CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8] — Page 414

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HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

ported shall pay any duty and if any Tobacco which has paid duty is exported provsion will be made for a rebate of the duty Clauses 9 and 10 are taken practically wholesale from the Liquors Ordinance and provide for the case of contracts which are already in existence or which may be in existence when the duties are altered or repealed. Clause 57 is a

somewhat novel clause which provide that

be may served on a body corporate or the firm, and that a body corporate may appear by an officer or partner. I think that is all I need say on the principle of the Bill, and I beg to move its second reading.

summons R

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY second ed.

HON. MR. POLLOCK-With regard to Clause 17 Sir, there are shipping gentle men here who will appreciate quite well the difference between master and agent and the owner, or charterer of a ship. The idea of this Clause seems to be Assuming a ship absolutely ridiculous. is on charter, surely the owner cannot be made liable for what is done on that vessel. He may know absolutely nothing beyond the fact that the ship is on char ter. He would surely not know what was being discharged from the ship at a certain port. With regard to the Clause dealing with the examination of baggage raving this Colony, I consider that to an absolutely unnecessary and vexatious imposition. It is difficult enough to get away from here now, what with the passports and such like, and this will only add to the inconveniener already existing.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL Regard- ing the placing of responsibility on the charterers, etc., of course if a charterer can prov that he knew absolutely nothing about what was happening on the ship at a certain time no blamné could be at- tached to him. That is obvious. With regard to Clause 41, that appears to be a question for Committee, the question of examination of luggage on embark- ing as it may be that the Government will be prepared to accept an amend ment.

Council then went into Committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.

The following addition was made to clause 6 (5)-(d) Tobacco which is im- ported in broken packages in passengers'

baggage for private use and which does not exceed such quantity, weight or value as may be allowed by the Superin- tendent or as may be appointed by re- gulation made under this Ordinance.

The following addition was made to clause 11 (1)(c) If the tobacco is in- ported by the post, the duty shall be payable before the delivery of the tobacco to the addressee, and the Postmaster- General shall refuse to deliver any such tobacco until the duty has been paid.

The following was added to Clause 17:-(3) Notwithstanding anything con- tained in this section it shall be lawful for the master of any ship to permit the landing of any dutiable tobacco which forms part of the contents of a mail brought into the Colony by such ship: provided that such tobacco is landed for removal direct to the Post Office as part of such mail.

Clause

or

The following was added to 18: -(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section it shall be law- ful for the master of any ship to remove to the Post cause to be removed Office any dutiable tobacco which forms part of the contents of a mail brought into the Colony by such ship: provided that such dutiable tobacco is removed direct from the ship to the Post Office as part of the contents of such mail.

The following sub-section was added to Clause 24:-(g) Part of the contents of a mail and is either in the Post Office or is in course of removal direct to the Post Office from the ship on which it was imported.

In Clause 53 the words "or Mono- were inserted between "Govern- " and "Analyst " in the third

poly ment. line.

In Clause 55 the words "on the ap- were plication of the Superintendent " inserted between may" and " award "

in the first line.

In Clause 17 (1) the word "not allow "* in the second line were substituted for the word "prevent."

In Clause 57 (2) the words other responsible representative added in the last line.

" BE

werer

On Council resuming, the ATTORNEY GENERAL moved that the Bill be read a third time.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY second- ed. and the Bill was then read a third time and passed,

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Powers of Revenue Officers

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

37

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL moved the first reading of A Bill intituled, A meeting of the Finance Committee An Ordinance to amend the Revenue followed, the COLONIAL SECRETARY pre- Officers' Power of Arrest Ordinance, siding.

1913."

13

Royal Observatory

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY second- ed, and the Bill was read a first time.

The Objects and Reasons

The Governor recommended the Coun state that the objects of this Bill are:-(.)-Tocil to vote a sum of five hundred and bring the schedule to the principal Ordi- eighty-one dollars and five cents ($581.05) hance up to date. (b.)-To add to it the aid of Royal Observatory, Special Tobacco Ordinance, 1916. (e.) To give the Expenditure, Alteration to Magnetome- Governor in Council power to amend the schedule in order to avoid the necessity of passing amending Ordinances in the future.

Alien Enemies (Winding up) Ordinance, 1914

ter,

This was agreed to.

Harbour Master's Department

The Governor recommended the Coun-

The second reading of the amending cil to vote a sum of four thousand dollars Bill to the above Ordinance was post-4.000) in aid of Harbour Master's Department, Special Expenditure, Motor Launch.

poned.

HIS EXCELLENCY-Council stands adjourned sine die,

This was agreed to.