The granting of permits vastly in excess of what previous years, satisfied the Chinese Community, the evils of which having been pointed out by the Police Commission 1872. The number of permits issued in 1884 and 1885 was somewhat, not in excess of that issued in previous years, was due to the applications being more numerous, and with reference to former records shows that only in one instance has an application for permit been refused.
When the Colony of Hongkong was annexed to the British Crown it was clearly laid down by Proclamation that the beliefs and customs of the Chinese inhabitants of the Island would be respected. When, therefore, respectable Chinese presented petitions at this Office, praying to be allowed to celebrate some custom, festival, or religious superstition, I considered that I was only carrying out the policy of the British Government, performing my duty as Protector of Chinese in recommending that each permit should be granted. In August 1884, I stated in a minute my opinion "that no restrictions should be laid on Chinese processions, but that the same policy should be pursued with them here as in other parts of Her Majesty's dominions."
Considering this question it should be borne in mind that these processions are usually of a religious nature, and though they may appear ridiculous in European eyes, they are regarded in quite a different light by the Chinese. If they are of frequent occurrence, there might be some complaint. But they are seldom a source of annoyance, and the Chinese have been already warned not to play between certain limits. If these limits are extended still further, it is unlikely that any annoyance will arise in the minds of Europeans that Government is attempting to gradually put a stop to native...