Directory_and_Chronicle_1913 — Page 507

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

Ordinary meet-

ings.

MEETINGS

1. The meetings of the Legislative Council shall be held on such Special meet. day and hour as shall from time to time be ordered by the Governor. ings.

meetings,

2.—Notice of a special meeting shall be given by the Clerk to each Notice of special 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.

Council may transact busi-

ness notwith-

3.-The Legislative Council shall not be disqualified from the transaction of business on account of any vacancies among the Members standing vacan- 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.

cies.

Adjournments.

Governor to pre-

ings.

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

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

6. The President

may at any time suspend or adjourn any meeting.

7.-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 debate shall be allowed thereupon, except as to any proposed amendment or as to the accuracy of the minutes.

Suspension or adjournment of of meeting.

Confirmation Minutes.

.Order of busi- .ness.

Petitions

8. The minutes having been confirmed, the order of business shall be as follows:---

(a.) 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.

9.-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.

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