CO129-453 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [1-3] — Page 157

Press to the question of Chinese repre- sentation. I may frankly tell you that,

We

considered these resolutions very? fully and were largely influenced at the outset of affairs in not inviting the Chinese to take a part in this appeal because less than two years ago they were invited, through their authorised mer- bers, nominated by the Government, to join our petition to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for an elective re- presentation instead of a nominative re- presentation. At that time they chose, through their own members, to write to the Government and say that they did not desire to take part in the request. Well, gentlemen, in the last few days they have, apparently, held various meet- ings at the Chinese Chamber of Com- merce, and we have learnt, somewhat to our surprise, that there is a desire among the Chinese for more representation, and, being a progressive body, it was but Datural that we should incorporate in our own ideals what appeared to be a fair thing for the Chinese also.

The resolutions which I have to propose to you deal with two wide principles. The first in the principle of election versus nomination by the Government for all unofficials save the two Chinese members. The second is to ensure that the wishes of the public on all public and local or domestic questions shall be car- ried out. I think that this Government has failed to realise, not only before the was, but more especially since the war broke out and the Home Government in consequence, has also failed to realise that there is such a thing as public opinion in this Colony. (Applause.) The large assembly gathered here this even- ing, I think, is a proof of the fact that public opinion cannot, and will not, be ignored. (Applause.) The resolutions which I have to propose are as follows:—

That this public meeting of Hong- kong residents, whilst affirming its un- swerving loyalty to the Crown and Empire, is of opinion that the instruc-

tions to His Excellency the Governor re- lative to the mode of selection of the Legislative Council require amendment þin such a way as to secure:-

I

1.-That as regards all the unofficial members of the said Council (other than the two Chinese nominated mem- bers) the principle of election instead of nomination shall be applied.

2. That the number of unofficial members shall be increased from 6 to 9, | and that the number of official members shall remain as at present, namely, 8.

8. That of the seven elected unofficial members (all of whom shall be British subjects) two shall be elected by the Hongkong General Chamber of Com- merce; one by the Justices of the Peace; three (two of whom shall be of British race and one of Portuguese race) by British subjects who are jurymen, or are qualified for, but exempt from jury service; and one by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, or some other body representative of the Chinese com- munity.

And in order that due and prompt attention and consideration may be given to the opinion, thus publicly expressed, this: meeting requests the Government to trans mit this resolution by telegram to His Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies.

The reason, gentlemen, for asking for an unofficial majority of one, briefly, is this:-My experience of the Legislative Council is nothing like so long as that. of my honourable friend on the right, who will corroborate what I say. Upon every occasion that the Government sees at to refuse a resolution proposed by the unofficial members of the Council, and directly that announcement has been made, the official vote is automatically registered against it, which always means that the resolation, must be defeated. If am perfectly well aware that the full facts of the debate are at once sent Home to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, by His Excellency the Governor, but it is equally true that the debate is accom- panied by a private dispatch at least I infer that it is-from His Excellency

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