Sessional_Paper_1890 — Page 59

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The Estimated Revenue for 1891, is $1,952,098 while the premiums on land sales can be put down at $100,000 making a total of $2,513,727.

The Estimated Ordinary Expenditure is $1,663,420, Extraordinary $804,279 leaving

a probable balance on hand on the 31st of December, 1891, of $46,028.

Among the principal items causing further expenditure for next year I may mention the increased Military Contribution from £20,000 to £40,000, which taking the dollar as representing 3/6d. would amount to $228,572.

The additions to salaries authorized by the Secretary of State amounting to about $47,000.

The increased cost entailed by the new system of Audit which will involve a yearly increase of about $7,500.

The introduction of the Electric Light causing an increase of $13,500.

The most serious addition, however, to Extraordinary Expenditure results from the amount estimated as necessary for Public Works. We know how essential it is, Gentlemen, that such public works as are in course of construction should be completed without delay and that such others as may be really needful should be commenced, while the water and drainage system, which the Colony has undertaken, cannot be allowed to stand still. But I do think that it is a question for serious consideration whether it is just towards the present tax-payers that the entire cost of such works as are destined for the good of future generations should entirely fall upon us.

It seems to me that the comparatively small debt of £200,000, which is gradually becoming less every year, might fairly be added to so as to enable the Colony to construct such works as are absolutely necessary without undue pressure on its finances or over- taxation of its people.

Several Ordinances are in course of preparation and many are ready for your immediate consideration.

Among them is an Ordinance to amend the Laws relating to the Police Force which is rendered desirable in consequence of certain changes that have lately taken place among the Officers of that Department and which I have already had occasion to explain to you.

The Secretary of State has made it a condition, as regards many of those who will under the proposed scheme for the re-adjustment of salaries receive additional pay, that they should join a Widows' and Orphans' Pension Fund. A similar measure to that proposed some months back, but which was not then proceeded with, will therefore be submitted to you. I may state that such a law exists in many other Colonies, and although it is impossible to say how far the measure will prove a success in a Colony where the number of Civil Servants is comparatively small, it must be admitted that its object, in providing for those who may otherwise be left in want and destitution, is a good one.

The Squatters Ordinance has been drafted with the view of giving the necessary powers to those who have been already appointed to consider how the irregular occupation of Crown lands in this Colony can be discontinued.

An Ordinance to give further powers to Companies with respect to the alteration of their Memoranda of Association will be submitted to you.

Honourable Members will recollect that during the course of the present year a Private Bill was introduced with the object of enabling the Hongkong Land Investment Company to transact business elsewhere than in this Colony, and to extend its powers of investments which under its present Articles of Association it is unable to do. The Ordinance passed through its different stages, but before my assent was given to it objections were raised against it and I was requested to submit the matter for the decision of the Secretary of State. This I did and the Secretary of State in reply forwarded copy of a Public Bill which was then passing through the Imperial l'arliament on the subject, stating that he had no objection to a similar measure being passed here. The Ordinance which will be laid before you

is therefore mutatis mutandis a copy of the English Act.

Bills to amend the Public Health Ordinance of 1887; to consolidate and amend the Laws relating to Merchant Shipping, &c.; to amend the Opium Ordinances; to consolidate the Law relating to Chinese Passenger Ships and the conveyance of Chinese emigrants; to amend the Law relating to Bankruptcy; to amend our Laws in regard to Gambling and to provide against the Adulteration of Food are all in course of preparation and will be brought before you very shortly.

It will be remembered that at our last meeting previous to the recess a Bill was intro- duced by an Honourable Member to amend the Law respecting the sale of Shares in