The good effects of this Law, in combination with a more efficient police, have already been demonstrated in the greater quickness and security that have prevailed in the Colony. The provisions of this enactment are very much in accordance with the wishes of the better portion of the Chinese population, who are quite alive to the evils which it is intended to prevent.
In my despatch No. 57/1844, I reported on Ordinance No. 15, entitled "An Ordinance to establish a Supreme Court of Judicature at Hongkong." This was drawn up entirely by the Chief Justice, and it is so wholly legal and technical in its provisions and details, which are copied from the Court in England, that it would be unsuitable for me to comment upon it, further than to state that its object was to establish the English Law procedure in Civil and Criminal cases within the Colony.
Ordinance No. 16 was repealed by Ordinance No. 18, of 1844, which I shall notice in its turn.
Ordinance No. 17, entitled "An Ordinance for the better securing Peace and quiet of the inhabitants of the town of Victoria, and its vicinity during the night time," was passed by Major General D'Aguilar, the Lieutenant Governor during my absence, while inspecting the Consulates.
The object of this enactment was to prevent the disturbance caused by the loud beating of bamboos by Chinese watchmen, according to the custom of their country, during the night.