Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 41

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.-The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the Report of the Finance Committee, dated the 23rd July, 1908, and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Mr. SLADE and the Director of Public Works addressed the Council in connection with the vote of $186,500 (Financial Minute No. 40) in aid of the vote, Public Works Extra- ordinary, Mongkoktsui Breakwater-Typhoon Refuge for Small Craft.

Question-put and agreed to.

TYPHOON.-His Excellency the Governor and the Harbour Master addressed the Council with reference to the Typhoon of the 28th July, 1908.

EVIDENCE (COLONIAL STATUTES) AMENDMENT BAL.-The Attorney General addressed the Council and asked that the Bill entitled An Ordinance to amend The Evidence (Colonial Statutes) Ordinance 1908, be withdrawn.

The Colonial Secretary seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' PENSION BILL.--The Attorney General moved that the Council resolve itself into a Committee of the whole Council to consider the Bill entitled An Ordin- ance to provide for the Transfer to the Government of Hongkong of the Widows' and Orphans' Pension Fund and of the Management and Control of the Pensions of Widows and Orphans and to consolidate the laws in relation thereto.

The Colonial Secretary seconded. Council in Committee on the Bill.

Council resumed, and Bill reported with amendinents.

The Colonial Secretary moved that the Bill be read a third time.

The Attorney General seconded.

Mr. STEWART addressed the Council.

Question-put and agreed to, Mr. STEWART alone dissenting.

Bill read a third time.

Question put-that this Bill do pass.

Bill passed.

ADJOURNMENT.—The Council then adjourned until Thursday, the 6th August, 1908.

Read and confirmed, this 6th day of August, 1908.

C. CLEMENTI,

Clerk of Councils.

F. D. LUGARD,

Governor,