were certain works which were necessary to carry out in this colony as well as anywhere else, but Inasmuch as the Sunday was observed in many countries to a greater extent than it was here, such was a proof, to some extent at all events, that to work on the seventh day to the extent that was done here was not an absolute necessity, In so far as this colony was concerned it should also be borne in mind that the fact of having no Custom-house rendered it more difficult to limit Sunday work here than was the case in those countries where Custom-houses did exist, and where, therefore, it was more easy to put a check on Sunday labour.
Captain Ashton remarked that the Harbour Master gave clearances to ships on Sunday, which he thought showed that even the small means which did exist for stopplag Sunday work could be made use of at any time.
His Excellency said that although what had just been stated by Captain Ashton might be the case, he could not admit that giving clearances to ships necessarily encouraged work being carried on in the loading and discharging of cargo on Sunday to the extent that it was carried on in a colony where no Custom-houses existed, and that the mere fact of its being known that the Custom- house was closed in places where Custom-houses existed, and that business was only transacted in It under very exceptional circumstances, naturally tended to a very considerable extent to prevent Sunday labour being carried on, The question really seemed to him to resolve itself into this, were those who necessarily derived a certain amount of profit and gain from Sunday work pre- pared to make a certain sacrifice in order that the Sunday might be better observed than it now was? It must be admitted that where work was carried on during seven days of the week instead of six, some profit and gain would naturally be realised, and therefore it appeared to be a question whether those who derived that profit and gain were prepared to make the sacrifice he had alluded to in order that the Sunday might be better observed than it now was. This question of diminishing Sunday labour might not altogether depend upon those who were directly interested in the business of this colony. Many of the latter were probably reprezentatives of people at home, who might possess to some extent the same feelings in regard to Sunday labour as the members of the depatation who had come there that morning, and might bring lofluence to bear upon their representatives here to do what was in their power to limit Sunday labour, and so carry out, at all events to some extent, the wishes that had -been expressed. He might say that he did not think that the reply of the Chamber of Commerce, which had been considerably quoted to him, should be taken as a conclusive answer that nothing more could be done in this matter, (Captain Ashton and several others, "thank you, Your Excellency”) and in so far as he was con- cerned he should at all times be prepared to listen to any proposals which might have for their object to carry out, to some extent, the desires that had been expressed to bim, but he felt sure the deputation would understand that under present circumstances, and situated as he now was, it could not be expected that he could accede to their proposal to introduce compulsory legislation in regard to the question of Sunday labour. The Governor, Sir William Des Vœux, who since he had been at home had conferred with Lord Knutsford on the question, would soon be among us again, and he (His Excellency) felt sure he would gladly listen to any proposals that might be made to him in connection with this im portant question on his return. In conclusion, he would again admit that the question was one of much importance. It was one which un- doubtedly had dunculties connected with it, and one which they could not expect to be solved in a day, aor perhaps in a year, but it was one which, if there existed an earnest desire and real co-operation among those who were interested in the shipping business of the colony to diminish Sunday labour in the extent to which it was now carried on here, would, he felt pratty sure, sooner er later be solved, to a certain extent at all events, in accordance with the wishes of those who had expressed their views to him that morning.
Capt. Ashton-May I ask Your Excellency if Her Majesty's Government does or does not possess power to pass any law they think fit?
His Excellency--Certainly, Her Majesty's Government have power to make any laws they deem expedient for Crown Colonies.
The deputation then withdrew after thanking His Excellency for the courteous reception.
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