§ 82. Mr. CECIL WILSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the native population of Ceylon, although desiring to take local option polls in regard to the Udugama and Ratoto taverns, have been refused permission by the Government agent; whether he is aware that these taverns are largely used by Indian coolies; and why it has been considered necessary to provide for their obtaining toddy when it is not considered necessary for the Cingalese?
Mr. THOMASI have received no official report about this matter, but it appears to have been fully discussed in the Legislative Council of Ceylon in August last. Under the rules made by the Governor and conformed by the Legislative Council the Government agent had no power to take local option polls in regard to any tavern mainly serving a population of Indian coolies.