Sessional_Paper_1892 — Page 29

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2. Will the Government lay on the table a statement shewing-

(a) The number of convictions for offences against the Opium Ordinance from the date of

the commencement of the existing Opium Farm to 30th September last;

(b) The amount of fines levied;

(c) The amount of fines collected ;

(d) The number of persons imprisoned in default of payment of fine with the periods of

their imprisonment and the cost to Government of their detention in Gaols;

(e) The number of persons now in prison for such offences; and

(ƒ) The quantity of opium seized and confiscated during the same period and how disposed of. The Colonial Secretary replied and laid on the table the statement referred to in question 2. The Honourable E. R. BELILIOs asked the following question:-

Will the Government acquaint the Council with the number of convictions made and the descrip- tion of punishments inflicted in regard to the buying and the selling of Manila Lottery Tickets in this Colony since the recently enacted Gambling Ordinance has been in force. The Colonial Secretary replied and laid on the table a return in answer to the question. The Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD moved the following resolution:-

That in consequence of the constantly increasing cost of the Administrative Staff of the Govern- ment of Hongkong, it having risen from $547,650 in 1887 to nearly $800,000 in 1892, exclusive of $65,200 for pensions, and that the Colony's Revenue in the near future is more likely to decrease than expand, Government appoint a Commission selected from the Un- Official Members of Councils, and the general community, with the Honourable Mr. O'Brien, the Colonial Secretary, as Chairman, with full powers to enquire into and report with a view to retrenchment on the working of all the Departments of the Government, and as to the desirability or otherwise of the redistribution of work, the amalgamation of certain offices, the increasing of the hours of the official day, privileges in the way of leave, &c., &c.

The Honourable C. P. CHATER seconded.

The Council divided when there voted----

For the motion.

Honourable E. R. BELILIOS.

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•.

T. H. WHITEHEAD. Η ΚΑΙ.

C. P. CHATER.

The motion was therefore lost.

Against the motion.

The Harbour Master.

The Director of Public Works. The Acting Colonial Treasurer. The Registrar General. The Attorney General. The Colonial Secretary. His Excellency.

The Honourable E. R. BELILIOS moved the following resolution :-

That the Government shall take early and effective steps to put a final stop to the sale and purchase of Manila Lottery Tickets in this Colony and in the event of the provisions of the "Gambling Ordinance dealing with this question being found insufficient for the purpose the law shall be so amended as to secure the complete abolition of this evil.

The Honourable Ho KAI seconded.

After discussion the motion was withdrawn.

BILL ENTITLED " AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE Merchant Shipping CONSOLIDATION ORDINANCE, 1891." The Attorney General moved the first reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE DIOCESAN SCHOOL AND ORPHANAGE.-The Council agreed to postpone further consideration of the Bill till next meeting.

BILL ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO, 4 OF 1865, RELATING TO OFFENCES

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill.

AGAINST THE PERSON.'

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WRALLELA

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed and Bill reported without amendment.