1890-11-08 — Page 1

FINANCE COMMITTEE. PRESENT :—

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8TH NOVEMBER, 1890.

Hon P. RYRIE—That the unofficial members should

consider the estimates in the same manner as is done in

Hon. W. M. DEANE, Acting Colonial Secretary. Hon. H. E. WODEHOUSE, Acting Colonial Treasurer.

Hon. S. BROWN, Surveyor-General.

Hon. N. G. MITCHELL-INNES, Acting Registrar General.

Hon. P. RYRIE.

Hon. C. P. CHATER.

Hon. HO KAI.

Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD.

Mr F. A. HAZELAND, Acting Clerk of Councils. The CHAIRMAN (the Acting Colonial Secretary) moved a vote of $77,012 for the Surveyor-General's Department.

Hon. P. RYRIE—I rise, sir, to propose that this Council adopt the course followed by the Singapore Council in considering the estimates. There the estimates are referred to the unofficial members for their consideration. I think that would be a very good plan for this colony to adopt. We are often told "Singapore does this," or "Ceylon does this," or "Mauritius does this." In this case we might very well follow what Singapore does. We are not satisfied with the estimates; we are not satisfied with the salaries voted to certain officers of the Goverment; and altogether we should like to have an opportunity to consider them. We wish to follow the course pursued by Singapore.

The CHAIRMAN—Before going further will you let me know the terms of your motion?

Singapore.

The CHAIRMAN—I am very sorry, but I must rule your motion as out of order. It would be entirely in order if brought forward in the Legislative Council, but it is not in order in Finance Committee, as we are at present. In Council I should have nothing to say, except to discuss the motion on its merits. As a matter of procedure, I must hold the motion is out of order in Finance Committee.

Hon. P. RYRIE—Well, in that case we shall all vote against anything proposed from the chair.

The CHAIRMAN—That, of course, I have nothing to do with.

Hon. P. RYRIE—In view of your having ruled my motion out of order, I propose that the Finance Committee do adjourn to next Monday, until after the meeting of Council.

The CHAIRMAN—That is a perfectly legitimate motion.

Hon. HO KAI—I beg to second the motion. The CHAIRMAN—Well, gentlemen, under the circumstances mentioned by the hon. member on my right, from which I gather that when the Legislative Council is held he proposes to move a certain motion which may affect the proceeding of this Finance Committee, I do not think there will be any objection to the motion for adjournment.

The motion was agreed to, and the Committee adjourned.