The Acting Attorney-General moved the first reading of a Bill to appropriate 173 per cent of the Colonial revenues as a contribution to the deft: id doing so made a patriotic little spece! which he expressed the opinion that who the home country was making efforts to enable the Empire to hold its own vis-a-vis other countries, it was the duty and privilege of Hongkong, which needed a strong garrison and armament, to vote the 17} percent without opposition. The Colonial Treasurer seconded. Mr. Whitehead opposed the vote on principle, askin that it be deferred until a reply to the protest just sent home by the unofficial members is received. Other unofficial members followed supporting this request but disclaiming any wish to decline paying a just contribution. Ultimately the Council divided, when eight voted for and four against. The majority included Mr. Wei A-yuk, the new Chinese member; the minority was reduced the absence from the colony of Mr. Bell Irving. Several other Bills were read a first time, a suggestion for rearrangement of seats at the council table made by Mr. Whitehead was opposed by the Coloni Secretary and General Black, and the Council was then adjourned until Monday. A meeting of the Finance Committee was then held, at which a number of votes were taken for various public works and services.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.