I have decided, as below, with regard to flogging. I enclose a print of model prison rules which have been drawn up at this office for guidance in the colonies.
They are sent for guidance only on future occasions.
I am obliged to the committee who considered the flogging question for the trouble which they took in the matter. My decision is as follows: Flogging has been far too common in Hong Kong.
Your despatch enclosing their report crossed my report despatch No.187 of the 3rd of September last, in which despatch I have referred to this subject of flogging. In the prisons of this country, flogging is of rare occurrence, inflicted as an extreme measure in serious cases. In Hong Kong, it has been constantly resorted to as an ordinary punishment.