Sessional_Paper_1893 — Page 636

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REPORT BY THE HONOURABLE C. P. CHATER.

After carefully perusing the report circulated by the Chairman. I find that my views are not sufficiently in accordance with those expressed therein to justify me in signing it, neither can I sign that drawn up by Mr. WHITEHEAD, which deals with certain matters on which I do not care to express an opinion, though I may say here that I concur with him on the main issues.

I confine myself, therefore, to answering the questions submitted to the Committee. Question 1.-The Society, though having hitherto had no legal status, has yet always conducted its operations as if it had, and has done excellent service. I am, therefore, of opinion that there can be no harm in giving it such a status, which will afford it a definite position in relation to the Government, and enable it to

carry on perhaps more effectively its undoubtedly valuable work. I think, and in this opinion I am confirmed by the evidence given before the Committee, that it is only Chinese who really understand how to deal with the offences whose prevention is the object of the Society, and how to control properly the subordinates who are employed for this purpose. Question 2.-I recommend the incorporation of the Society by Ordinance, as a less costly and easier method than registering it under the Companies Ordinance.

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I should, however, like to take this opportunity of pointing out certain alterations and additions to the Bill as at present before Council, which ought, I think, to be made.

I feel strongly that it is inadvisable that the Registrar-General should be a member of the governing body, though on the other hand it would be a very good thing if the member representing the Chinese were ex-officio Chairman of this body. The Registrar- General should be outside it as the authority to whom all questions under debate should be submitted, the right of final appeal from his decisions to the Governor in Council being always reserved. It is hardly necessary for me to point out how false a position the Registrar-General would hold if he were at the same time a member of the governing body, and able to reverse its decisions by his power of veto.

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Question 3.-Mr. WHITEHEAD has already given an explanation of this, and will no doubt revert to the matter in his report.

Question 4.- May be answered in the same way.

Question 5.-There can be no doubt that there have been persistent rumours that such "squeezing" has taken place, but I am satisfied that the Directors have done all in their power to prevent such occurrences, and to punish offenders. The detectives seem in the main as trustworthy as any other Chinese who can be found here to do the same work. I am clearly of opinion that they should be secured, and of course every possible guarantee taken of their honesty and good conduct. With these precautions, and the greater amount of publicity given to the Society's proceedings, the chance of such offences occurring should be greatly lessened.

Question 6.-As we are informed that the Society has collected a subscription of $30,000, then in consideration of the charitable work it has done, and no doubt will continue to do, I think there is no objection to making it a grant $20,000, which would be partly covered by the sale of the houses in New Street, if a favourable opportunity occurs for such sale.

Question 7.--The premises, books and proceedings of the Society should always be open to the inspection of Justices of the Peace, Magistrates and others.

Question 8.---No, it should be retained,

Question 9.-- Yes, certainly.

HONGKONG, 19th April, 1893.

C. P. CHATER.