Sessional_Paper_1894 — Page 18

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BILL ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND

THE PREPARED OPIUM ORDINANCE, 1891'. "

Pursuant to a resolution passed at the last meeting, Mr. J. J. FRANCIS, Q.C., Counsel for the Opium Farmer, addressed the Council on the subject of the Bill.

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill, and addressed the Council.

Mr. BELILIOS Seconded, and addressed the Council.

Dr. Ho KAI addressed the Council.

Mr. CHATER addressed the Council.

Mr. WHITEHEAD addressed the Council.

His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government replied to Mr. Chater.

The Attorney General replied on the whole question.

Question-put and agreed to unanimously.

Bill read a second time.

The Council went into Committee on the Bill.

Section 3, sub-section 1.—Mr. WHITEHEAD moved that the word "steamer" be substituted for the word "ship."

The Council divided :--

For.

Mr. WHITEHEAD.

Against.

Mr. BELILIOS.

Mr. KESWICK.

Mr. CHATER.

Mr. BOWDLER.

The Harbour Master.

The Colonial Treasurer.

The Registrar General. The Attorney General.

Motion lost by a majority of 7, Dr. Ho KAI abstaining from voting.

Mr. WHITEHEAD moved that the words "exceeding 2 taels in weight" be inserted after the word "Opium" in the above sub-section.

The Council divided:

For.

Mr. WHITEHEAD.

Dr. Ho KAI.

Mr. CHATER.

Mr. BOWDLER.

The Colonial Treasurer.

Against. Mr. BELILIOS.

Mr. KESWICK.

The Harbour Master. The Attorney General.

Motion carried by a majority of 1, the Registrar General abstaining from voting.

Section 3, sub-section 3.-Mr. WHITEHEAD moved that after the word "forfeiture" the following words be inserted, "prosecute the guilty party to conviction, or otherwise if there is no person capable of being proceeded against."

Mr. BELILIOS seconded.

The Council divided :--

For.

Mr. BELILIOS.

Mr. WHITEHEAD.

Against. Mr. KESWICK.

Mr. CHATER.

Mr. BOWDLER.

The Harbour Master.

The Colonial Treasurer.

The Registrar General. The Attorney General.

Motion lost by a majority of 5, Dr. Ho KAI not voting. Mr. CHATER moved that a suspending clause be added to the Bill. The Council divided :--

For.

Mr. WHITEHEAD.

Dr. Ho KAI.

Against. Mr. BELILIOS. Mr. KESWICK.

Mr. CHATER.

Mr. BOWDLER.

The Harbour Master. The Colonial Treasurer. The Registrar General. The Attorney General.

Motion carried by a majority of 6. Bill reported as amended in Committee. The Council resumed.