LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
A meeting of the Legislative Council was held in the Council Chamber yesterday after DOOD. Present: His Excellency the Govere ad, Sir Frederick Lugard, K.C.M.O. Colonel Dailing, iz, Hon. Mr. F. H. May, C.1.0., (Colonial Secretary), Hon. Mr. W. Rees Davies General), Hon. Mr. A. M. Thomson Attorney (Colonial Treasurer), Hon. Mr. W. Chatham, C.M.Q. (Director of Public Works), Hon. Capt. Basil R. H. Taylor, R.N., (Harbour, Masic), Hon. Mr. E. A. Irving (Registrar General), Hon. Dr. He Kai, M.D.,-CM.G., Hon. Mr. Heary Keswick, Hon. Mr. Wei Yuk, Hon. Mr. H. B Pollock, K.C., Hon, Mr. E. Osborne, Hed. Mr. Murray Stewart, and Mr. C. Cle menti, (Clark of Councils),
MINUTES.
:
The minutes of the last meeting were tend
and confirmed.
FINANCE.
The Colonial Secretary laid on the table report of the Finance Committee (No. 6).
FINANCIAL MINUTES.
The Colonial Secretary laid on the inble "Financial Minutes Nos. 16, 17 and t it was agreed that they be referred to the Finance,
Committee.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH FRIDAY MAY 1908.
outbreak of plague lo 1894 did the community ・did awake to a realization of its danger, nor official apathy, heedless of warning from Dr. Ayres and others, yield to a bouse of its obvious duty.. Then under the spur of panic, ander threatened injury to its commercial interests the Colony attempted to do in haste what it ought long since to have done at leisure; it attempted to rectify lo a moment the mischief of many years' growth, and it has now for some years past beau paying in full, measure the penalty attendant upon lodifference and neg. lect. But whatever blame attaches to indivi- duals, applies only to those who in the years previous to 1864 allowed these evils to for minate and develop. state of affairs was the original and drastic Ordinance of 1903, described in the Commis
The outcome of
that for instance some
modern method
"FOREIGN CORPORATIONS. The Attorney General moved the third read. ing of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to enable Foreign Corporations to acquire and hold land' in the Colony,
The Colonial Secretary seconded, and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
ADJOURNMENT. The Council was adjourned until this day.. fortnight.
FINANCE COMMITTEE, .. A meeting of the Finance Committee was the Colonial Becretary presiding. It was agreed held immediately after the meeting of Council, to recommend that the following veles, be adopted by the Council:
153
OPIUM IN SHANGHAI:
MOTION 10 APPEAL.
AN OLD CASE REVIVED.
Motion to appeal to the Privy Council against n decision of the Paisne Judge was asked for yesterday morning, at the Supreme Court, on behalf of four merchants-Chan Wo, alias Chan Chan Wai Ching and Kwong Tak trading as Pui Chi, alias Chen Yik Chung, Chan Chung To, the Wah Hing Lang firm. The motion was to reverie a judgment, delivered by Mr. Justice Wise, against the appellants in favour of Chen, Yam and eight other business men.
mante. He welcomed most confially this body ware that if individual grievances were given the result of which will not be depreciated.
„THE CLOSED HOUSES:""" a patient and sympathetic hearing, this friction property or a depleted revenus, but will be en of opinion and be bellered that it would result department, which would go far towards parted" saver to return, The Community's considered and useful measure and would set
The N.C.D. News of atet ulto, reports that an would give way to a sense of confidence in the empty and ruined city commerce de in the Bill as finally passed being a thoroughly securing the co-operation of the Chinese, answer to that question was the Public Health at rest once for all ibis perennial controversy where now thard is resistance, and mix Ordinance of 2003, by which the Government on the subject of sanitation in this Colony. understanding. The whole Sanitary Depart was given a mandato from the people to parily. Te noted with the greatest possible pleasure interesting event took place on Saturday after ment from President downwards should under this city at any cust, and however, hardly is the tribute to the singleness of purpose of the noon at a 'clock at the Town Hall This to do to the best of their power, as far as in oplum möking divans within the Interna stand that the law was not framed for the may press upon the property owners, however officials of the Government in endeavouring was the drawing of lots by proprietors of From them lay, to the best of the public welfare. tional Settlement as to whose establishments purpose of harrassing and annoying that their distasteful it may be to the Chinese, there can
·with the" accordance business is to educate and assist; to give effect ne so turning back now, no depa chadwick He looked to this specially because he should be closed to the regulations in on intelligent and tolerant the broad lines laid down by Mosses,
nd Simpson, and no shrinking from sacrifices hoped that the words of the hon. member, resolution at the Ratepayers Meeting last of the hon, member of the Council and the of the oplam divans and shops by July 1, Owing manner; to concedo where concession is pos tation of the law. Unless this spirit animate mands. This mandate must be fulfilled by
pean macner of drawing lots was untrast- sible; and above all avoid à saareless interpre which the futurs prosperity of the port de Mr. Osborns, reflected generally the opinion month providing for the closing of as par cent the department, unless the bigh officials protect the Government adhering to a fixed, usalter leading people of the Colony (applause), to a rumour amongst the Chinese that the Euro Town Rall and the lots were drawn in the same of the Sanitary Board can most being a member of the Sanitary Board, worthy a drum holding the lots was taken to the and arrogance of subordinates, there will con cials
way as is being done at the Kinngaan and other the public against the misplaced zeal, stupidity, able, policy of Sanitary reform and the unoff. With regard to the Medical Officer of Health noable to put forward his views. In his tinue to be intitation; antagonism, and trouble usefully serve the Public, not by aspiring he saw no reason why that officer should be to an impractical scheme of municipal control, sioners' Report as the work of, a "navica
And as most of the friction in the past bus un Sir, the deliberations of nearly to years, em
cutive officials; by freely exercising their Seeing that the Sanitary Board was only an suburbs. This procedure, apparently satisfied to apply the law in a common sense and ren
all straight
Three prominent Chinese gen- bracing the recommendations of Messrs. Chad doubledly been due to administrative incapacity but by acting in a consultive capacity to axe capacity as Medical Officer of Health. lotteries for prizes every month in the Chiesse wick and Bimpson, experts sent from home afsonable fashion, so the future success or failure powers of exemption; by enquiring into and other name for a health board it appeared to the Chinese opium divan proprietors as being tbexpress with of the public; embracing of the reorganised department will depend ventilating grievances; and above all by him there should be a Government medical
medical largely consultations with " architects,
upon the broad-mindedness of its uniting with honourable members of this officer upon the board. After referring to the tlemen residing amongst us were present, authorities and lawyers; embracing the President, who whilst on the ons haud Council in criticising the details of the Gavern- question of open spaces, His Excellency said namely, Mesen, Shéo Tua-ho (Director of the study of every known interest involved; re- will carry out the unalterable determis most policy, not in a bicketing spirit or in that with regard to disinfection he thought they Imperial Bank of China), Char Lal-fong (Com were in process of reaching a solution, the best pradore to Mesurs. Jardine Matheson and Co.), ferences to India and other countries; the whole of them collated and elaborated to suit nation of Government to cleanse this town senseless cavil, but in a spirit of candour and
other hand initiate charges and reforms where gladly welcome than those upon whom final solution in this matter, and that was by imlands Back), these gentlemen having been asked local conditions; the whale of them discussed in the interests, of Public Health, will on the fairness, which I am sure no one will more of all possible solutions, and indeed the only and Yi Ya-ching (Compradord to the Nether and criticised ad nauream in public; if this, Sis, the law in found to be inapplicable. And it 19.rests the responsibility of governing this proving the sanitation of the city and by stop by the Municipal Council to witness the proceed- ping the abandonment of the dead in the streetsings in order to give confidence to the Chinese be correctly described as the work of a novice,
is to be hoped that when appeals to the Gov. Colony. (Applause.)
by the co-operation of the Chiness themselves. concerned. The Foreign gentlemen present at - Dr. Ho Kai said that he took it all were THE PUBLIC HEALTH BILL, `- it would be interesting to know in what
ernor in Council are beard, the President will
neer of Taxes) and E. L. Allen and F. A. Samp one and he promised its most be present to plead the cause of common agreed on the main principle that the Public He thought the point raised by Mr. Follock was the drawing ware Meurs. A. Johnsford (Over- an importation by the Government, son, Assistant Oversees of Taxes – Mr. Shen The Director of Public Works moved the consists the work of an expert. The fault, now
sense. The chief point of the Report however Health and Buildings Ordinance of the past
Tua-ho made a few remarks to those present in second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordin Laid bare by experience, lay not in that the
He proposed that the committee stage of the
Chinese in which he reminded his hearers that ance to amend the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance was ill considered, ill digested; but lies in a recommendation concerning the con-required amendment and this Bill was in careful
that it violated the one great principle which stitution of the Board, which, as I have fended to meet the necessity. He would not
Hill be postponed for three weeks, Ordinance, 1993, and the Public Health and
Mr. Pollock asked that the postponement this scheme for-reducing the consumption of
opium net only throughout the Chinese govern Buildings Amendment Ordinance, 1963. Since underlies all sound legislation, and, which is already shown, virtually amounts to muni- follow his oratorical friend Mr. Osborne on the this Bill had been introduced and read a first that laws should be based only upon experience cipal control of Sanitary affairs. This, Sir, strictures he made on the Commission which tims, be said, it had been very extensively and fact, and that human intellect is inc-pable is a matter which strikes at the root of he thought, were somewhat undeserved but he be for five werks as a new member would
would leave them to defead, themselves. As have to be elected to take the place of Mr.ed portions of the Empire but also in the Crown Colony government and as such calla'
emanated from their Imperial Majesties and, criticised by the local authorities on behalf of of creating them to fit conditions not yet known.
for careful scrutiny. In the peculiar circum- to whether the members of the Commission aboms and he himself had to go by the Em-foreign settlements of China was one that, the Government; bance those doing business the European and Chinese property-owners in Had this principle been observed, the Ordinance
stasces of our case, a British Colony run
would not be back within three weeks. had exceeded their powers in their recompress of Japan on Thursday aext and be
ia opium were really obeying the Imperial this Colony. They had submitted' statements would have been, framed with elasticity to
His Excellency the Governor could not
mandates in reducing opium smoking divans of certain amendments which they consider deal with circumstances as they arose; and largely on alien money, with a British popula-mendations he would not say, but if their re- tion, which owing to climatic and other reasons commendations were of value they should be
and shops. The result of the drawing showed ed ought to be made and meetings with submit that no amount of tinkering, no num-
The Bill passed the second reading.
that 959 opiam eatablishments, among them" them had been held by His Excellency, ber of amending, Ordinances will avail, until
above all other considerations our aim should mission was not representative of the com and alter full discussion a great many this principle be taken to heart and followed. is constantly changing, it seems to me that adopted. It had been said that the Com- entertain the suggestion. of the amendments that they suggested Speaking from personal experience of plague be to give stability to pur laws, consistency to mugity, but if there recommendations of
"their business by the July v nÉKì. many of the largest in Shanghai, are to close our policy, and honesty to our administration
theirs were, valuable, they should be carried had been adopted. They had shown, perhaps, measures, and conversant as I am with the a little undue nervousness in criticising the work of the Sanitary Department is past years, all of which I claim the Crown Colony system into effect whether the Commission was re- gives with trishaess unequalled by any presentative or not.. With regard to the point that there should be a cadet at the head of the proposals because in one case they suggested with your Excellency's permission I cannot
other. I admit without argument that the that the word "modify should be altered to allow this opportunity to pass without 'com.
system has faults; that our commercial proSanitary Department, he remarked that he "reduce.". In the present Ordinance the word menting, on the charges of incapacity and
greas is slow for lack of initiative and enter
was in favour of the Government's proposal, "modily" or its equivalent term "modification" corruption levelled at the whole department in
great part of the prise on the part of Government; I believe for so long as a was used repeatedly and he had never heard the Commission's report, especially where they
that under municipal control, given the right population was outrageously inadequately it suggested that the word meant anything way there was reason to fear that corruption
men to manage affairs, improvements would be represented at the Legislative: Conncil be but what was specified under the Ordinance, and bribery extended, throughout the staff of under the section to which it was used. One British inspectors. True it is that instances of effected in municipal matters which under thought it was quite futile to expect the Coun slowly; cil, especially himself, as representing the Chi- of the principal features of the Bill was the corruption came to light during the enquiry existing conditions eventuate so
bese community, to agree to such quasi-muai- concentration under the Building Authority but so far as the evidence has been made of all matters which affected the construc- public there is nothing in it to warrant·
ousted the old fashioned and unsuitable mud proposed by the Commission. On the subject tion of buildings. The submission of plans such an assumption as that I have re of paying our streets would long since have cipality or any constitution approaching to that to the Medical Officer of Health and the ferred to; and considering the difficulty and stone; I believe that mors publicity would of Mr. Osborne's address he observed that the be given and therefore more interest taken in hon. member had spoken of the Colony as requirement of his signature would be dis of obtaining suitable men pensed with, and this would be a sub- palatable work, considering that in the first public affairs; i admit there has hitherto been though everything depended, upon its shipping instance inspectors had to be garnered from too little sympathy with commercial interests, and commerce, but he held that the real reason time le passing the stantial saving in
whatever local sources were available; it would
an unaccountable jealousy on the part of of the Colony's position at the present day WAS plans. It was proposed to withdraw the.de- Ginition of external air", because on further have been wonderful indeed if such an or
officiale of private enterprise reaping private the cheap labour that could be commanded consideration it was considered it would oper: ganization as the Sanitary Department had reward; that whereas in other countries new here. He thereupon discussed cerisio provi-
been evolved at once without flaw and without
industries are given cheap land, relieved of sions of the Dill, He thanked His Excellency
** ate rather unfairly on, parties who desired
taxation and otherwise fostered, here in Hong-for.baving met several leading architects themselves to erect a building of very moderate fault; and if, Sir, corruption of individuals be height and who happened to have opposite this accepted as evidence incriminating the whole, kong it is the practice to strangle with presenting the Europera and Chinese property. proposed building another, of much greater the very few of us dare lift the first stone; for vexatious conditions. But these, Sir, are after owners in the Colony on this Bill. he height belonging to some neighbouring owner what business in the Colony is there which, all comparatively trivial grievances capable kindness and courtesy shown by His Excellency of easy removal. To change this system had been duly appreciated and would no doubt The proportion of floor space and cubic space during recent years, has not in some manner par hoad was very much reduced in the amend been victimised by the dishonesty of individual
bly; to set in authority over us, men who are
in considering this Bill-in committee, eg Bill. Section 1910, a new section, had employees. Similarly, when wholesale charges for that of Government by an elected assem curtail and save very much time of the Council,
here to-day and gone to-morrow; or men
Mr. Pollock, after a short speech, proposed been introduced to apply to existing buildings of incapacity are preferred, it is well not to when they were being altered. The provision allow details to unduly sway one's judgment whose interest in public affairs would probably that the following provision should be added
be restricted to their private needs; men re regarding thickness of walls as applied to but to bear in mind the stupendous task new buildings was applied to new build which had to be performed under conditions
of difficulty and discouragement, in face of the sponsible to none for their mistakes; or men who in the matter of public expenditure.would ings only. Another section to 3 a had been introduced to regulate the construction of obstinacy, ignorance and resistance of the very partition walls, principally with the view of people on whose behalf these measures were probably imperil the Colony's credit by em- extravagance; 10 place the Government in such requiring some more substantial form of con- being tried; then to give credit where credit isulating the phantasies of modern municipal struction than could be ipsisted upon at due, and frankly acknowledge the good work present, had also with a view to securing accomplished. But from beginning to end of hands as these would; I think, be fraught with
-An article which appears in a recent issue of the use of non-inflammable material where the Commissioners' report there is not one word injury to the Colony, and hurtful to those who buildings were so densely occupied as many of approbation, not the faintest meed of praise; happened to be without the precincts of the
city WEIL. He
everything from the stat has been wrongly municipal chamber. With a shifting, popala
Review (Shanghai)-anent the alleged makreat of the houses in the
upon his own affairs, there would I think he
our esteemed contemporary-The Saturday thought the importance of this Ordinance done and practically the whole Sanitary station such as ours, with every one busily intent would be admitted. In section 107 the open- are; by implication, branded either as rogues or
The provisions of the Hongkong Code of meat of Chinese coolics by Sikh policemen at that port, applies as well to some of our Bikh to undertake such duties, so that the ings in party walls were regulated; at the pre fools. Of all the mistakes, Sir, that have fol- difficulty in finding men su table and willing sent time there were no restrictions. Feclion lowed in the wake of the Public Health and
care of public affairs would pass into Civil Procedure as to Originating Summonses Içi introduced some amendments as regarded Building Ordinance, not the least of them, I
the hands of undesirable persons and shall extend, so far as the same are applicable constables in this Cology, whose behaviour 10- and with such modifications as circumstances, wards the ignorant coolles by no menos lenient we should be, called upon to witness & the lighting of buildings at a greater depth think, is the injustice, might even say 1han do feet. The present provisions in the the cinel injustice, to-thur bespatter the char
alluded-beth by word and picture-to the which appear to be inseparable from demo. which in issued under this section and proceed. Thus our contemporary: -We have many times maltreatment of coolies by the Sikh police Ordinance were found to be somewhat too aciers of those men who, whatever their faults, repetition of these edifying public scandals may require, to any Originating Summons and not always in accordance with the law. drastic and it was hoped that this alleration whatever their shortcomings in the dark days
civil proceedings brought by or against the
During the past week we have again witnessed would meet the requirements of the case. The following 1894, did at least fulfil their noxious, cratic rule. This question of municipal goings under this section shall be deemed to be
championed and fought out before and dis Crown as the case may be."
The Colonial Secretary, referring to the several instances. of this rough handling, amendment to section 153 was based largely dangerous task to the best of their ability and verument is of perennial growth it has heea upon the recommendations of the Cubicles with loyalty to the public weal: I do not say Committee. That Committee included four that none of the Commissioners' strictures carded as unsuitable. No one questions the
its own affaire, but is there any evidence that hon, friend on his left, the Attorney General, duly to communicate direct with the powers had remarked to him that although he had sat that be, In another column we publish as unofficial members of the Council and one of were justified, I do not deny that, the Sanitary right of an enlightened community to manage speech made by Mr. Osborne, said that his and in one case we have thought it our the Asiatic sections of our population are pos
for several years in the House of Cominous be article on the London policeman, whom the the leading architects and the proposals now department needed reform, but I do say that
sessed of the necessary enlightenment, or the made would, he presumed, recommend them in criticising, the work of that Department, selves to the remaining members Inconnection allowance should be made for the difficulties individual independence of character, power of had not listened to a more able speech. The auther tightly describes
House of Commons was an assembly to which most wonderful men in the world. Chief assignment was altered before signature so as with that clause he might mention it was pro- that had to be met, and that it is oufair to judge posed to introduce an amendment with regard to-day when most of those difficulties have self-restraint and impartiality of judgment,
medi?
Does not the very history of this date hoped to introduce himself (laughter Courtesy towards all but evil-doers with ther the alteration was made before signatura
the to houses on the reclamation, but it would be disappeared. Sir, despite the utterances of some, which are the first essentials of self-govern he (the Colonial ecretary) at some fature antongst his qualifications is that unfailing to include them. Therefore the point is whe lion. member's making every allowance for lack of know. allegation of fraud by the defendants and there. limited to houses," that did not exceed 100 feet despite the criticisms of the Press, sad despite † Public Health law, with its dismal Taley and applauso), and be had listened with which many of us are so familiar. White or after. This, of course, amounts to ap
of disease and death, answer emphatically tuch pleasure
of the Sikh, and for the extraordinary imper- evidence of fraud (taken for what it is worth) is have the pleasure of listening to him in the in the begative? Are the people who, on the speech that he sincerely hoped he would ledge of the coolie's language on the part fore they have to prove fraud, but supp sing viousness to everything but his own immediate produced then it seems to me that a man who question of Public Health, have for years har-
concerns on the part of the coolie, together sues on an admittedly altered document has to assed the authorities by their apathy, their House of Commons also. Use remark he had callousness, their passive resistance, are these listened to with a good deal of sorrow and that
ment itself that the time it was made these'debts. was that industrial enterprises were strangled with bis ignorance of the Sikh speech, we prove that the alteration was made before tigua the people to whom should be given the prie
of law were looked upon es bad debts and it is difficult the words "by: the owner." That had been the Sanitary condition of the Colony; those vilege, to whom should be enyusted the ber. in Hongkong by vexatious conditions imposed submit that there is nothing gained by the ture and not after. It is clear from the docni a boas of contention on previous occasions but who can testify to the evil and stench-ridden dee of self-government? Or would we have by the Government. He supposed the bon, extraordinary methods pursued by many
•thers' could be ng doubt that the space pro-] streets of former days will not wùkhold praise them set aside, they who possess by far the member referred to the sale of Crown land of "our lubanged
when they pass through the clean and whole. vided should be provided by the owner. It was not peculiar to the Colony because it
same thoroughfares of to-day; those who like largest stake in the Colaby; would we ignore for the purposes of large and small industries, and order. Because a coelia happens to to understand why the first plaintiff should insist the Chinese and vest control in a handful of After explaining the method of disposing take the "wrong" side of the road--which their inclusion. He admits that the price might be said to be universal. Section 179 myself were wont to exhibit as sights of the Europeans? venture 10 predict, sir, that if of Crown land, the Colonial Secretary said that is of course his, and many other people's previously agreed to be paid by hilm for the dealt with the open spaces and scavenging | town, the closely, packed underground opium any such proposal were made, we should learn he had never heard of very large conçerns like "right" side-in a thoroughfare empty of business, etc,, excluded - íbėse debts and ke
for such up-
in depth. Section 230 provided for a scheme the findings of this Commission, I believe for including existing blocks of buildings, the majority of men who are acquainted with That scheme, if it became at all general, would the circumstances, will declare unhesitatingly undoubtedly effect a very considerable im- that notwithstanding expense, notwithstanding provement to the Colony at a moderate cost. mistakes and notwithstanding abuses; great In section 175 it was not proposed to delete and lasting improvement has been effected in
dens and uputterable squalor of China town,
to the Bill
re-
"In the event of any difference of opinion arising between the Building Authority or the
CONSTABLE UNIFORM,"
A sum of thirty-nine dollars in aid of the vote, Medical Departments, B.-Hospitals and Asylums, Civil Hospital, Other Charges, uni form for Indian constable.
SECRET SERVICE.
A sum of one thousand dollars in aid of the vote, Police and Prison Departmesi, 4- Palice, Other Charges, secret service.
COLONIAL SECRETARIAT.
A sum of one thousand one hundred and twenty dollars in aid of the vote, Colonial Secretary's Department and Legislature, Per- sonal Emoluments, temporary 1st grade clerk.
This was all the business...
and any person as to the meaning of any pro- Head of the Savitary Department or the Board SIKH the Building Authority or for such Head or vision of this Ordinance, it shall be lawful for the Board or such person to take out an Origi nating Summons in the name of or against the purpose of having the meaning of such provi- sion determined by the Supreme Court, Attorney General as the case may be for the
10
The Chief Justice and Mr. Justice Gomperts presided.
The Hon. Mr. H, E. Pollock, K.C1, instructed by Mr. Sargent, of Messrs. Wilkinson and Grist, moved the application. Mr. M. W. Slade, who was instructed by Mr. G. K. Hali Brufton, of Mesurs, Bruttos and Hett, appeared for the respondents,
On the 8th April, 1904, the petitioners filed a state sent of claim in an action claiming from the suspondents the sum of 54,358, being part by the Wab Tai firm to the Wah fling Long of $12,000 which was a debt alleged to be des firm. On the 28th June, 1904, the case was heard, the respondants denying the debt. the 8th April, 1907, judgment was pronounced COOLIES.
for the respondents with costs. On the 1st and 2nd July, last the respondents moved an POLICKMEN AND CHINESE The case was beard by the Paisne Judge. On
appeal from that decision, which appeal was dismissed. Their motion now was to move the Privy Council,
ALLEGED MALTREATMENT.
as one of the
custodians
Butterfield and Swire and the Standard Oil other traffic at the moment, there is no Company complain that they were unfairly necessity to seize bid, unwrap his queue desk with. He had had complaints from other and hike him over to the "left" side, companies in the Colony that the Government upsetting his barrow and obstructing all foot cates a detestation of the police on the part of was sailing to their rivals land 100 cheap. That traffic meanwhile. This sort of thing incal to that maintenance of law and order which which-to say the least of it is not conducive the bulk of the inhabitants of this Settlement
Governor-in-Council. It was felt that the commendations and the provisions of the Bill of injustice unusually associated with the encouragement to local coterprise, That struck they are supposed to enforce.
"A CRYING SHAME!”
The facts of the case were given in Mi.. case the plaintiffs are suing for a sum of money Justice Wise's judgment. He said In this in Court, amounting to $4.258, of which a sum of about $3,000 in admitted by the defendants, so that the sum at issue sriflag. The claim
Wah Hing Loong business to the plaintiffs 1899, by which the defendants assigned the arises out of an assigament, dated March 2, and the question to be decided is whether to be due to the Wah Hing Loong by the Wa such assignment included certain debis alleged Tai and Fung Shing firms. It is admitted by the plaintiffs that the assignment as originally drafted did not include these debts, but it is stated that at the request of the first plaintiff the
gives his reasons for it, bu! his evidence on tha subject of the alterations and his reason for them hardly seem satisfactory, and what is more, he handed over his security for the Fung Shing who wrote the assignment, also supports, bis debts to Chan Yum. Chen Wo's accountant,
of the defendants it was of course cortended hat the alteration was made after signatura is the evidence for the plaintiff. On the part
and it was pointed out that a document pro master as to the alteration. This practically
duced by the plaintiffs as a copy of the original assignment was at any rate not so exact copy. and in one place there is a considerable varia
lanes. A few amendments were introduced in that, but he did not think they were of vital im will now search for such sights in vain; and if very quickly from the Chinese, and not only portance. Section 180-the Government was plague, that unsolved problem in other lands the Chinese, that they certainly prefer the pot prepared to accept lanes as part of than ours, if Plague has not been altogether trained, disinterested civil servant with all the spaces. la section 185 the construction of banished from our midst, the accomplished re his faults to a clique of untrained and
what appears in the local Press, one would im-sort of criticism was made to him the other streels on which domestic buildings front was salts of the Sanitary Department's endeavours in possibly self seeking amateurs. To judge from dealt with. Section 2640 was a very important that direction are sufficiently encouraging to
heel of official tyranny, though one seeks in as a remedy and it was suggested that the one as it delegated to the Building Authority justify a continuance of their work with unabat agine the community was crushed beneath the day and he had asked what they would suggest what was now vessed in the Hasid or the ed vigour. As regards the Commissioners' re-
vain for those evidences of indignation, or the Government should give land away as an modification was required to such a slight before us, setting aside trivialities with which
cause of an oppressed people. And is it not him as a peculiar proposition, that the extent that an undue amount of delay the report is somewhat overburdened, there
strange that this discontent with the establish. Government should begin to give away Was involved in going through the pre-appear to me to be three and only thier im- ed order of Government which we are told land to those who wished to cut into the trade
A HAWKER'S IDEA OF RAISING "THE WIND. Chan Yum also denies the genuineness of the signatures at the end of this alleged His Excellency the Governor, in the course
copy and states that it is a false book alto sent requirements. Section 267 was also portant suggestions to consider. Ona is that exists, should not occasionally find expression of others. he important one as it admitted of the con- the Building Authority shall be placed under in this Council Chamber? The machinery is
goth also gether. The assignment was adverised by struction of a similar class of building and was the direct control of the Sanitary Board; an here, ready at hand for any member of the com- of a lengthy speech, disclaimed any intention
With a view to collecting sufficient money to both panties and the weak spot in the defend. other that there abould be a simple form of intended to apply more to the outlying districts.
woes in public; bat so far as my experience Bill he had said that the constitution of the The provisions of the Ordinance were very appeal; another is that the Sanitary De-munity to lay bare his wrongs, to unburden his of discourtesy when on the introduction of the
in largely framed with regard to the buildings
patient shall be run by 3. Board having goes it is seldom that the voice of genuine Commission was not entirely representative of pay his fine Ip Hiog Su, a hawker, sank deeper ant's case in that neither of the advertisements the city itself or in the more populous parts of
as unofficial majority, under a President grievance has been heard within these the community. When be bad remarked that in the mire. Yesterday forenoon, Ip was ar makes any reference to the exclusion of the Wa Kowloon, and could scarcely be said to meet of its own selection, which, if it mean walls. If, for instance, the Chinese or the the Commission had exceeded their powers to rested at West Point on a charge of selling his Tai and Fung Shing: debie and Chao Yur's In a satisfactory way the requirements where anything at all, meins that the department
iquity of any particular provision of the Public bis predecessor, Sir Mathew Nathan, bad said Sie bail to appear in the Police Court to-day explanation given is that it was unnecessary to the buildings were less dense and the develop shall be converted into a sort of half property owners feel so deeply about the in some extent he had kept in mind the fact that wares without a permit ip was released on explanation is not altogether satisfactory. One fledged municipal", corporation possessed Health law, why is it they have never thought to the chairman that he did not contemplate for trial. Ip, it appears, thought he could only refer to the exclusion of the debts in the adver ments had not advanced as they had done.
out again to do business. A few hours later he balance sheet, and the other in that the first. of sufficient powers to work mischief, but in.
at the Commission were The Colonial Secretary seconded. -.
this Council. And why is it that the profure Whether or
Topg
Ke also deales his signature to the al Mr. Osborne said:--To rightly understand sufficiently equipped to perform the functions it worth their while to bring the matter before any modification of the present Ordinance. be, arrested once for the offence, and started tisements as it was already referred to in the "What are you up for now?" queried the leged copy as also does Fung Sung Kul. On the complex questions involved in the Fublic appertaining to a genuine municipality. As to criticisms of property owners and architects, within the terms of their reference, every returned to the station in charge of another defendant objected to the reference. Chang
whether the Building Authority,, should be oo this very Bill, should have dwindled down single recommendation or suggestion had been policeman.
the whole I'am of opinion that the balance of Health and Building Ordinance, and to appre
placed under the Sagitary Board, there are no
The policeman, who was not aware that.Ip probability lies with the defendants. - The ciate at their proper value the conclusions doubt good arguments for and against; all, to the few comparatively unimportant matters considered on its merits irrespective of whether arrived at by the Sanitary Commissioners, one
however, that the public wants and is concern: detailed in their published reports. I will tell it was within the precise terms of the reference officer on duty.
intisfaction. I presume they will get their meeda,, I think, to revent to the history of its ed with is efficiency; they want their plans and you why it is, Sir. It is because the Chinese or not. His Excellency made reference to the origin, to have followed the course of its de-
Judgment for defendants with costs. velopment and to be familiar with the events arrangements put through with a minimum of know, the property owners, know, and every fact that he had suggested to the president of had been arrested that same morning, said that plaintis have not established their case to me
"Yes," answered Ip.
Ms. Pollock proceeded to state" "ble case which culminated in this enquiry. The Colony circumlocution and with a maximum of indut intelligent member of this community, if he will the Banitary Board that no restriction what the prisoner had no licence and was hawking.
"And why did you repeat the offence?"
at length, giving bis reasons why he shouldi of Hongkong, Sir, came into the possession of geace that their wishes will, as far as public in only acknowledge the truth, knows, that in ever should be placed on sny zemark heBut you were up here this morning for the $3,000 so there is very little left to fight for, "I went out simply to care enough money to be permitted to appeal, In explaining why Great Britain at a period when, throughout the forests allow, be grasted. To the public, it is this question of Public Health, involving as it had made on abis question at the Legislative same thing?" continued the oicer, world the principles of advanced sanitation Immaterial whether the Building Authority is does the vary existence of the place at a centra Council in order that the members of the welfare of all against ignorance, self-interest mission might have an opportunity of replying
said he and his learned friend had left the were little understood and even less practised. attached to one department or another; and of trade, the Government is fighting for the Board who were also members of the Com
forced to laughier
Colony soon after the last appeal and they If came within the Empite as a prise of war as would appear to be the case,
community generally are in agreement with eight weeks to-day since this Bill was introduced cently.
*"It's a shame that I should be arrested," he had forgotten all about it until about a week Bassofe value was considered to be its the propened arrangement results in eff and greed; it is for this reason the foreign in the fullest manner they desired. It was pay my fice to-morrow!" Ip answered, into the matter had not been brought up before, he
ciency the public, 1 feel cure, will be the broad principles of the law, and it is for and bon, members and the community outside strategic position its development as fatisfied with it. On the question of appeal this reason the measures, adopted by Govern had had a considerable time to consider the
Mr. Slade quoted authorities at length, and trading centre was neither intended mordasited i. is fdture lay unplanned; its commercial pro there should certainly be some simple method
power of honourable members to give that the fullest advantage had been taken of that hawkers about doing business for weeks and specia headed. No wonder then, neglected, by which persous feeling aggrieved can obtain ment deserve all the suppen which it is in the provisions of the Bill, and he was glad, to say went on. A crying shame. There are many I fell into evil ways and maturing in an a bearing not only by the President of the Biripped of technicalities and side issues, this opportunity, for the European property owners have not been arrested. And 1” ba sighed,
Vfidement was reserved. Atmosphere of drift, it bred the evils of congest Board, but by the Board itself. I think that whole problem about which contrarity has had appointed two leading firms of architects get locked up twice in a day for doing what contended that no extension, of time should be Seday), fistaltation and disease. Not till much Irritation in the past linz been due to aged so long resolves fell into the vary to report uspos in Chlaste property-owsers did other are doingSalt's a shame ju po plyap inasmuch as the Stoo security had not
Bigboure there Any serious attempts to grapple conviction that "the Sanitary Department bas
to drift on as in days of old, generating evil and several memings to discuss the amende and Aned FREEZE Curemblesa e faluations mot till the are noted with unnecessary Earshness, and I feel leple question, whether the Colony is content the game and the Sanitary Board had He was charged in the Police Court, to-day, been paid into Court, 2NS
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The officer wAN