Sessional_Paper_1893 — Page 812

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Honourable F. H. MAY.-That does not form any part of the questions referred to the Committee ?

The CHAIRMAN.-There are nine points referred to the Committee.

Honourable C. P. CHATER.-I think it said something about "undue pressure which an honourable member had suggested.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-To whom does that refer?

The CHAIRMAN.-To the Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I never made such a statement as undue pressure. The CHAIRMAN.--You have contradicted it?

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I will at any moment declare that I never made such a statement.

The CHAIRMAN.-I think it is better that there should be no feeling about it-I mean personal feeling.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-I must protest against any remarks which are unjustifiable or improper as some of yours have been.

The CHAIRMAN.-If I understood what the honourable member meant exactly we might see a way of arriving at an explanation of the matter. I am perfectly certain that the honourable member does not mean to accuse me of having told the Chinese that they must subscribe or that something dreadful would happen to them, but that unfortunately is the meaning which has got attached to the matter.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.--In whose minds ?

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The CHAIRMAN.-In certain minds. The Chinese themselves have told me that the terms "lak sok which mean C

squeezing" have been applied to me. That is the impression that has got abroad. I am perfectly certain that Mr. WHITEHEAD does not wish me to contradict such a statement as that. Therefore I do not understand quite what he exactly wants me to say. If he wants me to say that I have not used my official influence to aid this Government in every possible way in suppressing kidnapping and protecting women and children, I may at once say that I intend to use my official influence as long as ever I can for good and directly my official influence ceases to be exerted for good it will be quite time for me to retire from the public service.

Honourable F. H. MAY.-Was that question asked of the Committee?

The CHAIRMAN.-Yes.

Honourable F. H. MAY.-Mr. WHITEHEAD has withdrawn that expression.

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-How can I withdraw it if I never used it. I never said that pressure had been exercised.

Honourable F. H. MAY.-What do you want the Registrar General to deny then?

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.-It has been said that his official influence has been brought to bear upon the Chinese to induce them to subscribe to this Society or to its funds.

The CHAIRMAN.--In what way ?

Honourable T. H. WHITEHEAD.—In your official position. I have been informed in confidence by Chinese who have contributed--they will not allow me to disclose their names that they have been sent for by the Registrar General and when in his office he discussed the question and advised them, asked them, to subscribe to the funds of the Pó Léung Kuk.

Honourable C. P. CHATER. He does not deny that.

The CHAIRMAN.-I advise every Chinaman that I meet, if I think my advice will have any effect, to subscribe to the Pó Léung Kuk, or any equally good object.