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Q.-They contributed willingly ?
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-Did many refuse to put their names down ?
A.-One or two out of a hundred.
Q.-You did not attempt to press them?
A.--No.
Q.-Are any of the subscriptions which have come in due to the influence or per- suasion of the Registrar General?
The CHAIRMAN.-I object to that question. I am surprised, Mr. WHITEHEAD, that you should ask it. If you have anything to say against the Registrar General and are prepared to say it to his face do so, and let him have the opportunity of dealing with it as it should be dealt with. Do you mean to insinuate that I have made improper use of my official position? I ask that question and give you an opportunity of stating it here in the presence of witnesses.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I ask the witness if he has heard whether any subscriptions were obtained under persuasion or whether the Registrar General recom- mended any of the subscribers to subscribe money, to the Society.
The CHAIRMAN.-That question I cannot allow to be put. We are not enquiring into the conduct of the Registrar General.
Honourable T: H. WHITEHEAD.--I submit we have a right to enquire how the money was subscribed. The question ought to be allowed.
The CHAIRMAN.--What was the question.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD. I wish to know whether the witness has heard whether any subscriptions were obtained under persuasion, or whether the Registrar General recommended any of the subscribers to subscribe.
The CHAIRMAN.-You can put the question.
WITNESS.-I have never heard.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-In the event of the Pó Léung Kuk not getting this proposed Ordinance enacted giving the majority of the Directors the power to deal with the cases, what does the Society propose to do?
A.-Wash our hands of the whole thing.
The CHAIRMAN.-Have you heard, since the subscriptions were collected, that any Chinese have been trying to get people to say that the subscriptions were extorted?
A.-No, I have'nt heard that.
Q-You have'nt heard that anybody has been round to people saying that?
A.-There was something about it in the papers.
Q.-About what ?
A.-That the subscriptions were obtained by force.
Q.-You saw that in the
A. Yes, I never heard
paper ?
any one say
it.
Q. Do you deny the statement?
A.-Of course, how could we extort money from people.
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