CO537-4835 — Page 82

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SOCIETIES BILL

NOTE BY ATTORNEY GENERAL ON COMMENTS OF

LEGAL ADVISER TO 5. OF S. (GITH

5. OF 3. 96 SAVING (SECRET) ).

The Bill referred to the S. of S. was an adaptation

of the Hong Kong Societies Ordinance, 1911, and the Societies

Cup 217.

Ordinance, 1920′ (Singapore).

It was hurriedly prepared primarily to provide legislation

enabling opportunity to be seized to prohibit the continued

existence in the Colony of societies having connection with

organisations of a political nature outside the Colony.

2.

The Legal Adviser's comments make valuable suggestion

for amendment of the draft Bill which constitute improvement and

modernisation on lines which would have been adopted in the draft

Bill had time allowed.

3.

My detailed comments are as follors :

Item

(1) As to clause 2

I agree.

(2) As to clause 4 (new)

-

I agree

although I think not

vital.

(3) As to clause 5

As to 5(1)

5(2)

It may in fact create

some confusion in practice.

Yes,

But

All local societies should apply

for "registration". Knowledge

of existence, a manin objective,

camot otherwise be obtained -

-

Exemption to be granted, if at all,

after application.

There the Registrar is satisfied

that there is connection with

outside political organisation,

present circumstances appear to me