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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
ment" has been described by a great English essayist as the "Philo- sopher's Stone."
It is on the question of the Saikung Road that I am afraid I must sound the discordant note where the considered opinions of Unofficial members are concerned. There is no comparison between the districts, viz., those embraced within the Circular Road out to Saikung curving round to Shatin and those districts mentioned by the Senior Unofficial Member. On the first section of the projected Circular Road within not more than about twenty minutes drive when the road is completed by motor-car to the Ferry wharf will be found beautiful undulating land in some places and in another a plateau available for building sites that will outrival any in the Colony, the Peak not excepted. As an added attraction to tourists visiting Hong Kong the Circular Road will be an eloquent appeal for those whose business it is to attract and will be benefited by the tourist trade. Nature has gifted this Colony with much that is beautiful and compelling admiration; it is the backwardness of our enterprise that is so behindhand with our advertising literature and the judicious use of publicity that has not made known to the world at large the beauties of the Island and on the mainland so as to attract a larger number of visitors to these shores. It is the exalting of Hong Kong's natural beauties that I would commend to the notice of our business men-shipowners, hotel proprietors and the numerous shopkeepers all of whom stand to gain by more visitors coming to Hong Kong. The Saikung Road will play its part in the way of an added attraction. If it does not at first pay for itself from the proceeds of land sales, the indirect profits to Hong Kong cannot be ignored in the whole scheme of things for the Colony. I do not, therefore, share in the Unofficial condemnation of the Saikung Road. (Applause.)
H.E. THE GOVERNOR.-I have listened with very great interest to the speeches made this afternoon by Unofficial members with reference to the Budget, and I wish to take them into very careful consideration. I suggest, therefore, the most convenient course will be to adjourn the Council at this stage and meet again on Monday afternoon at 2.30 p.m., when the official replies to the speeches will be made. If that suits the convenience of all members, we will proceed accordingly.
HON. SIR HENRY ́POLLOCK:-The Unofficial members are in agreement with that course.
THE ADJOURNMENT.
H.E. THE GOVERNOR :-The Council will adjourn until Monday, September 23rd.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
Following the Council, a meeting of the Finance Committee was held, the Colonial Secretary presiding.
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