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I desire also to make it clear that no one appears before
us in the position of a defendant in a trial at law though any
person who desires may be represented by counsel or solicitor,
and equally we are not bound by the strict rules of evidence.
Before we begin with the taking of evidence there is one
other matter which I wish to mention.
Yesterday afternoon a letter came into my hands addressed to
Mr. K.M.A. Barnett, Secretary to the Commissioners, Immigration
Office Inquiry, Local.
The letter bears date 7th March and the envelope is postmarked
that same day. The letter was in error delivered to the
Immigration Office, and from that office reached Mr. Barnett
yesterday.
The envelope is superscribed in English " No such man in
this office," but the point which I wishto emphasize is that when
Mr. Barnett received the letter it had been opened by some
unauthorised person.
It is manifestly important that nothing should be allowed,
or should seem, to prejudice this Inquiry, and I trust that those
responsible for the conduct of the Immigration Department will
make every effort to ascertain why this letter was so long delayed
in transit to Mr. Barnett and by whom it was improperly opened.
Mr. Eric William Pudney - said:
I am Accountant General of the Hong Kong Government.
The proper control of immigration into the Colony is
dependent on the issue to approved persons, and approved persons
only, of the necessary permit. It is therefore essential to see
that permits do not fall into unauthorised hands. This can only
be done by a proper system of records, controlling the receipt of
blank forms, their issue for completion, and their final handing