, 1868-05-05

was that of the Item Of expenditure E: Build
lngs and other uncertain expenses, which for
loo7-6S was entered with $40, 595, but in the
present draft with $4,000; but here it must
pc noticed, that the lastmentioned sum embo-
dleS the estimated expenses attendant on the
most considerably necessary repairs caused by
the earthquakes and the food. amounting in
all to about $4,000. With so great an extra
ordinary outlay, it had been difficult to arrive
at a surplus in the Budget, and he acknowledge
ed that this was only obtained by setting aside
the usual proceedings with regard to the esti-
mate OF the Customs revenue, the average of
which for the 3 years from the LIST of April
1864 to the 3Ist of March 1867 had only
amounted to $6S,563 but according to a calcu-
latlon based on the revenue in 1866 and
l667-6S was posted with S74,45O.
The I'd member for Frederiksted's town
(Faber) inquired, if any amount had been post
ed for a new medical practitioner for Frederik-
sted, and the reason why one had not been APP
pointed as yet, as His Excellency no doubt
himself acknowledged the great want of more
medical men in that town as we'll as the district.
The Governor stated, that the reason why
the appointment of a new practitioner adopted
by the Colonial Council had not been effected,
and the ordinance on that subject not obtained
royal sanction, was principally this, that it was
considered impossible to persuade any efficient
practitioner to com out here in consequence of
the political position of the Island. He was
however willing to take the matter into consid-
Grafton anew during the discussions on the
Budget.
The I'd member for Christiansted's country
district (Ratcliffe) regretted that the draft of
the Budget had been brought in so late. He
could not consider it proper, that any deviation
from the general rule ought to have taken
place IN calculating an Item of Revenue as
that of the CuStomS-R Revenue, thereby to avoid
a deficiency in the Budget. He agreed with
the views OF the I'd member for FrederikSted
regarding the necessity Of appointing a new
medical practitioner for Frederiksted, and he
was OF the opinion, that if no one could be
engaged in Denmark, then access ought to be
afforded to foreign practitioners.
The Chairman observed, that the 1St discus
sion on the case would be entered on the order
OF the day for the next meeting.
6, Proposal by the Government for it's author
isation to enter into contract with the agent
of the firm NJ. and S. G. Melchior concern
ing the return passage of the Eastindia-
Coolies to Calcutta in the barque "Dorothea
Melchior," their contracts expiring in June
coming.
After a discussion within closed doors, it was
unanimously adopted, to issue the proposed
authorization.
The Chairman fixed the next meeting for
Monday the goth instant, IL o'clock at noon,
and informed the Council, that the period for
which the offices of the Chairman, the Vice
Chairman and the Secretary expire on the 18th
instant, it would be requisite at the next meet
ing previous to the discussion on the cases on
the order of the day to elect new officials to
the Council. He added, that he from i'll health
intends in a few weeks>to leave the Island for
about 6 months, and retiring from the office of
Chairman in the next meeting, he would ask
the consent of the Council to withdraw as mem
Der of the Colonial Council, and consequently
propose, that the election of a new member
should take place to fill the vacancy.
The meeting closed at "a O'Clock.