Sessional_Paper_1904 — Page 26

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee dated the 26th April, 1904, and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question--put and agreed to.

PAPERS.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, laid on the table the following papers :—

1. Report of the Harbour Master for the year 1903.

2. Report of the Government Bacteriologist for the year 1903.

3. Report on the Post Office for the year 1903.

4. Report on the Pó Léung Kuk for the year 1903.

QUESTIONS.—Mr. POLLOCK, pursuant to notice, asked the following Questions :-

1. Is the Government satisfied that the present means for extinguishing fires in the City of

Victoria during the dry season are sufficient? If not, does the Government propose to take any and, if so, what steps, and when, to remedy the deficiency or deficiencies?

2. Has the Government considered the question of the advisability of adopting a special service for extinguishing fires by pumping up sea-water from the harbour by means of special pumping-stations on the Praya into special fire water mains? Does the Government propose to take any measures of that or a similar character? Is it not the fact that the Government Fire Engine hose has proved, during this present dry season, to be of in- sufficient strength to pump up sea-water to Jervois Street, or Lyndhurst Terrace, and has repeatedly burst in so doing?

3. Is the Government satisfied that the present means for extinguishing fires in the Kowloon Peninsula during the dry season are sufficient? If not, does the Government propose to take any and, if so, what steps, and when, to remedy the deficiency or deficiencies?

4. Is there only one Fire Engine in the Kowloon Peninsula in the service of the Colonial Government, and from what source or sources would such Fire Engine be supplied with water during the dry season in the event of a fire occurring during the dry season at too great a distance from the sea for salt water to be available for extinguishing pur- poses? Flow many members are there in the Kowloon Fire Brigade?

5. Will the Government provide more seats for the use of the public on the Kennedy Road,

Bowen Road, Magazine Gap Road and Barker Road?

6. Will the Government state what would be—

(a.) The capital cost of erecting lamp-posts, with the necessary gas-burners and appliances and connections with the gas-main at the following places at the Peak, namely:-

(i.) On the slope up to Plunkett's Gap, near the approach to the Commodore's

Bungalow;

(i.) At the junction of Chamberlain Road with the Mount Kellet Road;

(iii.) At the Plantation Road Gap, near the entrance to Brockhurst?

(b.) The estimated annual expenditure for the gas required to keep such lamp-posts

lighted at night?

The Colonial Secretary replied.

PREPARED OPIUM AMENDMENT BILL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council, and moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend the Prepared Opium Ordinance, 1891.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Dr. Ho KAI and Mr. POLLOCK addressed the Council in opposition to the Bill.

Mr. STEWART Supported the Bill.

His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government addressed the Council.