Sessional_Paper_1884-1885 — Page 53

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(2.) With regard to the second point of the Resolution now before the Council, viz., the provision of a 'flotilla of torpedo boats,' I have already stated that Admiral Sir W. DoWELL has informed me that four torpedo boats, fully equipped, are attached to this harbour. After consultation with him, I have asked the Imperial Government, both by telegraph and despatch, to provide four more torpedo-boats, making eight in all, which the naval authorities consider amply sufficient. I may here add that the naval authorities believe that the Auxiliary Flotilla, formed of six of the steam-launches belonging to the Colonial Government, will afford very valuable aid. At my request, the Imperial Government has provided the Colony with a full equipment for this Flotilla of 7-pounder guns and Nordenfeldt machine-guns, and of rifles and revolvers for the crews, together with a large supply of ammunition. Í am informed that two of the Government steam-launches can be fitted for torpedos.

"There are several other points connected with the subject of our Defences to which I should like to refer, if this Minute were not already longer than I intended. I should not omit, however, to mention that, more than a year ago, I strongly recommended the increase of the Garrison by a considerable force of Artillery and another regiment of the line. As you are aware, a second battery of the Royal Artillery was sent out at once. It is impossible that, at the present crisis, a second battalion of English infantry should be spared; but I have been assured that arrangements have been made for sending here as soon as possible at least one regiment of Indian troops and two more batteries of Artillery, making four batteries in all.

"In conclusion, I would observe that nothing can be further from my intention, in. writing this Minute, than to claim any special credit for the constant, zealous, and successful efforts which I have made during the last two years for the improvement of our Defences. I feel that I have only discharged what is one of the first duties of the Governor of this Colony at the existing crisis."

If no other Honourable gentleman wishes to address the Council I will now put the resolution to the vote, and I repeat that I hope it will be carried unanimously, for it is calculated to add force to the recommendations I have already made to the Imperial Government on the subjects of which it treats.

Question-put and passed.

THE BILL ENTITLED THE BILLS OF EXCHANGE Ordinance, 1885, IN COMMITTEE.-On the motion of the Attorney General, the Council resumed consideration, in Committee, of the Bill entitled The Bills of Exchange Ordinance, 1885.

Progress reported at the Schedule.

PRIVATE BILL.-SECOND READING.-On the motion of the Attorney General, seconded by the Colonial Secretary, the Bill for the Incorporation of the Roman Catholic Vicar Apostolic of Hongkong, was read a second time.

A BILL TO AMEND THE POST Office OrdinanCE.-NOTICE OF FIRST READING.--The Attorney General gave notice that at the next Meeting of Council he would move the first reading of this Bill.

ADJOURNMENT OF THE OTHER ORDER OF THE DAY.-The Attorney General moved the postponement of the other Order of the day.

Question-put and passed.

The Council adjourned until Wednesday, the 8th instant, at 4 P.M.

Read and confirmed, this 8th day of April, 1885.

ARATHOON SETH,

Clerk of Councils.

G. F. BOWEN, Governor.

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