and which were exhibited. It was said that that sort of thing collected officially and sent home would assist merchants to know what was wanted. The COLONIAL SECRETARY-It was pointed out as the difference between the German Consuls and the British Consuls, and it was thought the latter might follow the example of the former.
Hon. J. BELL-IRVING-Our Minister in Pe- king might think it infra dig. to assist,
Bon. P. BYRIE said be must confess that he did not see any use in the Institution.
It was bually agreed to learn what other Colonies were subscribing and subscribe accordingly.
A TOWN BAND.
The CHAIRMAN said the next question was the question of providing a town band. This matter had been under consideration for some time. It was thought that we should have a band of our own. It was not settled whether it should be attached to the Police or to the Volunteers. Hon. W. M. DEANE said the Police Force had a band, but in 1862, when the Volunteers were formed, it was transferred to them, and they had never heard of it since.
The ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE asked what the cost would be P
The CHAIRMAN said $1,800 for the bandsmen and 300 incidental expenses. He then ex- plained that it was proposed to engage Manila men for five years. There would be twelve men and a hand-master.
Hon. B. LAYTON did not think the amount estimated was sufficient for a good band.
The CHAIRMAN-And of course a bad band would be worse than none at all.
Hon. P. RYRIE was opposed to having a band. He thought it was a slur on the military, who had always been ready to oblige whenever re- quested. He did not see that there was any necessity for a town band.
Hon. J. BELL-IRVING said they must remem- ber that every year the calls on the military were getting more numerous.
Hon. P. RYRI said so far they had never omitted to respond to the call.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said they must, remember that the European population of the Colony was small compared with the Chinese. and the Chinese did not appreciate English musio as a rule.
Hon. P. RYRIE-No, but they appreciate Scotch music,
The ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE-Perhaps Mr. Wong Shing could inform us whether the Chi- nese would appreciate the band if there are bag- pipes. (Laughter).
The CHAIRMAN said they had also to decide
if they were in favour of the band whether it should be attached to the Volunteers or the Po- lice.
Hon. W. M. DEANE suggested that it would be more convenient to have it attached to the Police.
Hon. B. LAYTON-Why not attach it to the Sanitary Board? (Laughter).
The CHAIRMAN said of course if attached to the Police it would not be for the benefit of the Force alone. It was quite understood that it was to be a town band.
The ACTING Cher Justice questioned whether the amount put down in the Estimates was not too low to procure the services of a good band, and it was finally agreed to place the sum at $3,000,
of the Committee to recommend the Estimates to the Legislative Council.
The members signified their assent.
flon. P. RYBIE said he presumed their vote did not debar any member from discussing any of the items in the Estimates when they were laid befors the Council.
The CHAIRMAN-Certainly not. A full re. port of the minutes of the Finance Committee will be laid before the Council, and members will be at liberty to discuss any item.
The Committee then adjourned.
263
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.