(1
*
- 2
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88
J
for assault.
The matter was then referred to me and,
after I had consulted the Attorney General and
further statements had been taken, I directed the
Secretary for Chinese Affairs to institute a
prosecution for common assault. But in the
meantime the child's mother had returned to her
home in the interior of China taking the child with
her, and it was thus impossible to proceed with the prosecution, which would otherwise have taken place.
I must add, however, that in the face of the
Medical Officer's report, which was to the effect that the girl was well-nourished and bore no definite
marks of ill-treatment, the prospects of a conviction
were not great.
3. As a sequel to this case I issued
instructions on the 23rd April, 1929, that a
prosecution is to be attempted in all similar cases,
where any witnesses at all are available, whether or
not there is any prospect of securing a conviction,
provided that the charge is not obviously malicious
or untrue. I hope that the publicity so obtained
may act as a deterrent.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,humble servant
紗
Governor &c.,