8
charge by way of mortgage, to the discretionary control of
the Registrar subject to a right of appeal to the Supreme
Court.
The powers under Section 12 are, I would point out,
now exercised by both Members of the Land Court under sections
6 and 10 of Ordinance 18 of 1900.
a
The wider powers and ample discretion vested in the
Registrar of Titles are an essential and integral part of the
scheme. Similar powers are, I am given to understand, exercised
by the Collector of Land Revenue in Malacca under the Straits
Settlements Ordinance No. 7 of 1901, and in view of the wide
divergence of the Chinese system of land tenure from anything
obtaining in European Community, the questions constantly
arising of succession, adoption and the innumerable intricacies
of Chinese family law, it may be regarded as certain that an
Officer who has made a study of these matters, and who is in a
position to consult native authorities in difficult cases.
will with sufficient discretionary powers be able to administer
an Ordinance of the nature of the one now submitted with
greater success than a higher and more elaborate tribunal.
The hearing of all claims to land in New
Kowloon and the New Territories is not yet completed and it
is not probable that the Titles Register can be opened or
work under the Titles Ordinance begun till next autumn.
I have the honour to be,
8.
Sir,
Your most obedient Humble servant,
Sting
Governor, &C..
myD