23. Mr. CAMPBELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Governor of the Straits Settlements has recently taken action to restrict the ancient Chinese custom of cracker firing during their New Year festival; and, as this action and the wording of the official notice on the subject is causing widespread resentment, will he direct the withdrawal of the restrictions forthwith?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have seen the Governor's notification in the Press, but I have no official information in regard to it. I will ask the Governor for a report on the circumstances in which it was issued.
Mr. CAMPBELLWill the right hon. Gentleman ask the Governor what possible use there can be in upsetting our friends the Chinese in the Straits Settlements by trying to restrict one of their most ancient customs and superstitions?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI should think that the use of fireworks in reasonable quantities could certainly not give rise to serious objection either among the Chinese or in this country, but it may be, in this case, that the volume, velocity and frequency were considerations.