276
for
the former may, perhaps, be excused, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, availing himself of the power vested in him by the Ordinance in question.
I would inform him that a remonstrance has been reported to the Government against further forcible deportations of this kind. That under the particular circumstances of the case, I was not prepared to disapprove of the steps taken there, but that it has already been pointed out when I despatched (12 Dec) that, in the opinion, expressed by the Law Officers, no local laws can properly authorize deportation to take place beyond the limits of the Colony, and that W. K. wants to know whether & at what steps have been taken to carry the Law into effect.
I was pointed out that defects exist, & that steps have been taken. W. K. presses for an immediate consideration of the subject.
NTH.3019.
I would send a copy of the Despatch to the F.O. for information.
Could not a law be properly shaped enabling the prevention of the landing of destitute Chinese from the West?
I would refer to the Canadian Act 32-33 Vict c. 10 which was sent to Kent and to Hong Kong; that the former's attention should be drawn to the provision in sects 4 and 5; and that he should be authorized to introduce a measure embodying such provisions of the said Act as thought desirable, with such amendments as may be required to adapt them to the particular circumstances of the Colony.
In Victoria, an indemnity bill was introduced out of the Amendment.