MEMORANDUM
127
I beg to offer some observations on the ordinance annexed, No. 40 of 1899.
Its object is to give power to the Registrar General to summon before him any person of Chinese race who appears to him to be able to give information regarding any matter into which the Registrar General is directed by the Government to enquire. Such person may be examined on oath and may be punished on summary conviction before a Magistrate for giving false evidence. It also contains further provisions for compelling the attendance of the person so summoned.
The main reason for passing this ordinance, as appears from the speech of His Excellency the Governor, is to secure the registration of land in the New Territory, and His Excellency states that on more than one occasion, the Chinese when invited to come over to Hong Kong have paid no attention to the request.
Such is briefly the ordinance and the reason for its enactment.
Very extensive and unusual powers are given to the Registrar General. He has the right to summon any Chinaman, whether British Subject or not, whether residing in the New Territory or in Hong Kong, on any matter on which His Excellency may desire information, and for this purpose, all the powers possessed by the Supreme Court in regard to administering oaths and examining witnesses are conferred on the Registrar General.
(1)
MEMORANDUM
127
I beg to offer some observations on the ordinance annexed, No. 40 of 1899
Its object is to give power to the Registrar General to summon before him any person of Chinese race who appears to him, to be able to give information regarding any matter, into which the Registrar General is directed by the Government to enquire. Such person may be examined on oath and may be punished on Summary con- viction before a Magistrate for giving false evidence. It also contains further provisions for compelling the attendance of the person so summoned.
The main reason for passing this ordinance, as appears, from the speech of His Excellency the Governor, is to secure the registration of land in the New Territory and His Excellency states that on more than one occasion, the Chinese when inivited to come over to Hong Kong have paid no attention to the request. the ordinance and the reason for its enactment.
to be excausines
Such is briefly
Very extensive and unusual powers are given to the Registrar General. He has the right to summon any Chinaman whether British Subject or not, whether residing in the New Territory or in Hong Kong on any matter on which His Excellency may desire informa- tion and for this purpose all the powers possessed by the Supreme Court in regard to administering oaths and examining Witnesses are conferred on the Registrar General.
(1)
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