271
3.
The Association contemplated inter alia
the possibility of interference in the internal politics of both China and the Colony, and generally manifested an
undesirable tendency.
4.
The meaning of the words "associated for
a lawful purpose" in section 3 of the Companies Ordinance, 1911, (No. 58 of 1911) would seem to be that this Government has the power to refuse registration if the "purpose" is deemed to be unlawful. The Attomey-General advised in this particular case "It does not appear that any of the objects "in the attached memorandum are unlawful, and probably "precedents for all of them can be found in Palmer's "Company Precedents". I have therefore granted the applica- -tion, informing the applicants only that I am not prepared to permit the proposed Company to be registered without the addition of the word "Limited" (section 21 Ordinance No. 58
of 1911).
5.
to
As a result of this case, I have had under consideration the possibility of amending the Companies Ordinance, 1911, and thereby taking powers to enable the Government to prevent the formation of such obviously unacceptable companies. I hesitate, however, take any steps in the matter without putting the matter before Your Lordship in the first instance. The main difficulty in framing such legislation as would be necessary, would be, in my opinion, to devise satisfactory prohibitions which would not at the same time hamper perfectly legitimate trade. At the same time the grant of an unfettered dis- -cretion in such matters is hardly justifiable.
6.
I should be glad to receive an expression of Your Lordship's views on this question, and I would refer to section 4(4) of the Societies Ordinance, 1911, No. 47 of 1911, whereby under certain conditions, the Governor-in-
-Council