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My Predecessor's departure from the Colony, I am not, of course, in a position to offer any personal opinion on the provisions of this Ordinance, having regard to my late arrival in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, I can very readily understand the feeling which prompted the Council in endeavouring to deal with the nuisances referred to. They cannot be especially worrying or annoying, as they have drawn attention in a tropical climate.

The Acting Attorney General has drawn up a very full Report on the subject, which I enclose for Your Lordship's consideration, and I shall be glad to learn that you have been able to submit the Ordinance, Welcome No.2, for Her Majesty's approval, and that it meets the views of the Community, which have been generally expressed in favour of the measure.

It is only necessary to add that great care will be taken in framing the regulations under the Ordinance so as not to prejudice the poorer classes of the native Community. At present, Hawkers are prohibited from uttering cries in that portion of the City which is almost entirely occupied by the English and Foreign residents, while

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