in the occupation of respectable families is no deterrent
but rather an incentive to the brothel-keeper who so opens a
brothel for she probably hopes to profit by the fact in more
easily escaping the attention of the Authorities.
The difficulty in dealing with such brothels
has been that if the keeper is summoned under section 13 of
Ordinance No. 4 of 1897 she either temporarily absconds, or
if she does appear and her brothel is ordered to be closed,
she removes to some other house and repeats the migration
each time she is prosecuted. Power has accordingly been taken
for the Magistrate to issue a warrant in the first instance
instead of a summons, and the power to punish by fine and imprisonment or in either manner, which was formerly given by
section 44 of Ordinance No. 19 of 1889 (now repealed), has been
revived.
I am satisfied, and my Executive Council
agree with me, that the class of brothel described above constitutes a great nuisance and hindrance to Chinese family life
in this Colony, and I feel sure that the taking of more summary
Powers of dealing with them, as provided for in the Ordinance
which passed the Council unanimously, will be hailed with
satisfaction by the Chinese Community.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
M. Ustran
Governor,
&c.