re-constituted in the manner
sanctioned
by
Your Lordship
He
252
proceedings of the meeting held on the 18th instant.
consequence, however, of the delay
(doubtless unavoidable) in the
arrival of the Order in Council formally authorizing the reform already granted, I have been compelled to summon the existing
Council for two or three meetings, the consideration of certain Votes of Public Money, and for the
for
an
: despatch of certain other business of
urgent character. I subjoin abbreviated newspaper report of the
proceedings
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
A meeting of the Legislative Council was held on the 18th inst. There were present :----
His Excellency the GOVERNOR, Sir GEORGE BOWEN, G.C.M.G.
Hon. Sir GEORGE PHILLIPPO, Chief Justice. Hon. W. H. MARSH, C.M.G., Colonial Secretary.
Hon. E. L. O'MALLEY, Attorney-General. Hon. A. LISTER, Colonial Treasurer. Hon. P. BRIT.
Hon. J. M. PRIDE, (Surveyor-General). Hon. F. B. JOHNSON.
Hon. F. Stewart, L.L.D., (Registrar-General).
MINUTES.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.
RECONSTITUTION OF THE COUNCIL.
HIS EXCELLENCY-Hon. gentlemen of the Legislative Council, as you are already aware, I had not contemplated meeting you again until the Colonial Legislature should have been reconstituted in the manner graciously sanctioned, on my recommendation, by Her Majesty the Queen. In consequence, however, of the arrival of Her Majesty's Order in Council formally authorising the reforms already granted having been accidentally delayed, I have summoned you for the consideration of certain votes of public money and for the despatch of certain other business of a pressing character as set forth in the order of the day.
FINANCE.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the passing of votes approved in Finance Committee, including a grant to Mr. Colquhoun towards the cost of the exploration-survey from British Burmah to S.W. China and from the north of Siam down the Menam Valley to Bangkok, £300 at 3s 8d., $1,636.36; and building grant to St. Joseph's College, $6,000.
The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded.
Hon. F. B. Johnson-Sir, the only one of these votes to which I wish to call the attention of the Council is that relating to the grant of $6,000 to St. Joseph's College. When this vote came under the consideration of the Finance Committee I gave notice that on its being brought up to this Council I should call your Excellency's attention to what I deem the advisability of submitting, as far as possible, all grants of money out of the public exchequer to the consideration of this Council before they are sent for the approval of the Secretary of State.
I am quite aware, Sir, it may be said it is open to myself or any other member of this Council to move the rejection of any vote when it is brought before the Council, but I am not
arguo prepared to
with the master of thirty legions and although I am quite sure your Excellency does not mean either privately or officially to influence the votes of any member, yet in my experience it is the practice of this Council that no hon. member who holds his seat here by virtue of his official position will vote against or speak against any proposal laid before us which has already received the sanction of the Secretary of State. I have no doubt it will be further said it is not possible to prevent direct applications being made to the Secretary of State; and that being so, I think unless it is intended this Council shall be a sham, that our proceedings shall be a farce, and that in fact we are in the position of the old Parliament of Paris under the Bourbon Kings and most børe