Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 43

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 30th July, 1908, and moved its adoption.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded.

Question-put and agreed to.

PAPERS. The Colonial Secretary, by command of His Excellency the Governor, laid on the table the following papers :-

Report on the Botanical and Forestry Department, for the year 1907.

Correspondence regarding the Typhoon Shelter at Mongkoktsui and the proposed

temporary increase in Light Dues.

TYPHOON. His Excellency the Governor read a telegram of sympathy from the Secre- tary of State with reference to the Typhoon of the 28th July, 1908, and addressed the Council regarding arrangements made with Vice-Admiral Sir HEDWORTH LAMBTON for obtaining meteorological information.

TYPHOON SHELTER AT MONGKOKTSUI AND INCREASE IN LIGHT DUES.-His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council and moved the following Resolution :--

Resolved that on and from the 1st January, 1909, the Owner, Agent or Master of every ship, which enters the Waters of the Colony, shall pay the following

Dues to such Officer as the Governor may, from time to time, appoint:-

(1.) For all River Steamers, which enter the Waters of the Colony by

day or by night :-

Five sixths of a cent per ton register.

(2.) All other ships, which enter the Waters of the Colony

Two cents per ton register.

Exemptions:

British and Foreign Ships of War.

The Attorney General seconded.

Mr. STEWART addressed the Council and proposed the following Amendment :—

That the debate shall be adjourned pending deliberations upon the Shipping Com-

panies' protest.

Mr. GRESSON addressed the Council and seconded.

Dr. Ho KAI, Mr. WEI YUK and His Excellency the Governor addressed the Council.

Council divided on the Amendment which was declared lost, seven members voting against and five-Mr. STEWART, Mr. GRESSON, Dr. Ho KAI, Mr. WEI YUK and Mr. SLADE for the Amendment.

Council then divided on the Resolution which was carried, Messrs. GRESSON and STEWART alone dissenting.

ADJOURNMENT.-The Council then adjourned sine die.

Read and confirmed this 24th day of September, 1908.

C. CLEMENTI,

Clerk of Councils.

F. D. LUGARD,

Governor.