THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 1ST MARCH, 1884.
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11. We have received with gratification Your Excellency's statement in regard to the Sanitary for the preserva- eforms which are now in progress; and we trust that the further measures necessary on of the Public Health will continue to occupy the earnest attention of the Government.
12. The want of house accommodation for the labouring classes of this community is a growing vil which we have watched with some alarm; and we shall be glad to co-operate with the efforts of he Government to alleviate the pressure felt in that direction.
13. We cordially approve the steps proposed to be taken to enforce the fulfilment of building ovenants in leaseholds, and we trust that any additional security of tenure which may be granted to he smaller class of tenants will operate beneficially in diminishing the evils of overcrowding.
14. The drainage of the Marsh within the Race Course in the Wong-nei Chung Valley will confer boon upon the community by providing a much-needed place of Recreation, and will in our opinion t the same time prove of great advantage to the Public Health.
15. We learn with satisfaction the completion of the Break-water and Meteorological Observatory, nd the progress already made in such important and necessary Public Works as the Tai-tam Water Works; the Government Hospital; the Lunatic Asylum, and that the New Central School and the New Central Market will be commenced forthwith.
16. We trust that the forcible representation made by Your Excellency to the proper Imperial Authorities of the sanitary and other advantages to be derived from the junction of the Eastern and Western Prayas, will be crowned with success.
17. We have observed with interest the activity with which your Excellency has, during the short period of your Government, acquired a personal acquaintance with our chief Public Institutions. We shall gladly second your efforts to raise the standard of public Education here, and to enable a certain number of our most promising youths to complete their professional studies in England. We regard, moreover, with satisfaction the continuance of the competitive system for entrance into the Civil Service of Hongkong, consonant as that system is alike with modern English, and with ancient Chinese custom. 18. We learn with pleasure the steady progress of the important work of afforestation, which, we hope will, here as elsewhere, influence favourably the climate, and so benefit the public health.
19. We entirely concur in the steps taken to promote the efficiency of the Police, a matter of the utniost importance in a community circumstanced as is that of Hongkong.
20. We trust that the organisation and equipment given to the Volunteer Artillery will not only render that body cílicient in any time of emergency, but will also tend to foster in our midst a patriotic spirit of national union and loyalty.
21. We agree with Your Excellency as to the urgent importance of placing Hongkong in that condition of defence which is rendered necessary by the magnitude of the interests, both Imperial and Colonial, which are here at stake.
22. We cannot bring this address to a close without repeating our grateful appreciation of the constant and enlightened attention devoted by Your Excellency to the requirements of all classes and races in this community, and to the initiation of measures calculated to promote the prosperity and advancement of this Colony. We trust that the loyal co-operation of the Governor and of the Legislative Council will, under the Divine Blessing, secure the general welfare and contentment of our population.
The Honourable P. RYRIE moved that the Address as read be adopted.
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The Honourable F. D. SASSOON seconded.
Question-put and passed.
The Honourable F. B. JOHNSON addressed the Council.
The Honourable the Colonial Treasurer replied to a question put by the Honourable F. BULKELEY JOHNSON on the subject of the Opium Revenue.
The Honourable the Colonial Secretary addressed the Council.
The Colonial Secretary moved, That the Address in Reply be presented to His Excellency by the Honourable P. RYRIE and the Honourable F. D. SASSOON on Friday, the 29th instant.
Question-put and passed.
The Council adjourned at 6 P.M. until Friday, the 29th instant, at 4 P.M.
Read and confirmed, this 29th day of February, 1884.
J. H. STEWART-LOCKUART,
Acting Clerk of Councils,
G. F. BOWEN, Governor.
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