Sessional_Paper_1885-1886 — Page 61

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PAPERS.-The Acting Colonial Secretary, by direction of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers :-

(a.) Report of the Superintendent of Victoria Gaol, for 1885. (No. 19.)

(b.) Minute by the Collector of Stamp Duty on a proposed increase of the duties by 50 per

cent. (No. 20.)

(c.) Statement showing the Total Receipts and Payments in the year 1885. (No. 21.) (d.) Comparative Statement of Revenues received during the last 10 years, 1876 to 1885.

(No. 22.)

(e.) Comparative Statement of Expenditure, during the last 10 years, 1876 to 1885. (No. 23.) (f) Statement of Assets and Liabilities on the 31st December, 1885. (No. 24.)

BILL ENTITLED THE STAMP ORDINANCE, 1886.-FIRST READING.REFERENCE TO SPECIAL COMMITTEE. On the motion of the Colonial Treasurer, seconded by the Honourable P. RYRIE, this Bill was read a first time.

The Honourable T. JACKSON, and the Honourable W. KESWICK, respectively, addressed the Council. The Treasurer then addressed the Council, and moved that the Bill be referred to a Special Committee consisting of:---

The Honourable THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL.

P. RYRIE.

W. KESWICK.

"

T. JACKSON,

>>

WONG SHING, and THE MOVER.

His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council. Question-put and passed.

BILL ENTITLED THE SPIRIT LICENCE Ordinance, 1886.-FIRST READING.-On the motion of the Acting Attorney General, seconded by the Acting Colonial Secretary, this Bill was read a first time.

The Acting Attorney General gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would movė the second reading of this Bill.

PRIVATE BILL.--On the motion of the Surveyor General, seconded by the Honourable P. RYRIE, a Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Incorporation of the Procurator for the Dominican Missions in the Fur East, in Hongkong, was read a first time.

The Surveyor General gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move the second reading of this Bill.

BILL ENTITLED THE CATHEDRAL ORDINANCE, 1886.---MOTION FOR SECOND READING WITHDRAWN.- The Honourable T. JACKSON withdrew the motion for the second reading of this Bill, pending its reference to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

BILL ENTITLED THE RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES AND FESTIVALS ORDINANCE, 1886.-THIRD READING. --PASSED. On the motion of the Acting Attorney General, seconded by the Honourable W. KESWICK, this Bill was read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO VAGRANTS.--ÅDDITIONAL CLAUSE. The Acting Attorney General gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move an additional clause to this Bill.

POSTPONEMENT OF THE OTHER ORDERS OF THE DAY.-The Acting Attorney General moved that the other Orders of the Day be postponed.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned to Wednesday, the 7th proximo, at 4 P.3.

W. H. MARSH,

Read and confirmed, this 7th day of April, 1886.

ARATHOON SETI, Clerk of Councils.

Administering the Government,