1920-12-23 — Page 1

PRESENT:―

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 93 23RD DECEMBER, 1920.

Plants Ordinance, 1920, Ordinance No. 11 of 1920, on

the 9th day of December, 1920.

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, SIR REGINALD EDWARD STUBBS, K.C.M.G.

HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL F. VENTRIS, C.B. (General Officer Commanding Troops in China).

HON. MR. A. G. M. FLETCHER, C.B.E. (Colonial Secretary).

HON. MR. J. H. KEMP, K.C., C.B.E. (Attorney General).

HON. MR. C. MCI. MESSER, O.B.E. (Colonial Treasurer).

HON. MR. W. CHATHAM, C.M.G. (Director of Public Works).

HON. MR. E. R. HALLIFAX, O.B.E. (Secretary for Chinese Affairs).

HON. MR. E. A. IRVING (Director of Education). HON. MR. LAU CHU PAK.

HON. MR. P. HOBSON HOLYOAK.

HON. MR. HO FOOK.

HON. MR. JOHN JOHNSTONE.

HON. MR. E. V. D. PARR.

MR. S. B. B. MCELDERRY (Clerk of Councils). ABSENT:―

HON. MR. H. E. POLLOCK, K.C.

Minutes

The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed. Papers

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table Regulations made by the Governor-in-Council under section 2 of the

Finance

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, by command of H.E. the Governor, laid on the table Financial Minutes, Nos. 119 to 134, and moved that they be referred to the Finance Committee.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY then moved that the Report and the Finance Committee (No. 9) be adopted.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

Offensive Trades Bye-laws

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY moved that the following amendment of the Ofiensive Trade By-laws, made by the Sanitary Board on December 7th, be approved by the Council:―

By-laws Nos. 2 and 3 contained in Schedule B of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903, and published on page 33 of the Regulations of Hongkong, 1914, under the heading "Offensive Trades" as amended by the Government Notification No. 124 of the 29th March, 1917, are hereby cancelled and the following by-laws are substituted therefor:―

2.―It shall not be lawful to carry on any offensive trade in any premises unless a licence has been issued by the Board under By-law No. 3, nor unless a licence has been issued by authority of the Governor in accordance with the terms of the Crown Lease of the Lot upon which such premises are situate, where such licence is required.

3.―(1.) Every application for a licence shall be made in the form attached to these by-laws. The person so applying shall, if the Board approves, receive a licence from the

94 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Board in the form attached to these by-laws, and such person is herein-after referred to as the licensee and shall be responsible for the due performance of these by-laws. Every licence shall expire on the 31st December and shall be for a period not exceeding one year.

(2.) Where a licence is required under the Crown Lease of the Lot upon which the premises are situate such licence will be endorsed on the licence issued by the Board, and signed by the officer duly authorised for that purpose.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY said ― These by-laws have no new principle embodied in them. They are merely a simplification of the procedure of taking out offensive trades licences.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

Amendment of the University Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the University Ordinance, 1911.

He said:―The objects and reasons circulated with the Bill explain the clauses in detail, and it is only necessary now to refer to certain general considerations. The draft Bill was communicated to the University Council, and the Council considered it and made certain suggestions, ―four in all. Three of these suggestions have been adopted, in whole or part, and now appear in the Bill. The Bill is intended to carry out the recommendation of the Commission, recently appointed to inquire into the affairs of the University, and the decisions of the Government upon those recommendations. The main object of the Bill is to strengthen and improve the financial control of the affairs of the University. The clauses which deal with that point are clauses 8, 23. and another clause which I shall refer to later. Clause 8 introduces into the University Ordinance a new section which provides for the appointment of a Finance Committee. There is a a Finance Committee at present, but it is subordinate to the Council and has no authority of its own and has not, in fact, been consulted on all the financial affairs of the University. The Finance Committee which this Bill proposes to establish will be independent of the Council, and no expenditure of any kind, when this Bill is passed, can be undertaken or incurred without the previous approval of that Committee. No investment of any funds belonging to the University

can be made without their approval, and no money borrowed without their consent. They will have, in fact, complete control over the finances of the University, and it is believed that this will be the best method of ensuring that in the future those finances will be properly managed. The list of the persons constituting the Committee will be found in Clause 16 of the Bill, namely, the Treasurer of the University, as Chairman, the Vice-Chancellor, the Colonial Treasurer, the Chief Manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, and a member to be appointed annually by the Committee of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce. In addition to that, Clause 23 of the Bill, which is a temporary clause, giving the Governor-in Council, so long as the Clause remains in force, power to reverse any decision or act of any authority in the University, provides additional financial control besides providing a general control. An amendment of another portion of the Ordinance makes quite clear, what I think is implied in the present Ordinance―the right of the Court to intervene and veto at any time any decision of the Council which is the body immediately below the Court in the list of bodies which conduct the affairs of the University.

The main object of the Bill is to improve and strengthen financial control. The Bill also deals with the constitution of the Council and of the Senate. Under the present law it is not necessary that the members of the Finance Committee shall be members, but it has been thought advisable that they should be members, and in the draft they are added to the Council, in Clanse 14. The Colonial Secretary is also added because, under the Bill, he will act as Pro Chancellor in the absence of the Governor. The two Chinese members of this Council are also added to the University Council, and power is given to the Governor to appoint two additional members. These necessary, or desirable, additions would increase the

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 95

numbers of the Council unduly, and certain other members, therefore, have been removed from the list; they are the members at present appointed by the Court and the Senate, and the Director of Public Works. I think that it is generally agreed that the smaller an executive body is the better. It has been suggested that the numbers should be kept up in order to ensure a quorum being obtained, but I venture to think that if a body is small, the members are more likely to realise the necessity for their attendance, while with a large body the members are less inclined to remember their duties. In any case, the Council has not been reduced very much in numbers. The Senate, I think, has been shown by experience to be too large as constituted at present, and the members have been reduced by the Bill to 14. The elective principle is maintained by the provision that three members are to be elected, one by the Board of each Faculty. It is also provided in the Bill that in future the Dean of each Faculty shall be the senior member of the teaching staff of that Faculty. The only other clause to which I wish to refer now is Clause 23 which gives the Governor in Council power to reverse any decision or act of the Court, Council, Senate, Boards of the Faculties or Finance Committee and to substitute his own decision or act therefor. The Government feel that in view of the large expenditure of public money involved in the responsibility which the Government has recently assumed, it is bound to maintain, for at least a limited period, a general power of supervision such as is given by this Clause. Other amendments are either formal or of considerably minor importance. I beg to move the first reading of the Bill.

The "Objects and Reasons" state:―

1. The object of this bill is to carry out the recommendations of the recent Commission and the decisions of the Government thereon.

2. Clause 2.―It seems unnecessary to have two titles for the one officer.

3. Clause 3.―It is considered that in the absence of the Governor the Officer Administering the Government should be Pro-Chancellor and that there is no necessity for any Pro-Chancellor except during the absence of the Governor.

4. Clause 4.―(a) The term "Principal" is omitted, for the reason given above.

(b) Consultation with the Senate on the question of the nomination of the Vice-Chancellor seems unnecessary as academic interests are fully represented on the Council. It is therefore proposed

that the Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Court upon the nomination of the Council, without requiring "consultation with the Senate." At least five members will be common to the two bodies, four of these five being officers of the University.

(c) The Vice-Chancellor will in future confer degrees only in the absence of the Chancellor (Governor) and Pro Chancellor (Officer Administering the Government).

(d) The Pro-Vice-Chancellorship is abolished, and power is given to appoint an acting Vice Chancellor.

5. Clause 5.―Power is given to appoint an acting Treasurer.

6. Clause 6.―(a) The right of the Court to intervene and veto any decision of the Council or Senate is made clearer.

(b) The Court will in future have to meet at least once a year, and accounts of the University will have to be submitted to the Court.

(c) Power is given to the Chancellor and also to the Vice-Chancellor to convene a meeting of the Court at any time.

7. Clause 7.―The Vice-Chancellor will in future be the Vice-Chairman of the Council. The other changes are formal or consequential.

8. Clause 8.―The existing Finance Committee is subordinate to the Council. The new Finance Committee, subject to clause 21, will have complete control over the finances of the University. This is considered essential. The composition of this body is given in clause 14.

9. Clause 9.―This is consequential on clause 16.

10.Clause 10.―The present sub-section is out of date, and contains an inconvenient restriction on the choice of any new faculty.

11. Clause 11.―It is thought desirable that the senior member of each Faculty should be the Dean of that Faculty. The other amendments are formal.

12.Clause 12―This is formal.

13.Clause 13.―This is formal.

96 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 14.Clause 14.―It has been necessary to recast

the constitution of the Council. Those members of the new Finance Committee who have at present no seat on the Council will be added to the Council. The Colonial Secretary is also added, as he is the expectant Pro-Chancellor. The two Chinese members of the Legislative Council are also added. Power is also given to the Governor to appoint not more than two additional members. This power can be made use of to secure the services of any persons specially fitted for the administration of the affairs of the University. In order to prevent the Council becoming undesirably large in consequence of these additions the members at present appointed by the Court and the Senate, and also the Director of Public Works will be removed from the list. The present Council consists of 17 persons. The new Council will consist of from 14 to 16 persons.

15.Clause 15.―It is inconvenient, and it seems unnecessary, that purely academic regulations should have to be confirmed by the Court. This point is dealt with in paragraph (e). The other amendments are consequential on amendments already explained, or are formal.

16.Clause 16.―The subject of the Finance Committee is referred to in paragraph 8 above.

17.Clause 17.―The present Senate is much too large. The new Senate will consist of thirteen persons. The Board of each Faculty will elect one member of the Senate, annually.

18.Clause 18.―This is formal.

19.Clause 19.―It seems unnecessary to make the Chancellor a member of every committee.

20.Clause 20.―This is consequential on clause 4.

21.Clause 21.―This is also consequential on clause 4.

22.Clause 22.―This is formal.

23.Clause 23.―The Government, in view of large expenditure of public money involved, feels bound to retain a power of general supervision for a limited period.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

Amendment of the Volunteer Ordinance

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the first reading of a Bill intituled, An Ordinance to amend the Volunteer Ordinance, 1920.

He said: ―This Bill proposes to amend the Volunteer Ordinance, passed in February this year, in accordance with certain suggestions made by the Army Council. The general object of the amendments is to secure greater efficiency and smoother working in the conduct of the Volunteer Force. The particular objects come, I think, under five heads: One is to place upon the General Officer Commanding the Troops the responsibility for the training of the Force in time of peace. The second is to impose on him the duty of commanding it in times of active service. In the third place, the Bill alters somewhat the provisions of the existing law as to the assembling and constitution of courts of inquiry. In the fourth place, it alters the present method of appointment of officers and non commissioned officers; and in the fifth place, it makes certain amendments in the provisions of the law as regards discipline.

Under the existing law, the power of making regulations is vested in the Governor-in-Council; it is thought advisable that that power should be vested in the General Officer Commanding, so as to indicate clearly that the responsibility for the training and efficiency of the Force rests with him. This Bill, therefore, proposes to place that power of making regulations upon the General Officer Commanding, with the approval of the Governor, and the Governor, under the Bill, is required to consult the Administrative Commandant before granting his approval of any proposed Regulations. That is dealt with in Clauses 2 and 4 of the Bill.

Clause 7 deals with the second point. Under the existing law, when the Volnnteers are called out for actual military service, they are required to perform such services as may be directed by the Governor. In actual practice, no doubt, the service would be directed, in fact, by the military authorities, and the amendment made by this Bill in that section is simply to provide that upon the Force being called out by the Governor the members must perform such services as

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 97

are required of them under the direction of the General Officer Commanding.

The question of courts of inquiry is dealt with under Clause 3. The present law provides that a court of inquiry may be assembled by the Governor and in certain cases by the Administrative Commandant and may consist of either officers or volunteers. The Bill provides that courts of inquiry are to be assembled by the General Officer Commanding and shall consist in future only of officers of the Volunteer Corps.

As regards the appointment of officers and non commissioned officers, the appointment of officers now is, and always has been, vested in the Governor, but, under the Ordinance passed in the early part of this year, provision was made for the submission of names by the men to the Governor on the occurence of any vacancy in the Corps. It is thought better to revert to the old system under which recommendations for appointment are made by the Administrative Commandant, through the General Officer Commanding, to the Governor, without any election being held or any recommendation being made by the members of the Corps or company. In the same way, the appointment of non-commissioned officers is now vested again in the Administrative Commandant, without any recommendation being necessary from the members of the company in which the vacancy has occurred.

The last point dealt with by the Bill is the question of discipline, which is dealt with under the present law in Section 17 of the Ordinance. That Section is defective in two respects; it provides that when the Volunteers are on actual military service or undergoing drill with His Majesty's Regular Forces, the provisions of the Army Act as to discipline shall apply with certain modifications, and one is that no officer or volunteer shall be subject for any offence whatever to the penalty of death. One of the offences in the Army Act is that of murder, so that if a member of the Corps committed murder and was tried by court-martial and convicted, there is, so far as I know, no penalty which could be awarded him. Paragraph (d.) of Clause 8 of the Bill proposes to except the offence of murder from the provision that volunteers shall not be subject to the penalty of death. That is a matter, I think, on which there can be no controversy. Section 17 of the existing law also provides that no sentence of a court-martial for the trial of a volunteer shall be carried out until confirmed by the Governor, and that no officer or volunteer shall be subject to the penalty of death for any offence whatever under the Army Act. It has been pointed out that that might be inconvenient, if the

volunteers were serving with the Regular Forces, because the Regular Forces would be subject to a different system of penalties. It might also be difficult to secure the confirmation of the Governor within any reasonable time. Paragraph (b), there fore, proposes to provide that those modifications shall not apply to any members of the Volunteer Force who are on active service outside the limits of the Colony. That seems only reasonable, and I would point out that under Subsection (5) Section 12 of the principal Ordinance no officer or volunteer is liable to serve beyond the limits of the Colony without his consent. I beg to move the first reading.

The "Objects and Reasons," state:―

1. The object of this Bill is to amend the Volunteer Ordinance, 1920, in accordance with certain suggestions made by the Army Council to whom the Ordinance was referred by the Secretary of State for the Colonies. The suggestions were based on a comparison with the Ceylon Volunteer Ordinance.

2. Clause 2 is consequential on clause 4.

3. Clause 3―The power of assembling courts of inquiry is vested in the General Officer Commanding the Troops instead of in the Governor, but such power is still subject to the approval of the Governor. Such courts are in future to be constituted of officers only and are not to be assembled by the Administrative Commandant.

4. Clause 4.―The power of making regulations for the government of the Volunteer Force is vested in the General Officer Commanding the Troops instead of in the Governor in Council, but such power is subject to the approval of the Governor, who is required to consult the Administrative Commandant.

5. Clause 5 is formal.

6. Clause 6.―This is a formal amendment with the object of bringing section 12 (1) of the Ordinance into line with the new section 12 (2).

7. Clause 7―places under the command of the General Officer Commanding

98 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

the Troops, instead of under that of the Governor, such volunteers as may be called out by the Governor in cases of emergency. In practice, this would obviously be so.

8. Clause 8.―It has been thought advisable to except the offence of murder from the general modifications of section 17, and generally to provide that those modifications shall not apply when members of the Volunteer Force are on active service beyond the limits of the Colony. It will be noticed that under section 12 (5) no officer or volunteer is liable to serve beyond the limits of the Colony without his consent.

9. Clause 9 and 10.―These clauses amend the regulations dealing with the appointment and promotion of officers and non-commissioned officers; a return is to be made to the old system of filling vacancies in each case.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the resolution was carried.

Modification of Treaty of Peace Orders

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved the second reading of the Bill intituled, An Ordinance to modify certain provisions of the Treaty of Peace Order, 1919, as amended by the Treaty of Peace (amendment) Order, 1920, for the purpose of adapting the provisions of the Order to the circumstances of the Colony of Hongkong.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

On the motion of the ATTORNEY-GENERAL, seconded by the COLONIAL SECRETARY, the Council went into committee to consider the Bill clause by clause.

The Bill being approved without amendment,

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved that the Bill be read a third time, and the Council agreed.

The same procedure was followed in regard to the Bill to modify certain provisions of the Treaty of Peace (Austria) Order, 1920; and the Bill to modify certain provisions of the Treaty of Peace (Bulgaria) Order, 1920. Both Bills were read a second and a third time.

The Adjournment

HIS EXCELLENCY―Honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council.―This is the last meeting I propose to hold this year, as there is no matter of great urgency before us, and I propose, therefore, that the next meeting shall be held on Thursday, January 13th, at 2.30 p.m., which is more convenient to members than 12 o'clock, or I understand it to be. The reason why I think it undesirable to hold a meeting in the first week in January is that Mr. Fletcher, to my regret, is leaving us at the end of the month, and I am not sure when Mr. Severn is coming back. There may be a slight interregnum and it would be a great inconvenience to meet without a Colonial Secretary.

The Governor's Thanks to the Council

HIS EXCELLENCY added―In winding up the business of the year, I desire to thank you, gentlemen, for the assistance you have given me so ungrudgingly throughout the year. I think we have got through a considerable amount of useful work with a minimum of friction and I am very much indebted to you all for your help.

Tribute to Major-General Ventris

HIS EXCELLENCY―There remains an other word to add. This is the last time we shall have the company of my honourable and gallant friend Major General Ventris. He has been a member of this Council for five and a half years and the value of his services to the Colony as Commander of the troops and as a member of this Council are well-known to all of you. I speak for every one present, and for the honourable member who is unavoidably absent, in expressing our regret at the parting and our most cordial wishes for his happiness in the retirement to which he now returns.― (Applause.) In conclusion, gentlemen, I have only to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

H.E. MAJOR-GENERAL F. VENTRIS said― I thank Your Excellency for your very kind words, which, I feel, are some what undeserved. I consider it an honour and a privilege to have served on this Council so long,

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 99

and for the rest of my life I shall take an interest in the progress of the Colony of Hongkong and of her great neighbour China. I do not know that I shall be in order if I once more exhort, from this place, those young men of the Colony who have not yet joined the Volunteer Corps to follow the example of the men in the Straits Settlements, and do so at once. ― (Applause.)

HIS EXCELLENCY―The Council will adjourn till January 13th.

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Finance Committee was then held, the COLONIAL SECRETARY presiding:―

A Railway Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $286 in aid of the vote Kowloon-Canton Railway, Special Expenditure, Tyres for Engines, Carriages and Wagons.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote was $8,000 odd and the bill is the amount in excess.

Repairs.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote is $13,500, but the Victoria unexpectedly cost some $6,000 for repairs this year, and this accounts for the extra vote.

Approved.

Builling Improvements

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,700 in aid of the vote Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, Building, (2) Improvements to Buildings.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote is $10,500. Late in the year it was found necessary to put a new roof on part of the office.

Approved.

Expenditure on Government House

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $3,922 in aid of the vote:―

Governor, Other Charges:―

Approved.

D'Aguilar Wireless Station

Electric Fans and Light for Public Rooms.................................................

$ 494.00

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $5,712 in aid of the vote Post Office Naval Ratings, etc., D'Aguilar Station.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote was $10,200. The Navy supply the ratings of one station and increase in wages and salaries, and so forth involve this extra sum.

Approved.

Treasury Expenses

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $70 in aid of the vote Treasury, Stamp Office, Other Charges, Incidental Expenses.

Approved.

Repair of Harbour Department Launches

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $2,500 in aid of the vote Harbour Master's Department, Other Charges, D.―Steam Launches,

Incidental Expenses................................ 2,223.00 Special Expenditure, Furniture.............. 1,205.00

Total............................... $3,922.00

THE CHAIRMAN―The votes are $600, $2,000, and $10,000. A great deal of furnishing was required and these supplemental sums were asked for.

Approved.

P.W.D. Expenses

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $950 in aid of the vote:―

Public Works, Other Charges:―

Incidental Expenses.................................. $ 750.00 Electric Fans and Light ............................ 200.00

Total................................. $950.00

100 HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE CHAIRMAN―This is due to increased staff and consumption of current.

Approved.

Increased Cost of Labour

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $17,100 in aid of the vote:―

Public Works, Recurrent, Hongkong, Water Works:―

Tsimshatsui.

THE CHAIRMAN―In the original estimate various things were not included, such as fittings and paving, and this extra sum is required to complete the work.

Approved.

Tsimshatsui Police Station Extensions

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a

(19) Maintenance of City and Hill District............................................

$15,000.00

sum of $8,500 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Buildings, (50) Tsimshatsui

(20) Maintenance of Shaukiwan.......... 100.00 (22) Water Account (Meters, etc.)....... 2,000.00

Total .......................... $17,100.00

THE CHAIRMAN―The first two votes are entirely due to the increased cost of labour. In regard to meters, there has been a larger demand for water supply, and, of course, meters bring in revenue.

Approved.

Peak Water Supply

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $800 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Water Works (42) Peak Distribution System:―Substitution of 5" and 4" mains for existing 3" from Victoria Gap to R.B.L. 76.

Approved.

Fire Brigade Vote

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,200 in aid of the vote Police and Prison Department, B.―Fire Brigade, Other Charges, Repairs to Floating Engines.

THE CHAIRMAN―Two more engines have been brought out and this supplemental sum is required.

Approved.

Tsimshatsui Fire Station

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $4,500 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Kowloon, Buildings, (46) Fire Station,

Police Station Extensions.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote was $38,000. It was found when the walls were uncovered for the purpose of putting on another storey that they were of thin, blue bricks, and they had practically to be rebuilt. The floor of the sergeants' mess had to be re-made and the roof over the inspectors' quarters had to be renewed in concrete.

Approved.

Storm Damage

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $6,800 in aid of the vote:―

Public Works, Recurrent, Kowloon, Miscellaneous:― (34) Typhoon and Rainstorm Damages $1,700.00

New Territories, Miscellaneous:―

(45) Typhoon and Rainstorm Damages 5,100.00

Total............................... $6,800.00

THE CHAIRMAN―This vote is practically entirely due to damage to roads by the heavy rains in September.

Approved.

More Work done than Anticipated

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $19,000 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, Hongkong, Buildings, (3) Quarters for European Officers, Leighton Hill.

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THE CHAIRMAN―This is simply due to the fact that more work has been done. It was pushed forward faster than was expected.

Approved.

Police Clothing

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $25,870 in aid of the vote:―

A.―Police, Other Charges:―

Arms....................................................... $ 80.00 Clothing and Accoutrements................ 22,500.00 Coolie Hire............................................. 200.00 Interpretation Fees................................. 40.00 Light and Electric Fans......................... 2,700.00 Small Stores........................................... 250.00 Subsistance of Prisoners....................... 100.00

Total.............................. $25,870.00

THE CHAIRMAN―The main sum is $22,500 for clothing. This sum includes winter clothing for the Chinese police who have been recently put into similar uniform to the rest of the Force.

Approved.

The Port Health Officer's Launch

The Governor recommended the Council to vote a sum of $1,535 in aid of the vote Medical Department, C.―Office of Health Officer of Port, Other Charges, Launch-Repairs.

THE CHAIRMAN―The vote is $1,400, but the launch had to be repaired this year.

Approved.