158
(66)
giving an opinion on the subject as most people, I wish that the hon. member had gone farther, who, though not qualified to speak as experts, I should like to see that principle extended so that we should get not only sound advice but the very best advice it is possible for us to get. I do not think any local commission, any commission which can be found locally, will be of the slightest use; we have had opinions galore given here. But I think I am right in saying that sanitary science is a specialty of two main professions, the medical and engineering, and I do not wish it to be understood, very far from it, that I desire to imply anything derogatory to the local ability of this colony when I say that I do not think it does possess the best opinion the colony could have. The learned Attorney-General, at the first reading, said that the Government was in possession of the best evidence at its disposal. That may be. I dare say it is, and in fact, I am sure it must be, but what we want is not any more evidence on it but the verdict of capable men on that evidence. The same men gave the evidence and also the verdict. It was not evidence really but opinion, and the opinion they expressed was that this area should be burnt down. But I venture to doubt in my own mind whether all these gentlemen or any of them were as capable of forming an opinion as men who can be got specially for the purpose.
The total demolition of Taipingshan would in all human probability prevent a recurrence of the plague, but it seems to me that it might have the appearance, if the Council will excuse the simile, of cutting off a man's arm above the elbow because he had a dislocated finger. It is a very effective plan, but is there not a plan equally good which is less drastic and less expensive? Therefore, I think it would be worth the colony's while if we could get experts, really sanitary experts, from India or elsewhere, as may be thought best, who would listen to the evidence given by the people who have made a point of saying here what they have to say, and give the Government the best advice which could be given. These men, I would suggest, if I may be allowed to, should be placed in the position of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee of "fit and proper persons" or of the Commission which has been proposed by the hon. member. If the motion proposed by the hon. member is pressed, I am afraid it is not of much use.
The ARBOUR MASTER-I am glad, sir, that your Excellency has allowed this question not to be a Government one because I am enabled to express my concurrence with the principle brought forward by the hon. mover of the motion that the Government should get sound advice before acting on the Taipingshan Resumption Ordinance.
For the reasons I have stated I would not be able to vote with him for a local commission because I think it would be simply time and money wasted. But if we can get a really expert commission to come and give their opinion, it would be well worth the expenditure of money which would be necessary.
Hon. HO Kai-I am always unwilling to speak or vote against my unofficial colleagues, but in the present case, I feel it my bounden duty to do so. I shall be very short inasmuch as I have said I am very unwilling to do so. Sir, the subject matter of discussion is the destruction...