333
obeyed the laws, and as members and office-bearers of Societies, they must obey the Ordinances relating to these Societies. This with pointing out the motto of the Society of Ming in the £14 £, and telling them that the Government intended to carry out the spirit of the motto and make them do the same; has had a good effect on the association, and although in the Straits Settlements where there are some 20 rival branches of the same parent society, containing some 80,000 of the lower classes among whom constant disputes arising, they have not caused any great trouble. The headmen are not only amenable to advice and rule, but are also very useful, as See 3 of Ordinance 19 of 1899 gives power to order the attendance of any member to enquire about anything relating to the Society or its affairs.