Chinese Temples.
CHAPTER 153.
CHINESE TEMPLES.
[CAP. 153
7 of 1928.
To suppress and prevent abuses in the management of Chinese temples and in the administration of the funds of Chinese temples.
[27th April, 1928.]
1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Chinese Temples Ordinance.
7 of 1928.
22 of 1950.
24 of 1950.
Short title.
2. In this Ordinance "Chinese temple" includes-
(a) all Miu (廟), temples), Tsz (寺, Buddhist monasteries), Kun (觀) and To Yuen (道院, Taoist monasteries) and Om (庵, nunneries); and
(b) every place where--
(i) in accordance with the religious principles governing Miu, Tsz, Kun, To Yuen or Om, worship of gods or communication with spirits or fortune-telling is practised or is intended to be practised; and where
(ii) fees, payments or rewards of any kind whatsoever are charged to or are accepted from any member of the public for the purpose of worship or communication with spirits or fortune-telling or any similar purpose, or in return for joss candles or incense sticks, or on any other account whatsoever.
Interpretation.
3. (1) It shall be lawful for the Chinese Temples Committee referred to in section 7 to make, subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, regulations for-
(a) the registration, management, control and inspection of Chinese temples;
(b) the management, control and audit of the funds of Chinese temples;
(c) the duties of se chuk (寺主, temple keepers).
(d) contravention of such regulations which shall be offences and prescribing penalties therefor: Provided that no penalty so prescribed shall exceed a fine of one thousand dollars.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as obliging the Chinese Temples Committee to make any regulations.
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