Sessional_Paper_1901 — Page 833

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Mr. Badeley. There is just one more question I would like you to answer. said that if they were to be registered, the l'olice would be the best department to do it in. Supposing it were done by the Registrar General, don't you think it would create a little less opposition? Would they not fall into line more readily if it were done at the Registrar General's Office?

A.-They would prefer to be registered through the Registrar General's Office because it would not leave us in such close touch with them.

Q.-Would it make the difference if it were done by the Registrar General's Office that it would save a strike, and, if it were done by the Police, it would make a strike?

A.--There would probably be a strike in either event.

Q.--Do you think they would be less likely to strike if the Police undertook it? A. That is my idea.

[Mr. Hanson agreed to make the memoranda suggested.]

The Commission then adjourned till Monday, 9th September, and it was agreed to summon Mr. Dyer Ball for that day.

9th September, 1901.

JAMES DYER BALL sworn:-

The Chairman.-How long have you been in the Colony ?

Witness. I have lived permanently in Hongkong since February, 1875. Q. Do you remember the Victoria Registration Ordinance No. 7 of 1866 ? A.-- I remember there was such an Ordinance.

Q.--Do you remember if that Ordinance was repealed by Ordinance 13 of 1888?

A.-I can't tell you the number of the Ordinance. I suppose it was repealed because it ceased to be in existence.

Q.-During the period that it was in existence and you were in the Colony, did you engage servants under that Ordinance ?

A.-I did.

Q.-Regularly?

A. Yes, regularly.

Q:What class of servants did you manage to get?

A. Do you mean as to character and ability?

Q.--As to ability?

A. They served me fairly well. I was satisfied with them as a rule. Of course, I got a bad one sometimes.

Q.-Would you tell us how you proceeded under that Ordinance?

A.--After engaging a servant, I generally gave him 25 cents and sent him down with a chit to the Registrar General's Office to be registered. Then he returned with the ticket, which I took and kept as long as he was in my service.