41
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
THE HON. MR. HEWETT-If this Bitl becomes law I trust your Excellency will the mission of the last sub-clause of the THE HON. MR. POLLOCK also moved prove a true prophet on this occasion. We clause. still cont. nd that we shall benefit by the Chinese property in this Colony greater than by the adoption of this claus. I ask that the question be put to the vote.
The matter was then put to the vote, the voting bring as follow:-
For the deletion-Hon. Mr. Lau Chu Pak, Hon. Mr. D. Landale. Hon. Mr. E Shellim, Hon. Mr. Pollock, Hon. Mr. Hewett, and Hon. Mr. Wei Yuk.
Against-All the official members.
The motion for the deletion of the clause was rejected by a majority of one.
THE Hox. Ma. POLLOCK-I have cer- tain amendments to move in the early part of the clays. In line 2, after the words "any interests," the insertion of the words **exceeding with the profits or income thereof $2,000 in value." The reason for Auggesting this amendment is that it is obvi usly absurd that small debts such as I mentioned just now, coolies' wages, etc., should be reported.
It seems to me that this sum of $2,000 would, at all events, bo a sum of some substance. Otherwise. every shop would have to report eviry little sum, and would always have to be looking up their books to see if a cus tomer had died for feat of a penalty of $500,
THE COLONIAL TREASURER—Not at all.
THE HON. MR. POLLOCK also moved the substitution uf the words parter" for the words whether y partner, depositor or creditor." Arather point I should like to make is that I think it is very unreasonable that the period for report should be one month. If there is to be say apportionment at all there should be reasonable time to go into the figures afterwards, and I think the time should be six months. I move that.
THE COLONIAL TREASURER--They can report in a very short time. Bix months is absurd, Sir, from the date of receiving of knowledge. Why not make it ten years t
the
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
The Bill passed through Committee with its printed amendments, and
With
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL that it be read a third time.
nHaved
It
THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL regard to the
proposal of I think
$2.000, that would be far high
tou and, in the second place, if any figure
figure 4
in
first place, were inserted, any minimum inserted, I think it would tend to encourage evasion.. I think it would defeat the object of the Bill if any minimum were inserted. will often be difficult to ascertain the exact amount of the interest, with profits, and my fear is that the person liable to give the information might of the share or deposit, which might be shelter himself behind the nominal value much below its reat value. If any hardship is found to be caused, or any undus in- convenienes, by the absene of a minimum, I am sure the Government would consider- the question. posal to omit the depositor and creditor, With regard to the pro- think that would very largely defcat the object of the clause. I think one month is sufficient time to allow for the expected to give the information he can giving of information, A person is only at the time, and the full information can be given later.
THE HON. MR. HEWETT--I think the suggestion of my hon, friend opposite of $2,000 is rather too high, but I think a limit should be made.
THE ATTORNEY - GENERAL — The danger is that if a minimum is inserted evasion will be facilitated.
fully considered this Bill and this parti- HIS EXCELLENCY--We have very care- cular clause, and I ani prepared to allow to be unworkable, or found to impos it to stand and work, and if it is found undue or unreasonable hardship, altera- tion can be made. that it won't. to the abolition of depositors and credi- I cannot possibly agree tors, or the extension over a month, and as regards the question of limit, I think the objection of the Attorney-General to this suggestion is very sound.
Our own opinion is
THE HON. MR. HEWETT seconded the Hon. Mr. Pollock's amendments, which were rejected, the voting being the are na in the case of the previous motion lay the Hon. Mr. Howett,
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY Becond nd, and the Bill was then read a third time, and passed.
560
4.
Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, Miscellaneous, upkeep of plaat, repairs to dredger St. Enoch.
This was agreed to.
Pumping Station to Post Office
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of one thousand five bun- dred dollars in aid of the vote Public
HIS EXCELLENCY-- Council stands Works, Extraordinary, Conversion, of edjourned wine die.
Old Pumping Station at Yaumati in A Branch Post Offer.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
A meeting of the Finance Committee followed, the Colonial Secretary presid- iruc.
Public Works
The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of twenty-two thousand eight hundred dollars in aid of the vote
This was agreed to.
The Late Sir Kai Ho Kai
The Governor recommended the Coune!! to vote sum of one thousand thre hundred and fifty dollars in aid of the rute Charitable Services, Education of certain members of the family of the late Sir Kai Ho Kai
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This was agreed to.