Sessional_Paper_1893 — Page 783

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The CHAIRMAN.--They cannot.

A.--If it is so, I should certainly object. The Ordinance gives them Police powers, and it does not define clearly what those powers are to be. The last section says "It shall be lawful to direct a certain number of constables and detectives to be placed at the service of the Society as His Excellency may direct."

as His Excellency may direct." I say that the Ordinance when it comes into law, should distinctly state what those terms and conditions are.

Honourable Ho KAT.-If the detectives of the Pó Léung Kuk were to conduct themselves in a legal manner, you would not object to them performing Police functions? A.-Not at all. I think it is a very good thing if they assist the Government. Q.--Do you know that the Pó Léung Kuk was started twelve years ago, in 1880? A.--I know it was some years ago. Q.--You were here at the time?

A.--Probably, I do not remember. Q-I mean living here?

A. Yes.

Q. Do you know that one of the chief objects of the Society at its formation was to assist the Government in the detection of the crime of kidnapping and kindred offences?

A.--Yes, but more especially, I understood with regard to the protection of women and girls.

The CHAIRMAN.You will see the two objects very clearly stated in Rule No. 1. Honourable Ho KAI.-The two principal objects are stated: 1st to assist the Government in the suppression of the crime of kidnapping and kindred offences and 2nd to find a Home for rescued women.

A.-I do not know what you call "kindred offences"-"kidnapping" it says.

Q.-You know very well that there are certain rules which have been approved of by the Secretary of State?

A.--Yes.

Q.--You say you perused them?

A.-About the same time as I did this Ordinance.

Q.--Are

you aware that these rules allow constables and detectives to be placed at the disposal of the Society?

A.--Yes, I think that is so.

Q.--Why did you not object then as you do now?

A.--In 1880 ?

Q.-I mean just now you said that it would work all right under the old rules?

A. Yes.

Q.--I hold that they are identical?

A.-There is the important point of giving the Pó Léung Kuk a status, á Govern- mental status, which turns them almost into a Government Department, and gives them a position they had not before. I think that is a very important addition. I also think, if I may say so, that in this Ordinance it proceeds to state what the Pó Léung Kuk had to do after getting that status, and it provides for no means of publicity as to their acts, and when you constitute a body of men almost a Government Department, affecting the liberties of the subject as it would, I think there should be something to provide for that publicity.