this and would apply the necessary correctives the economic position should be greatly improved and in such improvement this Colony would naturally participate.
The Trade Commission.
are
Owing to the continued serious de- terioration of the trade position in the Colony I recently appointed, as honourable members
aware, a Commission to go into the question. I should like to take this opportun- ity of offering to those gentlemen whom I invited to serve on that Commission my sincere thanks for accepting my invitation. They are all busy men and I realize that the work of the Commission must take up a great deal of their time.
I
more
appreciate therefore all the their readiness to give this public service. The Commission is at pre- sent pursuing their enquiry and their report is eagerly awaited. Their task is undoubtedly a very difficult one, but I know that they are wholeheartedly devoting their energies and abilities to finding some solution of the serious problems which exist here to-day. It is the hope of us all that their efforts will meet with success, bringing benefits to the Colony whose interests we all have at heart and in whose future prosperity we all have the utmost confidence.
In Committee.
The Bill was read a second time and the Council then went into Com- mittee to consider the Bill clause by clause.
The Hon. Colonial Secretary mov- ed an amendment that the appropria- tion under Public Works Extraordin- ary be increased by $80,000 for the Wanchai market and said that it was hoped to provide for other works under the supplementary budget. The Government understood from the speeches of unofficial members that they were anxious that work on the Wanchai Market should be carried to completion as soon as pos- sible.
The amendment was carried.
His Excellency the Governor said: I propose to rule that the amend- ment is immaterial. I should ordin- arily have had some doubt about it, but in view of the fact that not only was provision made in this year's budget but further provisions were included in the supplementary budget which was passed by resolu- tion of this Council sometime ago, and has received the approval of the Secretary of State. I rule the amendment immaterial.
The amendment was passed and the Bill was read a third time and passed.
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