1887-1903
15
LEGISLATION,
273
By the Governor's Proclamation of the 8th day of April, 1899 (see Appendix No. XX), it was directed that from the 17th day of that month all laws and Ordinances which should be at that time in force in the Colony of Hongkong should take effect in the New Territory also, and should remain in force there until they should be altered or repealed by legislative enactment.
It was found expedient, however, to exempt the New Territory from the operation of certain Ordinances owing to local conditions and variations. Accordingly an Ordinance (No. 10 of 1899) was passed by which the New Territory was duly exempted from the operation of a number of Ordinances, a list of which was furnished in a schedule attached to the Bill, and which will be found in Appendix No. XXI.
In addition to the framing a list of Ordinances confined in their operation to the old limits of the Colony, it was found necessary to pass certain new laws to be enforced in the New Territory only.
Three of these laws were passed during 1899. The first, No. 11 of 1899, was entitled "An Ordinance relating to Local Communities and Tribunals," and was passed on April 18th. Reference has already been made to the Committees appointed under this Ordinance.
The second law passed for the New Territory, No. 12 of 1899, was entitled "An Ordinance to provide for the Better Regulation of the New Territories." This law entrusted the Governor-in-Council with the power of making rules for the farming out or licensing of the right to sell dutiable articles, or any other commodity whatever; and to make rules for the levying, collection, and custody of all revenue obtained from the New Territory.
The third law, No. 40 of 1899, was entitled "An Ordinance to provide for the summoning of Chinese before the Registrar General." This law was unanimously passed at the sitting of Legislative Council held on December 28th. The object of this measure is to secure the attendance of the people, so that full explanations of Government measures may be given to them, and so that the Government may learn from the people what their views may be regarding any proposed measure, and what objections they may have to urge when matters do not appear to be working smoothly. No enquiry under the Ordinance can be held except by direction of the Governor.
STAFF.
Until July of last year I resided permanently in the New Territory in order to start the civil administration of affairs. I was assisted by Mr. Messer, Mr. Ts'oi, and two Chinese assistants.
On my returning to Hongkong Mr. Messer remained in charge as Assistant Land Officer, and was joined by Mr. Hallifax and Mr. Kemp. Mr. Hallifax was appointed to undertake the duties of Acting Magistrate, which had been hitherto discharged by myself, and Mr. Kemp was sent to attend to the registration of land claims at Ping-shán in order to press forward the work of land registration.
Owing to a great increase in this work it was found necessary to strengthen the Chinese staff by the addition of a shroff, three interpreters, and three clerks.
All the members of the staff have worked most energetically, and deserve great credit for the manner in which they have discharged their duties under trying and difficult circumstances.
CONCLUSION.
In view of the difficulties that had necessarily to be encountered in taking over the New Territory and of the short period during which it has enjoyed the benefits of British rule, the progress that has already been made may be regarded as satisfactory. An efficient Police Force has caused a great diminution in crime and has established
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