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Pall Mall 12 Amg $5
A GAME LAW GRIEVANCE IN HONG KONG.
EVER since the late Governor left Hong Kong (writes an Apglo.} Chinese correspondent) the administration of that colony appears to have been going steadily down the hill in all that relates to the native population, until it has reached the position in which it was ten years ago, when the feelings, wishes; and rights of the Chinese, who form the vast majority of the inhabitants, were totally disfegarded. The colonial legislators now, as then, think only of the small handful of Europeans, to the utter neglect of the dumb thousands who compose the backbone of the prosperity of the colony. To take the latest example of this discreditable class legislation. A few gentlemen, military officers and others, took it into their heads that game should be preserved for their amusement, and that a district of this island, which is itsdif smaller than many an English parish, and which, moreover, contains a populous city, should be placed under a rigorous game, law. Aided by the colonial officials an ordinance has just been passed, putting rather more than half the island (the rest probably being built over) under such a law, It is stated that about sixty persons, at the most a hundred, will enjoy the benefit of the sport. The worst of the story, however, is that this portion of the island is inhabited by the poorest class of the population, the families of labourers and artisans in the city, and by so-called grass-cutters," who get a liveli- hood by cutting the rough, coarse grass for fuel. At a late meeting one of the spokesmen observed that it would be useless to think of preserving game while these people carried on their occupation, and accordingly they are to be evicted from their homes, which they have held under squatters' licences from the Crown, with the understanding that they were not to be evicted unless the land was required for public purposes. Colonel Stanley's attention should be strongly directed to this tyrannical legislation in the interest of a few score of sportsmen. Even Mr. Winans purchases the land which he turns into a desert. The Chinese know nothing of game laws, and it is safe to predict that the Hong Kong gaol will be crowded with unfortunate poachers.
The Romance was sanctioned 5 des polit
44
Hi angust.
wate that Cd. Stanley's attentem has
bem onected to the above statement / sending
cofes
I be is compdent that his farmin will carefull valets the operation of the Adinance. And request hinn tom Shellier twich least any interference with the dunes who have betterts had the
the land.
кра Matt by 15.
The 19/0
No
My Lord,
13067
REL
REGE 27 JUL 35'
Government House,
Hongkong,
15th June 1885.
I have the honour to
transmit herewith for Her Majesty's
gracious allowance and confirmation,
Enclosure 1. Ordinance W. 15 of 1885, entitled "The " Preservation of Wild Birds and Game
13th June 1885. The six spare Copies)
The Right Honourable The Earl of Derby K.G.,
fo
Ye
Fo
"Ordinance
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