318
1/-
Report
on an Ordinance entitled an Ordinance to amend
the Arms and Am unition Ordinance, 1900.
The illicit importation of Arms and Ammunition has assumed of late years serious proportions. The Police are constantly seizing large num- bers of rifles, automatic pistols and revolvers of the most recent type and quantities of ammunition for the same. From August 1 to December 10 of last year there were no less than 197 convictions recorded in the Colony in connection with the smuggling of arms and ammunition and fines to the amount of over $30,000 were inflicted, The large bulk of this illicit importation is no doubt intended for China and the immense profite at which these imported arms are capable of being sold apparently render it worth- while for offenders to take the risks incidental to the traffic. The penalties capable of being inflicted for offences of this character under the existing law appear to be quite inadequate to check the evil and with this object the present Ordinance has been introduced with the object of endeavouring to check this dangerous trade by a substantial increase of i the penalty.
2/
Section 1 of the Ordinance is formal.
3/ By Section 2 of the Ordinance the general penalty provided for of- fences against the principal Ordinance is quadrupled, a maximum fine of A- $1,000 being substituted for the present maximum of $250 and the maximum term of imprisonment now existing of 3 months being increased to a maxinum term of 12 months.
4/- In my opinion this is an Ordinance to which His Excellency the Gover- nor may properly assent in the name of His Majesty and on His behalf.
John a Bue hith
Tere
Attorney General.
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