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A.-I have heard the remark that some people have no difficulty with their I do not know whether these people would like to become subject to legis- lative enactments.
servants.
Q. Have you heard any expression of opinion amongst your friends and acquaint- ances of the nature I have indicated?
A.-No, I have not heard any direct expression against such a course. Q.-Have you heard any expression of opinion in favour of it?
A.—Yes, in a general way I have heard it remarked over and over again that it is time something were done that way and not to be left entirely to the mercy of these
servants.
Q.-But the point we are on now is as to whether the master should be subject to a fine if he engages an unregistered servant. Have you heard any remarks as to that, or could you give us the result of your conclusions on that point?
A.—I can't recollect any occasion in which I have engaged in conversation on that particular point.
Q.-Suppose a Registration Ordinance were brought in on the lines I have been suggesting to you, what do you think would be the result?
A.—There would be a strike-there would be an attempt to strike, I think.
Q.--On what do you base that opinion?
A-Photographing has been the cause of a strike in almost every instance. occurred with the lodging-houses and with the guilds and in nearly every case.
Q-But these strikes were of short duration?
A. Yes, they must strike for the sake of saving face.
It
Q-Yes, but they get a face; they don't lose one. You have a very good know- ledge of Chinese character, Mr. Hanson. At present there is no difficulty in procuring cargo-boatmen and lodging-house keepers to be photographed. I suppose the idea of striking has all passed over with them?
A. It passed over after the thing was first introduced,
What time of the year do you think would be the most convenient for the European population in which to start a system of registration?
-
A. It would be better to be left till the cold weather. I would not advise the
hot weather.
Mr. Wilcox.-Less discomfort.
The Chairman. Have you anything to do with the licensing of public chairs, etc.?
A.-No, Sir.
Q. Do you know if there is any objection on the part of chair-bearers and pullers of public rickshas and drivers of public gharries to be photographed ?
A.-Oh, no, Sir.
Q-Have you any opinion as to which depart nent would be the best suited to work out the provisions of any Registration Ordinance?
A. The Police Department, Sir.
Q-Why is it the best?
A. Because if anything did go wrong they would know that the police would have to take them in hand. If any strike occurs the police will be called in and I think that the coolies, knowing that the police have it in hand, will think better.
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