I shall have to make some slight amendments, probably only one or two words to make it a little more complete. I see there is one other section I have not dealt with and that is the last section. That empowers the Permanent Committee to take possession of unoccupied land or buildings without any notice on payment of a fair and reasonable rent for the same, and the object of that is to give them places to remove people to or on which to erect hospitals for the reception of people suffering from the disease. In that section also I shall have to make in Committee stage a slight amendment. I understand that already some places have been taken possession of by the Permanent Committee, and we must make that section protect them in the good work they are doing by making it retrospective. I do not think, sir, I have anything else to remark on this Bill, but in conclusion I should like, and I think I ought publicly, to acknowledge the very great assistance in my particular sphere of work and duty to the Government, that the Chairman of the Permanent Committee has rendered at an enormous sacrifice of his time. He has given himself almost wholly and entirely for the good of the colony. His long experience, his, I may say, almost wonderful and rapid grasp of any subject he takes up, his great legal ability and acumen, have been of the greatest assistance to the Government not only in the drafting of the by-laws made by the Sanitary Board but in the present Bill which is before the Council. I hope and I am certain—in fact he gave a promise to that effect—to receive further assistance from him, during the crisis through which we are passing, in drafting any other measure which may be submitted to this Council. With these few words, sir, I beg to move the second reading of the Bill.
Page 144