FI
Jury List solely on the grounds that they are over 60,
or are ignorant of the English language, or on account
of deafness, blindness or other like infirmity, or
because they are females (see Section 3 of the Jury Ordinance, 1887), ought also to have the vote.
I would ask that the proposals in Sir Mark Young's
despatch No.145 may be modified accordingly.
The whole question of electoral qualifications
should, of course, be ke pt under review as education
spreads and illiteracy is reduced.
(a)
Special provision relating to period of Japanese
Decupation in respect of the residential qualification
period (paragraph 25). I agree that, in connection with the proposed residential qualification for Chinese
subjects, some special provision should be made, on the
lines proposed in paragraph 25 of Sir Mark Young's despatch No.145, in order that those persons who left
Hong Kong during the period of the Japanese occupation
should not be penalised. I feel however that
consideration should be given to the extension of this
concession to non-Chinese subjects.
(0) Menination of the appointed members of the Municipal Council (paragraph 29). I have given much
careful thought to sir Mark Young's recommendations on
this question and in particular to the suggested
allocation of seats to the recognised Trade Unions.
1 understand that in present circumstances, when trade
unions are still passing through the formative stage, it
is not considered opportune to increase this allocation,
and I am therefore prepared to accept the recommendation
that, for the period of the first Council, they should
have the right to nominate two Councillors only. An
increase in that allocation should, however, be kept
carefully in mind and may, I hope, be found possible
/when