562421-1929-Minutes--No-2 — Page 2

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, MARCH 8, 1929.

MINUTES.

2. The Minutes of the Meeting held on the 24th January, 1929, were confirmed.

ΟΑΤΗ.

99

3. The Hon. Dr. ARTHUR ROBARTES WELLINGTON (Director of Medical and Sanitary Services) took the oath of allegiance on taking his seat as a Member of Council.

PAPERS.

4. The following papers were laid on the table :-

Declaration under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899, Ordinance No. 10

of 1899, Table L, Quarantine Regulations, on 24th January, 1929. Resolution of the Legislative Council under the provisions of section 7 of the

Tramway Ordinance, 1902, on 24th January, 1929.

Regulation made by the Governor in Council under section 32 (2) of the

Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 1899, on 31st January, 1929.

Regulation made by the Governor in Council under section 15 of the Wild Birds

Ordinance, 1922, on 7th February, 1929.

Amendments to the Statutes of the University under the University Ordinance,

1911, on 7th February, 1929.

Order made by the Governor under section 2 of the Public Revenue Protection

Ordinance, 1927, on 13th February, 1929.

Regulation made by the Governor in Council under sections 3 and 5 of the

Tobacco Ordinance, 1916, on 13th February, 1929.

Drawback Regulations made by the Governor in Council under section 3 (1) (b)

of the Tobacco Ordinance, 1916, on 13th February, 1929.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.

5. The Colonial Secretary laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee

(No. 1), dated 24th January, 1929, and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question--put and agreed to.

QUESTIONS.

6. The Hon. Sir HENRY E. POLLOCK, Kt., K.C., pursuant to notice, asked the follow-

ing question:

What action does the Government intend to take in connection with the

recommendations of the Coroner's Jury at the Hsin Wah Inquiry?

The Colonial Secretary replied as follows:-

1. The present system of communications, by telephone, telegraph and wireless telegraphy with Waglan and other similar stations is under examination with a view to the more rapid and accurate transmission of

messages.

2. So far as can be ascertained no other ships keeping W/T watch were in the immediate vicinity of the "Hsin Wah" at the time of the disaster, so that on this occasion broadcasting would have served no useful purpose. Government, however, agrees that in other cases broadcasting might be of great assistance to ships in distress and steps are being taken to ensure that news received of disasters, other than that broadcast by other shore stations or ships, will be broadcast in the future.

3. The Harbour Master has full authority to deal directly and promptly in

such cases.

On this occasion prompt action was taken in that as soon as the message was received stating that the "Hsin Wah" was aground, arrangements were made immediately to send out the tug "Taikoo" to the ship's assistance.

4. Police launches are built specially for Police work and it is not considered expedient to alter their design to that of deep sea craft. The Officers in charge of these launches are competent in the handling of their launches.