the inhabitants of No. 5 District in particular by reason of the cubicles wherein such inhabit- ants formerly enjoyed privacy having been, removed and such privacy thereby put an end
to.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY AUGUST 1, 1903.
triangular space on the south of the Harbour [ Department which wasproposed by the Sanitary Board. On the triangular space in question there was once erected a latring which was demolished by order of H.E. the Governor Sir Richard G. MacDonnell, and about ten years ago, the erection of a latrine was again pro- posed on the same site which was personally viewed and objected by H.E, the Governor Sir G. W. Das Vaux. They further state that public latrine has been already erected in the vicinity of Wing Lok East, and so it will not be necessary to erect une in Wing Lok Street, Central, as latrines will be built in the New Market.
They pray your Honour to forward this petition to H.E. the Governor,
And your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pruy, etc.
[Chops of shops.]
Mr. H. E. Pollock minuted Inform them of section 169 of Ordinance No. 1 of 1903.
The course suggested by Mr. Pollock was agreed to.
REMOVAL OF CUBICLES, &c. The following letter was circalated to mem. bers 15th July, 1903. 4. Gough Street,
Sir-Having received a notice from you dated the oth July No. 270 calling upon me to remove all the illegal cubicles and cement the kitchen wall within 14 days, I have the honour to apply for an extension of time, say, up to the end of August as I am bound to give the usual notice to all the existing tenants to quit the house before the cubicles can be removed and the wall cemented at the same time.--I have, &c.,
(SA) UN MAN TSUI,
Registered Owner: The Secretary, Sanitary Board.
Mr. A. Kumjahn minuted -I think more time should be granted,
Mr. H. E. Pollock minuted :-It should be ascertained whether the owner or the tenants erected the cubicles,
Mr. Lau Chu Pak minuted :-The request is very reasonable and should be granted Unless notice is given to his tenants to quit, the owner has no right to pull down the cubicles which were put up by the tenants.
It was decided to deal with the matter in private.
Following is a communication received from
MEDICAL BULLETINS.
5. That in view of the fact that the cost of making the alterations necessary to comply with the requirements of the sail sections of the Ordinance will necessitate the payment by the tenants of an increased rental and that practically all the latter are of the poorer classes who will receive no compensation either direct-Sir Robert Hart ly or indirectly for the increased expenditure. this cast upon them, but will be under the distinct disadvantage of having suffered a loss of the privacy they previously enjoyed, the case of your petitioners is eminently one deserving of careful consideration by the members of your Board with a view to your petitioners ob- laining through your good offices the consent of His Excellency the Governor, in exercise of the power vested in him by section 154 of the Ordinance, to a modification of the require. ments of such section, especially having segard to the circumstances in connection with the long continued occupation by such of your petitioners as are tenants of the buildings now being deaf with under the said sections, such occupation having been hitherto suffered for a large number of years.
Your petitioners therefore respectfully ask that the members of your Board wil! be good enough to assist them in the di rection above mentional so that your pe- titioners thereby obtain some modification in or exemption from be requirements of the said sect, ns in der that they may not be disturbed in their enjoyment and occupation of the said buildings.
And your pet ioners will ever pray, etc. Dated the 29th ju y, 1973. The President moved that it be forwarded to Government for consideration.
Mr. Pollock thought it would be as wellthat a sub-committed first consider it.
The Chairman moved, and Mr. Fung Wa Chun seconded, that such a course be adopted.
Carried.
KOWLOON DISINFECTING STATION. The following correspondence had been circulated:-
Sanitary Board Office, 7th July, 1953. Sin-1 have the honour report that ata special meeting of the Board held on June 30th, for the purpose of considering the Estimates for 1904, it was resolved-
Inspectorate General of Customs, Peking, 5th June, 1903. Sir-1 am not sure that the desire expressed in your note of the 8th instant, that a weekly plague bulletin be submitted to the Hongkong Government by the Customs Medical Officers as to the condition of districts most liable to affect Hongkong, can be given full effect to. The med cal men referred to are public practitioners and the salary they draw for attending customs cases does not require them to undertake such duty. I shall, however, instruct the Commis. sioners at Swatow, Samshui, Wachow, Kiung Chow. Pakhoi, Lappa (Macao) and Kowloon (Hongkong) to supply the Hongkong Gov ernment from time to time with any reli. able news they may obtain through medi al or other channels respecting the bubonic plage in their districts.--I have kc,
ROBERT HART.
Inspector General of Customs, The following is a copy of teger from Mr. W. Townley to Sir Robert Hartim
8th June, 1903. SayThe Maquess of Lansdowne has callest my attention to a report by Professor Simpson, M. D, on the cause and continu nce of plague in Hon kong
In accordance with the suggestion contained therein as to the notification of the existence of plagie in the parts of China with which the Colony is most intimately connected, I have the honour to inquire, by His Lord ship's direction, whether you could see your way to instructing the Medical Officers of the Imperial Maritime Customs to submit to the Colonial Government weekly bulletins as to the condition of the infected towns or villages in those districts most liable to affect Hongkong. The matter was allowed to stand over pend- ing further communication.
APPLICATIONS.
|
|
The Board proceeded to consider applico. tions for the registration of Nos. 148, Hally, wood Road, 724, Market Street, ground "That it be represented to Government that floor, and 55, Wellington Street, as bake the erection of the Disinfecting. Station at houses, and for the renewal of such licence in Kowloon is an urgent matter and should be respect of No. 8, Queen's Road West; Ap- put in hand with as little delay as possible.plication for the registration of No. 1. I have &c.,
Elgin Road, Kowloon, as a dairy; Ap plications for the registration of Nos. 10, Lower Lascar Row, and 193, Queen's Road West as fat-boiling establishments, and for the renewal of such licences in respect of Nos. 480, 400 and 498, Queen's Road West.
G. A. Woopcock,
Secretary,
To the Hon. F. H. May, C..G..
Colonial Secretary.
Public Works Office, Hongkong, úth July, 1903. Sir, I have the honour to forward you a plan of the proposed disinfecting station at Kowloon with Inspector's Quarters attached. The plan includes the additional shed referred to in C. 5. O. 2353/03.
2. The estimated cost of the work is as follow's :-
Buildings, including boundary
wall, surfacing yard, etc. ... $25,000 Gas and water supply, including
tanks
1,000 Repairing and fitting up old
apparatus
1,000
Total $ 27,000 3. Provision is made in this year's Estimates for the work to the extent of $10,000 items 7 and 8 of Public Works Extraordinary) and, if the entire scheme now submitted be sanctioned, I will lay the plan before the Sanitary Board and call for tenders.- have, &c..
W. CHATHAM, Director of Public Works. The Hon. Colonial Secretary.
Plans were approved
PETITIONING AGAINST A LATRINE, The following correspondence was reart-
Registrar General's Office,
Hongkong, joth July, 1993. Sir, I have the honour to forward a petition from the merchants of Bonham Strand and Wing Lok Street, in which they request that His Excellency the Governor will refuss to allow a latrine to be erected on the triangular space behind the Harbour Office.
Regarding the latter applications the Pre- sident had minuted:-1 recommend that the Board adhere to is former decision not lo license any premises in Victoria, or at any rate the crowded portion of Victoria, for the purpose of fat-boiling. 11 members cancur applicant to be informed accordingly.
The applications in respect of 148. Hollywood Road, and ro, Lower Lastar Row were refused. SANITORY INSPECTORS.
Correspondence relative to the appoin: ment of all existing Sanitary Inspectors to be inspectors of nuisances under the Sale of Food and Drugs Ordinance, 1896, was submitted.
The assistant secretary wrote to the Crown Solicitor pointing out that section 19 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, provides for the appointment of sanitary inspectors and the men previously appointed as inspectors of nuisances are thas described throughout the Ordinance: There are now no inspectors of nuisances (so called) in the Colony. He asked to be advised (1) whether such inspectors in receipt of written instruc- tions from the secretary may exercise the pow ers conferred on inspectors of nuisances by section 12 of Ordinance No. 18 of 1896; (2) Are the written instructions, referred to, to be given in each case (3) If not, please state what form such instructions should take..
T. A. HAMNER,
Asst. Secretary. The Crown Solicitor (Mr. F. 1. L. Bowley) replied:-I think the safest plan would be for HE. the Governor. by notification in the Gazette, to appoint all existing sanitary inspec- tors of nuisances under the Sale of Food and Drugs Ordinance, 1896. All appointments here- after made of sanitary inspector should notify that the officer is also appointed inspector of nuisances under the Sale of Food and Drugs Ordinance.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
was also in that which it is intended to replace. In periods of scarcity of water, the internet. tent system of supply will be put in force in the A meeting of the Legislative Council was "rider-main" districts only and, as it will be held yesterday afternoon in the Council Cham- possible to afford every tenement a supply ber. There were present: His Excellency within a very brief period, it is believed that the Governor (Sir H. A. Blake, G.C.M.C.),
the necessary economy in the consumption His Excellency Major-General Sir W. J. will be effected without extending the system Gascoigne, K.C.M.G., (Officer Commanding to the City generally. This will enable the oc the Troops), Hon. F. H. May, C.M.G. capers of premises which are supplied by (Colonial Secretary), lion. Sir H. 5. Berke
mister to enjoy a constant supply of water and ley, K. (Attorney General), Hen. Dr. J. M. it will also provide means for dealing with out- Atkinson (Principal Civil Medical Officer), breaks of fire, as all the principal mains will be Hon. Commander R. M. Rumey, R.N. constantly charged with water. Until the (Harbour Master), Hon. A. M. Thomson; (Co-rider-mains" have been applied to a consider- lonial Treasurer), Hon. W. Chatham, (Director able portion of the City, it may be necessary to of Public Works), Hon, Sir C. P. Chater, Kt., revert to the universal application of the inter- C.M.0., Hon K. Shewan, Han. Gershom mittent system as hitherto, but it is hoped that, Stewart, Hon. C. W. Dickson, Hon. Dr. Ilu with their application over an extended area, Kai, Hon. Wei A Yuk and Mr. R. F. Johnston, this will become unnecessary. (Acting Clerk of Councils).
MINUTES. The minutes of the meeting held on oth inst., were read and confirmed.'
FINANCIAL.
The Colonial Secretary laid on the table Financial Minutes No. 28 to 34 and moved that they be refered to the Finance Committee.
The Colonial Treasurer seconded and the motion was agreed to.
The Colonial Secretary laid on the table the report of the Finance Committee (No. 6) and moved its adoption.
The Colonial Treasurer seconded, and the nuution was carried..
PAPERS,
The Colonial Secretary laid on the table the re ort of the D. P. W. for the year 1902, and correspondence respecting the proposal to remove the N val Yard.
QUESTIONS.
The Hon. R. Shewan asked-as the re- commendation of the Public Works Com- mission that the following additions be, inade to the Public Works Staff, viz. :- Executive Engineers, 1 Assistant Engineer, 5 Overseers. Clerk, been carried out, and if not, why not The Colonial Secretary:-The answer to the hon. member's question is as follows:- The whole of the staff recommended by the Commission which inquired into the Public Works Department has been appointed with the exception of one assistant engineer for maintenance work and one overseer for roads inside the City. The increase of the staff re commended by the Commission was based on the assumption that a sum of nearly $300,00a would be spent annually on public works extraordinary. With the large expenditure on water-works, part of which are being carried out by a private firm, it is not contemplated that the Colony will be able to spend so much as was contemplated for public works exclusive of water-works. Therefore a smaller staff than what was recommended appears sufficient.
VICTORIA DAY,"
The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to set apart a holiday to be known as "Victoria Day in loving remembrance of Her Most Gracious Majesty the late Queen Victoria.
The Colonial Secretary seconded, and the Bill was read a first time,
SERVANTS AND INTRUDERS. The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to pro vent intrusion by persons other than the ser- vants at the occupier of premises into the portion of such premises used as servants' quarters.
[
The Colonial Secretary seconded. H. E. Major-General Gascoigne inquired whether the Bill had been submitted to Mr. Chadwick,
H. E. the Govenor said he did not know, and observed that such a course, was unneces sary.
H. E. Major Gascoigne thought it was his duty to point out some of the remarks made to him by Ms. Chadwick just after the water famine of last year.
The Colonial Secretary and the Attorney General rose to a point of order."
H. E. ruled that the hon. member was in
order.
Majo Gascoigne, continuing, said that H. E. was abs. from the Colony at the time, and he (Major Gascoigne) had the honour to adminis- ter the Government during the period of an xiety consequent upon the drought. The water question was looked into early in February so they were not caught napping in that respect, week in May. The Council gave him a free but the drought continued until about the first hand and assisted him in every possible way with their advice in Council, and he was proud to say the public in Hongkong showed great loyalty and forbearance when the terrible burden was placed upon them. The reservoirs by the dispensation of Providence they were were almost dry, but rain fortunately came, and
spared a very serious calamity. Mr. Chadwick was with him nearly the whole time and when the famine was over told him that he (the hon. member) had the opportunity of his life as when he (Mr. Chadwick) came to the Colony years ago and made the reservoirs there was at that time an officer administering the Government; and it proposed that the waler should be cut off from Chinese tene. ment houses, to prevent waste. The matter then
were.
!
met with an enormous amount of opposit on, and Mr. Chadwick felt that te throw upon an acting Governor, who was not the same thing as a real Governor, the responsibi lity of an unpopular measure, when it was not perhaps absolutely necessary, was a hard thing, and therefore be recommended the Acting Governor of that day not to stave the matter. Mr. Chadwick said to him, "You have bnd this famine, everybody has suffered from it and everybody mily been on post as it Now is your me to strike and to make in ordinance to prevent waste. As long as you do not positively prevent the waste water that goes on you will never have sufficient even the ugh you make Hongkong GHC vast reservoir; but I tell you if you can check the waste that goes on in the Cline e houses you will have sufficient water in The objects and rea uns" for the bill state :- ordinary seasons even without any hesh te To check the growth of the habitat resent servoirs." The hon. member said he was very Tugely indulged in by ervants of intro:lues g into he quarters provided for aem by their
much impressed by those remarks and met the masters, outside coolies and others who in urost
Council. The maiter was thrashed out in com- cases pass the night there. The result is that tally passed that was now to be repealed. He mittee meetings and an Ordinance was even. these servants' quarters are frequently over-personally fell proud of the very insignificant crowded at night to an extent which renders part he took in the matter, and thought they the occupier of the premises fiable to be rose- cuted. This Ordinance makes it a punishable
had accomplished a work which would be of offence for outside coolies and other persons the Secretary of State did not approve of the vast benefit to Hongkong. He was aware that not in the employ of the occupier of premises to occupy, without his permission, quarters which raitted that the answer should be: There is Bill as originally passed, and respectfully sub- he has provided for his own servants only. no other way to prevent waste. Ask Ir. Chad-
The Colonial Secretary seconded,
wick, the expert, that you, yourself, sent out: ask him his opinion," "and" concluded the hon, nember, shall be prepared myself to abide by the reply. If I am to move a resolation I move that the Bilt be not read a first time."
Hon. Shewan rose.
LEGAL EXPENSES.
The Atorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance lo pro- vide for the Recovery of Costs and Charges incurred by the Colony by and on behalf of imbecile persons introduced into the Colony.
The Colonial Secretary seconded. Bill read.
THE WATER SUPPLY. The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to repeal The Waterwork solidation Ordin- ance, 1902, and to provisor and regulate the Supply of Water in the Colony of Hongkong and for the Maintenance and Repair of the
Works in connection therewith.
The "objects and reasons" state:-
H. E. the Governor pointed out that before the discussion went any further observations should properly be made on the second read- ing of the Bill, which was really not before the Council until it had been read a first time. It was not at present before the Council, and if it was not read a first time hon. members would not know what was its drift and meaning.
Hon. Shewan explained that he would wili. ingly give way, but he would not be present at the next meeting, and therefore asked the indul- gence of the Council. The Waterworks Consolidation Ordinarice
He quite agreed with the remarks of Major Gascoigne, and observed (No. 29 of 1902), which provided for the dis- connection of all services to tenement houses,fully considered, discussed and thrashed our. that the Bill as originally passed was very care. except in special cases, and the supply of such Why should they be asked to give way to the premises with water from public fountains cry of a few Chinese agitators who, after all, placed in the streets and lanes, did not meet with the approval of the Secretary of State for
were only led by the noses by a fer Chinese clerks in architects' offices. the Colonies and instructions were received to
He suggested modify its provisions in such a way as to enable discussing other measures.
they should first try the hydrant system before the services to be retained whilst facilities were to be afforded for controlling the supply of water in case of need. This has been done by providing in the present Bill for the supply of practically the whole of the Chinese portion of the city through
The Colonial Secretary thought the object of the Bill had been misinterpreted by hon, mem bere, and explained that it was quite as much to stop waste as the measure introduced last year, The Hon. Shewan thought the Colonial Se-
cretary was out of order.
The Attorney General --lle can reply to the substantive motion,
rider main
H. E, the Governor ruled the hon. member in order, and
The Colonial Secretary, proceeding, said the adapted to prevent waste, and it was for that pur- system could be equally well pose it was proposed to introduce the Bill. As to the Hon. Shewan's suggestion that the Colony should go to the expense of first introducing the stree: fuuntain system, he said it would cost a great deal of money and then perhaps the experiment would be found to be unsuitable.
The Attorney General hoped the Council would reject the motion, which would have the effect of stifling the discussion, and would im. pose upon the Chinese a measure which they believed to be against their interests besides preventing the Council from even having an opportunity of heating anything that could be said on their behalf. it was one of the most body, and was almost unheard of. It was as unusual motions ever made in any, legislative
much as to say, "I won't hear you, I don't care whether you have any reason to put forward for the proposal you are going to advance. I won't hear you"-
rider mais." These are subsidiary mains, to which all the services to the houses near which they are laid will be connected, and, as they can be shut off by means of valves from the principal maine the supply of water to the houses cin be restricted to any extent considered necessary without shutting off the water from the city generally as has to be done at present. The powers of restriction are vested in the Water Authority, subject to the general control of the Governor- in-Council.The areas within which the rider- main" system is to be applied are to be defined by the Governor-in-Council and, wher an area has been so defined, all services to tenements within it will be disconnected from the principal mains and connected to the "rider-mains" as they are laid, unless the Governor-in-Council expressly allows any tenement to retain its ser. vice connected with the former. This is n ces. sary to rovide for premises in which any trade may be carried on, for which a costant supply of water may be practically essential, or which, for other reasons, it may be considered desirable to exempt from the "rider-main" system. The cost of constructing the "riler mains" and making the necessary alterations in the services will be charged against the owners of the various tenements within the areas defined by the Governor-in-Council Outside the areas defined by the Governor-in- Council and in all caser of exempjon within A COMET made its appearance to the north of these areas, all services are to be provided with the Lyra constellation on the night of the 13th meters ult., the fact being first reported by Mr. Shiro system which has been in force outside the This is merely an extension of the Inouye, who some time ago discovered a new City of Victoria for a number of years past, star, to the Astronomical Observatory of In the Hill District and in Kowloon allsupplies Tokyo. The officials in the Observatory at through services to private premises are: at once began an inspection of the heavens in present melered. In the case of metered the direction indicated and found the comet supplies an allowance of water in proportion to between Pri star and the roth star of Cygnus the rateable value of the premises will be given Constellation. It was visible to the naked eye. in respect of the water rate, which is included resembled the nebula in Andromeda Constella in the general rates, but all water used over The merchants of Wing Lok Street and tion, and has been progressing to the north, and above that allowance will be charged for Bonham Strand request the Government to It is in the north-eastern sky, just north of the as" excess consumption." This, it is hoped, select another site for the purpose of erecting milky way, and is as vague as nebula, but has will conduce to the prevention of waste, which majority A public latrine and not on the site at tho | a staillig light.
is the chief object aimed at in this BB, as it. Th: Bill was then read a first tints,
2. At the last meeting of the Sanitary Board, it was recommended that a latrine should be erected on this site.
3. The petitioners, as owners and occupiers of property in the immediate vicinity, object to the erection of this proposed latrine as bring A nuisance, and as not being required in the locality, as there are other latrines close at hand.
4. I submit that these persons be informed that they should comply with section 169 of Ordinance No. 1 of 1903, on publication in the Gazette of these sites upon which it is intended to erect latrines. I have &c.,
C. Mcl. MESSER, Acting Registrar General. The Hon. Colonial Secretary,
COPY OF PETITION. The petition, which is dated 6th Inst., is as follows
It was decided to forward the papers to Government for the opinion of the Attorney General.
Various miscellaneous matters were also considered.
Hon. Shewan-Henr, hear
The Attorney General said he wanted them to hear him, and informed the members that if they looked through the records of the Coun- cil it would be very difficult to find a case in Hill for consideration. He appealed to the hon. which-leave lind been refused to introduce a
as he was sure they had no conception of its mover and secondler to withdraw their motion
efect.
H. E. the Governor explained to the hon. mover and seconder that there was no occasion to put the motion, and said they would understand that when the original pro- parition was put they could call for a division. The motion that the Bill be read a first time way put to the meeting and carried by a
THE EXPORT OF CATTLE. The Attorney General moved the first reading of a Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for the Regulation of the Export of Cattle and other Live Stock from the Colony.
be made whereby the sufferings of cattle and The Bill is to ensure that arrangements stinii other live stock exported from this Colony shall be lessened and so far as possible minimised,
The Colonial Secretary seconded. FORESHORES AND SEA RED ORDINANCE The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Foreshores and Sea Bed Ordinance, Not of igot, and to repeal sub-section (1.) of section of Ordinance No. 11 of 1902.
The Colonial Secretary seconded. The Council went into Committee.
COMMITTEE.
The Council then went into Comunitice on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amenu Ordinance No. 11 of 1900, entitled " An Ortlin: ance to facilitate the hearing, determination, and settlement of land claims in the New Territories, to establish a Land Court, and for other purposes; on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorize the Appropriation of Supplementary Sum of One million eight hundred thousand two hundred and one Dollars and forty Cents, to defray the Charges of the Year 190a; and on the Bill entitled An Ordinance to repeal the New Territories Rent Recovery in lieu thereof. Ordinance, 19oz, and to make other provisions
Council resumed on the Supply Bill.
TELEGRAM FROM THE GOVERNOR OF HONG- KONG TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES, DATED THE 9TH APRIL, 1903.
Petition signed most influentially forwarded Comunission investigate question of dock ex by next mall asking appointment of Royal tension of Naval Yard, Pelition proposes to provide better site on island without additional expense Imperial Government. This is tele- graphed at special request. Cordially endorse prayer.
BLAKE.
Govenment House, Hongkong, 22nd July, 1903. SIR, have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 214 of the sth ultimo from which it appears that, owing to the onerous conditions imposed by the Admi- falty, it will be impossible to transfer the Naval Dockyard to a new site,
2. This information has been received by all sections of the resident community with much regret.--I have, etc.,
-H. A. BLAKE,
Governor.
The Right Honourable
The Secretary of State for the Colonies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE PUBLIC
WORKS COMMITTEE.
Also at the above meeting, the Director of Public Works laid on table the following
reading of the Bill.
The Colonial Treasurer then moved the third reports of proceedings of this Committee at
The Colonial Secretary seconded. Bill read a third time and passed. The Council was adjourned sixe die.
FINANCE COMMITTEÉ. -
A meeting of the Finance Committee was then held, the Colonial Secretary presiding, by the Colonial Treasurer, the following finan On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded cial minutes were recommended for the ap- proval of the Council-
PUBLIC WORKS.
meetings held on 11th May, and 13th and zoth July
COMPETITIVE DESIGN; FOR POST OFFICE, TREASURY, &c.
The designs, 3 in number, were closely best methad of procedure, it was unanimously scrutinized and, after some discussion as to the
first be drawn up, showing, in parallel columns, agreed that a comparative statement, should the requirements set forth in the conditions of competition and the extent to which these were fulfilled by the several designs and that this To vole a sum of $19,000 in aid of the votes stalement should be forwarded to the heads of for following items under "Public Works, departments to be housed in the new building Annually Recurrent Expenditure":--
with a request that they would criticize the Maintenance of public cemetery......$ 3,00.02 designs and state which they considered best prava wall and plers ... 6,000.00 in point of arrangement as regarded their [Jr. lighthouses
2,000.00 various departments. Water works, miscellaneous Miscellaneous services...
3.000.05
Do.
Total..........
$19,000.00 CATTLE DEPOT EXTENSION. To vote a sum of $25,000 in aid of the vote for "Cattle Depot Extension" under Public Works Extraordinary.
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
The replies to the request of the Committee 16,000.00 for criticism of the designs submitted, which had been received from the various Heads of Departments concerned, were read. The with regard to the Post Office arrangements, designs were again closely examined, especially the access to the .ffices generally, and come of the principal matters of arrangement affecting the Departments to be accommodated, · Mem- beas having expressed themselves in favour of the design numbered 2, the description of the proposed building which accompanied that design was read.
Sir C. P. Chater then moved that the design numbered 2 be accepted Mr. Shewan seconded.
To vote a sum of $334.63 in aid of the vole for l'ersonal Emoluments, Medical Depart
ments:-
fncreases to salaries of permanent staff. $108.00
Kennedy Town Hospital- Salaries for lemporary staff
Hospital Hulk Hygein Salary for potary staff
Total.....
174-63
$282.63
..5 52.00 ...................$334.63
PRAYA EAST RECLAMATION To vote a sum of $28,000, in nd of the vote for Playa East Reclamation under Public Works Extraordinary.
FREE PLANTING.
Tvote a sum of $1.600 in aid of the vote fer tree planting under Other barges, Botanical and Aff restation Department
NURSING INSTITUTE.
To vote a sum of $40 in aid of the vote under *Other Charges," Melical Deparments
NURSING INSTITUTE. Rent of temporary quirters,
The meeting then terminated.
THE ADMIRALTY DOCKYARD EXTENSION.
At the above meeting, a sessional paper (No. 25 of 1903) was laid on the table. It contains the official correspondence re-perting the pro posal for the removal of the Admitaly dockyard extension works from their present site. The correspondence has already appeared in our columns with the exception of two letters, dated respecting, 8th April and 22nd July, 1903, from H.E. the Governor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. They are. in the following
terms:-
Government House, Hongkong, 8th April, 1993. ir,-1 have the honour to forward a petition
addressed to you by a Comini lee representing the ertire community of Hongkong. I enclose
Carried unanimously.
It was a nimously agreed that the design. numbered r be awarded the further premium of St,500 provided under the conditions of competiting
The Chairman having asked whether there was any other matter relative to the proposed building which Members desired to have laid before the Governmeal,
Mr Shewan moved that, in view of the great value of the property; the fact that the building is designed to take a fourth storey; and the probability that additional accomm/dation for required at no very distant date; the building some of the Departments to be housed will be
should, in the first placę, be constructed four stories in height.
Mr. Dickson seconded.
It was pointed out by Sir C. P. Chater and Mr. Shewan that the building would be more in harmony with those adjacent to it if it were made four stories high.
The motion was agreed to unanimously,
CONVICT PRI ON ON STONECUTTERS' ISLAND,
The Chairman laid before the Committee plans which had heen prepared for the establish- went of a convict prison on Stonecutters' Island and explained that the scheme was capable of being expanded so as to provide ultimately for the removal of the entire Gaol to that place so far as such removal was deemed practicable. lealso read the report of a committee appointed
in
175/1901) and certain recent correspondence 1901 le consider the question (C.S.O.
hetween the Colonial Office and War Depart. ment on the subject (CIS.O. 5204/1903).
After some discussion, the Honourable Colonial Treasurer moved :-That the Govern ment be requested to have the report of a
the repoit of a deputation that waited upon me committee which in 1891 considered the ques- on the subject by which you will see that I tion of transferring the gaol to Stonecuiters' entirely agreed with the views of the deputationsland, together with any subsequent papers and undeilook to commend the prayer of the bearing upon the question, printed and furnish-
ed to this committee. petition to the favourable consideration of His Majesty's Government.
2. As will be observed from the terms of the petition, in the event of the decision of the Lords of the Admiralty to meet the wishes of this Colony a site can be offered on the island of Hongkong equally defensible with ample room for expansion, and at which a Dock begun now would probably be finished at Caller expense and in less time than it will take to complete the Admiralty Dock now in process of construction, while the cost of the transfer will be borne by the Colony.
The Honourable C. W. Dickson seconded, For:-The Hon. C. W. Dickson, Sir C. P. Chater, Ki, C.M.G., the Colonial Treasurer, and the Dirictor of Public Works.
Against The Hon. R. G. Shewan,
CRIMINAL SESSIONS.
ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER
The Criminal Sessions was continued on 3 Apart from the arguments for the change Goodman. The only case untried was that of Monday before the Chief Justice, Sir W. M. put forward by the petitioners, venture to
a Chinamas, named Chau Kang, who was Bubma that the whole question ofa Naval Dock charged with manslaughter. The Hon. Sir H. at Hongkong is worthy of careful reconsidera- Spencer Berkeley (Attorney-General),instructed tion by My Lords of the Admiralty. The by Mr. F. B. L. Bowley, prosecuted, and Hongkong & Whampoa Dock Company have at prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, was defended present five dry docks besides three slips, In by Mr. M. W. Slade, who was instructed by - one of these docks H.M.S. Powerful has been Mr. docked. The Company is prepared, if the
Beavis Naval authorities desire it, to conduct another -The following-juny man.one song tama near
D. Osmund (foreman) E. H. Summers, J. dock capable of accommodating the largest ves Douglas, C. Perkins, E. T. Bunge, F. J. Chunet sel afloat, they are prepared to supply the Dock and J. A. Stopani. with the latest improvements in machinery and to lay down a plant capable of dealing with 23rd May last, prisoner was working with others It appeared from evidence taken that, on the any repairs that could be required for H. M.
on board the s.s. Nanting then lying on the Ships and to give to the Naval authorities per east side of the Macao wharf At six o'clock petual right of priority. Messrs. Butterfield & in the evening, the deceased and a friend, Swire are also at present constructing a dock carrying a sale of dried fish, were going on of the largest size venture to say that with board the s. Hangsum to proceed to Macao. such docking facilities existing and prospective The fokis from the s.s. Nanking were playing the repairs of His Majesty's Ships would be on the wharf and so obstructed their way. executed in an entirely satisfactory manner Deceased asked them to move, in order to let and at a very substantial saving to the Imperis! him pass, but they began abusing him, and Government. The Dock Company have from wnd they came to blows, which resulted thoroughly efficien; staff with the best ap in deceased being pushed into the water and pliances and there is constant work, while a drowned. Naval Dockyard must have an expensive establishment always at full strength while it is improbable that the work required for the Fleet on the China Station will keep the Dock fully occupied all the year round. The annual I would urge upon the Lords Commissioners co rpleted 350 acres of accrued soil will have expenditure involved is very considerable and WHEN the dredging of Manila harbour is
of the Admiralty the advisability of sending been added to the limits of the cliy, ona out a Commission to inquire on the spot into hundred and forty acres of which will be in the the important questions involved. There is in limits of breakwaters now constructiog, and Hongkong capital and enterprise sufficient to will furnish the base for, the creation of in carry out any scheme of ducks that His numerable warehouses for government" pur- Majesty's Government may decide to be neces pases. This work alone costs over $1,000,000. sary, I have, etc.
The harbour is to be dredged to a depth of thirty feet, and all accretions are to be de posited behind n bulkhead, the area filled The Right Hoaoumble Joseph Chamberlain, | being the 140 acres indicated. This is to be H.M. Principal Secretary of State for the raised seven and one half feet above Jow Colonies, &c. &o, &c.
water,
H. A. BLAKE, Governor.
By a majority of 6 to 1 prisoner was found
guilty, and was discharged. The Court was adjourned sine die,
Page 10Page 11