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Q.-A mistake, as they are doing the work now?
A.—Individually I should say, Yes, on constitutional grounds.
The CHAIRMAN.-You think the regulations approved by the Secretary of State were unconstitutional?
A.--On constitutional grounds I should not be inclined to give these powers to the Pó Léung Kuk.
Q. Do you think it is not constitutional giving these powers to them?
A.-That is another thing. But it is more constitutional for the Police to do this work than for the Po Léung Kuk to do it.
Q.-You don't call it unconstitutional to give these powers to them?
A.--I do not say that. I suppose powers can be given, but I consider it more cons- titutional to give them to the Police. I am strongly in favour of all such cases as crime being treated constitutionally. We have a regular body of Police and unless it is proved to be incompetent, it is proper that such body should discharge these duties.
The CHAIRMAN.-We have the fact that before the establishment of the Pó Léung Kuk the cases were very
few.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-It is not before us.
The CHAIRMAN.-Have you read the Blue Book?
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.--I should like to see it. I don't know whether there was an Ordinance in existence then.
The CHAIRMAN.-What! not against kidnapping?
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-At any rate it was found necessary to materially alter it.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-The Ordinance then in force was not as effective
perhaps.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.--Certainly not.
Honourable Ho KAI-We are not considering that.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.—I understood you to say, Mr. WODEHOUSE, that as far as the Home was concerned, you thought the Society was doing good work?
A. I have not expressed any opinion about that.
Honourable Ho KAI-We are taking the Pó Léung Kuk as it exists now, not only as a Home for destitute women and girls but as an assistance to the Government to bring kidnappers and such criminals to justice.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-You object to the investigation of cases before they go to the Magistrate?
A. If the Police were not found competent to deal with this crime, or supposing the crime was not dealt with properly, I should be inclined to improve the Police rather than establish an outside body like this.
Honourable Ho KAI-You object to the establishment of the Pó Léung Kuk from the beginning, as it is now ?
A. To the extent that I have mentioned.
The CHAIRMAN.-Did you ever raise your objection at the time it was formed? A.-I do not know that my opinion was ever asked.
Honourable Ho KAI.-When was the Pó Leung Kuk established ?
A.-Eleven years ago. ›