Sessional_Paper_1886-1887 — Page 5

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With reference to the first item (Cadets), Mr. MacEWEN gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would make a motion on the question of Student Interpreters.

QUESTIONS. Mr. MACEWEN, pursuant to notice, asked how many sittings of the Law Committee had taken place since the Committee was formed in 1883?

The Acting Attorney General replied.

Mr. MACEWEN, pursuant to notice, asked how many sittings of the Public Works Committee had taken place since the Committee was formed in 1883?

The Surveyor General replied.

MOTION. Mr. MACEWEN, pursuant to notice, moved that in future all matters of Public interèst, and more particularly the voting of Public Funds, be discussed openly in Council, and not, as heretofore, at private meetings of the Finance Committee.

Mr. MACEWEN then addressed the Council.

Mr. RYRIE seconded the motion, and addressed the Council.

Mr. SASSOON addressed the Council.

. The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council and moved, as an amendment, the following resolution :-

"That it is not necessary to interfere with the present practice of the Council which has been in existence for many years, and which was unanimously adopted by the Standing Rules and Orders of the Council dated the 10th April, 1884."

The Colonial Treasurer seconded and addressed the Council.

The Chief Justice addressed the Council.

The Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council. The Council divided.

For

Mr. WONG SHING.

Capt. THOMSETT.

THE SURVEYOR GENERAL,

THE TREASURER.

THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL.

THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE.

Amendment carried by a majority of three.

Against.

Mr. BELL-IRVING.

Mr. MACEWEN.

Mr. SASSOON. Mr. RYRIE.

BILL ENTITLED THE FRENCH MAUL STEAMERS ORDINANCE CONTINUATION ORDINANCE, 1886.—On the motion of the Acting Attorney General, seconded by the Acting Colonial Secretary, this Bill was read a first time.

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BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE TEMPORARY PROVISION FOR SECURING THE STATUS OF GERMAN MAIL STEAMERS WITHIN THE PORTS OF THE COLONY OF HONGKONG.-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 moved, and the Acting Colonial Secretary seconded, that the Standing Orders be suspended.

Question--put and passed.

On the motion of the Acting Attorney General, seconded by the Acting Colonial Secretary, these Bills were read a second time, and committed.

of

Mr. RYRIE moved that a clause be added to the German Mail Steamers Bill embodying the terms para. 4 of the Earl of ROSEBERY'S Despatch to Count HATZFELDT of the 26th April. 1886, (Paper).

The motion was not seconded.

Bills reported without amendment.

On the motion of the Acting Attorney General, these Bills were read a third time.

Question put--that these Bills do pass.

Bills passed, and numbered respectively as Ordinances 22 and 23 of 1886.

SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION BILL, 1885.--On the motion of the Acting Colonial Secretary, seconded by the Colonial Treasurer, this Bill was read a first time.

The Acting Colonial Secretary gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move the second reading of this Bill.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned until Friday, the 17th proximo, at 4 P.M.

Read and confirmed, this 17th day of September, 1886.

ARATHOON SETH.

Clerk of Councils.

W. H. MARSH, Administering the Government.