Sessional_Paper_1901 — Page 33

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FORESHORES AND SEA BED BILL.-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and asked leave to discharge from the Orders of the Day the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordi- nance to validate Crown leases heretofore made of Foreshore, and submerged Lands within the territo- rial waters of the Colony for reclamation and other purposes and to legalize and facilitate the making of such leases hereafter.

Leave was granted, and the item discharged.

REFORMATORY SCHOOLS-The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend and consolidate the Law relating to Reformatory Schools.

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.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill,

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put--that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

NATURALIZATION OF LAU YAT TSUN BILL.-The Acting Attorney General moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance for the Naturalization of LAU YAT TS'ÜN, alias LAU NG, alias LAU MAN KWONG, alias LAU NG Wo, alias LAU HOK WAI

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.

The Acting Attorney General moved the third reading of the Bill.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and'agreed to.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

STAMP BILL.--The Acting Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend and consolidate the Laws relating to Stamps and Stamp Duty in the Colony of Hongkong.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

The Acting Attorney General moved that the Bill be referred to the Standing Law Committee. The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

TRAMWAY BILL.--Mr. CHATER addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance for authorizing the Construction of a Tramway within the Colony of Hongkong.

Mr. BELL-IRVING seconded.

His Excellency the Governor, Dr. Ho Kai and Mr. WHITEHEAD addressed the Council.

Question--put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Mr. CHATER moved that the Bill be referred to the Standing Law Committee,

Mr. BELL-IRVING seconded.

Question--put and agreed to.

It was suggested that Messrs. SHEWAN, TOMES & Co., the representatives of the promoters, should be consulted as to a reduction of fares for the labouring classes if the Government were willing to surrender its royalties in whole or in part. It was also suggested that the Senior Unofficial Member should attend the meetings of the Law Committee to discuss the Bill.

The suggestions were agreed to.