Conclosure 1.
of the Colony.
131
3.
I now enclose for approval subject
to such modifications as to Your Lordship may seem fit
draft "Rules with respect te Prespecting and Mining in the
New Territories" which have been drawn up after considera-
-tion of the Malacca and Perak Mining Regulations and after
consultation with the Director of Public Works and the Law
Officers of the Colony.
4.
It had been my intention to enact
these rules under Section 3 of the New Territories Regula-
-tion Ordinance (No. 8 of 1899) but I am advised by the
Attorney-General that it is not possible by regulation
under that Ordinance for the Governor-in-Council to grant
Mining Licences and Leases and that such power is conferred
upon the Governer by the Charter of the Celeny.
5.
Article XII of the Letters Patent
of the 19th. January, 1888, constituting the office of
Governer and Commander-in-Chief of the Celony of Hongkong
and its Dependencies, is as follows:-
"The Governor, in Our name and on Our be-
"-half, may make and execute, under the Public Seal
"of the Colony, grants and dispositions of any lands
"which may be lawfully granted or disposed of by Us.
"Provided that every such grant or disposition be made
"in conformity either with some law in force in the Colony