160
(68)
much as the Board of Arbitrators will have of such survey and examination or inquiry to fix the value of the resumed property, and the houses and lands resumed may be dealt with in such manner as the Governor may direct." Under those circumstances I do not see what useful purpose the motion could serve. There is now no cause for panic, no excuse for rash and ill-considered legislation. If the survey and enquiry in the section tend to show total destruction of the district is not necessary, everyone may see that if this survey and enquiry tend to show total destruction of the district is not necessary, every one may
the opinions conflict so seriously that it seems difficult to decide which course to take, then I would suggest that the closed area might remain undisturbed for a season, until we have more and better evidence to guide us. But whatever we do, let it not be the result of alarm or prejudice or obstinacy, for this is a matter that should be calmly and dispassionately reasoned out, so that no useless waste of public money need take place, nor on the other hand any foolish shrinking from a necessary expenditure, which would be fatally false economy.
Your Excellency referred to the fact that I have on many occasions advised you to adopt the recommendations of the Permanent Committee. That is so, but there have been occasions when I have advised that their recommendations should not be followed. On this question of destruction, however, I have never advised Your Excellency either one way or the other. I do not say that it is the best thing, but at the same time I do not say that it is not the best thing. I consider this question is one which should be allowed to remain open, and this, as I have pointed out, is secured by the Ordinance.
The vote on the motion was then taken.
FOR.
AGAINST.
Hon. C. P. Chater
Hon. E. R. Belilios
His Excellency
The ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY—I had not intended to take any part, Sir, in this discussion, but seeing the lines on which the arguments for and against this resolution have run, I think it only right that I should state the reasons why I intend to vote against the motion, as those reasons are not the same as have been urged by most of the hon. members who have spoken against the resolution. My chief reason for voting against it is that its object is practically obtained by section 7 of the Ordinance which reads: "That upon the completion of the survey and examination or of the further enquiry, if any, mentioned in section 6 of this Ordinance, no houses upon the lands resumed under this Ordinance, shall be altered, pulled down or destroyed. Upon the completion
His EXCELLENCY—The Council stands adjourned until this day three weeks.
Hon. J. J. Keswick
Hon. A. McConnchie
The Harbour Master
The Acting Attorney General
The Colonial Treasurer
The Act. Colonial Secretary
Hon. E. Bowdler
Hon. Ho Kai
The motion was then declared lost.
ADJOURNMENT.