632 THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 21st NOVEMBER, 1874.
We have not deemed it expedient to suggest any alteration in the Estimates for the Police Establishment, but while acknowledging the happy immunity which the Colony enjoys from serious crime, we think that having regard to the size, population, and Revenue of the Colony, the Expenditure on the Police Force is still much too great. In what way, however, retrenchment can best be carried out must be left to the Executive, to whom the consideration of the subject is earnestly recommended.
Among the Votes for Public Works, we are of opinion, that the amount proposed to be expended on the Public Gardens and Plantations should be reduced to $2,000.
The Members of the Sub-Committee have confined their enquiries to the details of the Estimates, as laid before the Council at its last meeting, which, with the exceptions and alter- ations referred to, meets with their approval."
Note.
CECIL C. SMITH. CHAS. MAY. PHINEAS RYRIE.
JAS. WHITTALL.
With reference to several of the items of the Estimates I approve only of the amounts; it is my intention to object to them in Council upon other grounds.
Council Chamber, 5th November, 1874.
The Council goes into Committee upon the Estimates for 1875.
The following Votes are agreed to:-
ESTABLISHMENTS :—
Governor,.
Colonial Secretary, Colonial Treasurer, Auditor General,
Clerk of Councils,
Surveyor General,.......
• .....
PHINEAS RYRIE.
.$ 740.00 7,880.00 3,072.00
14,799.00
100.00 21,062.00
On this last Vote being taken, the Honorable JAMES WHITTALL suggests that the Foresters and Rangers should be placed under the immediate control of the Surveyor General, who ought, in his opinion, to have charge of the Trees in the public lands of the Colony.
The Council concurs generally in the suggestion of the Honorable Member.
Postmaster General,
Registrar General,....
Harbor Master,
$27,486.00
10,198.00
26,954.00
On this Vote being taken, the Honorable PHINEAS RYRIE recommends that an additional fast Steam-launch should be purchased for the Public Service of the Colony.
Light Houses,
Collector of Stamp Revenue, Judicial,
.$ 6,428.00
4,078.00 20,180.00
On this Vote being taken, the Honorable RICHARD ROWETT draws attention to the inefficiency of the Interpretation in the Courts of the Colony.
The Honorable the Colonial Secretary states, that the subject has the earnest attention of the Governor, and that steps are being taken to improve the staff of Interpreters.
Official Trustee,
Registrar of Companies,
Ecclesiastical,
Educational,
....
Medical,
Police Magistrates,
Police,
..$
960.00
192.00
1,230.00
17,376.00
16,200.00
6,100.00
150,478.80
On this Vote being taken, the Honorable PHINEAS RYRIE, after complaining of the conduct of the Captain Superintendent of Police during the late typhoon, and of the refusal of the Government to institute a public inquiry on the subject, after a petition had been addressed to His Excellency The Governor praying that an inquiry should be made, moves that the Vote be reduced by the amount of the Salary of that Officer.
The Honorable RICHARD ROWETT seconds the motion.
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