Directory_and_Chronicle_1896 — Page 326

Ordinary meet- ings.

Special meet- ings.

Notice of special meetings.

Council may

transact busi- standing vacan-

ness notwith,

cies.

Adjournments.

Governor to pre-

ings.

STANDING RULES AND ORDERS

OF

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF HONGKONG.

Passed in pursuance of Article XIX. of the Royal Instructions of the 19th day of January, 1888, and agreed to by the Legislative Council on the 9th day of June, 1890.

MEETINGS.

1. The ordinary meetings of the Legislative Council shall be held on Mondays at 3 p.m.; but this shall not prevent the adjournment of the Council for more than one week or to any other day or hour.

2.-- Special meetings of the Council shall be held when summoned by order of the Governor

3.-Notice of a special meeting shall be given by the Clerk to each Member of the Council, at least two clear days before the day of meeting; except in case of emergency, when as long notice as possible shall be given.

4.-The Legislative Council shall not be disqualified from the transaction of business on account o any vacancies among the Members thereof; but the said Council shall not be competent to act in any case. unless (including the Governor or the Member presiding) there be present at and throughout the meetings of the Council five Members at the least.

5. At any time during a meeting, the Council may, on motion to that effect being carried, adjourn to any other hour or day; and, should the adjournment be to another day, notice of such adjournment shall be given to the Members by the Clerk.

6. The Governor shall preside at all meetings of the Legislative side at all meet Council unless prevented by illuess or other grave cause, and in his absence that Member shall preside who is first in precedence of those present.

Suspension or adjournment of meeting.

Confirmation of Minutes.

Order of busi-

ness.

Petitions.

7.-he President may at any time suspend or adjourn any meeting.

8. When a quorum has been formed, the minutes of the last pre- ceding meeting shall be read, and the question of their confirmation shall be put; but no deua e shall be allowed thereupon, except as to any proposed amendment or as to the accur cy of the minutes.

9.—The minutes having been confirmed, the order of business shall

be as follows:-

(.) Messages or Minutes of the Governor ;

(b.) Reports from Committees;

(c.) Petitions and written observations ;

(d.) Notices;

(e.) Questions.

After which the orders of the day shall be read by the Clerk, and business shall be proceeded with accordingly.

10.-Petitions addressed to the Council may be sent to the Clerk of the Council, or they may be presented by any Member of the Council.

No Petition shall be received which is not properly and respectfully worded, or which does not relate to matters of Legislation.