CO129-121 - Sir MacDonnell - 1867 [3-4] — Page 70

On the 1st and 2nd January many of the Chinese Merchants and principal people called at this office to make enquiries as to the nature and object of the Law, this was fully explained to them, and was also extensively promulgated by means of Circulars and Notices posted in the most frequented parts of the City.

The first Applicant for a License was Mr. Hep-Leo, the principal shopkeeper in Stanley where he and his ancestors have resided for many years prior to the British occupation of the Island. We could not be induced to take an Annual License stating he thought the Ordinance might bring his business to a standstill, he consequently took one for two Months only. To Hip Lee's influence with the numerous Fishermen frequenting his village, I attribute in some measure the early return of the Fishing Vessels. Confidence was however soon restored and numerous applicants came forward at first for Licenses for short periods, but these were afterwards changed for Annual ones.

The principal objections raised were the irksomeness of frequent reporting and the difficulty of carrying large numbers on their boats. Section XVI enabled me to meet the first difficulty by issuing Special Permits to well-known traders to this place, and those visits are very frequent; these Permits exempt the holders from reporting on each arrival and departure, but as they are renewable Monthly and their vessels are being constantly visited, they are under as strict surveillance as those not possessing this privilege.

A careful discretion is exercised in the granting or withholding these Permits so that the raising of any spirit of discontent shall be avoided, and the Chinese here are fully aware of the impartial spirit with which British authorities administer the law.