CO129-394 - Governor Sir May & Public Offices - 1912 [12] — Page 182

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There is no doubt that the better class of Chinese with a stake in

the Colony endorse this view, that they consider the action of the

Company and of the Government to be reasonable, and that they hope

to see it brought to a successful issue. The opinions expressed by

Sir Kai Ho Kai on the 27th. instant way, I think, be regarded as

typical of the views and attitude of the Chinese mercantile community, with the exception of the Californian Merchants.

9.

The measure now before you is the outcome of

much and anxious thought, and while perhaps it may seen a somewhat

drastic remedy for the disease I could devise no other immediate

means of carrying the matter, as it must be carried, to a final

conclusion. Owing to difficulties in collecting the special rate retrospectively I have decided to make it run from the 1st. of January, and I am not without hopes that when the Chinese community

find that the Government is determined to protect the Company the

boycott may be abandoned.

If it is not, the levy of a special rate, for

which there is precedent both here and in England, as the Attorney-

-General points out in his report, is not inconsistent with Chinese practice under which villages are subjected to a communal fine in cases in which no arrests have followed upon the com-

-mission of outrages in them or in their vicinity.

fal

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

Amazi

Governor,&c..