CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12] — Page 584

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"By resolution 22nd June, 1858 113 C. J. 247,

"the Commons declared that it is derogatory to the

"dignity of the house, that any of its members should

"bring forward, promote, or advocate in this house,

"any proceeding or measure in which he may have

"acted or been concerned, for or in consideration of

"any pecuniary fee or reward".

My interpretation of these passages is, that no

pecuniary reward or fee should be accepted by any member

of Parliament for the purpose of bringing forward

promoting or advocating any proceeding or measure in the House and I submit that my case does not come within the

scope of the principle as stated in the above quoted paragraphs or the resolution therein referred to on the

following grounds:-

(1) I did not accept any fees for my professional services in connection with any proceeding or measure in the Legislative Council nor did I for consideration of any pecuniary fee or reward bring forward promote or advocate in the Council any proceeding or measure.

(2) I have accepted no fees for pleading the cause of the Chinese or promoting their interests and represent- -ing their views in Council.

(3)

The Water Bill and the Public Health and Build- -ings Bill are not private Bills but Government measures vitally affecting the general welfare and vested interests

of the Chinese.

(4) I have not managed or promoted any private Bills

in Council for pecuniary consideration or fee.

(5)

I have never practised as a Counsel before the Legislative Council or any of its Committees.

(6) What I did in connection with the Water Bill was simply to settle a Petition to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies after the said Bill had passed through Council; and in connection with

(7)