7
150
"hope I represent them I must say I wish when the 'Registrar General wishes information he would get it in 'a fair and just manner, allow the Chinese to come to- 'gether in open meeting and then give the result arrived
'at, instead of taking opinions given under, I will not
17
'say the terror, but the peculiar feeling with which they 'come before a high official."
So far these statements have not been controverted.
14.-
There is no provision in the Ordinance for payment to the person summoned of his expenses in coming to Hongkong, of his stay in Hongkong, of his return no compensation for his loss of time. Surely if the Government has any legitimate enquiries to make it should carry out those enquiries on the spot in the village to which they refer. At home it may be difficult to realise how important this is to a Chinese peasant.
It
15.- On all grounds I protest against this Ordinance. creates a "Star Chamber" of one person permitting an enquiry to be held by the Registrar General in camera. The Ordinance imposes heavy penalties on any Chinese (whether a British subject or otherwise) not attending on receipt of the summons or refusing to answer or produce documents, or giving false answers to any questions asked. I submit that this Ordinance is not only unconstitutional and unnecessary but it is impolitic and calculated to create disaffection. The Government has adequate powers of enquiry without it. If for any purpose further powers are required they should be strictly limited in their scope in accordance with law and be safeguarded in their exercise in every way. The party to be examined should have the protection afforded by a power to appeal to some properly constituted tribunal. The proceedings should be public and not secret. This is desirable, if not necessary, in view of the alleged land jobbery in the Colony's New Territories which was widely and publicly spoken about at the time, and referred to in a leading article in the "China Mail" of 9th August 1899, copy of which is attached.
16.- I pray you to recommend Her Most Gracious Majesty the