Shaut. Serangs instead of one as heretofore.. In conformity with this resolution I with the assistance of the Attorney General drew up and submitted to the Legislative Council a draft of an ordinance, which having been approved of, was passed by instant; and I have the honour to forward an authenticated copy of the said Ordinance, being No. 12 of 1848, entitled "An Ordinance to amend the Ordinance No. 13 of 1845, entitled 'An Ordinance to establish a Licenced Shaut Serang in the Colony of Hongkong and for the better regulation of Cases arising thereto', and I trust that the provisions of the Ordinance will be found to be such as to enable your Lordship to submit it for the confirmation of Her Majesty.
As the amount of the Fee or sum to be charged on the License to be granted to Shaut. Serangs must naturally depend on the number of applicants for the privilege, I have been compelled to leave the amount chargeable on such Licence to be annually settled by the Governor and the Executive Council who will of course fix the amount with reference to the number of applicants for such Licenses, which can only be known on their issue.
In view of the entirely Police nature of this Ordinance, nevertheless I have little doubt that the amounts of the Licenses will treble what is paid to the Government on this account.
I have the honour to be,
With the highest respect,
Your Lordship's
Most obedient
Humble Servant.