636
Ordinance.
A third is the Secretary of State for War in whose name stand the Mount Austin Barracks an argument in itself in favour of the Bill for if it is necessary for Troops to live at the Peak how much more is it desirable for Colonists to do so who spend the best part of their lives in this climate?
The remaining seven I have been unable to communicate with as they are absent from the Colony, but I have no reason to suppose that they would not share the view of their fellow-owners that this Ordinance is to the advantage of the Colony as a whole.
The present value of their property, it must be remembered, based as it is upon the European demand for houses, is not affected in any way by the Ordinance since up to the present time no Chinese have shewn any desire to reside at the Peak.
But even if they or any of them held a different view, I submit that the Government is justified in exercising its undoubted right in legislating as it has done in the interests of the Sanitary welfare of a large and important section of the Community.
10.
I have now placed you in possession of all the facts that concern this measure. It is not one that the Chinese Community could be expected to hail with acclamation.
They have, however, shewn their well-known common sense in recognising that it is a not unreasonable measure which does not really prejudice their interests. The Ordinance has been passed without evoking friction or ill-feeling and I strongly commend it to your most favourable consideration.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Amaz
Officer Administering the Government.