cargo boats;
(i.) prevents coolies doing work otherwise than in accordance with its will;
(j.) possesses a dangerous power in the Gaol, over prisoners; and is in communication with them.
(K.) causes and foment fights and strife.
Although, as before stated, the above allegations have not been made on oath, we are of opinion that considerable weight should be attached to the truth of the statements. We further believe that the number of members of this Society cannot be estimated at less than 15,000 in this Colony.
Returns are given showing the places where the various branches meet, and the names of the presumed leaders are given.
We are unanimously of opinion that the subject demands the most serious attention of the Government.
Two courses appear to be open: (a) to register with a view to ultimate suppression; (b) to energetically suppress it.
The local Ordinances dealing with the subject cannot be deemed satisfactory, for Ordinance 12 of 1845, - Amending Ordinance 1 of 1844 - declares that "no person shall be considered within the provisions of Ordinance 1 of 1845, who shall not be duly convicted of active participation in some unlawful act arising out of his connection with the said Society."
The objections urged against Registration would be that (a) it would be an unfriendly act on the part of this Colony, situate as it is so close to China, to recognise in however qualified degree a Society, whose primary object is asserted to be the subversion of the Dynasty of a neighbouring Power; (b) It would officially recognise a Society whose practical object is to defy the Law.
In suppression
(c)