1893-06-19 — Page 1

PRESENT —

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19TH JUNE, 1993.

appreciated the concessions your Excellency then

His Excellency the Governor, Sir WILLIAM ROBINSON, K.C.M.G.

Hon. W. M. GOODMAN, Attorney-General. Hon. A. M. THOMSON, Acting Registrar-General. Hon. N. G. MITCHELL-INNES, Colonial Treasurer. Hon. F. A. COOPER, Director of Public Works. Hon. C.P.CHATER.

Hon. HO KAI.

Hon. T.H.WHITEHEAD.

Hon. J.J.KESWICK.

Hon. E.R.BELILIOS.

Mr. A. SETH, Clerk of Councils.

MINUTES.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

ILLNES OF THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.

HIS EXCELLENCY—Owing to the illness of the Colonial Secretary he is excused from attending here to-day.

FINANCIAL.

HIS EXCELLENCY—I have the honour to lay on the table the following financial minute, and move that it be referred to the Finance Committee:—"The Governor recommends the Council to re-vote the sum of six thousand dollars, ($6,000), being the unexpended portion of the Government contribution to the reclamation in front of Marine Lots Nos. 95, 98, and 105." The ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded.

Minute referred

PAPERS.

HIS EXCELLENCY—I have the honour to lay on the table the Colonial Surgeon's report for the year 1892, the Educational report for 1892, and correspondence respecting the issue of a loan under Ordinance 2 of 1893.

THE GAP ROCK TELEGRAPHIC SERVICE—

APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSION.

Hon. T. H.WHITEHEAD—Pursuant to notice I rise to move "that a small Commission be appointed to investigate and report on the working of the Gap Rock Lighthouse, the telegraphic communication therewith, and the methods of reporting and signalling generally the arrival of ships and steamers in the waters of the colony" In the spring of last year upwards of 60 of the principal shipping and other firms memorialised the Government, and called your Excellency's attention to some of the defects in the arrangements, and to the desirability of improving the then existing system of reporting ships and steamers, and signalling their arrival in the waters of the Colony. The system was admittedly defective, but the memorialists' proposals to rectify the position of matters, were only partially adopted: yet the commercial community

caused to be made. The Gap Rock Lighthouse and the cable connecting Gap Rock with Hongkong are a boon to the shipping, and should be utilised to the fullest extent. What is more particularly wanted, sir, is an efficient signal station on the hill near to Blackhead's coal sheds at Kowloon Point, and that the lighthouse keepers on Gap Rock be permitted to telegraph the arrival of vessels. They are disappointed at not being allowed to undertake this little extra work, and it is within my knowledge that they would gladly do it, if paid $10 a month extra wages. It is true that steamers are sometimes signalled from Kowloon, but not from the most suitable point there, only from the Police compound, and very indifferently, so much so, that in his annual report the hon, the Harbour Master is able to say, "Owing to the representation of various mercantile firms an addition has been made in the system of signalling vessels arriving at the port; these are now telegraphed to the Post Office from Gap Rock direct, and from Caped' Aguilar, by telephone and telegraph through Shaukiwan and the Central Police Station; the information is posted at the Post Office and is forwarded to Kowloon Point, where the necessary signals indicating the arriving vessels are made with flags. I am not aware how much benefit accrues to the mercantile community from the establishment of these signals at Kowloon, but, if I may express an opinion, I should say not much." No one will disagree with the Harbour Master that the signalling from Kowloon has been an utter failure. Why is this so, and why so many unexplained interruptions in the telegraph line from Gap Rock, and delays in signalling from Kowloon? The system has not had a fair trial, and the service has been very badly conducted. Since last meeting of Council the Committee of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce have met, and its members are unanimously in favour of this motion for a small commission to investigate and report on this question, which affects the general interests of the Colony, and as it is confidently believed that a material improvement in the reporting as well as in the signalling of vessels can be effected, without any unreasonable addition to the duties of existing officials, or any serious increase in the expense of establishments.

Hon J. J. KESWICK—I have much pleasure in seconding the motion of the hon. gentleman and I am sure that it will confer a great benefit if the small commission asked for is appointed to consider and recommend what should be done in the direction which this motion points. I would further say that I think that any commission which your Excellency may see fit to appoint

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would be of greater benefit if the scope of its enquiry was made as wide as possible. I have much pleasure in seconding the motion.

HIS EXCELLENCY—I have much pleasure in answering the hon. member to be able to say that I quite agree with him as to the desirability of the appointment of a commission to enquire into and report upon the working of the Gap Rock telegraphic connection as regards the reporting of the arrival of vessels in the waters of the colony. From the first I was of opinion that the lighthouse keepers might undertake the duty of telegraphing the arrival of steamers and their appearance on the horizon, but I was informed that their duties were too heavy for them to undertake that additional duty. I was not convinced of that then, and I may say that I am not convinced now. I think that not only will a material improvement result from the commission but the expenditure will be decreased rather than increased. I would propose to appoint, unless any objection is raised, the following gentlemen on what I think will be a very able and representative commission: —The Harbour Master, the Captain Superintendent of Police, Mr. H. Hoppius, Mr. Alford (representing Messrs. Jardine, Matheson and Co.). Mr. J. H. Scott (representing Messrs. Butterfield and Swire), Mr. G. B. Dodwell, and Mr. H. H. Joseph. (Applause.)

THE PO LEUNG KUK AND THE TREASURY

DEFALCATIONS.

Hon. T. H.WHITEHEAD—Pursuant to notice I rise to ask the following questions:—(1.)—If the correspondence between the Government and myself on the subject of the appointment of the Honourable the Registrar

General as Chairman of the Special Committee appointed by His Excellency the Governor to investigate and report on certain points connected with the Bill for the incorporation of the Po Leung Kuk has been forwarded to the Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and if the Secretary of State has expressed any opinion as to the propriety or otherwise of that appointment? (2.)—Have the Government taken any steps, and if so what steps, to recover from the persons named in the report of the Commissioners appointed by His Excellency the Governor to enquire into and report on the Treasury defalcations, and from their sureties, the amounts of the money lost to the Government during the periods in which they respectively held office, and if not does the Government in tend to take any action?

HIS EXCELLENCY—The answer to the first question is that the correspondence referred to by the hon. member has not been forwarded by me to the Secretary of State, but if the hon. member wishes it I have no objection to do so. The answer to the second question is that the surviving officers concerned have been called upon to show cause why they should not be held pecuniarily responsible for the defalcations committed while they were respectively in

charge of the Treasury. Their replies have been received and forwarded to the Secretary of State for his decision. Pending the receipt of his decision the question whether a similar application should be made to the late Mr. Lister's sureties and representatives remains in abeyance. THE GOVERNOR'S PEAK RESIDENCE.

Hon. E. R. BELILIOS—Pursuant to notice which I gave to the Clerk of Councils in writing I have to ask the following questions:—(1) Has the re-building of Mountain Lodge been sanctioned by the Secretary of State? (2)What is the difference between the amount voted by the Legislative Council for the Governor's residence at the Peak three or four years ago and the late estimate made by the Public Works Department; and if the latter is much in excess of the former, cannot it be somewhat reduced? (3)Will the Government lay on the table the plan and estimate for the new residence which was referred to by His Excellency in his speech to the Council at the opening of the Session?

HIS EXCELLENCY—The answers to these questions are as follows: The rebuilding of Mountain Lodge has not been sanctioned by the Secretary of State. The difference between the amount voted by the Legislative Council three or four years ago and the late estimate is $20,000. The sum voted in 1890, 1891, and 1892 was $40,000; the sum asked for now is $60,000. The Director of Public Works reports that he does not consider that a sum of $40,000 would be sufficient, and Mr. Cooper is of opinion that a suitable building on a suitable site cannot be constructed for a less sum than $60,000: The plans and estimates which are referred to are accessible to anyone who takes an interest in them if they care to apply to the Colonial Secretary's office.

Hon. E. R. BELILIOS—Considering that I have the answer to my first question I beg to suggest that the Secretary of State be urged to come to an early decision on the subject as the colony is now paying a large rental for the hire of Craigie burn and it will do so for 1894 as well as for several years to come if the residence for the Governor at the Peak is not completed. There now lies fallow at Mountain Lodge a valuable plot of land. The elements are play sad havoc with the buildings. The house is becoming dilapidated but the materials composing these structures could be now advantageously utilised in the construction of the new mansion, whereas if a year or two is allowed to pass over them they will be ruined and worthless, and to replace them with materials of a similar kind from the lower levels will add considerably to the cost of the proposed edifice. Under the circumstances, to save time pending the decision of the Secretary of State. I recommend this Government to set aside out of the $40,000 a sum adequate for the purpose of the preparation of a site. We know from experience that t h e p r e p a r a t i o n o f a s i t e f o r b u i l d in g

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purposes in the Hill district occupies a long time. In order therefore that we should be prompt in the erection of this new residence the site should be prepared before the expected sanction from the Secretary of State has arrived.

HIS EXCELLENCY—I shall be very glad to telegraph to the Secretary of State to the effect of the hon. member's question if the other hon. members will support him. I have no doubt that a considerable sum is paid for Craigieburn and I am sure that the delay will be very destructive to the present building, which is in a most dilapidated state. Only the other day two of the ceilings fell in, I believe. Would you put your suggestion in the form of a motion, Mr. Belilios?

Hon. E. R. BELILIOS—I will do so with pleasure. I will move that the Secretary of State be urged to come to an early decision with regard to the building of the residence of the Governor at the Peak.

Hon. C. P.CHATER—I am afraid the hon. gentleman is not quite in order. I do not think a motion can be brought forward without any notice, and I do not think we should be called upon to give an expression of opinion at the present moment. I can see great difficulties ahead in advising such a course to be pursued, viz, the sending of a telegram to the Secretary of State. I am of opinion that the proposal to expend $60,000 on the residence at the Peak is highly unadvisable; any way, whether so or not, as the motion is not in order I think it would be better not to ask the opinions of hon. members at present.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL—I would point out that Rule 13 says that notice of motion must be sent to the Clerk of Council three days before the meeting at which it is intended to be proposed.

HIS EXCELLENCY—Did you send it in, Mr. Belilios? Hon. E.R.BELILIOS—I sent in notice of the questions but not of the motion.

HIS EXCELLENCY—Will you make a motion at the next meeting?

Hon. E. R. BELILIOS—Yes, to that effect, with pleasure.

STATUTORY DECLARATIONS ORDINANCE, 1893. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL—I have the honour to move the first reading of a Bill entitled "The Statutory Declarations Ordinance. 1893." It is not usual to make any speech on the first reading and I will therefore only add to the objects and reasons stated at the foot of the Bill that this Bill was drawn up by me because I found that so many different forms of statutory declarations—some of which were quite irregular— came before me, and when I sent them back, as I often did in cases of trade marks and letters patent, I was told that the man had since gone back to China and that it could not be altered. I therefore thought it would be better to have some easily accessible forms.

Hon. HO KAI—I have much pleasure in seconding the Bill.

Bill read a first time.

NATURALIZATION ORDINANCE.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL—I have the honour to move, in the absence of the Colonial Secretary, the second reading of the Bill for the naturalization of Meyer Fredericks. I need only state that this man was a member of the Volunteer corps and did excellent service in that corps, and in order to enable him to join again it will be necessary for him to be naturalized. That is the sole object of the Bill.

The ACTING REGISTRAR-GENERAL seconded. Bill read a second time.

Council went into Committee on the Bill.

Bill read a third time and passed.

THE DOGS ORDINANCE.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL—I have the honour to move the second reading of the Bill to make provision for regulating the keeping of dogs and for the prevention of the importation and spread of rabies. In moving this Bill for the second time I must in the first place correct a mistake I inadvertently made in my remarks when the Bill was read a first time. I then stated that the Captain Superintendent of Police reported 17 cases of rabies in four months, from January 1st to April 30th. In re-reading the report of the Captain Superintendent of Police after the meeting I found that the seventeen cases referred to were of dog bites reported to the police and the number of cases of rabies had been nine. It is a matter of detail and it does not touch the principle of the Bill, but I hasten to make the explanation at once that I misread the report. There have been seventeen cases of dog bites reported to the police during the four months ending April 30th and the cases of rabies that came before the notice of the Colonial Surgeon were nine. In moving this Bill, sir, I need hardly call attention to the terrible character of the disease of hydrophobia. Some very sad cases of gentlemen known to us occurred not many months ago, one gentleman dying of this disease, and any one who has witnessed the awful nature of this malady or who knows anything of its symptoms would say that it is incumbent upon any Government to take such measures as it possibly can to lessen the risk of such a terrible calamity befalling any man. There are various methods by which you might check that disease. You might, for instance, say that every dog should wear a muzzle, but there are a great many people who would object very much to their dogs wearing muzzles and in a hot climate it does seem rather cruel. Probably, too, some of the muzzles used would not be of the most merciful description, at all events to the dog. You might begin in a more moderate way by saying that every dog should be licensed, so that there should be a register existing in

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the colony upon which every dog legitimately kept should be entered, in order that we might have statistics showing how many dogs were in the colony and who kept the dogs. That would be a system of licensing. In England, which is not a hot country, the necessity of licensing is recognised and there a fee of 7s. 6d. is charged, the only exceptions being the dogs of blind people used for the purpose of leading and the dogs of shepherds for tending their flocks. There is no desire on the part of the Government in suggesting a small fee that any revenue should be made out of it, but it is necessary that there should be some record kept of the dogs in the colony and His Excellency has authorised me to state that the amount be proposes is only $1.50, that is to say at the present rate of exchange 4s., whereas in England the fee, as I have said, is 7s. 6d. Surely that can be no hardship on anyone. The question remains, are there any people to be exempted from paying this licence fee? I am authorised to make various alterations in the Bill and that I shall do at a later stage. In effect these alterations are that the licence fee is to be paid in respect of each dog that is kept except in the case of agriculturists in the outlying districts who keep dogs for the purpose of watching—cases somewhat analogous to shepherd dogs in England. These will be exempted. That will, I think, prevent there being any hardship on those who keep dogs in outlying districts for the purpose of watch dogs. When you consider that the principle of this Bill is not to obtain a revenue but in order to get a register of dogs in the colony. I think that will meet all objections. It has been suggested by a gentleman who is not a member of this Council that Section 3, which is the section of the Bill dealing with the importation of dogs, would be objectionable and it is said that it would be very hard to enforce an importation fee. Hongkong is an island, but the Kowloon peninsula is not an island, and dogs would be smuggled across the frontier and it would be practically impossible with such a large fee as $5 to prevent smuggling or the landing of dogs in the middle of the night. I am authorised by the Governor to take that clause out of the Bill and not to charge anything for importation I have also altered clause 4, fixing the expiration of the licence on December 31st in every case no matter on what date the licence is taken out. Section 5 provides that the Governor in Council may make regulations for the enforcing of any penalties and also prescribe the conditions under which dogs may be allowed to go abroad in the streets. It reads, "The Governor in Council may from time to time make, and when made revoke or vary, such regulations as may seem to the Governor in Council necessary or expedient for enforcing under penalties not exceeding ten dollars, prompt report being made to the Police of all cases of rabies or suspected

rabies, and for prescribing the conditions under and in accordance with which dogs may be kept in this Colony or allowed to go abroad in the public thoroughfares or elsewhere, and for seizing, detaining, destroying or otherwise dealing with, or disposing of, any dogs kept or allowed to go abroad, otherwise than under and in accordance with such conditions." That is a very important part of the Ordinance, because if after a tentative trial the licences are not found to be sufficient to check rabies and enable a lot of mangy curs to be eradicated and destroyed then it might be necessary to make some additions to the regulations. If it is found to be necessary we have a precedent in the Straits Settlements as to the kind of conditions, and I myself should suggest that a small metal number be attached to each dog. It could be either attached to the dog's collar or by a piece of string to the dog's neck. The number on the collar would correspond with the number on the register, and that register would enable any one to see who the owner was. That would be much better than having an elaborate Chinese inscription on the collar which most of us would not understand. The sixth section imposes penalties for breach of the Ordinance. Section 8 provides that the Ordinance should not come into force immediately, but that the date should be fixed later on and notified by proclamation of the Governor in the Gazette. I do not profess to be an expert in the matter of dogs, but some gentlemen have suggested that six months is a long time for dogs to be considered pups. I shall therefore suggest the alteration of six months to three months, and I do not suppose there will be any objection to that. The result of these alterations will be that the schedule will be taken out of the Ordinance, as we do not wish to differentiate between the various districts of the colony. Under these circumstances I beg to move the second reading of the Bill and I am sure that we shall be able to count upon the support of the unofficial members, for I have endeavoured to meet the views of various people who have submitted them to me.

Hon. J. J. KESWICK—I have much pleasure in seconding and I am sure it will be a very great benefit to the public at large.

Bill read a second time.

Council went into Committee on the Bill.

The alterations suggested by the Attorney-General were incorporated in the various clauses.

Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD enquired how many dogs agriculturists would be allowed to keep.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said it was not likely that the Captain Superintendent of Police would allow one man to keep twenty or thirty dogs under the pretext that they were all watch dogs.

The Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD asked how dogs on board junks, ships, and steamers in the harbour would be dealt with under this Bill.

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The ATTORNEY-GENERAL replied that the Police would regard such dogs as not in the colony, though in the waters thereof.

The COLONIAL TREASURER thought that the words "solely and necessarily" should be put before the words "as a watch dog."

Hon. HO KAI concurred.

The suggestion was adopted.

A new clause was inserted making it incumbent upon owners of dogs to fasten a small metal disk, which was to be obtained from the Captain Superintendent of Police free when the licence was taken out, round their dog's neck or to its collar.

The Council resumed and the standing orders having been suspended the Bill was read a third time and passed. THE MASONIC BENEVOLENCE FUND

INCORPORATION BILL.

Hon. C. P. CHATER—Sir, I beg to move the second reading of a Bill entitled an Ordinance for the Incorporation of the Trustees of the Hongkong and South China Masonic Benevolence Fund. Your Excellency will probably recollect that on the first reading of this Bill the hon. and learned Attorney General stated that he would require certain proofs as to the due appointment of the trustees and also the statutory transfer of the land. These proofs have since been furnished him and I think I may safely say have been found to be fully in order. I may also mention that after consultation with the Attorney-General certain alterations and modifications have been made in the body of the Bill. These modifications have been approved by the learned gentleman and the Bill which is now before your Excellency and the hon. members of Council is in its amended form. I trust therefore there will be no opposition on the part of hon. members to the second reading going through to-day.

Hon. T.H.WHITEHEAD seconded.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL—I should like to say a few words. I hope that the course pursued in this Bill will not be pursued again. The Bill was read a first time before I had the opportunity of reporting upon it and it was only after it was read a first time that I was able to look into the Bill carefully. I pointed out on the occasion of the first reading two matters which struck me at the time, namely, the constitution of the Trustees and the state of the title, as to which proof should be given to the Government. It was stated in the Bill that that had been given, but that was really contrary to the fact when the Bill was read a first time. Then drafts of the statutory declarations to prove these matters were submitted to me for approval, but it was only when they were filled up and signed that the copy of the by-laws alluded to in them was furnished to me. When I came to the by-laws I had very grave doubts as to whether the Bill as read a first time was consistent with these by-laws. The by-laws

provided for the signing by the President and Treasurer, whereas the Bill provided that deeds might be sealed and signed by any two of the trustees. There were other matters also, more or less inconsistent. We have had a good deal of consideration and consultation as to this matter and we have practically redrawn this Bill. Some new clauses have been inserted and substituted, but nevertheless as regards the principle of this Bill it is a perfectly new departure. It is the first Bill that I am aware of in which a purely private association has been given the special privilege of a private act of legislature. I have been through the whole of the incorporating Acts in our statute book. There are several instances of incorporation where the whole property was vested in one man, the case of the Procurator or head, for the time being, of the Dominican Mission, for instance, and where from time to time that head is changed and it is convenient that the property should pass to his successor. These are all cases of corporation sole. One man could never apply for registration under the Companies Acts, because you require seven persons to sign the memorandum of association. There are two or three other instances in the statute book, the Tung Wah Hospital, the Po Leung Kuk, and the Church Body, but in all these three cases the corporation might be described as quasi-public and the Government have contributed public money to the corporation. It may be said, "If you are not going to oppose the Bill why do you mention all this?" but I thought it was my duty to point out to His Excellency that this is a new departure and that the Council may possibly be inundated by private societies who will say, "We can get a private act of incorporation for nothing; we shall not even have to pay counsel, for the Attorney-General will do the re-drafting for us." As to that I am only too happy to give as much assistance as I can, my time is at the disposal of the public, but I cannot undertake to re-draft all private Bills sent to this Council and I trust that this will be the last for some time, as it is the first, of applications on the part of private associations consisting of a large number of persons for special acts of incorporation. I happen to know that the prediction diction I made is correct, because I have already heard of two more applications and as far as I am concerned I hope those persons will not press their applications, because I am not in a position to advise His Excellency to grant these private associations Bills, at all events not as a matter of course. Years ago in England it was partly because so many applications for incorporation were received, many of which were refused, that the Companies Acts were passed and the Companies Clauses Act, and in these Acts you get a proper code of corporation law applicable to companies, whereas in these cases of private acts you have no code dealing with them at all. You constitute a body that has a perpetual

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existence, a seal, and all sorts of rights and privileges, and you have no law dealing with the specific corporation. There may be occasions when it is necessary to apply for incorporation, but such occasions are rare, and great caution must be exercised. The present of course is a very deserving case indeed and we must all sympathise with such an excellent institution as this benevolent fund, but I do not want it to be supposed that as a matter of course these private societies can be incorporated, nor do I wish it to be said the Attorney General has allowed this Bill to be passed as it has been brought forward without commenting on the necessity of bestowing great consideration and exercising much caution in these Ordinances. I do not propose to object to the Bill as it is now before us in its amended form.

The Bill was read a second time and the Council went into Committee upon it. Numerous amendments moved by the Hon. C.P.CHATER were adopted without discussion, and progress was reported.

THE PO LEUNG KUK INCORPORATION BILL.

The ACTING REGISTRAR-GENERAL moved the third reading of the Bill entitled the Po Leung Kuk Incorporation Ordinance.

Hon. HO KAI seconded.

Hon. T. H. WHITEHEAD—I rise to oppose the third reading of this Bill, and to move, if it is necessary for me to conclude with a motion, its rejection. I do so with no hope of success, as I am aware, from your Excellency's statements, that the minds of the official majority of the Council were made up on the subject before the present Bill was laid a first time on the table, and that no arguments of mine are likely to influence them. My sole object in speaking is to record my protest against the passing of the Bill in its present form, and to preserve my right of appeal to the Secretary of State. I intend to address His Lordship on the subject and to urge the return of the Bill to the Council for amendment before it is finally approved. I am in favour of the Po Leung Kuk, of its incorporation and endowment, and I voted for the second reading of this Bill. I am, however, distinctly opposed to the organization given the Society by this Bill, as in my opinion the inclusion of the Registrar-General as a member of the Board of Direction deprives the Government in large measure of that oversight and supervision which was the professed object of the Bill to give to the Government. I would sweep away, if I could, the Registrar-General's department, but so long as the office and the department

exist and so long as the Women and Girls Protection Ordinance No.11 of 1890 is in force, I object to the powers given to the Registrar-General by that Ordinance being exercised subject to the control of a majority of Chinese, who, as the honourable the nominee representative of the Chinese community has to admit, are ignorant of the principles and practice of English law. There is no inconsistency in the two views; neither is there any want of consistency in my opinions that in this Council British subjects ought to be more largely and more effectively represented, and that we would be better governed than we are if it were so; but while the vast mass of alien Chinese who are resident in this Colony remain estranged from western ideas, they can take no part in the management of our affairs, and have no just or rightful claim to a controlling voice in the Government. They are entitled to be heard and consulted, but the power and authority must rest in the ruling race and in its representatives. In giving expression to these opinions I am in touch with most of the intelligent members of the community; I was in touch with them when originally opposed to the Po Leung Kuk; I have carried many with me in my change of opinion as to the merits of the Society. I am happy to say that in my opposition to clause 5 of this Bill I have the concurrence of many of the leading residents and Government servants, who have given the subject thought and consideration. I shall be very much surprised, sir, if the Home Government do not find cause to disallow the Bill in its present form.

HIS EXCELLENCY—Is there any seconder to the hon. member?

There being no seconder the Bill was read a third time and passed.

ADJOURNMENT.

His EXCELLENCY—I propose to adjourn the Council until the 17th July.

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FINANCE COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Finance Committee was held immediately after the meeting of the Legislative Council, the Attorney-General presiding. The only business was the consideration of the Governor's recommendation that the Council should revote the sum of $6,000, being the unexpended portion of the Government contribution to the reclamation in front of marine lots Nos.95, 98, and 105. The vote was recommended without remark.