A Special Meeting of Electors will be held at this Consulate, in accordance with Regulation XIV of the Chinkiang Land Regulations, on Monday, the 7th of October, at 2.30 in the afternoon, for the purpose of taking into con. sideration the Circular issued by the Municipal Council asking the sanction of Land-renters to a further outlay in respect of the Council Buildings now in course of erection.
(Sd. L, C, Horxtss, Acting Consul. 'H.B.M.'s Consulate, 24th Sept., 1889.
Mr. Greoson said he was in a measure responsible for the meeting as he with others had asked the Consul to call it. Ator referring generally to the question raised he proceeded to shew that in spite of large expenditure for Police quarters and niaintenance, the Regulationssanctioned at the meeting of Ist April were in no way enforced and the Concession was now in a much worse and more dangerous condition than ever before. He disclaimed any intention of censuring or hampering the executive, but submitted that more energetic steps were absolutely necessary to ensure safety.
Mr. Sranxey, Honorary Secretary to the Council, stated that as regards the contract for the new Police Station he had (in the absence of detailed estimates) named to the meeting of 1st April C. Tls. 2,500 a: sufficient to cover the whole cost. of the building and outhouses. It was found however that considerably larger sum would be required to erect a building according to Mr. Kingsmill's plan—even with some modifications, and exclusive of the outbuildings.
After great di ity and delay they settled a contract with a local builder for C. Ts. 2,500, which did not include the outs houses. Under general authority vested in them by the Electors at a General Meet ing held on the 18th January, 1884, the Council voted an extra expedition of C. TI 170 for servants' quarters; but as a mi ter of courtesy, and in order to acquaint Electors with their intention, they asked by circular for confirmation of the above outlay, whereupon the work was proceeded new Station full value for the money they with, The ratepayers were getting in the had voted; the buildings were being carefully supervised by Mr. Singer, Inspector of Municipal Police, and were being substantially constructed. The plans had been seen by some of the Electors, and were always on view at the Municipal Office.
With regard to Mr. Gregson's comments on the Municipal government of the Concession he thought the Electors didn't fully appreciate the altered state of things since the riots of February last. The temper of the Chinese populace had greatly changed fur the worse since then. The Regulations which were issued and posted up, could not be carried out too literally; a good deal of latitude in this respect had to be given to the police. The Hon. Secretary said he took upon himself the sole responsibility for the action of the police, and he felt convinced that if these Regulations were strictly enforced there would probably be a repetition of disturbances, and he declined to be responsible for so serious an event quality.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.