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Report on the working of Ordinance No. 19 of 3eMAR 05
I attach particulars as to the cases under this Ordinance heard by the Police Magistrates in Hongkong and in the New Territory. No prosecutions were instituted in Hongkong previous to the 19th. of March last. For the 4 months previous to that date numerous complaints had come before me of desertion by wives but the Police were reluctant to prosecute (or I thought so) Once prosecutions were instituted, and there were 8 previous to the 4th. October, complaints decreased io number and have now practically ceased. Since the 4th. October there has only been 1 case. In the New Territory there have been 3 convictions and Kr. Wolfe tells me the Ordinance has proved a success and has resulted, in a great diminution in the number of cases in desertion. The proportion of cases in which there were convictions appears to we satisfactory. On the other hand the Magistrates have given full weight to the plea of ill-treatment on the part of the husband
when it has been advanced.
Not the least satisfactory result of the passing. of the Ordinance is that Mr. Wolfe in the New Territory, and I tot a less degree in Hongkong have been enabled by a reference to the Ordinance and a threat of judicial proceedings to settle a number
of cases out of court.
Mr. Wolfe concludes his minute with the following
sentences:-
"I am satisfied that the Ordinance is working "well and has done a lot of good. Wives 1 thick are aware now that "they cannot run away as they please and a caution is effective in
"most cases".
(Sa.) A.W.Brewin,
Registrar-General. 24th. January,
1905.
*Mr. Wolfe settled nine in this way.
(84.) A. W. B.
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