1909-03-12 — Page 2

Page

HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL.

A meeting of the Hongkong Legislative Council was held yesterday in the Council

Chamber.

The following were present:

put. GOVERNOR, 8:1 HIS EXCELLENCY THE FREDERICK Jonn DEALTHY LUOARD K.C.M.G., C.B,, D.S.O.

H. E. MAJOR-GENERAL R. G. BROADWOOD, C.B., A.D.C., (General Officer Commeading).

Hor. Mr. F. H. MAY, C.M.G., (Colonial Secretary),

were at once closed.

resolution was supported by all the un oficial members of the Conseil. I informed them that I would forward a copy of the debate to the Secretary of State, and I said that I had myself confidence that when the Secretary of State received my despatch he would not act in any, precipitate manner, but would take into consideration the difficulties which I pointed As soon as I received the telegram on the 7th May, we took steps to ascertain the effect upon the revenue of the Colony if all the divans The Opinn Former showed great confidence in the fair dealing f the Government and a broad spirit in allowing his private books to be thoroughly Thin task I confided to Mr. Clementi, who conducted it in an exceedingly able and exhaustivo way. I think there are few Europeans in this Colony who would have been competent to conduct such a task and carry it through in such time and collect sneh a mass of valuable material as he did (applause), and the Government is very much indebted for the stupendous and axhaustive task which he under

HENRY. BERKELEY, KC, (Acting At. torney-Genami).

Hon Mr. A. M. THOMSON (Colonist Tre-examined.

surer).

Hon. Mr. W. CHATHAM, C.M.G., (Director of Public Works).

Hou, Mr. E. A. IRVING (Registrar-General), Hon. Mr. F. J. BADELEY, (Capt. Buperinten

dont of Police).

Hon. Dr. Ho KAI, M.B., C.M.G..

Hon. Mr. WE YUK, C.M.C.

Hon. Mr. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C.

Hon. Mr. E. A HEWETT Hon Mr. H. A. W. SLADE. Hon, Mr. W. J. GRESSON.

Mr. A. G. M, FLETCHER (Clerk of Councils).

MINUTES..

.

The minutes of the last meeting were road and confirmed.

PAPER).

FINANCIAL

tonk. One result of the examination was to.

show that the ebarges which have from time to time been made against the Opium Farmer hero of smuggling opium into

China have no apparent foundation in fact, and the former therefore benefited by his straightforward action in allowing his books to be fully inspected by Government.

The further in-

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table the following papers :-Jury List for 1909; Memo.vestigation was entrusted to Mr. Hutchison into the conditions and statistics of the randum regarding the restriction of Opium in

divans of the Colony. These investigations Hongkong and in China,

ware completed in the moutha of Jane and July. Early in June I received a copy of the Home Hansard giving a fall account of the debate of May 7th, and it was then evident that the Secretary of State had in point of fact stated that it was the policy of His Majesty's Government that all divaus should be forthwith closed. I wrote at once on June 13th to the Secretary of State, urging some delay. I suggested that half the divans should be closed in March 1909, and the

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY-I have the honom to bring up the report of the Finance Committee, No. 1, and to move its aloption.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded and the motion was agreed to.

¥

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT. THE COLONIAL SECRETAUY-I have the honour to lay on the table the report of the Public Works Committee,. No. 2 of 1908,

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, MARCH 12TH, 1909.

to--

had been represented in the House of Commous by Mosers Taylor and Johnson; and secondly with a view to representing the "reasoned. opinion" which the Under Secretary of State had asked for in his speech in the House. I based the memorandum largely on the reports of Messrs. Clementi and Hatchison regarding the working of the farm and the condition and statistics of the divans. Those reports and the Snancial statistics, woro, available in about the month of August, but the pressure which hon. members know is generally involved in the preparation of the Annual Estimates. gether with the work of verification of references in regard to the memorandum, took some little time. It was not until October that I was able to submit the memorandans to the Secretary of State, together with the despatch in which I submitted proposals for giving effect to tho policy which His Majesty's Government had announced I telegraphed on October 23rd asking the Secretary of State to cancel my former dospatch, and to await the arrival of one I was now submitting. I desiro with regard to this, to explain to the Council that the pro- posle involved a very considerable modification of the declared policy of His Majesty's Govern ment. I was for that roasan unable to lay them

before this Council until I knew what the

attitude of the Secretary of State would be towards

them. They were very fully discussed in the Executive Council. I requested the Secretary at SA early a of State to permit ma date as possible to communicato to this Council. the action which has been taken in this matter, which so vitally affected the financos of the Colony. The proposals which that despatch contained I will summarise as follows: In the first place, that steps should be taken to diminish the available supply of opium for consumption in Hongkong proportionately to the decrease in the expert from India, and in the production in and the export from China: This decrease being progressive in accordance with the pogranume put forward by the Chinese Government would head

His

lines, and life-saving appliances which at present extend only to British shipping,

The COLONIAL SECRETARY Reconded, and the motion was agreed to.

The Council afterwards went into committee to consider the Bill, and on resuming His Excellency reported that the Bill had been left in committee.

HUNGHOM RECLAMATION. The ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL Moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to authorise for public purposes the reclamation of certain portions of the Crown foreshore and sea bed situate in Hunghom Bay

in the Colony of Hongkong and to validate such reclamation as has heretofore taken place. In

doing so he said-The Bill is necessary for the purpose of taking authority to reclaim that portion of land in Hunghom Bay required for the railway, The Bill also provides that work done prior to the passing of the Ordinance shall be valid.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

The Council than went into committee to consider the Bill clausó by clause.

Hon. Mr. GRESSON~ I should like to know the meaning of the marginal note "extinotion of public rights,”

The ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL-T

rights to go upon the foxeshore, to fish, to

pread nets, and so on.

Hon. Mr. GRESSON -The point I would like to make is that if you can bring in an Ordinance now to extinguish publio rights it would be quoted in future se a precedent. In this case the rights are of no great importance, but as a a matter of principle it does not seem to be reasonable. People may have rights, and in years afterwards, according to this Ordinance. you com legislate to take away public rights, It seems to me a bad principle.

"Taking all these circumstances into The object of the Bill is to bring into force 40count, and influenced by their strong in this Colony certain provisions of the Merohnat desire not to hepose an andue burden on the Colony, His Majesty's Gorern. Shipping Act passed by the Imperial Parliament ment are prepared to proceed gradually in 1906. Among others it is intended to incor. in the course which they have decided to porate in the local Marchant Shipping Ordinance reaction to defer the final anil total abolition and liabilities with respect to deck and load and while arranging for the immediate provisione extending to foreign-ships - duties antil after March 1910 By that time the existing opium farm will have expired, and the difficulties arising from the contract with the Farmer will no longer present themselves, while the intervening period will allow time for the receipt and due consideration of the Commissioners" recommendations. But it is necessary that stepanhould be taken forthwith towards varrying out the policy to which His Majesty's Government are pledged. I have been in telegraphic communication with you on this aspect of the question, and I learn that as the result of discussion with the Farmer you will be able to arrange, without giving rise to a claim from him for compensation, that the maximum amount of opium which he is permitted to prepare for local consumption shall be reduced to 1000 chieste during the last year of the farta, and that 26 divaa licences shall be extinguished forthwith, ne they expire, Whatever com

no pensation may be found to be equitably to the holders of these licences will be provid. ed from Colonial revenues, His Majesty' Government have decided, ander all the circumstances of the

case. to accept the realisation these proposals as a first step in of their sims and se su carnest of the future co-operation of the Colony,. It would be premature to discuss, en this occasion, the arrangements which will come into force in March 1910. I shall doubtless hear further from you on the subject in dus course, aud I need only remark here that His Majesty's Government cannot admit the possibility of any divan lisences remaining in force after that date, and that in framing any recom- mendations you may submit, you should be governed by this consideration. Majesty's Government recoguise that as a result of giving effect to their policy the Colonial revenue must suffers loss which it would be impossible for the local Govern ment wholly to replace. The amount of that loss cannot be estimated until the conditious which will obtain after March 1909 are known with some degree of accuracy, but when the time arrives His Majesty's Government on their part will be prepared to ask Parliament to give a substantial contribution towards making good to the Colony the revenue which it is found to have lost as the direct result of measures adopted under their instructions." (Hoar, hear). The final

result therefore gentlemen, is that 26 licences were not renewed for compensation, a moral claim if not a legal

small compensation for good will, but it will be ene for compensation to the Opium Farmer as well as the other divan kespera whose licences

for by the farmer for any steps which are now quite a small sum. No compensation is asked was unable to cancel except for breach of their

being taken, aud there is no other cost or loss senditions until they should expire, unless by

which falls within the present year. The next special legislation. My object was to guia time,

contract will have to be issued under some for I could not ignore the orders which had been

restrictions us to the amount of opium which communicated to me by the Secretary of State

may be brought into the Colony and the number over a month previously. There was a further

of divans which will be allowed. There will debate in the House of Commons on July 28th,

follows' similar policy with also be some minor restrictions regarding còn. The Secretary of State had at that time regard to its exports. In the second place I trol of the farm, and it is probable that under received my despatch of June 13th, and suggested some further restrictions upon the these circumstances the tender for the next when he pledged His Majesty's Government farmer in the cow contract with a view to the farm will be somewhat lower than the 4 to net on the advice they had recently obtained more effective control of his operations." I also

amount paid by the prescat one, but we have and

would obtain from the Governor of informed the Secretary of State of the increasing the promise of His Majesty's Government to The Harbour Master advises that a light such Hongkong" he supposed I was prepared to ase of morphin and of opium compounds in the give us substantial contribution towards meeting as the Honourable Member suggests would be

recommend that half the number of the divaus form of pills, and of hypodermic injections of fmo practical utility for the following reason: should be closed in March 1909 and half in March morphis, and I explained to him the efficacy of any loss which may occur, through the direct result of the measures prescribed by the a) If the weather is thick the light would be 1910. As a matter of fact, I had never intended the Hongkong legislation in regard to these. I of no use, being invisible: and if it is clear to advise that course. My intention Lad been told him we had it under consideration still Kuperial Government. I have always felt

certain that on receipt of information regard- HIS EXCELLENCY-Have you any amand there is a perfect landing light in Green Island limited to urging it as a reprieve of the imme further to increase those restrictive nioasures by ing lumal conditions, the Imperial Governmentment light, which loads straight through the channel dute abolition to which I did not me my way to legislation. With regard to divans I gave it as would on the one hand decide that precipitate between Mahwan and Lantan. (b) There are give effect. Following the debate in the Home my own opinion that they form in this Colony action would be impossible, and on the other no cross entrents in the vicinity, so that all Parliament the Hon. Mr. Stewart on September useful means of control I explained their hand deal justly and generously with the the Master of a vessel has to do is to ateer his 24th moved a second resolution in this Council nature, which 1 believed not to be fully appre-Colony, I am glad that both of these ma- well known course from the unchorage, until condemning the reasons which had been given cisted in England, and I said that I had fears ticipations have been realised (applause). Green Island Light gets upon its proper bearing, by the Under recretary of State in the House leat their entire abolition might damoralise

The Secretary of State adds in his de when he san turn up through the channel, in support of the policy of His Majesty's domestic fo by compelling smokers to smoke in

The marginal note was altered to read "deter. on a well known course, with Groen Island Government, and in a long and able speech he their women's quarters, and by extending the patch the following words, "I have read

with regret the observations in the Legislamination of public rights," and with several fight deal astern of him as a check the subjected the policy of the Home Government influence of bad example. Finally I informed tive Council which you have brought to my other verbal alterations the Bill passed through tidal stream will be either directly with him or to very severe criticism. I said in reply that Lord Crewe of the financial condition of the

notice. The supposition that His Majesty's committee. The finances of the the Uuder Secretary of State had hoped that Celony, and that in that year, 1908, we “had a directly against him.

The AcTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL-No one Government have acted with indifference dissenting, I move that the Bill be read a third Colony, as the Honourable Mezber is aware, are the best opinion in Hongkong and the opinion deficit of six ines, with a further deficit of five

to the views and interest of the time. not in a condition to adult of expenditare even of the Governer would be found to coincide lacs in 1909 I pointed out that in addition to

inhabitants of Hongkong is entirely errone- on miner werks unless-urgent necessity is shown, with the measures proposed, It was on that this the grave situation of the public finances. same day, September 24th, that I introduced was further aggravated by personal losses

It in a matter of much concern to and as at present advised the Government con- siders that the most urgently required light the Estimates for the year to the Council, and I due to typhoons, the fall in the rate of me that, at the moment when this question (when funds admit) is that on the Channel rocks made in these estimates to most soy expression which has weighed upon the Colony for

told hon, members that uo provisi n had been exchange, and also to the heury trade de. Assumed an scute, form, the. Colony should}

an interruption of ita be suffering from advocated by the Committee appointed in 1907.pen ditura as to compensation to the Opium the last few years. I described the negotiations prosperity which, though (as I hope and

on the proposed now Peale iconway printed remaining half should be closed in March

elsewhere) and to move its adoption.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER conded, and the motion was agreed to.

་་

QUESTIONS'.

1910, not till the contract of the Opium Farmer should expire. I pointed out to him that the immediate closure of the divana would

The DILECTO of PUBLIC WORKS-The

THERE IS NO

REASON WHY

ANY HOME

SHOULD BE

WITHOUT A

ΡΙΑΝΟ

WE HIRE FOR

$10

PER

MONTH.

ROBINSON PIANO

CO. LTD.

[36

CHINESE FINANCIERS IN AMERICA. A. Winnipeg correspondent writes --At the present time an Imperial Investigator and three prominent financiers from the Celestial Kingdom Rre travelling on the American continent perfecting the organisation of a company with à capital of $3,000,000 (American) the objects of which are to dovolop China and bring into prominence its riches. Lou Sz Ki, who was appointed by the late Emperor to look into the

The Hon. Mr. POLLOCK asked the following involve the Govorament in a very heary claim the present contract the maximura number of on March 1st last. There may possibly be some only rights are the rights of small craft sailing Industries of Canada and the United States, is

questions standing in his name:

In view of the comparatively small cost of putting up a fixed light, similar to that on Mahwan Island, to indicate the Sonth-eastern entrance to the Capaulmun Pass, will the

Government have such a light put up?

Will the Government consider the advisability of making arrangements for the signalling of typhoons, by wireless telegraphy, from one of Pratas groups of islands? Has the Government ny information to communicate to the Council upon this subject?

The COLONIAL SECRETARY replied. II. said in answer to the first question :--

I may inform the Honourable Member that the Harbour Master has received a very widely signed politica from Masters of River Steamers advocating the light which forms the subject of the Honourable Member's question and another on Toug Ko Island, but advancing no reasons whatever, and enquiry is being made on the

subject from the signatories,

to the total cessation of the supply in ten years, supposing that within the same period China has censed to produce and export opinm. To this and I suggested that for the remaining year of chests which the farmor is entitled to purchase to which he was willing to agree without claim should be reduced from 1800 to 1200 à proposal ing ceapensation provided that divans were not abolished, and that in the new contract it should be farther reduced to 900 (which is about the average consumption of the last for years) with a progressive decrease in each succeeding contract, so long as the Indian Govern ment

cus.

Over the water,

lay down any general principle.

His EXCELLENCY-It does not in my, view

Hon. Mr. GRESSON--This might be cited in future when you wish to introduce a similar bill, It seems to give the Government right to resume any land by the passing of an ordinauce, The COLONIAL SECRETARY—They have the right now,

authority for the statement that the successful operation of this company will mean the formu- tion of hundrels and perhaps. thousands of similar senceres whose sole object will be the developmout of China.

12

The Jan Wah Yip Co. is the name of the syndicate now being organised and when operations start in Juno next Canadian ood American machinery and implements will play

Hon. Mr. GRESSON-People will hesitate

prominent part in the operations of the to bay inad if you can take away rights by syndicate. Every possible advantage has been ordinance. It will limit your land salos, granted by the Government towards the The COLONIAL TREABUBER-There are no cultivation of some 13,500 ueres which will be public rights here whatever.

planted in wheat, cotton, rice, grapes and various fruits. A railroad will be built from the nearest point to the centre of operations and the company's own steamships will transport the produse of this farm to America. Within four miles of the tract of land to bo cultivated is a

Hoa. Mr. GRESSON-The time might come when there would be important rights con- cerned.

Hon. Mr. POLLOCK-This applies to public rights not to private rights.

Hon. Mr. GRESSON-I thought perhaps it was a mistake,

HIS EXCELLENCY-You wish the marginal

note altered P

Hon. Mr. GRESSON-Yea. It seems very drastic.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, al the hill was read a third time, and became law.

HIS EXCELLENCY-The Council

stands adjourned till this day fortnight.

COMPANY MEETING.

CENTRAL STORES. LIMITED SHANGHAI,

monatain of ore which assays from $200 to $3,000 per ton in silver, gold and copper, The charter also provides for the establishment of financial houses, stores and varions other

businesses. That theso undertakings may be

operated upon a successful basis the Com- missioners are seeking out Chinamen woll versed in various industries and already armagements have been made for the retira to China of a number of Chiness wh, during their stay on this continent, have become proficient is various linos. Such an ora of development is about to commohde that the Imperial Investigator, status positively that within. ten years there will not be a ChinamaN in North, Central or South America for all will have returned home to work for the various companies upon the advantagious "terms” which are being offered.

It is four months since the four Chinmen now touring this continent left Kwangsi, the province in which the J Wah Sut Yip Co. will operate and it will be another five months before they return, for they have yet to arrange

turing centres of railroad locomotives, farm im- for the purchase and shipment from manufso.

Farmer or the opium divan keepers, or to undertaken with the farmer, and I estimated the at any decrease in revenue which might re- total abolition of the divans would cost this sult from any measures taken with regard to Calony upwards of five laes of dollars. I added

I did so in the first place the Opium Farmer. because no finality had been reached in the finally that in the present condition of the question, and in the second place because the Colony it was practionlly impossible to meet any estimates already showed a deficit of $72,000 and

loss unless his Majesty's Government saw their that they should abstain from corresponding of the year under review, the depression in trazia plements, mining and emelting machinery as

5th inst.

9.

believe) it in only transient, has materially increased the difficulties of the position. His

The fourteenth ordinary general mosting Majesty's Government have been unable to Hve that they had any option in the of shareholders of the Central Stores, Limited,

mavement in China have rendered it impossible The Chairman said: During the early part matter, for the growth and strength of the was held at the Palace Hotel, Shanghai, on the

there was the money at may disposal with which way to make a grant for the purpose. Although action in British territory for which they pre which was felt in 1907, continued, as shown by they are determined that nothing but American In answer to the second question the COLONIAL SECRETARY Baid:

to make provision. I added that if, conse- those proposals were in point of fact inconsist responsible. I shall be slow to believe that the absence of transient visitors during that or Canadian rods shall be need by the company, period; however, I am happy to say, a revival They state that with the operation of the many The Government cannot held out any hope quential on the polley of the Home Government, ent with the declared policy of His Majesty's public opinion in Hongkong can be permanently took place towards the end of the year and is companies which will follow within the nort of being able to make arrangements for the it should be necessary to make any further Government, they provided in substitution

at variance with that of this country on such a continuing. We were fortunate in securing year or two it will mean millions of dollars the contract for the entertainment of the U annnally to Canada and the United States for signalling, referred to. If the Honourable taxation; kor. members would have fall oppor- of that policy, a means of restriction which

question, and I must ask you, and the community het in Amor, which although, out of our supplies of various kinds and they anticipate part, considered to be Member will repeat his question in three ortunity of debating the whole question when I, for my own

that their exports will also run into eight or nine over which you preside, to accept the assurance base of operations, I am pleased to tell you,

figures annually for they will be able to new taxation were laid at least equal, and perhaps more effective that the policy which His Majesty's Govern proved satisfactory in every way, and gave

land four weeks time the Governor hopos to be the proposals for able to make a statement, but, at the present before the Council. The general position (hear, hear. I asked the Secretary of Statement have adopted has been dictated by para iba staff a valuable experience, which would wheat, rice, grapes, cotton and many other com- n regards the finances of the Colony, to reconsider by the light of the opinion wont considerations of their duty to civiliza- go a long way for fatare oporations of a similar modities along the Pacific Coast at less cost than naturo. You will see from the accounts that, they can be produced there. This they account I explained that occasion were which I gave him, and having regard to the tion." I have spoken, gentlemen, at some after ranking full provision for Deprontale fertility of the climate in the Province of for by the cheapness of labor in China and the of the matter Bad and Doubtful debts ote.. there is all availabio extremely disheartening, owing partly to the financial position of the Colony, the decision at lengths, the seriousness large expenditus on the railway, partly to which the House of Commons had arrived. The demands. I have not laid the whole of balance for distribution of $17,265.75. Out of Kwangsi.

Buch questions as the future plans of Japan, the proposed alliance between Chius and the the great loss on exchange, as well as to many Secretary of State informed me that His Ma the despatches on the table, in the first this sum the Directors recommend the payment of a Dividend of $1.20 on the old shares und 60 other causes. The year 1908 showed deficit justy's Government had pledged themselves in place, because they are very lengthy, and in cents on the New Issues and to carry foward the United States or the Chinese question in British estimatet at about 6 lacs, which reduced our Parliament that they would not recade from the second place, as Council will realise, they balance. This result we hope will be satisfactory Columbia they refuse to discuss on the grounds. and a half million to the policy of abolishing the opium divans in contain matter which it would be inadvisable to to you as the profit earned is over 70 per cent. that they are representatives of the Imperial

greater than last

moinent, ha is uunble to do so,

THE OPIUM QUESTION,

His EXCELLENCY-Gentlemen, I rise to make a statement on the subject of the opium question, concerning which a paper has been laid on the table to-day, and which I promised the Council to make on as early a data as pos- sible. It was on May 14th last that the hon.

**

reserves from one

OT

member who at that time represented the Cham. about nine lues, and we should have had Hongkong as soon as may be, and to that pledge put in a State paper. I have, however, given on the second call Interest of 7 per cent, Government and as such do not carp to express

The Apear str. Lightning from Calcutts loft. Singapore on the 10th inst. afternoon, and may be expected hers on or about the 16th inst.

The Apoar str. G. dpcar left Moji on the 10th inst. afternoon, and is dus here on the 15th inst.

already been paid and the opinions lest they incur the wrath of the Chinese ber of Commerce on this Connoil, asked me deficit of nearly five lace to provide they would steadfastly adhiere, At the same time you their parport very fully, and I quoted 60 couts we now propose to pay is dividend at 8 authorities and have their valuable concessions. Reveral questions with regard to telegrams in the current year had it not been His Majesty's Government recognised that there everything from my own despatches which it per cent. on the first call, which now participates and franchises curtailed. which had appeared in the local Press annéunc for the fortuitous windfall created by taking ever wore grave difficulties in the way of immediate was necessary to do for a full understanding of in Dividends equally with the old shares. Tho second call will rank, for equal dividend ing that His Majesty's Government had the Widows and Orphans Fand amounting to action to as great an extent as they would desi- this matter, and as for the Secretary of State's with other shares from January 1st 1909. It LATEST STEAMER MOVEMENTS. stated in Parliament that all spiam divans four and a half lacs, which we must regard. The Secretary of State acknowledged that despatch I have for the most part quoted is gratifying to us to be able to report that wore to be closed forthwith. I read the teas a loan to carry a over our diffoulties, I had brought forward weighty arguments to ipissive verba in all essential particulars. The the accommodation at our disposal has been insufficient to satisfy the demands, and that legram which I had received from the Secretary Meantime ne astion had been taken with illustrate both the possible dangers attending memorandum which I have laid on the table distinguished guests in general have spoken and of State and I infirmed the hon. member that regard to closing the divans because on the one precipitate notion, and also the degree to which to-day has been largely re-written in order to written to me in very complimentary terms I had sent a long confidential telegram in reply hand I was waiting for the Secretary of State effective measures in Hongkong must be omit all passages based on confidential informa when expressing their satisuction at the com- explaining very fully the difficulties which suck to reply to my despatch, and I was also wuiting dependent on the course of events on the dion, or which might give umbrage to other fort and attention they haul received during a course would involve, and asking the Secretary for the reports of Messrs. Clementi ad maitland.

their stay. I hope, with the assistance of the He said that the Conferenca at Powers. It contains some matters which I hope staff, to make the Palace intel the Premier of State to defer any final dosision until he had Hutchison, and I desired to have more prooisa thanghai would afford fuller information to members of Council will #nd of interest in Hotel, and the one at which, all visitors will received a despatch from me on the sub-information so to the financial position of the Government as to what has actually been perusing (Applause.)

hope to find accommodation, and failing, will ink, sex it, disappointed, at other Hotels. The beel jest. On May 28th the say he memlor Colony. In the meantime I took the oppor- accomplished in China in the direction of MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE brenght forward a resolution in this Connoil,tunity of very carefully studying the ques- closing divas, and limiting the production of

will be finished shortly--the unsightly boardings

The C.P.R. str. Glenfurg arrived Yokohama are all down. You can see, what a prominent and he supported it in a long and able tion, and I prepared memorandam with the opium, and would furnish valuable suggestions The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved front the Howl has. I hope with the entire et 7.30 am on Thursday the 11th just., and left again at 4 pm. same day for Kobe where speech in which he criticised the action objest of showing first of all that Hongkong for treatment of the question as a whole. The the second reading of the Bill entitled Anneumodation at our dispos, to give to you she is due to arrive at 6 a.m. on z aturday the

His Majesty's Government. The had not been so apathetic and indifferent as it Secretary of State added:

at the next meating a report in every way |Ordinates further to amend The Merchant

13th inst. satisfactory. Shipping Ordinance, 1899. In doing so he said

of

AMENDMENT

The Indo-China str. Facksong left Calcutta for this port via the Straits on the 7th inst

and may be expected here on or about the 23rd Francisco on the 8th inst.

The T.K.K.-str. Nippos Maru marived at San-