150
Inquiry by Magistrate into causes of fire.
Examination of witnesses..
Closure of inquiry and release of premises.
Committal of suspected person to answer
charge.
Power to summon
No. 8.] THE ORDINANCES OF HONGKONG: [A.D. 18
premises, and shall forthwith make a written report in detail to Magistrate of the state of the said premises and of the contents thereof, furnishing also all such information touching the origin and circumstances of the fire as he may be able to obtain.
3. On the receipt of such report, the Magistrate, unless, on a consideration of the facts stated therein, he is of opinion that such inquiry is unnecessary, shall proceed to investigate the causes of the fire and shall, with as little delay as practicable, take the depositions upon oath of all persons likely to know the facts and circumstances and of other persons who, in his opinion, may be able to furnish information in respect thereof.
4. It shall be lawful for any Inspector of Police, or for any interested person, with the leave of the Magistrate, to examine at such investigation, either in person or by counsel or solicitor, the witnesses, and to cause such persons to be examined as may give due and proper information touching such case of fire.
5. If, in the opinion of the Magistrate, the investigation does not disclose any offence or, although it discloses an offence, does not show any reasonable cause for suspecting any particular person or persons of having committed such offence, the Magistrate shall close the inquiry and order the release of the premises: Provided that such closure and release shall be no bar to any information or proceedings against any person or persons for an offence against the law.
6. If, in the opinion of the Magistrate, the fire is the result of crime, and there is reasonable cause to suspect and he does suspect any person or persons of having committed an offence against the law, he shall have power to commit such person or persons to prison to answer any charge that may be brought against him or them in the Police Court or, in his discretion, to require him or them to give security, to his satisfaction, to appear and surrender to answer any such charge, and, on such charge, the Magistrate may take the evidence as in other cases.
7. For the purpose of this Ordinance, and in relation to all investigations held thereunder, and for the summoning of witnesses, and for all proceedings in connexion with such investigations, the Magistrate shall have all the powers possessed by a Magistrate in relation to cases of indictable offences, and the Captain Superintendent of Police shall render to him all proper and necessary assistance.
Removing
property from premises
8.
Except on an order from the Magistrate, who may, in discretion, on good cause shown, give such order, every person who removes or attempts to remove any property from premises in possession burned, etc.