Consideration of the several provisions of this Ordinance to the shade for reasons which I may give. I come to the conclusion that I can advise Her Majesty to confirm it, as it stands.
3. It is evident from the language of Section 20 that it was originally introduced with the Law of Opening Order 9 of 1857. That clause, arising from political considerations which do not apply to the present condition of the Colony, may be altogether omitted.
I think it is no longer necessary, being a relic of early times when the Colony was less safe than it now is. The Joint Committee deems it sufficient for all purposes of punishing offenders.
4. Moreover, it appears that according to the actual practice, the power of requiring security by magistrates is exercised except in the case of offenders who have been twice convicted. I am of the opinion that it would be better if the wording were made conformable to the actual practice, and that the magistrate's power should be made dependent upon a second conviction, at the least, within a certain period, dating 12 months after the expiration of the term of punishment of the first conviction.