Directory_and_Chronicle_1924 — Page 442

Meetings.

Notice of meet- ings. Orders o f the Day.

'Bills to be sent to Members.

Inability to at- tend.

Governor to preside at all meetings.

Council may transact bnsi-

ness notwith-

STANDING RULES AND ORDERS

OF

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF HONGKONG

Made by the Legislative Council on the 7th day of March, 1912, in pursuance of Article XIX. of the Royal Instructions of the 19th day of January, 1888, as amended by the Royal Instructions of the 7th day of July, 1896, in substitution for the Standing Rules and Orders in force on that date.

SUMMONS

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

2.-Notice of a meeting shall be given by the Clerk of the Council, hereinafter called 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. At the time of giving such notice, a copy of the Orders of the Day shall also be sent to each Member.

3. A printed copy of every Bill shall, if possible, be sent to each Member by the Clerk at least two clear days before it is read a first time.

4.-A Member, who for any reason cannot attend a Council meeting of which notice has been given him, shall whenever possible communicate to the President through the Clerk his inability to attend.

MEETINGS AND ADJOURNMENT

5. The Governor shall preside at all meetings of the Legislative 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 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 President) there be present at and throughout the meetings of the Council five Members at the least.

.cies.

Minntes of pro- ceedings.

Confirmation of minutes.

Suspension or adjournment of meeting.

7. The Clerk shall keep Minutes of the proceedings of the Council; and shall, if possible, two clear days at least before each neeting, send a printed copy of the Minutes of the previous meeting to each Member.

8. When a quorum has been formed, the President shall, if the Minutes of the last meeting have been previously circulated in print among the Members, propose that they be confirmed. If they have not been previously so circulated, the Clerk shall read them and they shall after being approved or, if necessary, corrected, be confirmed; but no debate shall be allowed thereupon, except as to any proposed correction having reference to the accuracy of the Minutes.

9. The President may at any time suspend cr aljourn any meeting.