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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
most serious matter. I would interpret this section as one upholding the principle that the Government must not be forced to do what it does not consider right. This legislation is directed towards that end.
Section 4 is a section which deals with the protection of the individual. It is framed with the object of assisting any inhabitant of this Colony who wishes to observe the law. That is to say if he refuses to take part in any strike which is declared illegal he shall not be subject to fine or otherwise deprived of any right or benefit to which he might be entitled. I would describe this section as giving the right to the individual to carry on his advocations according to his own wishes.
Section 5 is the section which deals with intimidation. This section does not in any way effect what is known as peaceful picketing. That is preserved, but it states very clearly and emphatically what will not be allowed. This again, Your Excellency, is declaratory of the law as it exists to-day, but it is extremely useful to have the declara- tion placed on the Statute book so that all may know. I regard this section as the acknowledgment of the right of the individual to exercise his own discretion.
Section 6 deals with breaches of contract. This is specially framed to stop what are known as lightning strikes in essential services. I may well describe this section as the section for the protection of the public.
Section 7 gives to this Colony the right to regulate its own affairs. without interference from without. I would describe this section in a few words as embodying and assisting the perservation of the indepen- dence of this Colony.
Section 8 is the section which prohibits the use of trade union funds for political purposes outside the Colony. It is, if I may say so, a section based upon the necessity of maintaining our neutrality. Our inhabitants should not unduly interfere with politics outside the Colony and this section is a contribution to the maintainance of neutrality in political affairs which at this particular juncture is so essential.
Section 11 provides a safeguard against frivolous prosecutions. It acts as a guarantee in this Colony that the law will be properly administered. It is essential that we should have a section of this nature because it assures that legal strikes and legal lock-outs will not be interfered with. This section provides that there shall be no prosecutions without good cause.
In conclusion, I would point out that this Ordinance places no restriction whatever on genuine trade disputes nor upon the common law rights of individuals. It merely provides that lawful objects shall be carried out by lawful means and for that reason I have great pleasure in supporting it. (Applause.)
The Bill was then read a second time.
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