Corps.—A report by the Headmaster, endorsed by the Commandant, 8.V.C., is submitted, recommending the formation of a Cadet Corps at the school.
At present there are more than 100.of the senior boys who have been drilled and formed into four Platoons with a view to their becoming trained as a_ recognized cadet unit of the S.V.C. In the Headmaster's opinion, all the elements are present to form a strong body of cadets who will benefit greatly as boys, by the training, and form a most valuable recruiting ground for the existing units of the S.V.C. The Headmaster informs the members that there are a large number of boys for whom there is no room in the Scouts; and that, being very keen, these boys would eventually provide splendid material for the Volunteer Corps.
Members agree that the proposal has much to commend it from the viewpoints of discipline ary value to the school, and the potential members of the §.V.C. which it would provide. As, however, adoption of the scheme during the current year would involve expenditure for which no Budget provision exists, the Committee consider that approval should take effect from January 1, next. In the meantime, full details as to the proposed status of the body visa-vis the Volunteer Corps, and the cost involved, will be obtained and submitted for members' approval.
Public School for Girls.—Myrs.
Murray, Ba, to be Acting Headmistress from the date of Miss Patterson's retirement.
House Numeration.—In his report, which has now been seen by all members, the Commissioner of Revenue points out that the question of house numeration has frequently been before the Council in the past, that in 1909/10 he reported on the subject; that at the instance of the Postal Commissioner a report was then also drawn up by a representative of the Chinese Post Office: that these two reports which dealt with the matter very exhaustively were then carefully considered by the Council; that its decision thereon was published in the Municipal Gazette of September 15, 1910, and that the present system of numeral tion was based. thereon. Thus the odd and even system had been adopted for foreign houses on new roads; alterations in house numbers had been published in the Gazette from time to time; larger number plates had been adopted for foreign and Chinese houses; the number was given both in English and Chinese, and street lates had been affixed at all intersecting roads. Finally the Public School for Boys Cadet} Commissioner of Revenue expresses the view that it would be inadvisable to adopt one series of numbers for all houses Chinese and Foreign, as endless confusion would result, but he suggests that a still larger number plate for foreign houses should be substituted for the present pattern with the road name omitted.
Having considered these reports members concur that any change in the present system other than the minor one now suggested by the Commissioner of Revenue and that involved by giving a trial to the suggestion made at the last meeting would be inadvisable, for although the present system undoubtedly appeared to be somewhat complicated, ft had to be borne in. mind.that_it had been built up on the experience of many years and was devised to meet the very peculiar conditions obtaining in Shanghai which were examined in some detail when the matter was under consideration in 1909/10. They recognize that improvement could undoubtedly be secured.by carrying out a complete renumbering of certain districts, but as this would involve very considerable work and expenditure and as, with the constant rebuilding that is going on, the conditions which now exist would be reproduced within a few years time, it seems to them that no good purpose would be served for the present at least in doing more than continue the practice of renumbering from time to time in certain streets when conditions of development are suitable, Taverns Beyond - Settlement Limits—Del 'Monte Cafe.—Following upon complaints of the nuisance caused by noises from this resort on Avenue Haig, formerly known as "The Alhambra," a letter was addressed to the management in accordance with members' instructions, warning them that unless it was found possible forthwith to cater for their patrons in a manner which would not give reasonable cause for complaint to residents in the neighbourhood, the Council 1 would take such suppressive measures as Jay in its power.
The reply of the management, is now submitted and read, pointing out that this resort had been_in operation for nearly two years, that jue complaints had ever been received hitherto in regard to its conduct, that large sums of money had been expended in improving; the premises, that expensive contracts for musical and theatrical entertainments had been entered into, that notices forbidding the soning: of race ear horns had een posted, that everything was being done to reduce all other noises to a minimum and that the management would be willing to build a solid fence 30 ft. in height in the rear of the property if by doing so they would meet the oblections of the complainants. In the meantime further letters have been received from one of the complainants, from which it appears that the nuisance continues unabated.
Under the circumstances it appears to members~ that further action on the lines contemplated will probably be requisite, but they consider that, in the first instance, the management should again be informed that the nuisance must be abated forthwith, and that the means to be adopted to this end are not a matter with which the Council is concerned, though it considered that it would assist if the resort were to be closed at a much more reasonable hour than at present. Members also direct that the suggestion be made that the Manager call upon the Secretary and Commissioner General so that the latter may communicate to him more fully the Council's views on the subject, and endeavour to procure a satisfactory settlement of the matter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.