§ 52. Mr. J. HARRISasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received the Ordinance introduced into the Gold Coast Colony at the instance of parties interested in local diamond mining; whether this Ordinance restricts the winning and dealing in diamonds to one section of the community: and whether he proposes to sanction the application of the Ordinance in question?
§ Mr. LUNNThe Secretary of State has, now obtained a copy of the Bill for the Ordinance. Except in cases where the Governor has given special authority in writing, it restricts dealing in diamonds to the owners of diamond mines. In view of the case with which diamonds can be stolen, this does not seem unreasonable. The Secretary of State will await the despatch from the Acting Governor, accompanying the Ordinance, before deciding what advice to tender to His Majesty regarding the matter.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not a fact that there are no diamond mines in these territories, and that the only diamonds in the country are alluvial diamonds; and do we understand that the inhabitants will be free to dispose of any diamonds which they may find in their own gardens.