CO129-076 - Individuals - 1859 — Page 215

B

(8)

the small surplus now in hand may at any time be called for, to save the Colony, from direct taxation.

The undersigned bears in mind,—

First-That the Colony has been finally launched upon its own resources, and all further Imperial bounty resolutely cut off.

Secondly. That no more than the small sum of £15,000, or at the utmost £20,000, stands between its present precarious incomings and an actual deficit; and Lastly, That His Excellency, on the 8th Day of October last, called upon him (the undersigned) to be prepared to vote away no less a sum than £19,000, or the whole of the available balance, for this single work alone, to the exclusion of all other works, and to the imminent danger of involving the Colonial finances,

Upon these special grounds, the undersigned protests against any diversion, to other than Public Works of proved exigency, of the small surplus now in hand; and upon the several grounds foregoing, he solemnly protests against the Bowring Praya, and all legislation conducting to it.

The undersigned apologises to this Honourable Council for the length of this Protest, but pleads that it was the only means left him of bringing his objections to the notice of the Imperial authority.

The undersigned requests that this his Protest may be recorded.

JOHN DENT,

MEMORANDUM.

125957/19

VICTORIA, HONGKONG, Saturday, 5th February, 1859.

At a meeting of the Legislative Council held yesterday pursuant to notice,- Present,-His Excellency the Governor and all the Members, except the Lieut.- Governor, absent through indisposition, and the Chief Justice, engaged at a Session of the Supreme Court,-His Excellency the President of the Council was pleased to refuse record to the foregoing minute on the grounds of informality.

His Excellency then proceeded to move the second reading of the Draft Ordi- nance, entitled, "An Ordinance to provide for the erection of a Public Way along the Water Frontage of the City of Victoria;"

Whereupon, it was proposed by Mr Dent by way of amendment, seconded by Mr Jardine,

That the second reading of the said Ordinance be adjourned sine die. When there appeared, after debate,-

For the amendment,--

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, THE SURVEYOR GENERAL,

THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE,

MR JARDINE,

MR LYALL,

MR DENT.

Against it,--

THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE COLONIAL TREASURER,

The Ordinance was negatived accordingly.

THE AUDITOR GENERAL.

211

A

Member of the Legislative Council

Council Chamber, Victoria, Hongkong,

4th February, 1859.

JOHN DENT.

}