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Q.-A few minutes ago you said that you could not say one way or the other whether the new Ordinance would be beneficial or the reverse?
A.-Nothing is said about the detectives.
Q. And afterwards you contradicted that statement and expressed yourself in favour of the new Act?
A. Yes, when Mr. LOCKHART pressed for a reply to his question "what means could be devised for the improvement of the Society," I said I thought the Act might improve it, might improve the management.
Q. How could it do so if there are rules and regulations already established and sanctioned by the Government?
A.-I think this Act would make them understand their duties better.
Q.—It would give them larger powers?
A.-No.
Q.-It would not?
A.-No.
Q. Have you read the Act carefully?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you think it a right thing that any body of Chinese with a Governmental status, which this new Act confers, may conduct any private investigation into the social concerns and family life of the Chinese?
A.-There is nothing said here about that.
The CHAIRMAN.-Would you let us know, Mr. WHITEHEAD, what section of the Ordinance gives those powers?
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-It is contained in the Act.
The CHAIRMAN.--I do not know whether any members know which clauses are referred to?
WITNESS.-It is very vague,
Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-It may contain such powers.
WITNESS.-Paragraph 3 says: "The corporation is erected for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a society for assisting the Government in carrying out the laws for the protection of women and children; for aiding by correspondence and other means in the detection and bringing to justice of persons guilty of kidnapping and other kindred offences; for helping to restore rescued women and children to their relatives and guardians; for providing a home for destitute women and children until proper provision is made for their marriage, adoption, settlement in life or otherwise for their welfare; and for affording temporary accommodation for persons who are friendless and aiding them to return to their homes.”
Honourable HO KAI.-Which part is vague? What part do you call vague? A. The whole of paragraph 3. Q.-Vague? What do you mean? A.-I mean it is not properly defined.
Q.-Take it point by point then.
A.-I take it generally.
Q.-Take the first object. Will you read that please?
A. "For the purpose of assisting the Government in carrying out the laws for the protection of "women and children." There is nothing about the means by which it is to be done. That is what I mean by vague,
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