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as
despatch before referred to * have been intended only provisional. They are not sanctioned by any legislative enactment, and the clause in the leases of town lots, on which the Government has hitherto relied for preventing the construction of such buildings would, in the opinion of the Acting Attorney-General, not bear this construction, if the question were brought before the Supreme Court. That this opinion is entertained by others as well as by the Acting Attorney-General is shown by recent proceedings.
On an application for permission to construct Chinese Houses beyond the limits laid down by Lord Carnarvon, on my replying that I could not give such permission, but would, in accordance with instructions, refer the question for the decision of the Secretary of State, the Government...
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* See Return 426 to an address of the House of Commons "Restrictions on Chinese " 25th August, 1881.