Sessional_Paper_1901 — Page 49

Mr. CHATER in seconding the motion said :---

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Your Excellency, I have much pleasure in seconding the resolution just proposed, that the Colony should contribute out of its revenue the sum of $50,000 toward the erection of the proposed memorial in London to the late Queen VICTORIA. I do so with the more satisfaction because I was unfortunately prevented by indisposition from being present at the meeting held here on the 14th ultimo, and seconding the resolution in reference to the starting of the public subscription, which I am glad to see has reached such a creditable sum. As has already been remarked, it is most fitting that Hongkong, the first Colony acquired during the long and glorious reign of Queen VICTORIA of illustrious memory, should be worthily represented in any memorial of that reign. This city, if I mistake not, was the first to be named after Her late Majesty, and it is right that it should respond most liberally to the invitation extended to it. We have prospered much and grown into com- mercial greatness during the sixty odd years of Queen VICTORIA's beneficent rule, and I am sure we are only too happy to be permitted the opportunity of giving some, if inadequate, expression to that feeling of gratitude and veneration to a great and good Sovereign which is now afforded to us. I trust, Sir, that the monument about to be erected will in every way be worthy of the late Queen. I see that it has been placed in good hands. The sub- ject, however, is one of unusual difficulty, but we hope that the sculptors and designers will rise to the unique occasion and create a memorial of beauty that shall impress coming generations and show them how this great Empire loved and honoured a wise ruler and noble Queen.

The vote was unanimously agreed to.

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REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excel- lency the Governor, laid on the table the Report of Proceedings of the Public Works Committee at a meeting held on the 29th August, 1901, (No. 5), and said that the matters dealt with in that Report, and in the communication from the Civil Engineers and Architects, were under the consideration of the Government and that it was the intention of the Government to shortly introduce legislation deal- ing with those matters.

SANITARY BOARD BYE-LAWS.-The Acting Director of Public Works addressed the Council, and moved the adoption of the Bye-laws made by the Sanitary Board regarding the Prevention of Epidemic, Eudemic or Contagious Disease.

The Acting Attorney General seconded.

The Colonial Secretary addressed the Council.

Dr. Ho Kar put a question as to compensation for damages to furniture.

The Colonial Secretary replied.

The motion was then put to the Council, and carried.

OTHER SANITARY BOARD BYE-LAWS.-The Acting Director of Public Works addressed the Council. and move the adoption of the Bye-laws made by the Sanitary Board regarding the Disinfec- tion of Infected Premises.

The Acting Attorney General seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

QUESTIONS.-Mr. WHITEHEAD, pursuant to notice, asked the following questions :-

(1.) Will the Honourable the Director of Public Works lay upon the Council table a statement

showing:-

(1.) The number of buildings in the Colony, which have fallen down, from 1st

January, 1895, to 16th instant (August);

(2.) The names of the owners of the said buildings;

(3.) The number of deaths caused thereby;

(4.) The number of Coroner's enquiries held in connection with such deaths;

(5.) The number of prosecutions, if any, instituted as the result of the said enquiries ;

and

(6.) The causes, so far as ascertained, which hare contributed to the tumbling down in each case, and, if the collapse of any or all of the buildings in question have resulted from defective construction, will the Honourable Member inform the Council :--

(1) Wha precautions, if any, have been taken to prevent the erection

of such buildings in the future? and

(2.) What precautions, if any, have been takin to prevent a recur- rence of a like calamity attended with such heary loss of life as that which occurred in Cochrane Street on 14th instant in connection with buildings already in existence?