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Your Lordship. Mr. Deane's statement at the end of paragraph 47 of his report that the unofficial Members of Council have just rejected a "draft bill conferring such powers "(the allowance of Religious ceremonies) on the Registrar General" is also misleading. The Draft bill referred to encountered considerable criticism, and, after careful consideration by a special Committee of Council to which it was referred, it was modified apparently in the sense indicated by Mr. Deane; but instead of placing these powers in the hands of the Head of the Police as desired by Mr. Deane, who was examined before the Committee, they recommended that the Governor should be empowered to authorize the issue of these permits in such manner and on such conditions as he should direct, and it was understood in Committee that the Governor would practically leave this matter in the hands of the Registrar General. This recommendation has been since unanimously endorsed by the Executive Council, including

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