CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12] — Page 580

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placing one hydrant in the pavement between every two

houses for the exclusive use of the inmates of such

houses. At those interviews and during the various

stages of the Water Bill through Council I had absolutely

no better idea nor could I think of any better plan to

suggest to the Government for the achievement of the main

object of the Bill.

At the second reading of the Water Bill, I addressed the Council declaring my support of the principle of the

Bill but at the same time informing the Council that a short time before the meeting I had received a request

from some of the leading Chinese to represent their objections against the Bill, and thereupon I proceeded to

give the outline of their objections.

When the Bill was in committee I proposed several amendments which were supported by Mr. Wei A Yuk but not

one of them was accepted by the Council.

After the Committee stage but before the third reading of the Bill, a number of leading Chinese had approached me and intimated to me that they intended to present a Petition to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies against the Bill, and that they had already instructed Messrs. Johnson, Stokes and Master, Solicitors, to draft such a Petition, and they further requested me and my Colleague as representing the Chinese on the Legislative Council to formally oppose the third

On the third reading reading of the Bill on their behalf. of the Bill, I addressed the Council and as requested formally recorded our dissent on behalf of the Chinese. For a record of my two addresses in Council on this Water Bill I have the honour to refer His Excellency to the

Report of the Proceedings of the Legislative Council as

contained in "Hansard".

and

After the passage of the Bill through Council, in compliance with the request of the Chinese, I held

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