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The CHAIRMAN.-Then there was the question of squeezing. That charge was withdrawn-at least it never was made.
Honourable T, H, WHITEHEAD.-Not by me, certainly.
The CHAIRMAN.--Then as regards the Pó Léung Kuk detectives, we have tried to find out about them.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I do not think it is right to tell the Committee that these charges are withdrawn because there never were any.
The CHAIRMAN.-If these men think they are standing upon their trial it is a very different thing from asking them to tell us what the working of their Society is. I think if Dr. Ho KAI tells them that we merely wish to put questions to them to elicit information as to the working of the Society it will be all right. We might have two or three of them.
Honourable C. P. CHATER.--And the Clerk.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.—Is he here to-day?
Honourable Ho KAL.--No.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-With the records and books?
Honourable HO KAL.-No.
The CHAIRMAN.-Are we to understand that the Committee should be informed that we will examine them after the other witnesses have been called?
Honourable C. P. CHATER.-If they object to come before.
The CHAIRMAN.-—Quite so, but if they prefer to come last they can do so ? Honourable C. P. CHATER.-I think as regards these certain offences, the letter of Mr. WHITEHEAD should be put in the paper, and the words "Secret Society" explained. Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.—That is the only charge I ever made against the
Society.
The CHAIRMAN.It was sent up to us for enquiry. We have been told by the Government that the charges were made.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I think we should reply to that letter from the Governor in the way Mr. CHATER and myself have referred to it as regards the inconvenience. We are quite willing to name any afternoon which will suit their convenience, and we shall not detain them more than an hour or so.
Honourable Ho KAI.-As a matter of fact, Mr. CHAIRMAN, I think that two other Members of the Committee came and waited on the first day of our meetings. If we had called them then, we should not have required them now.
The CHAIRMAN.—Then the wish of the Committee, with regard to the letter of the Colonial Secretary, is that the Pó Léung Kuk should be communicated with by Dr. Ho KAI and told that this Committee would like to see them, and that they are not coming before this Committee to be put upon their defence as being charged, but that the Committee want information solely.
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I think it would be very much better to have it put in a letter to the Colonial Secretary, and perhaps it would be better to submit it to the members before we send it.
The CHAIRMAN.-Will you draft a letter, Dr. Ho KAI?
Honourable Ho KAI-I think the Chairman might send an efficial letter to the Pó Léung Kuk Committee.
The CHAIRMAN.--Shall I draft a letter and circulate it among members of the Committee, and address it to the Pó Léung Kuk Committee?
Honourable Ho KAL--Conveying the ideas expressed by Mr. CHATER.
The CHAIRMAN.-I will send the draft letter and circulate it among the members.
No comments yet.
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