The Un-Official Members wishing to record their votes against the passing of the Bill, a division was taken, which resulted as follows:-
Ayes.
THE HARBOUR MASTER.
THE SURVEYOR GENERAL.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER,
THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL.
THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY.
THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE.
Noes.
Honourable A. P. MACEWEN,
C. P. CHATER.
J. BELL-IRVING.
WONG SHING.
P. RYRIE.
The Bill was passed by a majority of one, and numbered as Ordinance No. 24 of 1887.
CLOSING OF THE SESSION.-His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government then closed the Session with the following speech :-
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,
The time has now arrived for closing this session, and it will be for the consideration of His Excellency the Governor, Sir G. WILLIAM DES Vœux when the Council is to re-assemble. The Session of 1886-1887 has been unusually prolonged for the purpose of disposing of that vexed and long pending question "The Public Health Ordinance," and it is hoped you will be well repaid for your labours, when, in the course of time, the benefits conferred by this Bill will have practically manifested themselves, and been duly recognized by the Public.
The Opium Ordinance, as far as can be seen, is fully realizing the anticipations of Government in improving our friendly relations with China, whilst in no way injuring the interests of the honest trader. The Ordinance has been worked locally without, I believe, any friction or inconveniences to our own people, and the Chinese Commissioner of Customs informs me that smuggling has been effectually stopped.
Complaints on the part of the merchants regarding increased duties imposed on certain articles of commerce have been met in a friendly and accommodating spirit by the Chinese Foreign Collectorate, and my despatches on the subject, which are, confidentially, open to the perusal of Honourable Members, will, I trust, have properly represented the commercial interests of the Community.
The invaluable services of His Honour, Acting Chief Justice RUSSELL, who has been chiefly instrumental in bringing about so happy a settlement of this difficult and embarrassing Opium question, have been fully recognized by Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Hongkong, and he well deserves the thanks of the whole community whose interests he has so well represented.
Mr. SETH has been most indefatigable and able in his management of the Opium Office, and to him is largely due the successful working of the Ordinance.
Among other Ordinances which have been passed this Session and which call for remarks are-
1. Post Office,
2. Police Force,
3. Juries and Licences,
have been amended and consolidated by several Ordinances passed this session.
4. The Law concerning Joint Stock Companies has by Ordinance No. 30 of 1886 been amended and improved by the introduction into this Colony of the provisions of certain Imperial Statutes.
5. Closely allied to these three Ordinances is that of No. 16 of 1887 empowering the Courts to award whipping for certain crimes-an Ordinance which it is hoped will act as a strong and effectual deterrent, and will therefore not be often put into force.
6. The Cattle Diseases, Slaughter House, and Markets Ordinance (No. 17 of 1887) is a useful and practical piece of legislation, the object of which is to secure the Colony from the introduction of cattle plague or other infectious diseases, the better regulation of our slaughter houses, and the cleanliness and good order of our markets.
7. The Ordinances relating to the protection of adopted daughters and young girls has been furthered by the passing of Ordinance No. 9 of 1887.
8. The work of the Law Revision Committee and the preparation of the revised edition of the Ordinances has been furthered by the passing of these Ordinances and by the Statute Law Revision Ordinance No. 4 of 1887, which finally repeals and removes from our Statute Book no less than 102 Ordinances and parts of 5 others.
9. The cause of order and peace in the Colony has been further promoted by the passing-
i. Of an Ordinance regulating the carriage and possession of arms.
ii. Of an Ordinance enabling Government to take steps for the suppression of the Triad and other unlawful Societies, and
iii. Of an Ordinance for the more effectual prevention of crime by placing under police supervision all criminals who are liberated from gaol before expiry of their sentence.
The necessity of the second mentioned Ordinance was strongly urged on the Government by a Commission which was appointed to enquire into Secret Societies, and which proved to what an extent these unlawful Societies existed here, and the power which they were enabled to exercise, a power which they used not only for their personal benefit, but often to the prejudice of justice by the help which they extended to criminals.
The improvement in the discipline and management of the Gaol has been well maintained, and acts as a wholesome deterrent to crime.
The large increase in the total tonnage of shipping entering this port, as shown in the Harbour Master's report, speaks well for the growing prosperity of the Colony, which is still further evidenced by the steadily increasing population and extensive building and reclamation operations either in progress or being planned.
There is apparently every sign that this prosperity, in which we are happy to see our Chinese fellow-citizens so largely participating, is of a substantial and lasting character, and that the Colony has a great future before it.
In respect of Public Works and Improvements, as satisfactory progress has been made as could be expected under the difficulties of the rainy season.
Among the more important undertakings of the year may be mentioned the extension of the main sewers of the town on improved sanitary principles. Another instalment of nearly two miles of these new main drains has been added to those previously existing since my predecessor last addressed you.
The new Victoria College works are now well advanced, and it is anticipated that the new building will be ready for occupation during the earlier portion of next year. Unforeseen legal difficulties in clearing the Central Market of its tenants have led to some delay in the commencement of the new Public Market, but these difficulties having now been surmounted, arrangements have been made to begin the new market buildings early next month when the rainy season will have practically come to a close.
The tunnel under the Tytam mountain range being now open throughout, the extension of the public water supply is rapidly approaching completion.