396
and
: which had doubtless been seriously and thoroughly considered, and the petitions were consequently set aside to allow a fair trial of the merits of the Ordinance.
Complete Suspension of all Pawnbroking business, and much consequent distress to the Chinese working classes.
The result however was a
Under these Circumstances it became necessary to reconsider the measure, and after considerable discussion in the Legislative Council, it was determined to repeal it, and to substitute the Ordinance No. 3 of 1860, which I now enclose, trusting to Her Majesty's approval and Confirmation of it.
I think the New Ordinance is equally effective as the old, so far as the Public security forms are concerned, while the required forms are greatly simplified, and all due Attention has been given to the representations made by the Chinese interested in this particular business.
The Ordinance has just been translated into Chinese and scarcely circulated, I am therefore unable to state its effect, but I am hopeful that it will meet the end in view and bring about the resumption of the Pawnbroking trade, on which point I may have the honor of addressing Your Grace again.
I have the honor to be, My Lord Duke, Your Grace's Most Obedient Servant, Hercules Robinson