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Q-And that in no case should these men be released, unless they have been brought before a Magistrate?
A.-Certainly not.
Honourable F. H. MAY.-Do you think that in place of the system you have just described it would be preferable if the Pó Léung Kuk assisted the Police by giving all information in their power about kidnapping cases, leaving to the Police the duty of apprehending these kidnappers-in fact that the Pó Léung Kuk should entirely give up their police functions ?
A.-I think not, because when you consider the facility with which kidnappers could escape I think the power given to the Pó Leung Kuk is a desirable power. I think that if they had to go to the Police first the persons might escape very often. I think in the interests of justice that it is an advantage that the Pó Léung Kuk detectives should be authorised to arrest.
The CHAIRMAN. Do you think it would be desirable to have the Captain Superintendent of Police on the permanent Committee (proposed by the new Ordinance) of the Pó Leung Kuk, as well as the Registrar General ?
A.-I don't think it is necessary. I rather think that the Pó Léung Kuk might be worked very much on the principle we have in England, like the Society for the protection of women and children.
Honourable F. H. MAY.-Have they power to arrest ?
A.--No, they haven't.
Q. In one previous answer I think you said that the Pó Léung Kuk and the Police worked quite independently? Did I understand you rightly?
A. Yes, the Pó Léung Kuk never appeals to the Police for assistance, as a rule.
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Q. Do you think it would be possible to devise some means by which the Pó Léung Kuk and Police could act more in cooperation ?
A. Certainly.
Q.-By what means?
A. The plan I suggested just now, that every person arrested should be brought to the Police and put on the charge sheet, who are then bound to investigate the case and bring the man before a Magistrate.
Q.-You would also make the Pó Léung Kuk detectives report to you in the morning every day, or at any rate weekly?
A. Yes, they ought to report daily.
Q.-At the same time you would allow them to retain powers of arrest?
A.-I think it is an advantage that they should be allowed to do so.
If they abused that power, of course, they would be punished, but if they are compelled to bring every one before the Police as soon as arrested, I do not think they can do much
wrong.
Q.-In answer to the Chairman you said that you did not think there was any necessity to place the Captain Superintendent of Police on the Committee of the Pó Léung Kuk?
A.-I don't think there is.
Q-But under the system you would like to see introduced, by which greater co-operation would be obtained, surely the Pó Léung Kuk would be brought into much closer contact and relations with the Police than at present?
A.--Yes.
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