1909-10-22 — Page 3

HONGKONG

LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL.

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

Chamber.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22ND, 1909.

HIS EXUELLANOY THE GOVERNOR, BIE in connection with these big public works, to which is a very vexed' ono, and as we know no responsibility, moral or otherwise. The bar was not forthcoming. The point I want to make

The following were present- FREDERICK JOHN DEALTRY LUGARD, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.8.0.

HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL R. G. BROADWOOD, C.B., A.D.C. (General Officer Commanding)

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

Hon. Mr. W. REES DAVIES (Attorney General).

Hon. Mr. C.MI. MESSER (Colonial Treasurer). Hon. Mr. P. N. H. JONES (Director of Publio Works).

Hon Mr. A. W.BROWIN (Registrar General).

dent of Police).

Hon: Mr. F. J. BADELRY (Capt. Superinten- reasonable time, a very large and valuable pigga port sy, endorsed the minority re- the old coins will have no one but themselves to of redemption in a now light. The view

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

Hon. Mr. E. OBRORNE.

Hon. Mr. E. A. HEWETT.,

Hon. Mr. MURRAY STEWART,

Hon. Mr. W. J. GRENSON.

Hon. Mr. WEI YUK, O.M.G.

Mr. C. CLEMENTI (Clerk of Councils).

and confirmed.

+

MINUTES.

FINANCIAL. MINUTES.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table Financial Minutos (Nos. 42 to 46), and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee the motion was agreed to.

more than

The

correct one

-to

The OLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and It appears to me perfectly reasonable to to the Colony. I also believe it would be 842,000, to a debit balance of $200,000. I to reform, is really sincare in her desire to fall

THE ESTIMA 138.

The COLONIAL SECURARY moved the so- sond reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to apply a sum not exceeding Five million six and twenty-five thousand six hundred and eighty-three dollars to the Public Service of the year 1910

hundred

and

as final washer end of Capsing II is the

I

it cari

that

a

the

THERE IS SKILL AND

OF CONSTRUCTION

IN ALL

PIANOS

BUILT

WE IMPORT

THROUGHOUT FOR

THIS CLIMATE.

PIANO

CO., LTD.

(36

The demonetisation of the old coing unjust. Therefore, I renew the suggestion but rather that he will have the unique er- to which we all object and which the on reserve might properly be appropriated as cost of the garrison, and that manifestly is | periance of congratulating the Government on Connoil reluctantly passed because we realised revenue.

It appears that the money had to be raised and that need not, I think, trouble the conscience of which was put forward last year that some, new such a thing not being mentioned. to me that there must bo something our revenue had to be made up from fresh Government, because the operation would cause method of reckoning is called for. Last year radically wrong in the way in which estimates sources. This tax, even on your figures, sir, the community no more loss than they have your Excellenog told us that you had in con- THOROUGHNESS

it for public works are drawn out here. In the means that we have to pay very nearly already suffered, and in any case the Govern- templation some such scheme and that you first place we are asked to approva cartain works lakh and a half to military contribution ment, if it felt morally bound to redeem, would ware about to refer it to the Secretary which are going to cost a certain san Many Your Excellency referred to the bogey only require to do so in regard to those actually State for his approval. I presume, as we have

Government years later, when they are nearly completed, we of absidiary coinage. I do not pro in the Colony, for-as-regards the millions of heard nothing more about it, that his approval

go deeply into that question, them in China the Hongkong

were is that I don'toonsider the taxpayers of this Colony. Had that sam largely exceeded. Another point pose to which it is only fitting that I should again refer, different opinions prevail. But I would remind sold as a commodity just as a merahant sails his pay too much at the moment for the security to the speech of the hon. 'member on my left is the unnecessarily long time spent in carrying your Excellency that when you appointed Warss, and the Government never having by they enjoy. I have listened with much interest them out. The Law Courts were started, if Commission some me ago, the majority report promise, implied or otherwise, undertaken to I remember rightly, at least nine years ago, was signed by five members, consisting of redeem them is no more under an obligation to (Hon. Mr. Osborne) on that most dificult sub- and the Post Ofas about a year later. Look leading officials and merchants in the Colony do so than a marchart is under an obligation to jest, subsidiary ooinage. Thesitate at any time ing at this from an entirely business point of That majority report was signed amongst others receive back merchandise, which has fallen in to speak on any subject without most careful view, where land has been purchased and public by the Chinese member sitting opposite. One valge since he sold it. This, sir, is the proposal preparation. I hesitate in particular to speak on a subject of such extreme ank, signed an in- which I think will meet the difficulty, and if off-land money expended for large public works, surely member, the head of a it is only practical and economical that the works dividual report, and thren members signed Government set upon the idea they will have difficulty and delicacy, and I do not propose should be completed as promptly as possible, minority report. I would remind your Excel-done its duty by providing a healthy currency to say more than this-Without committing bearing in mind that the two particular buildings loney that the committee of the Chambor which it will be within every man's option to myself to the hon. Mr. Osborne's scheme I way are the Law Courts and the Post Office. In of Commerce, after disgusting the matter se; whilst those who elect to continue using ear he has put the argument for the necessity

that if we issued now coin we should be called STAMPING THEM IN EVERY WAY blame for any lose they may suffer. the first planx, supposing they were completed in vary

by Mesars, Smith, Low and

Hon. Mr. BESSON-Your Excellency, it upon by a strong moral claim to redeem the old of land could be available for other purposes. Wood. I merely refer to this question As regards the other cuation, a very heavy remind you how very dificult it is to arrive at appears to me on going through the Igures has always checked my ardour in the direction rental has to be paid annually until the now any decision on such s vexed question, because shown on pego 19, which show an estimate of of advocating any such stop, but after having SUPERIOR VALUE building is put up. I am quite prepared to hear you find out of a dozen men collected together expenditure over revenue of 342,700 odd, that board what the hon. member has said I am three agres these are not actual. If you will refer to not propared to say that we are morally to redeem. I would prefer to recon- arguments put forward against my proposal, perhaps not

on one point. policy at present and the item Miscellaneous Services you will compelled

As one of those who and one will probably be that this is no time to soll land. However, could not that have been hitherto adopted by the Government is per see that the actual expenditure in 1908 was sider the matter.

of watchful care. $374,000, and the approved estimate for 1909.have consistently advocated inaction, I am contemplated sight or tou years ago when the foctly Law Courts and Post Office wars started. As at any moment the situation may change 8197,0:0, and the revised estimate for the same opposed to the eritics who freely blame T caunot The minutes of the last meeting were road regards--the Post Ofice, of course, that and the Government may have, sooner than year $307,000. The estimate for 1910 is the Gorernment for their Fabian policy. means we are paying a heavy rental we anticipate, to take drastic steps to deal $144,000, as that the difference between the consider it particularly unfair that the

For myself I believe our coin is not revised estimate of 1909 and 1910 is there Government should be thus blamed.

conceive how they could have done anything. which might have been saved. It might be with it. suggested that when all this work is paid redundant. I believe that, in the interests of fore $163,000. I have already made some

muistake to redeem inquiries as to these figures. I do not know The Government cannot conceivably regard the out of the surront revenue the money is not the Colony, it would be available, but I don't think, from a business our subsidiary coins and re-sell at melting that they are entirely entisfactory, sud in information received from the British Minister & loss of about dealing with these two columnas it seeras ut Peking except as authoritative. If the

year to me

that you ran a very good risk of British Minister at Peking encourages your point of view, that is a sound argument, sup. value, as it would be

ranning out year not small debit iulanco of Excellency in the hope that China is really about ROBINSON posing such as argument were adduced a quarter or half a million dollars, 6 raiso à five or ton years local loan to mistake to try to prevent the circulation

Chinese coin in the Colony. Those are my would also like to refer to the total increase of into line with modern methods, and in those cover the cost of special work. We have a very notable example of the difference between persenal views, but I know a large number of expenditure, which shows on these figures a dif- promises of reform of which we hear so much, then the way in which certain Government building of people do not agres with e. There is only ference of 8518,626, to which taust be added items don't see how you can take a line of your own. operations are carried out and the way in which one other matter mentioned in your Excelleney's of interest on the railway, which, for the It is only on the assumption that the Chinesa

own. I am one of those who consider that we fact that it was balanced by a windfall. other people conduct their business. Opposite remarks to which I shall refer, and that is the future, I understand go to the capital of Government will really do nothing that this

That was its outstanding feature. The out the Post Ofßes a very handsome building has erection of lights at Douglas rock and the the railway. A sum of $276,000 odd was Celony would be justified in taking a line of its been erected and the old hong demolished. The Banangish reef. This question is on old one, provided for that in 1909. In 1910 I under- work of putting down a new foundation and It has been before the Chamber of Commerce, stand it will be somewhat more. Taking the should be extremely careful not to erect any

it is balanced by a guess. All estimating is The COLONIAL TREASTERN seconded.

guesswork, but usually there is past experience Hon. Mr. HEWATT-Your Excellency, I haya erecting a now building, one of the most hand and was referred by us to the Government smallest, our expenditure has increased by barriers between this and Canton. Commercially standing fasturs of the present Budget is that been asked by the unflaial raambers to speak some and best constructed in the Colony, on more than one occasion. The consensus $795,116, It is very only to find, by analysing speaking Lengkong is part of China, and to ent

to re-by. There was nothing to go by in That of opinion as given by men, some of whom have these columns, how those various itoms have ourselves of by over so little from the freest first in reply to the Budget speech which your was carried out in sighteen months.

by business men spent half a lifetime in navigating the Curton been arrived at. There are very few, I am possible intercourse with Canton would be in my erected Was Excellency made a fortnight ago, I understand building

only be justifled by and so, apparently, the extent of our needs business fines, who wanted River, is that a bencen on Sunssiah reef is sorry to say, which show a decrease. Police and view of our special circumstances extremely estimating the yield of the now import duty, that some of my polleagues will supplement working on

asido the to receive in the shortest possible time a practically of no use at all. If money is going Fire Brigade showed in 1909 a special expondi risky, and

just what I have to say que duty, we all agree, I return for their investment. Your Excallenor to be spent on erecting a beacon, what they want ture of $35,000, bai for 1910 there is no special the very strongest need, so that as long as decided the matter. Broadly speaking, our need question of the liquor

years her carency our Government were wise to the opino revenue. In passing. I wou Think, that the Budgot taken as a whole is fairly referred to as payments, principally with a bacon Pass Beveral years ago a letter Department, we find that, aftwe all the talk of os was any hopath at China was going toroform was for six lakhs, not counting the shortage in by fifty senior merebant cap saving, the total saving is only $12,000. do nothing. Apparently that hope is still touch gently on the fast slready referred to by the bon member for the Chamber of Commerce, only Hatlefactory. That is to say, there is a revenuo regard to the Law Courts, the Post Ofice Capsuinua

the Kowloon Water Works

your Excellency said come down to what I consider held out that a beacon should be erected Now w of 86,900,000, including the liquor duty, and an and

most important figures au this

suggested to you

the precise menning of the word "substantial," expenditure estimated at ouly about $40,00 payments. I think you will have the thanks tais

of the community if your Excellency will at the sure it le very I am more than that.

were such that she was most auxious to induce closing the divans was brought in 'wo were loss on the opium farm for the nort three years will be completed by the end of 1910, and with this matter that it will receive your tion. I understand that this land is to be financial embarrassinents of the Chinese Empire as used by the Secretary of State. When the Bill satisfactory to all of us to find that the give the assurance that these particular works trust before your Excellency proceeds farther column-3374,000 for sperial land rainme-furtnight ago that His Britannin Majesty's that we are still without any information ne to Treaty Powers to allow her to raise her import urged not to delay its passage because, antil the is very inuch loss than at one time was feared. that no further payments in respect of them thorough consideration. I think it will be a used entirely for railway purposes, and your will be asked for. Anil I think, if I might be waste of money to ereat a light on that reef Excellency has quite rightly told us that it was But with regard to that loss we are still to

that cost. But it seems to me that as this land would require ber to reform her currency, and to you couldn't advertise for tenders and so than anywhere elso,

as a bine quo learn what attitude the Imperial Government allowed to suggest it, that it is all the more. when it is required at Capsing Island more proposed in futare te debit the railway with duties. I understand that he told you that they law on thist subject had been made known, non before couldn't find out your loss. That was why Hon. Mr. OSBORNE--Your Excellency las is required for railway purposes the amount abolish likin

granting her request. will take up. Wo were promised at least, so necessary that your Excellency should give ng

I turn from that you couldn't ask the Secretary of State we understand-by the Secretary of State in the this asurance, because curaours have been pat

about lately rogarde the Post Office that informed us that the Government's policy on the should rightly go to railway capital account House of Commons-that substantial componsa

to a small matter which invites comment. that out from him, you could not get on with These I understood were your tion would be made for loss occasioned through some bitch has taken place about that building, question of subsidiary coinage is to be a policy of There seems no good reason to pay for this rail- very important and most interesting subject what his promise meant, and until you found

Hon. Mr. STEWART Thisis the gront day for Your Excellency referred to the fact that the the Estimates. policy dictated to Hongkong by the Home and that it may not be completel as soon as watchful inactivity," Watchfal care," the hon- way site ont of the revenue,

wide field opened up by the discussion on the Excellency's ressons for urgency. What lies Government. I understand that your Excellency hoped. Turning to the Postal Agencies, Tourable member who has just spoken nails it. spoke of the Imperial Government possibly think we are all of one mind that it is quite on And considering the complexity of the subject, riding hobby horses, First, I propose to rile one granting Hongkong half the amount of that reasonable to export the taxpayer of Hong the futile efforts of the Investigation Committed which I regard with some justication sa par- Estimates provides opportunity to explain and because of them now? The farm has boon ton- Low Speaking for myself-in this case I do not kong to contribute towards their losses. It is two years ago, when a number of experienced tacularly my mount. It is not to bo judged dofond general lines of Folicy, and you tookdered for the-loss due to closing the divans gratifying indoad to know that the Imper- business men deliberated upon it and failed to against the 16-hand war horses, Military occasion to defend the Government policy souriained: you have no doubt communicated with regard to the subsidiary coinsge question. it to the Secretary of State. Does he make ao spook for my unefleial colleagues I uminti vary gratifying

been trotted out here, for decades I wondered that Year Excellency did not also reply? Or have-yon-sought the required in- that it would only be su set of justice if the ial Government now agree to pay half of that agree on a single point, it is not surprising that, Contribution and Sub-Coin, old stagers that Iraporial Government granted to the Ilongkong loss, and I trust the communities concerned in the midst of such coufioting opinions, the hars taxpayer at least the full loss inentred or the will put their hands in their pockets and Government hesitates to do otherwise than wait. by successive riders. Mine is only a five year- take occasion to reprobate the unlicensed formation by lotter? If so, it would seem then bear the other half Speaking as a resident At the same time I think your Excellency old. Five years ago a controversy was started character of moet of the anonymous oriticism that there was really no urgency at all. Iut I next three years opinn farm, by accepting a

number of years in China would welcome the prospect of escape from the in this Council in the debate on the Estimates which appears in the local Press. Possibly you really think our justifiable curiosity as to the policy which we have never confessed. Torning for a great

To reply in understand the generally to the question of the revenge of the I would be the first to deplore losing the dilemma in which the Colony finds itself, and I over the fate of the Clock Tower One speaker thought it beneath the dignity of your position meaning of the word "substantial" warrauts the our needs, not counting the loss on opinta. which I think will, without injury to any and thrown into the Has. Another suggested that and I am not afraid to speak out. I would like to tonoh. Wo all know that land advantages to British interests that therefore centure put forward a proposal was very anxious that it should be taken down I am not restrained by any such consideration, despatch of a wire. To return to the subject of Colony, there are one or two points on which British Post Ollicos, because

end a situation it should be removed from its

the proposed new liquor taxes is manifestly of the now revenue from alcohol. Some said it million others less than which is intolerable to Males have very largely doereased during the last postal agencies confer. At the same time the interacts and withode. First, however, and get up at Blako presont position detail to the mass of criticism which arose over Opinions were divided as to the probable yield. iss question certain man

to the paper and impossible, but I take this opportunity of pro- would yield s few years. At one time they formed a very

a great pity to remove testing against the columns of any of our news half that Compared with the higher guess, important item in ear revenue, something like

let me repudiate the idea that this is s $70,000, but there is no reason to suppose that

affecting only a few public traffic companies urged that it was Probably it affects these companies less than the Clock Tower, as it served as an ancient papers being thrown open to attacks upon the that of the Government seems moderate enough, there wall be any material increase during the next two or three years certainly not as far

auyone, because they have it within their landmark. A newspaper controversy, then probity of those who are striving in any capaci and then-it exactly makes ends meet. Later, power to make good their losses by raising set up, and the Government were afforded an ty to serve the public. As an instance, I mar in the course of your Excellency's intreductary as the idand is concerned, as the country

fares, as indeed has in most instances already opportunity of having the question tested by refer to a letter which appeared in the South remarks, it seemed to me that I caught the been done. It is not the company but the tra public opinion as expressed in the local papers. China Morning Post of August 19th mendaci suggestion of a hope that the yield would exceed Another important is largely developed.

we all knowns item of our revenno, as

veller who loses, except in so far as inoranced The main contention of those who idroentously signal" Fairplay." anggesting that it was the estimate, and that this source of revenue that it constituted doubtful if any member of this or the Breontive might in any case ultimately be relied upon to been the opium zevenue. That, of course,

fares restrict traffic. This, sir, is set a questioned its demolition was

Your tain public question without considering his of that. I view with concern the possibility. is an extremely precarious item, and no have ovary reason to believe it possible

of individual interests it is one that concerns, an obstruction to traffic. Some said it was Council could be found willing to decide a cer-increase. I confess I did not like the sound that in a very short time that reveano may

in a greater or less degree, the whole, of our ugly and on that account ought to go. Fery obriens, as your

labouring classes-classes whose interests it is predecessor was not satisfied that the Clock own pocket when giving his vote. The insinun- If this Colony pays more than six lazhs the daty of Government to protect, if for Tower constituted an obstruction to traffic, tion clearly was that the members of the Coun- of duty on intoxicating liquors consumed.

ho went oil and of the Executive Council could not be in it, the inference will be irresistible that the I have been told that cease. Therefore it is Excellency stated in your remarks the other to another point, the necessity of increasing no higher reason than that the prosperity of and

office near to the place and trusted to put the public intarest before their Chinese are taking to drink. The number. day, that although during the next twelve to

the number of our stations. The Chinese Hongkong depends so largely upon their down to an

For the Colony needs a plentiful watched the traffic, so that he could form private poonniary interest, I resant such im European residents in the Colony shows no months the financial problem of the Colony will

Government коте in-

time ago agreed to welfare. not be very diffoult, there will be in the

A station on Pratas Island and now supply of labour, and whatever tends directly or his own judgment as to whether the allegation putstions being pat apon the members of this signs of rapid increase, and it is a matter of modiste future a very serious financial problem erect

as against understood, was that he considered that no such not sit silent and allow any local editorua consumption of alcohol by individual mam. to be faced." Reverting to the question of the that the question of ownership has been settled indirectly to restrict the infinx of labour tends was true or not. The result. I have always Council, and as long as I sit on it I shall everyday comment and congratulation that the our rivals in trade at other parts. There serious obstruction was caused as to justify the rebuked, to give prominence to such a suggesbers of the rising generation markedly de- opiam dicans, it is not very satisfactory to trust that it will be possible to induce them proportionately to handicap us understand that your Excellencyr appears to at the earliest peexible moment to proceed with

the wireless telegraphic station. I put forward are those who hold that this deprociated demolition of the old Tower. At any rate, tion. Such a suggestion is no doubt estimated rossos. If, therefore, with the sources of the Governor, then was satisfied that locally at its proper value as a more reckless information at your command, Your Excel- look to a breach of law for certain increases in

old landmerk had libal. But for the credit of the Colony outside lenoy considers it probable that there will that even though tho cost of food and shelter the upholders of the our revenue, Itrast, although your Excellency this hope not only in the interests of foreign coinage does not affect the working classes

It is of revenue, it means that a the Clocked insinuations

in- mach to be regretted

progressive of the Chinese Govern may have risen as a consequence, wages also bars the best of the argument, and he said that of the Colony, the publication of such unfound. is an increased yield from this new soRTOG may be right, that you may prove to be wrong, shipping, which, after all, is possibly not

& great concern

crease in the amount of alcohol consumed by and that the Colony will prove more law-abiding ment, but more in the interests of humanity risen in sympathy. This I deny. I deny that as long as he remained here than your Excellency appeared to contemplate with regard to the extoranous junk jufl. fishing the rickshaman, the chair-bearer, the coal and Tower would stand. Consequently I was manok at least conceivable that by the naohacked mul With regard to the lass of revenue on opium trade carried on in these waters. We have ouls cargo coolie and the host of other daily paid surprised to see early this year a letter in the tiplication of them our interests might adversely the Chinese section of the population is anti- divane, I am not sure that I follow the remarks

too good reason to know during the last month workers, are enraing more to-day than they did newspapers written by the Colonial Secretary in be affected. I take it that the prestige of the cipated. I wish to direct attention partionlar I wish made by your Excellency, bat perhaps you will correct mis it I am mistaken. 1 followed your the appalling loss of life occasioned to shipping before this evil aroma. On the other hand, it is forming the editors of the local papers that the Colony is one of the interests of the Colony.ly to the fact. I trust it rasy obtrude itself upon Tower as soon as the now Post Office was ready if this Council is brought into contempt. It is there was the smallest chance of its boing taken to heart by those who seem to think that- sposch as published in Hansard, and it appeared crews by the absence of proper warning of bad an undeniable fact that a 10 cent piece to-day Government had decided to remove the Clock I take it that the prestige of the Calony suffers the notice of the Secretary of Stato.

weather. Therefore, in the canse of humanity has not the purchasing power it had then... to me that you rather connected the new

I trust that the Chinese Government at the will not, however, enter upon controversial to receive the clock. That did not seem to me particularly unfortunate at the present time revenne from liquor duties with the opium It

earliest moment will put up that station. The matters, but confies myself to one broad aspect at all a proper thing to do. There had been no when opinion in England is apt to misjudge the prevention of opium smoking will prove an seems to me that would be wrong if that was the intonmout your Excellency meant to convey. Philippine Government have, I believe, prac- regarding which I think we can all agree. Ne new publis discussion. The matter had been pre- Hongkong's attitude towards the opium policy unmixed blessing to the natire population. I trust you did not mean to suggest, because wetically undertaken to put up a similar station amount of theoretical argument can undermine viously decided by public discussion and there was of His Majesty's Government, in its sp. A leading medical practitioner tells me that that the deal, one way and another, which indicates alcoholism among them, now he frequently has one of the islands in the Balanting the principle that a stable currency is essential to no ostensible reason for re-opening the

not altogether unconnected with the solitary the exact amount bo, from the new tar on

may liquor, that that might possibly be used as an be pressed forward at the earliest possible mo- amount of sophistry can upset the fact that a reason which chiefly guided the Government how ready is the man in the street" at home to. Solicitude for the Colony's good name is Estimates. Before resuming my seat I desire argument by the Imperial Government against ment. Of course, the erection of these two 10 cent piece, which at all times is worth the in this case we Goonomy-that the Colony to assume that we have been guided in our at making substantial contribution on account of stations is not of particular value unless the tenth of a dollar, is 3 better medium of having spent nearly seven lakhs on the titnile solely by selfish and interested motives. comment which I have to make on the

of this bendency forced itself unpleasantly upon

to make at least a passing reference to to put a new clock there. The reason why

the subject properly under discussion. The the loss to revente through the closing of the Hongkong Government erect a wireless telegra exchange than one whose value fluoroetes daily. Post Office could not possibly find the money An illuminating, though unimportant, instance my notice not long ago, when I received a letter, opium divana. It may be that I did not quite phic station or permite others to do so. I do not Therefore, I take if that however much we may

in recognizing the value of five years ago did not come forward six from-Manchester, addressed to me as the other day of Your Excellency's tabla understand what your Excolleagy Haid, but I believe myself such a station run as a com- disagree on matters of detail or upon side issues, those who helped to save the Clock Tower must confess that that was the impression left mercial undertaking could possibly pay for we are unanimous in rouge that no one will abject probably was that at present, while the unofheial spokesman in a recent debate. The Chiuose gentleman of position assured me that

two or three peers,

ars, but it is absolutely necessary apon my mind as to what you did say. It is a great deal too carly to even hazard a guess as to that we should here ons, as yest by year a claim that our present coins possess stability. hotel is being rebuilt and the hoarding round writer accused me of being suborned to defenil in Canton, among the well-to-do, the opium is taking will be brought in. by the new considerable number of steamers are being. As to a remedy, I suppose the one which ovary it crosses the rond halfway the Clock the opiam vice. He did not sign his name; he habit was fast dying out and that a new fashion what covonue

How it honourable man would like to ses applied is Tower does constitute za obstruction to trullo did not give his address. I could not therefore for drinking beer and brandy was as rapidly

take this opportunity of doing to coming in That a similar chango roply liquor duty. Your Excellency put it at the fitted with wireless telegraphy. Conservative figurs of $508,000. Personally I is to be erected, either by government or redemption-redemption at par. But however I now ask that the ganxtion be allowed to think it will be more. But I merely take the commercial undertaking, is matter that much we may yearn after virtue in the abstract, stand in abeyance until the hotel is finished and I take this opportunity of telling him that the place among the Chinese in Hongkong is said opportunity of expressing the hope, which I am will come up for cutsideration later on. on this particular occasion it becomes imposible until the Post Office is removed to its new unofficial members of this Concil are not the to be the case. The fear that an increase in aggregate there really is any obstructing to traffic him that I myself have no personal interest the immediate resalt of the abandonment of sure will be fulfilled, that the Local Government know it has been before your Excellency when the cost is taken into account. For there dwelling. It will then be possible to sea whether kind of mon he takes them for; and of assuring the evils of alcoholism in this Colony would be will not, because the revenue has been raised by already, and I am sure it will not fail to have been issued from time to time three or four lakhs, launch out into any frou receive your attention, Your Excellenor also of over 40 million dollars worth of all not. I deny for my own part that the old is, nonnection with, opinm. It so happens the opium habit has frequently been c expenditure. - I hope and feel sure that the moformed to the military contribution and plated coins, dives and separ; though how much is tower is ugly. That of course isonly my opinion that I neither smoke it nor out if I neither pressed by misty among those who bring to a in this Conneil beon inspired by those who ness of the political partisan nor the in. would that the Secretary of State proposed appoint now in existense se money it is impossible to and possibly it does not impresa yua very carofully

do. I I take the trouble to deal with this remote evitable shortsightedness of the bigot. Noar á committee to inquire into the matter. The say, and any scheme of redemption policy now introduced of

that in the opinion of the architect who design- Basbanding the revtaue will be persisted in. In

T think it a advisable to rater unofficial members entirely agree that the whole | thefore require to anticipate an enormous such, but I derito support from the fact pay it nor sell it. Neither has my voice and rotestudy, of the question neither the wilful blind- mous letter writer, worthy of direct notico, assume that the evil of overindulgence in it connection I think it in advigshisture on Caleny should contribute something towards deed soything up to four million dollsus; ed the building referred to this afternoon, that of critic, not because I consider him, or any anony by all the But-opium writers. Appear to

its to the

derived from the credit to him and bat because I take his malignant acousation to

stimulent, instead public works. Take the railway, for instance. the defence of the Empiro, but we consider that so that this solution pagees beyond our reach. Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., admittedly a

improvement might be made in the men. Two years ago I advocated prohibition, and beautiful building, a

to the Colony, the Clock Tower in not ugly be significant of the uncharitable state of mind special to this pa itself, in some way. The original estimate was put down at some-

ellection is levied rightly so, I think, because I believe it voula thing like

$8,000,000 but so far as I can not in which the

As regards the rotnarks made brought by the oxaggerations and misrepressuristin. That is where opinion divides on this gather the amount actially spent is somewhere on the Colony, and we welcome the have been accomplished than wilboat friction and does not deserve on that account into which ignorant people are liable to be of from the defective will

of State to with Canton. To day I do-not-advocate pro- to be destroyed.

They are to blame character you will think that the removal of nesrer $11,000,000, or 40 per cent. more. The proposal of the Secretary Law Cearts were estimated to cost about four appoint a committee. I do not propose to go hibition, because I think it cannot be accomplished by the hon. member who represents the tations of the leaders of the extreme section of question. If you attributo vics to weakness of

contribution,

on the subject the anti-opium apprehensions such as that one form of temptation will inevitably load. lakhs, but the figures now before the Council deeper into the matter. My views are well without sach friction. And the interests of Hong Chamber of are almost double that amount, an increase of known, aud after two years' personal consider kong luing so interlaced with those of Canton of the military

The same thing applies to the ation I see no reason to modify what I said any not likely to involvo diesusion between the official members do not see eye to eye in this Hongkong is "Hades for immorality," one of to the substitution of another. An apt in- but I two communities is to be deprecated. The remedy matter. The hou, member has renewed his pro-the assertions, made by my Manchester corres-stance of this occurred in England not á 94 per cent. Post Office, which was expected to cost fire at this Council two your go point Iedvocate now is to have a new coinage redoom-test against the idea of this Colony being called spondent. But how much more difficult must it hundred years ago There was a so-called ware of temperance. People took the pledge will taka this opportunity lakks, but which has cost to date $373,500, an

how ing out

extremely heavily this able at par. To effect this reform it would be

that we pay too much. 1 don't agree insinuations, originating in our midst, such as in great numbers. They gave up alcohol and incréase of 75 per cent. That has been the itary tax presses upon the ratepayers of necessary that new coins be struck which shonlapon to pay a Bfth of our revenue, He said become to remove such misapprehensions f

You told us in your sponch in gab be of exactly the same weight and fineres ns with him. I will not my that we might not pay those male, by Fairplay," are allowed to pass denly, without any previous training and dis- in Hongkong, and my recollection goos hawk. am sorry to say, for 30 years, I

only express the pions hope that my were expected to realise $505,000, and that the The old coins would then need to be ovease fourfold. I understand that at present against any newspaper supported by the Colony They took to opum. Immediately there was the manufacture of false impressions exlon. The reverse of this threatens to happen here, Garcessor on this: Council in years to come cost of collection will be $60,000. As a demonetived and it is perhaps upon this wo only pay about one-fourth of the cost of the being used to supply fabricated material for a new scars and alcohol returned triumphant.

HIS EXCELLENor-Slightly over that, iated to damage the Colony's good name. This will not have the painful duty of calling the matter of fact I believe that these figures ara point alone that any disagreement with my garrison-

notas in

Hon. Mr. STEWART-II Oar rovinné ware to time last year I described the Budget.for 1909 and in Canton. This was and is our main fear. attention of the Government to the fact that y conservative, but even taking your figures, proposal may arise. The profit on minting the typhoon refage at Mengkokteni has ex- that would mean that we have to get a net should be kept in reserve, oseded the estimate by from 40 to 75 per cent, revenue of $508,000 from these new import duties former years passed to revenge, but the interest increase four-fold we would pay the whole of the ass makeshift Budget," in allusion to the

time has now arrived when it is absolutely un- reasonable to ask the Hongkong taxpayer to pay a single cash towards their mainten Your Excellency made reference to the ance. Observatory, and as this is the only time in the year when we have a chance of criticising favourably or unfavourably the policy of the Government and its officials, this is the time

should

our appraniation of the Observatory

been Way conducted. The more so, as we are per- fectly, well aware, that the Director is hand capped by not being fully connected with all That brings më

Wa the

express

sourous of bad weather.

on

has

#Tate

Whereupan

of

were getting an extra half million, or whatever hanvel, and I am sure we all hope it will the prosperity of an industrial community; no at all Since then I have been told ustion plication to our finances. I have read a good whereas formerly he never had to treat cages of

works

B

Commerce

the

for Home-grown,

of the

for many years past on all hig public the Estimates that the import duties the old, but with a different superenription. too much some day if our roventio were to in- without contradiction or comment? I protest ciplíne of the fill. What was the result?

(Continued on page 5)