CO885-(10-11) — Page 494

588.

SIR,

No. 383.

(Hong KoNG.)

LAW OFFICERS to COLONIAL OFFICE.

Lincoln's Inn, January 13, 1866. We are honoured with your commands, signified in Sir Frederic Rogers' letter of the 11th of January instant, stating that he was directed by you, Sir, to transmit to us for our consideration a copy of a Despatch from the officer administering the govern- ment of Hong Kong, in which, whilst reporting that the Viceroy of Canton has agreed to waive the infliction of torture on criminals surrendered from that Colony, he states that it is the practice of the Colonial Government to clear the city of Victoria of Chinese beggars and lepers by collecting them every two or three months and deporting them as mendicants under the provisions of local Ordinances.

Sir Frederic Rogers was also pleased to enclose copies of the Ordinances in question, No. 8 of 1858, and No. 1 of 1859, and to request that we would favour you with our opinion whether there is any legal reason for putting a stop to the practice described by Mr. Mercer.

In obedience to your commands we have taken this matter into consideration, and have the honour to

Report

That we think there is no legal reason for interfering with the practice of deporting mendicants from Hong Kong to China under the 23rd and 28th Articles of the Hong Kong Ordinance, No. 8 of 1858 as modified by the subsequent Ordinance No. 2 of 1859.

We have, &c. (Signed) ROUNDELL PALMER.

R. P. COLLIER.

The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P.

&c.

&c.

&c.

0 16978-760.

25.-5/86.

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

C.O. 88511

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO