§ Mr. DAWESasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Government of the Straits Settlements decided, on the retirement of Mr. Fox, the late curator, to abolish the botanical gardens at Penang and to hand them over to the municipality for the purposes of a waterworks undertaking; whether the waterworks have yet been constructed; and, if not, whether, in view of the usefulness of the gardens not only to the Colony, but also to the adjoining native States, he will consider the advisability of appointing another curator and maintaining the gardens?
Mr. HARCOURTThe gardens were handed over to the municipality in the middle of last year in order that a reservoir might be established there. I am not aware whether the reservoir has yet been built. The Colonial Government has doubtless fully considered the comparative value to the community of these gardens and of an improved water supply, and I am not prepared to interfere in the matter.