that the clause as to appeal should be omitted; or that the anthority to decide in the first iu- stance should be some other than the Governor, HIS EXCELLENCY here suggested that it would probably be desirable that the standing orders should not be suspended, and, if there was to be any discussion, that it should be made in the regular way.
After some further conversation,
His EXCELLENCY said he did not think that any Ordinance which had no appeal clause in it would be passed at bowe.
Hoe. Mr. ALEXANDER suggested that the Governor in this case would not be acting as Governor, but nader the ordinance.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL did not consider that there was any proper authority in the Co- losy to carry out the provisions except the Go- veruor, and it was quite clear there ought to be au appeal.
His EXCELLENCY said if the Chicf-Justice saw no illegality in the matter, aud only a question of possible inconvenience, he should¦ certainly say for himself he would bave no objection to an appeal being made from a deci- sion of his.
The CHIEF JUSTICE said be did not see any illegality in it; but it struck him as perhaps a little unseemly that there should be any appeal to the Judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court from a decision of the Governor.
ltimately H.E. the GOVERNOR moved that the standing Orders should, as before proposed, be suspended, and the Bill passed in one read- ing, which was done accordingly, and the Oc- dinance numbered 1 of 1874.
In the course of the discussion on this ordi nance,
The Hon. Mr. Rower enquired whether a clause could not be introduced to prevent over- louding boats with passengers. He referred to the sad accident of the Wan Loong, and also observed that ferry-boats were constantly ply. ing which any man of common sense could see were overloaded.
ILE. the GOVERNOR Concarred with the Hon. member that some steps should be taken in this direction; but it appeared that this could not be done in connection with the pre- sent measure, which should be passed on its own busia.
SUPPLEMENTARY VOTES.
Sundry votes passed by the Finance Com- mittee were then brought forward by the Colonial-Secretary. Among them was an item of $362.80 for furniture for the Supreme Court, which caused some discussion, as it appeared that the matter had not been brought to the coguisance of the Chief-Justice. It turned out, however, that it was for some presses, &c., and had come under the Surveyor-General's Depart- inert.
The Council was then adjourned sine die.
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