THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 16TH NOVEMBER, 1878.
8. The amount of dividend declared and paid.
9.-The number of estates still outstanding and unliquidated.
543
I think that, if a return of that kind is laid on the table here, where public discussion may be invited on so material a point it would be greatly to the benefit of this Colony.
Honourable W. KESWICK.-I have pleasure in seconding the motion.
The ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE said that having had to study the Act he entirely agreed with what Mr. HAYLLAR had said. He believed the Ordinance was entirely unsuited to the requirements of the Colony. One thing that had struck him was the indifference of creditors in looking after their own property. He had in his recollection two or three large bankruptcies in which no creditors ever appeared to prove their debts, and in one or two cases he had directed that the bankruptcy be annulled. He would even go further than his Honourable friend, and propose that His Excellency should suspend the Ordinance until one more suited to the requirements of the Colony could be introduced. If His Excellency could see his way to do that it would be a very excellent measure.
The ATTORNEY GENERAL said he thought the returns asked would be of some service in considering any future legislation, but he did not think it would be any advantage to go into this question until we saw the new Act which has been under consideration for two or three years and will probably be passed next session. It was a great advantage to have the text of one of our own Ordinances explained by English decisions on the subject, so that they would naturally postpone any action until they saw the Act next year. As to suspending the present Ordinance, it would have to be done by Ordi- nance, and he thought it would be rather hard on Europeans here who had the misfortune to get into difficulties if there was no Ordinance to afford them protection. As to its working with regard to Chinese he had had no experience in this Colony, although he had in others. The returns moved for by his Honourable friend would probably be of great assistance in considering this matter.
HIS EXCELLENCY.-I shall have great pleasure in having the returns prepared, and I need hardly say I shall con- sider and consult with the Executive Council very carefully as to the suggestion made by his Honour the Chief Justice, and I shall be able at an early date to let you know what view the Executive Council take about it. I am fully aware of the importance and gravity of the whole question.
ORDER BOOK.
Honourable H. Lowcock suggested that it would facilitate the business very much if Honourable members were supplied with a notice before the meetings, stating in general terms the business the Council was called to consider.
HIS EXCELLENCY referred to the practice in the House of Commons, and said he would have great pleasure in having a notice sent round some days before the meetings.
This concluded the business.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF HONGKONG.
No. 3 or 1878.
TUESDAY, 15TH OCTOBER, 1878.
PRESENT:
His Excellency Governor J. POPE HENNESSY, C.M.G.
The Honourable the Acting Chief Justice (FRANCIS SNOWDEN). The Honourable the Acting Colonial Secretary (CHARLES MAY).
The Honourable the Attorney General (GEORGE PHILLIPPO).
The Honourable the Acting Colonial Treasurer (JOHN MACNEILE PRICE).
The Honourable PHINEAS RYRIE.
The Honourable HENRY LOWCOCK.
The Honourable WILLIAM Keswick.
The Honourable THOMAS CHILD HAYLLAR, Q.C.
The Honourable CHARLES MAY and the Honourable J. M. PRICE, to whom the usual oaths had been previously administered, took their seats respectively as Acting Colonial Secretary and Acting Colonial Treasurer.
The Honourable T. C. HAYLLAR, Q.C., to whom the usual oaths had been previously administered, took his seat as an Unofficial Member (under instructions from the Secretary of State) as long as the Honourable Mr. PRICE occupies an official seat at the Board.
The Minutes of the Meeting held on the 19th February and on the 29th April, 1878, are read and confirmed.
His Excellesy moves the suspense of the Standing Orders, and proposes a vote of £110 for providing a picta e of the late Prince Consort for Government House.
The Honourable W. KESWICK Seconds the motion, which is carried unanimously.
His Excellency makes the following Financial Statement respecting the Finances of the Colony-
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