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The CHAIRMAN-I think that really we have had quite enough of hearsay. I don't know what the other members think?
WITNESS. It is not evidence, of course, but I have heard that they have assumed some judicial functions.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-Are any judicial functions conferred upon them?
A.-None whatever.
Q.-Do they exercise any police or judicial functions at the present time?
A.—I cannot say exactly. When I say judicial functions I mean this, that when they get hold of a kidnapper instead of sending him straight to the Police to be dealt with, perhaps they would have him brought to the Pó Léung Kuk, put a few questions to him and keep him for some hours, as they did in a recent case.
Q.-Referred to by the Police Magistrate ?
A. Yes.
Q.-You have read Mr. WODEHOUSE's remarks as Police Magistrate in connection with the working of the Pó Léung Kuk?
A.-I have not read the whole of it but I think I have read the remarks made by Mr. WODEHOUSE.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I have a copy of the Daily Press* containing an account of the Magistrate's remarks on the workings and methods of the Society which I should like to put in to form a part of our proceedings and I should like to question the witness on several points therein stated.
Honourable Ho KAI.--I don't see how we can do that.
The CHAIRMAN.-What has this witness to do with the case?
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-In connection with the magisterial statement of the Pó Léung Kuk Society.
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Honourable Ho KAI. You had better produce the Magistrate here again then. For my part I should like very much if he came. This denunciation has nothing to do with the enquiry.
The CHAIRMAN.We can have the Magistrate here again if you like.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I am quite agreeable to have Mr. WODEHOUSE called. I should like this put in our proceedings.
The CHAIRMAN.-After he has been called.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD (to witness).-How is the Committee of the Pó Léung Kuk elected, and by whom?
A.—They are generally elected by ballot at a public meeting of the Pó Léung Kuk held at the Tung Wa Hospital.
Q.-Composed of whom?
A.-Chinese merchants and gentlemen.
Q.-All being members of the Pó Léung Kuk?
A.-No, a number of them are members of the Tung Wa Hospital, what you might call the Chinese gentry of Hongkong.
Q.-Although they are not members of the Pó Léung Kuk, they have a voice in the nominating and electing of the Committees of the Pó Léung Kuk?
A.--Yes.
See Appendix 44.