4
seems to have been four model
in
most of this Ordinance
differs in this particular. It
provides that a Justice of the Peace, on application of the master of a Foreign Vessel, through his Consul, shall
issue his Warrant for the
apprehension of any seamen absconding from his vessel,
or
absenting himself from
his duty.
The intervention of
The Consul may be unsuited to
The circumstances of Hong Kong, but, in other respects, this Appears to me a preferable
231
provision to the corresponding
one in the Ordinance now
before
me.
5. The last clause,
which puts it in the power of
any Foreign Consul to effect the suspension of the Ordinance as far as vessels of his nation are concerned, appears
to me also of rather a singular
character and to require
Explanation. Meanwhile The Royal decision
on
This
Ordinance will be suspended.
6. I have the honour
to acquaint you that ...