the Court coming into force "the fees will, it is presumed 264
go to the same fund as other Court fees.
#
I would humbly submit that unless new Rules are
framed (and I am not aware of any practical reason for
making new Rules for Hong Kong) the language of Section 16
sub-section 3 as above set forth warrants the continuance
of the present practice, and further that at a time when we
are all suffering from the low rate of exchange it would be
a hardship if a privilege which has always been enjoyed by
the officers mentioned should be withdrawn,
I have been told (whether correctly or not I do
not know) that in other Colonies the old fees are still
taken.
Probably owing to the great quantity of shipping
in Hong Kong the question is of more substance here than
elsewhere. The statement which I append on the fees received
since 1885 will show that the privilege is at any rate of
some importance.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) F. Clarke
Chief Justice.
His Excellency
The Hon: G. T. M. O'Brien, C.M.G.,
Officer Administering the Government.