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Honourable C. P. CHATER.-Suppose there is a case in which you vote against the other members of the Committee. It is carried against you by their majority that a certain girl, for instance, be made to marry a particular man.
The CHAIRMAN.--Such a case could not possibly arise because no one can be made to marry against their will.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-You do marry them?
The CHAIRMAN.-Certainly, but I don't make them marry.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-Suppose a marriage is arranged. Let us see how the law would act. Could you in your official capacity say "I claim this girl under my protection and I will send her away to another place.
The CHAIRMAN.-Yes, I could; certainly. The Governor might say "I name another place as the place of safety." Such a case never has arisen in my experience
and I do not think it is likely to occur.
Honourable Ho KAI.—I think that answer is wrong. Once the girl is placed in the Pó Léung Kuk, the power of the Registrar General is to cease altogether, and all questions which arise shall be decided by the majority of votes.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-Do you understand it like that witness.
A. Yes.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-The Registrar General might find himself in a minority, and I take it that, as soon as the girls are handed over to the Pó Léung Kuk, the dealing with the girls rests with the Committee of the Pó Léung Kuk, and that the vote of the majority is final.
Honourable Ho KAI.-Except in cases of course where something is grossly wrong. Honourable C. P. CHATER.-Suppose the Registrar General were in a minority?
Honourable Ho KAL.-Well he would have to give way.
The CHAIRMAN.-The Registrar General might refer the matter to the Governor.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-There is no provision in the Ordinance for that. The CHAIRMAN.--That is a provision which might be inserted. It never occurred
to me, as such a case has never happened before.
The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the point involved.
The CHAIRMAN.-Are you against the Ordinance or in favour of it?
A.--I am in favour of it.
Q.-As a whole?
A. Yes.
Q.-So far as you know this Ordinance embodies the practical working of the Society to-day?
A. Yes.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-Do you tell us that if this Ordinance is not passed the whole thing would collapse? Why should that happen after the Society has been doing good work for 13 years? Why should it be essential and necessary to pass this Ordinance or otherwise the whole thing would collapse ?
A. For fifteen years up to now the Registrar General either directly or indirectly has been consulted and rendered assistance to the Society. Perhaps the public does
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