the Registration of Secret Societies
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with reference to General Cameron's request to be favoured with some observations on the working of these Ordinances, His Excellency trusts that the following brief explanation of the objects and reasons of this Legislation may be of service.
The object of Ordinance I 1869 was to alter, to control and concentrate an evil the total suppression of which would have led to disorders greater than their recognition at that time entailed. Accordingly, by regulations as to Registration, and with penalties for any infringement of the Registration Regulations, the Government gained some restrictive authority over the turbulent Hoys. After the lapse of twelve years from the passing of this Registration Bill, the Government felt that more active measures should be adopted, and especially with a view to keep British Subjects out of these Hoys.
By the new Societies Ordinance II of 1882, the Governor was empowered to suppress any Kongsi or Society shown to be dangerous to the peace and order of the Settlement. It also allowed Malay Subjects born of Chinese or Naturalized Chinese to become members of a Triad.
The Dangerous Societies Ordinance II of 1888, which practically re-enacts in substance the Dangerous Societies Ordinance I of 1887, was passed at the instance of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, who pointed out that Section 11 of Ordinance II of 1887 empowered the Registering Officer, by an ex post facto order, to make a person...