CO129-213 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1883 [12] — Page 253

re-constituted in the manner

sanctioned

by

Your Lordship

He

252

proceedings of the meeting held on the 18th instant.

consequence, however, of the delay

(doubtless unavoidable) in the

arrival of the Order in Council formally authorizing the reform already granted, I have been compelled to summon the existing

Council for two or three meetings, the consideration of certain Votes of Public Money, and for the

for

an

: despatch of certain other business of

urgent character. I subjoin abbreviated newspaper report of the

proceedings

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

A meeting of the Legislativo Council was held on the 18th instart. There were present :----

His Excellency the GOVERNOR, Sir GEORGE BOWEN, G.C.M.G

Hon. Sir GEORGE PHILLIPPO, Chief Justico. Hon, W. H. MARSH, C.M.G.. Colonial Seore-

tary.

Hon, E. L. O'MALLEY, Attorney-General. Hon. A. LISTER, Colonial Treasurer, Hou. P. BTRIE.

Hon. J. M. PRIDE, (Surveyor-General). Hon. F, B. JOHNSON.

Hou. F. Stewart, L. L.D.,(Registrar-General).

MINUTES.

The minutes of the last masting were read and confirmed.

RECONSTITUTION OF THE COUNCIL.

HIS EXCELLENCY-Hon. gentlemen of the Legislative Council, as you are already aware, I had not contemplated raveting you again until the Colonial Legislature should have bean reconstituted in the manner gracionsly sanctioned, on my recommendation, by Her Ma. jesty the Queen. In consequence, however, of the arrival of Her Majesty's Order is Coun- oil formally authorising the reforma already granted having been as identally delayed, I have summoned you for the sonsideration of cartsin votos of public money and for the despatch of certain other business of a pressing character as set forth in the order of the day.

FINANCE.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the pass- ing of votes approved in Finance Committee, in- cinding a grant to Mr. Colquhoun towards the cost of the exploration-survey from British Barmah to 8. W. China and from the north of Siam down the Menam Valley to Bangkok, £300 at 3s 8d.. $1,636.36; and building grant 10 St. Joseph's College, $6,000,

The COLONIAL TREASURER seconded.

Hon. F. B. Jonsson-Sir, the only one of thasa votes to which I wish to call the attention of the Conncil is that relating to the grant of $8,000 to St. Joseph's College. When this vote came under the consideration of the Finance Committee I gave notice that on its being brought up to this Council I should call your Excellency's attention to what I deem the advisability of submitting, as far as possible, all granta of money ont of the public exchequer to the consideration of this Council before they are sent for the approval of the Secretary of State.

I am quite aware, Sir, it may be said it is open to myself or any other member of this Conneil to move the rejection of any vote when it is brought before the Council, but I am not

arguo prepared to

with the master of thirty legions and although I am quite sure your Excellency does not mean either privately or offcially to influence the votes of any mem. ber, yet in my experience it is the practice of this Council that no hon. member who holds his seat here by virtue of his official position will vote against or speak against any proposal laid before us which has already received the sanction of the Secretary of State. I have no doubt it will be farther said it is not possible to prevent direct applications being made to the Secretary of State; and that being so, I think unless it is intended this Cvancil shall be a sham, that our proceedings shall be a farce, and that in fact we Are in the position of the old Parliament of Paris under the Bourbon Kings and most børe