Sessional_Paper_1884-1885 — Page 163

· No. 17.

Despatches respecting the proposed Incorporation of the Vicar Apostolic

of the Roman Catholic Church in Hongkong.

Presented to the Legislative Council by Command of

His Excellency the Governor.

(1.)

Extract from Secretary of State's despatch No. 98 of the 6th November, 1875.

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5. I notice that Bishop RAIMONDI subscribes himself "Vicar Apostolic of Hongkong." This is a title which as you are aware cannot be conceded to him by Her Majesty's Government, and which you will no doubt avoid using in your official communications with him.

I have, &c.,

(Signed),

CARNARVON.

(2.)

Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G. to the Secretary of State,

GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 6th June, 1884.

Enclosure 1.

Enclosures 2 & 3.

Enclosure 4.

Mr LORD,

I have the honour to transmit herewith a letter addressed to your Lordship by Monsignor RAIMONDI, the Roman Catholic Bishop at Hongkong, together with other documents relating to it, and the opinion of the Attorney General on the whole case.

2. From this correspondence it appears that the piece of land, known as "Inland Lot No. 50," in this City, is held on lease for a term of seventy-five (75) years, from 1848, granted to "The Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith," and for a further term of nine hundred and twenty-four (924) years to Bishop RAIMONDI by name. This Leasehold is the property of the Roman Catholic Mission at Hongkong. Circumstances have arisen which make it desirable for the Mission to sell their interest in this land; but, owing to a statement made from the Bench of the Supreme Court by the Chief Justice (Sir GEORGE PHILLIPPO) in a recent case, to the effect that Missionary Societies, not being Incorporated Bodies, are incapable of selling or mortgaging land, the Roman Catholic Mission has not been able to give a marketable title to this property.

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