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Embarrassing as regards the right to claim the British Flag, but which presents itself in many intricate shapes where Chinamen are concerned.
After much conversation with the Acting Attorney General and fully aware of the great difficulties of Legislation, I instructed him to prepare an Ordinance in which I would propose measures likely to meet the most obvious local requirements of the case.
The Ordinance was discussed elaborately in the Legislative Council, and with the full concurrence of the unofficial Commercial members was unanimously passed, and I am happy to say its practical operation has been undoubtedly beneficial and I have had no complaints of its enactments, except as regards the payment of Fees for Surveys to new officials, - an evil I have at present no means of remedying - the duty devolving on the Harbour Master who professes his inability to discharge it.
In reference to the operation of this Ordinance, I beg to submit to your Lordship's consideration some observations which have been submitted to me by the Colonial Treasurer and