81.
Religions and Theatrical Entertainments : "There is an opinion that the granting of such permissions should be in the hands of the Executive by Ordinance."
"Police. This power was vested in the hands of the Chief Magistrate by Ordinance 74 of 1845, but practically it devolved upon the Superintendent of Police, because the Chief Magistrate invariably made reference to that Officer. In fact, there are few religious entertainments, although Religion is often advanced as a plea; firing off crackers, musical parties are all called 'Chin Chin Jose' but these have as much relation to the religion of Chinese as...
The proper person to judge of the propriety of granting or recommending such or minor evasions of the Law should not be the Officer having the responsibility of preventing disorder and an annoyance to the Public, and ready power of preventing abuse of the indulgence if granted". (Police letter 20th March, 1858) And on the 25th June 1858, the Attorney General wrote:
"I have the permission of the Honourable the Attorney General to refer to the opinion with which at my application he has provided me, and which is to the effect that any interference with my duty as the Superintendent of Police is illegal, unless it is either to give directions or to enquire into any performance..."
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