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[ XXXV ]
(5.) That the Government should undertake by its official experts an examination into the qualities and kinds of Chinese wines and spirits, the methods of manufacture, modes of adulteration, &c., and on the report of its scientific advisers, should fix some minimum standard of quality to which all Chinese spirits should conform. Adherence to this standard to be enforced by penalties on the same lines as those for imported crude spirits, and
(6.)—~That these resolutions be circulated among the Justices of the Peace, and, if approved of
by a majority, be forwarded to the Government for their consideration.
With regard to those resolutions, gentlemen, I think I may say on behalf of those who were responsible for them that it was thought they should not be considered as so many axioms beyond the scope of controversy, or as the final decision on the question, but rather that they should put into form an expression of the general nebulous feeling entertained on the subject, and that they should form a basis on which to approach the Government. I circulated the resolutions for the information of the Justices in the following terms: "The undersigned has been requested to circulate the accompanying memorandum amongst the Justices of the Peace and will be obliged if they will express their approval of the resolutions which it is proposed to forward for the consideration of the Government.-H. E. Wodehouse, Police Magistrate," The result was that a large proportion of the Justices signified their approval of the resolutions. There was a small minority against the resolutions. The next step was to forward the resolutions for the consideration of the Government, which was done in the following
letter:-
SIR,
THE MAGISTRACY,
HONGKONG, 14th December, 1897.
I have the honour to forward for the consideration of the Government copy of resolutions relating to the sale of injurious liquors passed at an informal meeting held at "Derrington" on the 16th November, 1897, at which were present-[Here follow names of gentlemen present as given above.]
I have further to forward, in original, the endorsement of the general body of the Justices of the Peace to whom the foregoing resolutions were submitted.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
(Signed)
H. E. WODEHOUSE, Police Magistrate.
To that letter a reply was received from the Government in the form of a minute by the Colonial Secretary, which was forwarded to you in the following letter:-
"THE MAGISTRACY, VICTORIA,
HONGKONG, 15th January, 1898.
SIR,
With reference to the forthcoming meeting of the Justices of the Peace at the City Hall, it may be to your convenience to know that the Government requests that the Justices will appoint a Committee of their own body to consider the matter and make definite recommendations to the Government such as can be embodied in an Ordinance and are likely to secure the object aimed at.
The foregoing is the communication referred to in my letter convening the meeting.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
(Signed)
H. E. WODEHOUSE, Police Magistrate.”
My own opinion with regard to that minute is that if it is left to the Justices to deal with the matter the result will not be so favourable as if the Government themselves took the matter in hand and formed a Committee or Commission with power to call witnesses and examine them. (Applause.) It is, however, for you yourselves, gentlemen, to decide that question. I think I need make only one more