324 periods mentioned in their banishment orders, from which Your Lordship will observe that the numbers have been higher during each of the last 3 years than in any previous year.
When it is borne in mind that it is only habitual criminals and dangerous characters that are deported, it will, I think, be admitted that it is very desirable that some means should be adopted to prevent the frustration of the intention of their banishment, viz: the ridding of the Colony of their presence for a period at least. It is essential in this connection to remember the very peculiar circumstances of Hongkong, and to give due weight to the fact that the Colony is visited from time to time by dangerous criminals from the mainland who have no means...