In order to prevent Chinese houses being built in the European quarter of the City, it was necessary to have some further restriction than that contained in the lease, and that that restriction could be placed by the Legislative Council only.
I have accordingly drafted the annexed bill;
Article 1 defines the meaning of the words "City of Victoria" and "Chinese house". The latter definition has been agreed upon by Mr. Price and me, and though not altogether satisfactory, will, I believe, meet the requirement of the case, and will prevent the construction of these houses in which each story consists of one room only with a passage down the middle, on each side of which are small cabins or berths about 6 feet by ...
Article 2 defines the line it is now desired to fix. It differs slightly from that of 1877. The reason for this is explained in a report which Mr. Price and I drew up on the application of Messrs. Sassoon & Co. to build Chinese Houses on Inland Lot N. 112 & 114. A small plan of the City with the two lines drawn would at once show how slight a change it is sought to make.
Section 3 provides that notice shall be sent to the Surveyor General before buildings are commenced beyond this line, or any repairs made to any building existing beyond such limits.
Section 4 enacts that the Surveyor General may stop such works if they are contrary to the provisions of the Ordinance.
Section 5 provides an appeal to the Governor in Council.
Section 6 fixes the penalty for commencing any work after receiving from the Surveyor General the notice mentioned in Section 4.
Section 7 declares every work contrary to this Ordinance a nuisance and may be abated accordingly.