Sessional_Paper_1885-1886 — Page 6

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10. On the other hand, the existing Legislative Council is practically also a Municipal Council. More than two-thirds of the business transacted by it is of a purely Municipal character; and it can no longer be reasonably alleged in any quarter that it does not fairly represent the community at large. It is true that on my assumption of this Government in 1883, I found that the Council consisted of nine members, of whom seven were official, and only two unofficial and independent members; all appointed absolutely by the Crown. In consequence of my urgent recommendation, I received authority to increase the unofficial members from two to five; one of whom will always be a Chinese; while I have given the privilege of freely nominating their own representatives to the two principal, Public Bodies, viz.. the Bench of Magistrates and the Chamber of Commerce, which comprise the chief payers of rates and taxes of every nationality resident here, British, American, German, Jewish, Chinese, Parsee, and Armenian. Thus the property, intelligence, and education of the entire community are now directly represented in this Council. Moreover, so long as I retain my present post, the official majority will not over-rule, especially in financial questions, an united unofficial minority except, of course, in extreme cases of necessity, and in which Imperial interests may be involved.

11. I know that you, Honourable Gentlemen, agree with the principles stated above. I know that you also rejoice with me at the steady prosecution by the Military Authorities, (as is shown by reports from the Colonel Commanding the Royal Engineers,) of the system of Defence Works, under- taken after my strong representations to the Imperial Government of the previously unprotected state of this Port and Colony. You will also be glad to learn that my application for a flotilla of Torpedo Boats has now been granted; and that six first-class Torpedo Boats will shortly re-inforce those already supplied by the Admiralty. It is morally certain that our defences by land and sea will be completed long before there will be any occasion to test them; and, as you are already aware, the highest Naval and Military Authorities in the Empire consider that, when completed, they will place Hongkong in safety against foreign attack.

12. In connexion with the subject of Defence, I have to inform you that I have again pressed on the attention of the Imperial Government the importance of securing direct telegraphic communication between Hongkong and Singapore.

13. With regard to Legislation;-in addition to the financial measures already mentioned, the principal Bills to be submitted to you during the Session will be Bills to consolidate and amend the existing law relating to Prisons; to provide for the Preservation of the Peace; to amend the Municipal Rates Ordinance; also a new Building Ordinance. The Commission for the revision of the Laws is now making satisfactory progress; and, it is hoped, will soon be able to submit some revised Ordinances for your consideration.

14. You will learn with satisfaction that the action of my Government throughout the difficult and delicate crisis of the Franco-Chinese hostilities has met with the approval, on every point, of the Imperial Government. While enforcing British neutrality, I preserved throughout friendly relations

with the Belligerent Powers.

15. Some time ago, I directed the attention of the Imperial Authorities to the importance to the Mercantile Community of Hongkong, of opening to commerce the great South-western Provinces of China with their rich resources and population of above 100 millions; and especially the affluents of the Canton River. A lengthy correspondence ensued between the Foreign Office and the British Legation at Peking; and I have now been informed officially that representations have been made on the subject to the Chinese Government; and that a prominent Agent of the British Government will be despatched to investigate and report on the manifold advantages to trade offered by the South-western portion of the neighbouring Empire. Valuable results may be expected from this mission.

16. It is believed that the Commission appointed for that purpose will secure an adequate representation of Hongkong at the approaching Colonial and Indian Exhibition. A preliminary exhibition will be held here before the despatch of the exhibits to London.

17. During the course of the Session there will be presented to you reports and other documents showing the condition of the several Departments of the Colonial Service, and the state of the Tytam Water-Works, and of the other Public Works in progress. I invite you to ask at all times for any further public papers, the production of which you may consider necessary or desirable for the full elucidation of the position of the Colony as to financial and all other affairs.

18. In conclusion, Honourable Gentlemen, I desire to express my full confidence that I may continue, as heretofore, to rely on your loyal co-operation in all matters calculated to promote the public interests. I would repeat also my confident hope that the progressive development of our commerce, now relieved from the depression caused by the recent hostilities in this part of the world; the most rigid economy in our finances that is compatible with the efficiency of the public service, and with the prosecution of the necessary Public Works; together with constant firmness and justice,- not dry but sympathetic justice, on the part of the Government and Legislature to all races in our mixed population, will, under the blessing of Providence, promote the general welfare and happiness of this community.