THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 9TH MAY, 1885.
The Colonial Secretary replied as follows:-
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In reply to the question of my Ilonourable friend, I am directed by the Governor to state that the facts of the case to which he refers are very simple. LEE LUM KWAI was released from custody on the recommendation of the Acting Superintendent of the Gaol, of the Colonial Surgeon, and of the English and Roman Catholic Chaplains, on the ground of his good conduct during his imprisonment, and of his bad health, said by the Colonial Surgeon to endanger his life. Dr. AYRES also certified that an amelioration of his sentence had been promised by the late Governor.
Dr. AYRES further stated that "the petitioner has been of the greatest service to the Medical Department of the Gaol as interpreter and attendant; and his conduct has been very good."
• Both the Chaplains strongly supported the prayer of the petition, as did the Acting Superintendent, who added as follows:--
"From enquiries made I find that five (5) prisoners who had received death sentences, afterwards commuted to penal servitude for life, were released after three (3) years' imprison- ment; and that three (3) prisoners, who had been sentenced to penal servitude for life, were released after terms of imprisonment not exceeding six (6) years.'
LEE LUM KWAI was sentenced to penal servitude for life in 1874, and has been in Gaol for eleven (11) years.
Now it is the practice in many other Colonies to consider that fifteen (15) years' imprisonment is equivalent to a life sentence, especially in cases where the health of the prisoner has been seriously affected; and that good conduct in Gaol should procure a remission of one-third of that period. On this system, LEE LUM KWAI would, under ordinary circumstances, have been released a year ago.
However, looking to the peculiar circumstances of this case, it has been determined to banish LEE LUM KWAI from the Colony, on a report from the Captain Superintendent of Police to the effect that he is a person dangerous to the peace and good order of the Colony. PETITION RESPECTING THE CHINESE FOOT-Measure known as THE KAU-NG CHEK.-The Honour- Me WONG SHING, pursuant to notice, moved that the Petition of Ko LUNG-TAI, WO LUN and others read, in order to obtain the opinion of the Council in the matter of the Custom House Standard kck.
The Honourable W. KESWICK seconded.
The Colonial Treasurer, seconded by the Registrar General, moved, as an Amendment, that the tition do lie on the table, and addressed the Council at length on the subject.
The Amendment was put to the vote.
For.
The Honourable F. D. SASSOON,
T. JACKSON,
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W. KESWICK,
THE COUNCIL DIVIDED.
Against.
The Honourable WONG SHING,
P. RYRIE, THE CHIEF JUSTICE.
17
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THE REGISTRAR GENERAL,
THE SURVEYOR GENERAL, THE COLONIAL TREASURER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
For, 8; Against, 3; Majority, 5.-Motion carried.
The original motion was lost.
BILL FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE VICAR APOSTOLIC OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH HONGKONG.-THIRD READING.-PASSED. On the motion of the Attorney General, seconded by the Jonial Secretary, this Bill was read a third time.
Question put-that this Bill do pass.
The Honourable P. RYRIE expressed his dissent.
Bill passed.