has been from
since
come
so far
my
to
various causes. so
so fully occupied
arrival, that I have been unable to
any
conclusion on the subject, except
as to be enabled to state
my opinion
that the Ordinance in its present shape should not be confirmed. But as the provisions of the contemplated Ordinance
are
very useful in authorizing the Magistrates to entertain and dispose of trifling Larcenies,
which in my judgement, under proper
restrictions should be permitted under
circumstances,
but
more
any especially reference
being had to the local circumstances of Hongkong, and the absence of proper and sufficiently large gaols for the incarceration of Prisoners, and proper rules for their discipline, I would with great respect suggest that
the present Ordinance
abeyance, until
for
to remain in
one
having
the
same
be permitted
may
an amended
but
?
object in view,
less open to objection in its provisions, can
be prepared.
107
In the meantime, I have deemed it
right to caution the Magistrates of the necessity that exists for discretion while adjudicating
on questions under the provisions of the Act under consideration; but it affords me great pleasure to be able to acquaint Your Lordship that having been furnished with a return of all punishments that have been inflicted since I took
myself the Government of the Colony to this date, I find that only twelve culprits have been corporally punished
during that time, that they
and that
only
were all Chinese,
one and two stripes were
inflicted on two of them respectively.
I beg to assure
Your Lordship
that it will be no less my pleasure than
any duty
to
see
that this mode of punishment
be not abused, and that it be inflicted
only on persons convicted of disgraceful
crimes, and this will not be
an
arduous
A