1910-07-15 — Page 3

THE NEW REGIME IN SIAM.

JOURNALIST'S IMPRESSIONS.

Mr. E. A. Lowry, rmerly of Hongkong, arrivedyesterday by the Zooksun from Bog. kok, where he has been ongagod as chief shorthand writer in the Ministry for Justice. He was appoinal to this puition soon after the Treaty between Great Britain and Siam om into optration, by which British subjects, si the

| HONGKONG

LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL.

A moeting of the Hongkong Legislative Council was held yesterday in the Council Chamber.

The following were present ------

HIS EXCELLENCY. THE OBFICER ADMINIS

TEEING THE GOVERNMENT, Lion. Shr F. H. MAY, KOMG. T

Hon. Mr. AM, Tonsor (Colonial Socro

Hon

result of the abolition of the British Consalar Mr W. RES DAVIES, K.O. (Attorney-

Court brough Great Britain giving up extra- territoid rights, cams, under Slamese law,

General).

Mr. C. Mol. MESSEE (Colonial Tres

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JULY 15TH, 1910,

mend the Protection of Women and Girls The Chairman-Supposing he is working Department of the Director of Education, Other Ordinance, 1897,

on board ship after keurs, or on Sundays, or ↑ Charges, Incidental Expenses. The Commiax, SECRETARY seconded, and the something of that sort. Bill was real a first time,

The memorandum attached says that this Bill amends the Protection of Women and Girl Ordinance, 1897, by constituting the Registrar General the legal guardian of a girl in cases where the girl has been parted with by the parent for the purpose of adoption or for money.

"THE HIGHWAYS ORDINANCES

The ATIDENEY-GENERAL Moved the first reading of a Bill entitled, “An Ordinanca to

Mr. Lory was enaged mostly in reporting the sur Mr. W. CHATHAM, C.M.G. (Director of Provide for the stopping up, diversion, turning}

Hori

Publio Works);

at

Hor. Mr.A. W.Bawwi (Registrar-General), Hon. Mr. P. J. BADELEY (Capt. Superinten- dont of Pokes).

Hon. Dr. Ho KAT, M.B., C.M.G. Hon. Mr. Wei YUK, 0,M.G. Hon. Mr. E. A. HEWITH

Hon. Mr. MURRAY STEWART.

Hon. Mr. HEWET-Is that invariably the custom in the Government service! Ins mer. chant's offico a man has got to do his work whether on Sundays or other days. It does not matter whether it is overtime or not.

The CHAIEMAN-On some ecossions over time is allowed.

Hon. Mr. MURRAY STEWART—This is a very large proportion of the amount to pay as over- time.

The CHAIRMAN-It is not his full pay. Hon. Mr. MUREAT STEWART-Presumably he has for some period $570 and for some period

or alteration in levels of Highways."---

The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the $250,00 Bill was read a first time.

This Ordnance has been found necessary it view of the laying out of Crown lands, the formation of new streets and the diversion of portions of existing streets in various parts of the Colony, and is based in a measure on the Imperial Highways Act of 1835.

The CHAIRMAN-I think I may tell you he is limited to $800 a year.

Hou, Mr. OSBORNE As overtime allowanco? The CHAIRMAN→→t sovertime allowance. Of course you must remember that evertime al- lowances are paid by the offices. If they want the services of Government officers at uncarthly hours I am quite certain they have to pay over- time fees,

proceedings in English in the newly-established Internional Court, in which a British judge, Justice Bussard, site an advisor in cases whore Britishsubjects of Asiatic descent are concomed, but who a British subject of European descent is detestant he sits as judge, and bis option must pall: so that under this system. „Asiatica are judged by Asiaties and Europoons by the Europan judge. Mr. Towey also reported many proceedings where questions of law arose in other courte on the International Court, where the argumat was in English and Siamese, but he' was enged particularly in cases where the Minist for Justice, His Royal Highnoss

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of Prince Rabi, haärd the evidence in English Prince Rubi, who wa Minister for Justice His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table fox

The memorandum attached shown that this inspect ships after hours. swut fourteen years, is, says Mr. Financial Minutes (Nos. 48 to 57), and moved Lowry, vory able lawyer who passed with that they to referred to the Finance Com Bill effectseadment in the Liquors Ordinance the mercantile marinė, kam

honour at Oxford, and who has done a grast deal toimprove and molarnies the admininea- tion of law in Siam Early last month he resiguelhia appointment to the regret of all the Europen and foreign residents in Bangkok, and he has been succeded by His Highness Prince Charoon, who was for some years Biamesinister at Paris Prince Charoon is. a capabt man and an excelleny linguist. He speaks English, French and German fluently and qualified and was callel to the English bar. Thong foreigners may regret the retirement of Prince labi, they will so lonra that he has been

succeed by a very capable man.

follow.

Hon. Mr.B. OABOENE. Hon. Mr. H. KESWICK, Mr. C. CLEMENTI (Clerk of Councila),

MINUTES. The minutes of the last meeting were road | and confirmat,

mittee.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.

LIQUORS AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ORDINANCE. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL zoved the Bre reading of a Bill entitled, " An Ordinance to

Hon. Mr. HEWETT-Idon't know about that;

ROAD WORKS,

The Offloor Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of Ten thousand Dollars ($10,000) in aid of the vote, Pablic Works Extraordinary, Communications, Road extending along the north-eastern boundary of Kowloon Marine Lot 83 and Kowloon Inland Lot 1178.

WATER WORKS.

The Oficer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote sum of Thirty-two thousand Dollars (832,000), in aid of the vote, Public Works Extraordinary, Water Works, Kowloon Water Works,

The CHAIRMAN-This amount is necessary for the carrying on of this large work up till the end of the year. The Director of Public Works will give you any further information.

Hos. Mr. HEWETT What is this in conneo. to with? Raising the dam of the Kowloon Waterworks?

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORK-The necessity for this work has arisen through the failure of the contractor in fulfilling his con.

PROGRESS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES,

The following report on the New Territories was laid on the table at the meeting of the Legislative Council yesterday:

4-NORTHERN DISTRICT.

1-ADMINISTRATION. Cortain changes were made during the year in the administration of the district.

Formerly the district was administered by a Police Magistrate, who was also an Assistant Superintendent of Police, and by an Assistant Land Offloor. The Magistrate had no power to har land casas and the Assistant Land Ofoer had no power to sit as Magistrate. The collec tion of reat was superrined by the Folles Magistrate.

по

In 1907 the offices of Police Magisteste, Assistant Superintendent of Police and Coller tor were amalgamated under the title of Dis trict Officer, but no separate department was created and the District Ofluer had still not power to hear land ces. The District Officer was subordinate to the Captain Superintendent of Police and the Treasurer, while the Amistant Land Offcor was subordinate to the Land Officer.

Early in 1909 the Assistant Land Offloor was

"farther amgul the Liquora Ordhianco, 1909;" they must be very small. The only arrange-. tract, and as a consequence the cost of the work and the tide of Assistant District. Often

The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time.

1909, so as to give a similar rebate in the case of The COLONIAL TREASURE seconded, and the the Loyal Naval Hospital and the Engineer' Mean in His Majesty's Dockyard as is granted motion was agreed to.

to the Military Messes of the Colony.

FINANCIAL

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of

His Excellessy the Governor, laid on the table the report of the Finsuse Committee (No. 5) and moved its adoption":

The COLONIAL TREASURER conded, and the mation was agreed to.

PAPERS,

The COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following papers--Medical and Sanitary Reports and Report of the Now Territories for 1909 Report of the Assesment for the year 1910-1911,

-EXECUTIVA" COUNCIL RELIEF. OF DUTIES ORDINANCE

SUPPLENENTARY APPROPRIATION BILJ

reading of the Bill entitled, "An Ordinance t The COLONIAL SECRETARY moved the second

authorize the Appropriation of a Supplementary Sum of The hundred and fourteen thousand five hundred and thirty-threa Dollars and thirty two Cents, to defray the Charges of the Tear 1909 In doing so he said-As the Bill being refered to the Finance Committee, every explanation will be given at that stage., ⠀⠀⠀ The COLONIAL TREASURER BOConded, and, the motion was agreed to.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY then moved that the Bill be referred to the Finance Committes The COLONIAL TREASURER Seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

HIR EXCELLENCY-The Council stands ad journed until this day week.

ment know about is a personal arrangement with the Medical Officer of Health to come and

The CRATERAN→→That is nothing to do with

Hon. Mr. HAWETT-It is an arrangement between myself and the officer in question. I think on principle that a man should do his work whether it is after hours, or whether he works on Sunday. If a clerk of mine refused to work I would discharge Lim.

has been materially ingressed,

was made subordinate to the District Oficer, and at the beginning of 1910 a new department was created under the title of District Oleo. The District Officer and the Assistant District Officer have equal powers in all cues. They are both Assistant Superintend." ents of Police, and as such subordinate to the Hou, Mr. HEWITT That accounts for the Captain Buperintendent of Police. A e rtain 832,000 ?:

Hon. Dr. Ho KAI-Yon count on the sureties? The DIRECTOR OF FOLLIC WORKS We will endeavour to do so.

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS--Yos.

Hon. Mr. MUREAT STEWART-Is this sup posed to finish it?

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC Wongs-There

The CRAIDMAN-You can hardly expect all be an amount in the estimates for next year of about $10,000, and I think that will man to work out of time.

complete the whole work.

Hon. Mr. HEWITT-Certainly. I think if they objected and asked for extra pay they would be dismissed in the mercantile service.

The CHAIRMAN-You cannot expect a mun

to do work at nine o'clock at night

Hon, Mr. HEWEST My clerks would to do so if it had to be done.

Hon Mr. MUBRAY STEWART-Do you think, then, there is soms doubt as to whether you are going to got this back from the sure. ties to the contract? Do I guage that as your haveaning P

Hon Mr. MURRAY STEWART-As to the supervision exercised?

The CHAIRMAN-The supervision is erer- aised by the party who obtains his services. The party who obtains his services pars the Government for them.

During the period immediately ing the Siamese Iaw Courts taking over tis administration of justice to Bri tish subjects, of whom there aro a goat number of Asiatics registered at the British The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first Consuldi, there might have been some feeling reading of a Bill entitled, “An Ordinance to that the British Government had given over relieve the Governor-in Council of vertus --thoirov|eritorial rights too early, but the Siamese duties." In doing so he said- With regard to Goverment have cortalaly done their best to that Bill, Sir, I may say that an amendment will soe the no delaye coeur in the administration he moved in committee to provide that a stay of. of justio Cases concerning British subjectsare proceedings must be authorised by resolution of tried more the International Court in which the Legislative Council. The matter, in the the Chhi Judge, the second Siamono Judgeand Brat place, engages the attention of the Governor afterwards the Colonial Secretary presiding orament gets that and pays this sum.

the English advisor spuk English. Theo in Conncil, and if objection is taken to tho cial language of the Court is Siamere, and the

decision by the Governor in Conncil then it will

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Finance Committee was held

The following votes were passed

NEDICAL DEPARTMENTS.

Hon. Mr. MURRAY SKEWART-Then he is paid twice over?

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS-There is always some doubt as to whether you will be able to get it.

Hon. Mr. MURRAY STEWART It depends on the surety accepted.

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC › Wonxs-The

Government hold contain securities and I pro sume they will be raaliable, but whether they will cover the whole amount remains to be seen.

Boo. Mr. KESWICK-On what principle do you let contracts? Do you not satisfy your

The CHAIRMAx-Not at all; the other man pays the money into the Treasury. The Gorselres P

Hon. Mr. REWET-I think what Mr Stowart says is quite right. The thing might be abused, and a man might deliberately delay

official noord is taken in the same langage. be the subicot of a resolation authorising the recommended the Council to vote a sum of For his work no as to get overtime. I have known

English witnesses give their evidence in Eng liab, and it is interprout into Siamese, while Ainmea witnesses give their ovidence in Siamose and its interpreted into English. Addrases

work by Legislaturo.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and

the Bill was read & first time.

The memorandum attscled to the measuro.

The Offer Administering the Government

hundred and twenty Dollars ($420) in aid of the vote, Medical Departments, B-Hospitals and Asylums, Personal Emoluments, Alice Memorizi

such cases, 12

The CHAIRMAN-It is possible thurs like that may occur, but I don't know that that has

Hon. Mr. HEWETT-It certainly does not

of coul are deliverd in both languages, states that this Bill is substitutod for Ordinanes aternity Hospital, Fees to Lady Dostor for anything to do with the principle.

Most actising lawyes, whether English or continual, speaks Biamese, and if not they employ an interpreter.

No. 29 of 1939, which was considered too exten-

supervisision of midwives in cases of uccassity.

FUBLIC WORKS BETRAORDINARY, chtain in British Colonies.

The CHAIRMAN Shall I bring it to the The Offer Administering the Government

sive and was disallowed at Home. Its object is to rest in die Governor certain powers and Reveling to military progress, Mr. Lowry duties which it is considered would be word recommended the Council to vote a sum of "otics of the Governor that you refuse to stated that come years ago) Siam adopted vantageously exercized and performed by him/Fourteen thousand seven hundred and thirty pass the vota? arsin of compulsary military service alone than by the Governor in Council in whom

which i her able-bodied male citizens were compeled to sorve for two years. Siam, low- ever, does not look forward to becoming an aggresivo power. Her army is raised for the purpos of maintaining peace within her borders withoul intervention by foreign posers. The army organised and commanded by Siamose, and empting the Votrinary Department it contain no foreigners. Mr. Lowry had won the milliora on paude, and considered that they presented every appearance of a workmanlike and dissiplined body, minus the toppings and pipoolay. The regiments had the appearance of an army intended for basincs, and they were armed with the most madera implements of warfare,

Soru five weeks ago there was a big strike of Chines in Bangkok, The Cantonese resenting the incased poll tax sad fomenting a strike

to join On this occasion the Celestial store-

they are now vested.

YOUNG PERSONS AMENDMENT ORDINANOB.

The AITORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill entitled" An Ordinance to amend the Young Persone Ordinance, 1909.

The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was road a first time.

According to the memorandom attached this? Ordinance voste in the Court the discretion of determining the age of an offender under The Young Persons Ordinanco, 1909. Difi- culty is frequently experiesent in proving the age of an offender,

THE COPYRIGHT. UZDINANCE,

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill entitled, “An Ordinanes to amend the Law of Copyright."

The COLONIAL SECRETARY 28conded, and the Bill was read a first time.

Hon. Mr. HEWETT-I don't refuse to pass Dollars ($14,730) in aid of the vote, Pablis Works Extraordinary, Draimge, Training the vote, but in view of the rule I think it would be more satisfactory to the committes to be in- formed who this officer is and what his duties

Nellabs.

The Offer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of two thousand are hundred and ninety-two Dollan and alevon Cents ($2,59211) in aid of the vote, Public Works Extraordinary, Miscellaneous, Fish Broeng Pond Construction.

AJUDICIAL AND LEGAL.

The Offer Administering the Government recommends the Council to vote a mam of Five kundred and fifty-eight Dollars and eighty-saven Cents (855887) in aid of the vote Judicial and Legal Departments, C.-District Officer, Persons al Emoluments, Loond Allowance to Fassed Cadet acting as Assistant District Officer.

POLICE DEPARTMENT,

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a com of Two thousand sit hundred and seventy-eight Dellan

are...

cantile birine Office and his anty is in connec The CHAIRMAN-He is an officer in the Mor- tion with the shipping and discharge of seamen, I should assume that you understand the details of that work better than I do. If amplain wants to get away at nine o'clock at night, it is hardly to expect this man to do the work without paying something for it

Hon, Mr. MURRAY STEWARTAS the thing. is oxpressed here there is a large proportion for

overtime allowance." -

The UHAIEMAN-I think overtime is rather mis-description; out of time or extra time would be better.

Hon. Mr. OSBORNE- Out of the office hours. The CHAIRMAN – 103 The vote was passed.

P.W.D.

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sami of

sontinuity of policy is thus attained which was not possible under the old system.

District Olleer, acted from February 1st to During the year 1909 Mr. Hallifax, the

March 23rd. I noted as District Officer for the Mr. Tratman noted as remainder of the year.

December 31st, Assistant District Ceer from May 15th to

2.-FOLICE.

At the end of the year the force stationed in the district consistadef 8 Eurogents, 60 Indious and 24 Chiness. The waters of the district are patrolled by No. 2 Launch with a crew of 2 En- ropesos and 15 Chinose. There were ako 15 Indians quartered in the district during the year for railway purposes. A reduction of the European force was made on September 1st, by the withdrawal of the Sergeant from Au Tax Station. This station is now visited by the Ping Shan and San Tin Bergeants and is for purposes of discipline under San Tig

3. REVENUE.

I have set forth in Table I., under the varioua heads, the sums collected as revenue. The total But in order to arrive at the real revento collection at Tai F amounted to $97,928.20.

from the district the fees collected, by the water police for licences of various descriptions under the Merchant Bhipping Ordinateo must be nadad. These fees are paid to the Harbour Oleo. Daring 1909 they araointed to $5,377.80. The gross revenus in 8103,306,00. Something should moreover be credited to the district on behalf of the opium monopoly.

canh is therofore

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS-Phe contractor was in a position to carry it out when we let it to kim, but since then matters, have altered much.

The annual sales of opium within the Ter- Hon. Mr. KESWICK-What was the total ritory appear to amount to something like

857,800.00

amount of the contract?

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS- $500,000,

Hon. Mr. MURRAY STEWART-And the security

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS-I think $10,000, but I would not like to say just now.

Hon. Mr. HEWITT $10,000 only for a con- tract of $500,000?

The DIRECTOR OF PURLIO WORKS—Yes. Hon. Mr. MURRAY STEWART-Which if he fails to carry out means that the Government in let in for $40,000

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORK-The Government will not be lat in for $40,000. I don't think it will exceed this amount here.

Hon. Mr. MUBRAY STEWART -And yet there is a possibility of losing $30,000. It would be natural to expect that a security of $30,000 would be arranged for.

The CHAIRMAN-If we accepted it, no doubt it will be arranged for.

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORE The principle on which we go in letting contracts generally speaking is that wo secure tenders from substantial contractors, and we make the sonrity low. so as not to unnecessarily tie up the money and hamper them in carrying out the work

Hon Mr. MURRAY STEWART-One can quite

The vote was then passed.

APPROPRIATION BILL

which shor classes of Chinese were afraid no The object of the Bill is to amend the law of and sixty Cents ($2,678.60) In aid of the vote, Four hundred and seventy Dollars (470) in aid appreciate there is a limit to the figura, ⠀ keeponto a man shut up shop, and for uma Copyright in this Cokay. A local register is Police and Prison Departments, A.-Folio of the vote, Public Works Department, Other days business was paralyzed. Fearing that riots? Provided for books and dmmatic pieces at Other Charges, for the following two items;~

might sult, the Same Government called out the traps to assist the police in maintaining order, Armed infantry and cavalry patrolled the streets but there was so troublo, and the mal content soon started work again. When Mr. Lowry haft Bangkok the Chinese were still decided not to pay the poll tax, but as certain faction among them differ, it is expected that they will eventually comply with the roguire ments the law.

published in this Colony. The owner of the copyright of any book first published in this Colony as the isw is at present has to register under the Copyright Act, 1842, at Stationers' Hall before he can enforce his rights against in- fringers. Under this Ordinance he may register either locally in the Copyright Register or at Stationers' Hall

DEDINANCE

The provisions of the Copyright (Musical Compositiona) Acts, 1282 and 1882, which are extended to this Colony, prevent unjust ne A foling prevails in Slam that the Govern being made of earlier enactments and give the ment, which has sont numerous students to Court a disation as to the amount of pen- England, France, Germany and Americ, ia alties and as to the ousts to be awarded in endensuring to run the country without proceedings for penalties for infringement. the mistance of foreigners. This festing · CHOWN - LANDA RESTYFÜION AMENDMENT has bu accenteinted by the fact that a few month ago the obiel and

British sur- several

The ATTORNEY-GZSESAL moved the frat veyor were retired. The Siamese explanation is that the military department has taken over reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to the sureys in the country, sad it is inconsistent. amend the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance, with be military seministration to employ 1990, and to make special provision for the foreigers. On the same ground the Govern Resumption of Crown Lands of small value for mont tired all the foreigners-mostly

Daves explod in the navy, month or so age, hat it public purposes.” must be remembered that the department with which foreigners are mostly concerned, namely, the Justice Departamt, employs & s number of The object of this Bill is to simplify the British, French and Eelgian legal advisor, and. except for those who were employed under the machinery provided by the Crown Lunde provisions of the tresly made last year with the Resumption Ordinanse, 1990, in the case of land British Government, none of these neid be resumed for public purposs which is undor the emploid by the Siness Government, But value of $500. Siam deiros to employ them in order that sha

A power of entry before resumption is given Ting her department of justice into lius in the case if all lands red under this and with that of European powera.

In anelusion. Mr. Lowry informed our repre- the Principal Ordinance, and provision is made sentaire that one or two rubber companies had for the payment of compensation in case of an been foated in Siam Isfely, but they were really in tontory conceded to Great Britain under absent owner. the late treaty. There were, however, prospects of ruler developing in other parts of the county, and one German syndicate was steady onltinting the commodity at Koret

may

The COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the Bill was read a first time,

PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS' TAMARA BORDINANCE.

Bent of Stations Secret Service

Total,

$1,178.60

1,600.00

$2,678.60

RECREATION GROUNDS..

The Offer Administering the Government recommended the Council to voto a sum of four hundred and fifty dollars ($450) in aid of the voto, Pablis Works, Recurrent, Miscellaneous, Maintenanes of Public Recreation Grounds,

P.W. D.

Charges, Surveying Instruments.

BUPREME COUET..

The Officer Administering the Government recommended the Connoil to vote a sum of One thousand two hundred and ten Dollars and sixty three Cents (81,210.63) in aid of the vote, Judicial and Legal Departments, 4.-Supreme Court, Other Charges, for the following two items:

Library

Newspaper dol

Total

$1,136.63 54.00

$1,210.63

The CHAIRMAN This is for a set of low

the Government had an opportunity to purchase reports for the Suprame Comt Library which

oheaply. They were Mr. Calthrop's law roports

The Offer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of Two hundred and seventy Dollars ($270) in aid of the vote, Pablic Works Department, Personal Emoluments, for the following two items. Temporary Tracer

$210 Now Territories Allowance 60.

Hon. Mr. MURRAY STEWART --Who is re Total,

8270 aponsible for the care of the books in that

HARBOUR DEPARTMENT,

The Offer Administering the Government recommended the Council to vote a sum of Nine hundred and twenty two Dollars ($922) la aid of the vote, Harbour Master's Department, B-Mercantile Marine Office, Personal Emol ments, for the following two items

Clark

Do., Overtime Allowance

Total

$572 350

$922

The CHIEMAN—There was a new appokut-

meat mad to the Mercantile Marine Office recently, and the amount of the full salary could not be estimated for. The estimates for the current year requires this balance of $572 and $350.

Hon. Mr. HEWETT-What is this overtime The ATTORNEY-GENEELL movel the first allowance! Are Government oficials always reading of a Bill entitled, "An Ordinance to paid for ourtime?

Library Peare of

Hop. Mr. HaWET-I have not seen the papers, sir.

The CHAIRMAN--Thoy were laid on the table at the last meeting.

Hon. Mr. OSOBNE-I don't think they were I did not see them.

The CHAIRMAN-You will find "Post Office" on pago 4”, a de

Hon. Mr. KESWICK-I suggest, sir, that we kave an opportunity of looking over this. I dislike the principle of matters being rushed. I would like to look over this, and I don't think

No difoulty was experienced in collecting the revenue, The rent collection began on in two months, Daring the month of July the 1st July and the collection was completed

alone 855,396,84 was collected. In the Sha Tin District the entire sam due was collected with- out the isane of any iummons or warrant: This is the first time that anything of the sort na happened.

4-MAGISTRACY,

The following Table shows the number of cases heard by the Police Magistrato:—

1908 1909. Cases heart

481 Fines imposed

382

$1,442.15 $1,94727

177

374

$766.63

Persone imprisoned

116 Warrants issued.

300 Opinm fines paid to Farin-

$476.80 During the year 274 licences to carry arms were issued and 341 miscellaneous permita. Those permits are issued without fee and are for the most part permits to repair konses, but they include a large variety of subjects, viz., permission to held unicorn dances, to creat altars, to rebuild bridges, to repair reads and to hold theatrical performances,

5.- LAND OFFICE,

In the Fund Office 2,544 daads relating The Land to dealings in land wore ragistered. Ordinance came into fores on July 7th, 1905, The following Table will show the number of deads which have been registered since that date

No. of deeds registerai, 1,794

1005

1906

1907

1908

1909

1,407

2,160

2,384

2,544

This gives a total of 10,289 deeds registered since the Ordinance came into operation.

Daring the year 179 anctions of land were held and 14758 acres were sold. The figuros for 1908 were 173 auctions and 4·12 acres. The difference in area is accounted for by two large lots which were sold in the neighbourhood of

Castle Poak,

A system of grave registration came into force during the year, Quarrels relating to graves have given much trouble and in many cases it was found impossible to come to any sat- isfactory decision. By the time that a grave caso came before the Court the feelings on both all evidence given was falso. Owners of graves can now sides had become so cubittered that register themselves and obtain a cortiñento to the effect that at the date of registration they were the persons entitled to conduct the worship at the grave. It is hoped that this system of registration will make it possible to arrive at about that, air?

sume decision when conflicting claims as to the The CHAIEMAN-I am nearly certain about right of worship are made.

we have been treated with consideration.

table, and you have not taken them up.

The CHAIRMAN-They have been laid on the

Hon. Mr. KESICE-Are you quite certain

The REGISTRAR-GENERAL-I, too, am certain

The CHAIRMAN The Registrar, I think, but about it. I wouldn't like to say so straight away.

Hen. Mr. MUERAY STEWART-The reason why I made that remark was because I heard that the books in that library were not pro perly looked after, and it is rather useless to spend a large sum if the books were not pro perly looked after

Hon. Mr. OBORNE Will those backs be transferred to the new Tan Courts? The ATTORNEY-GENERAL-Yes. Hon. Mr. OSBORNE-Can you givo ne any time? (Langhter)

The Chairman's reply we inaudible.

EDUCATION EXPENSES, The Officer Adurmistoring, the Government recommended the Council to velő a sum of

Forty Dollars (340)) in aid of the rots, Education,

Hon. Mr. KENWICK-My memory is bad, I

SUPPORO.

The CHAIRMAY—We can adjourn considera- iion of the Bill, anyway. There is no hurry. Hon. Mr. KaSWICK-I think we ought to lave more time to look over the papers and

what is inside

Consideration of the Bill was adjourned:

LATEST STEAMER MOVEMENTS

The "Ben" Lie str. Benclouch from Mid- dlesbro, Antwerp and Lendon Left Singapore on the 13th instant for this port

The str. Erroll arrived at New York on the 12th instant. A b

The IG.M. str. Frina Eitel Friedrich, which bft here on the 16th ultime, at noon, arrived at Benoa on the 13th instant, ab 5 s.m.

6-UBI.IO WORKS,

The section of the Castle Peak-Sha Tau Kok. read from Castle Pak to Ping Bhan was.com- pleted. The land required for the extension of this section to Un Long was resumed and work was commenced on this section.

7—OLOFS, EXC.

The two rico crops were good in all die, fricts, but somewhat fate owing to lack of rain. The pineapple crop in the Tann Wan district was good and pines were sold for from 81.80 to $2.00 pieni as against $1.20 in 1908, The laichi oraparound Fan Ling was for some reason

te

failure.

was large redmotion in the number of railway coolies towards the end of the year. The majority of these men came from the Kwai Bhin district, and in spite of the fact that there were some 3,000 on the varione railway works no diaturbans of any sort took place.

The general prosperity of the Territory is proved, I think, by the ease and rapidity with which the collections are mads, by the fact that (Continued on page 5.)