IMPORTANT DEPUTATION
THE ADMINISTRATOR.
In addressing the Administrator, the deputation expressed concerns about the prevalence of gambling and its associated evils in the Colony, highlighting the misery and suffering it caused, particularly among the Chinese community.
The Registrar General was criticized for not doing enough to deal with gambling, and the police were accused of being ineffective in their efforts to suppress it.
A Commission had been appointed in 1879 to inquire into the subject of gambling, but it was felt that more needed to be done to address the issue.
The deputation presented a petition signed by 1,100 Chinese merchants and residents, calling for the suppression of gambling and sly brothels.
The Administrator, Hon. W. H. Marsh, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the deputation that he would give the matter his careful attention.
The Captain Superintendent of Police was also present and reported on the efforts being made to deal with gambling, but it was clear that more needed to be done.
The deputation highlighted the difficulties faced by the police in detecting and prosecuting gambling offenses, including the lack of effective laws and the ease with which gamblers could evade detection.
The existing Ordinance was criticized for being inadequate, and it was suggested that new laws were needed to deal with the problem.
The Administrator thanked the deputation for bringing the matter to his attention and assured them that he would consider their representations carefully.
The deputation then withdrew.