§ Mr. GEORGE GREENWOODasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that on or about 17th May last three men and a boy were charged at Colombo for singing while rowing in a boat by His Majesty's ship 238W "Hyacinth," at 11 a.m. on 16th May, and thereby causing disturbance to the crew while engaged in divine service; that the accused alleged in defence that they were in the habit of singing while rowing, and did not know that divine service was being held on board the ship; that nevertheless the men were fined Rs.5 each, and the boy, being under 16 years of age, was sentenced to receive five cuts with a cane; whether the sentence was under the ordinary criminal law of the Colony or under special harbour regulations; and whether the punishment of flogging may be inflicted in such a case?
§ Colonel SEELYI have no information on the subject, but inquiry will be made of the Acting-Governor. Under the ordinary criminal law of the Colony disturbance of divine worship is punishable with fine or imprisonment, or both. By the Youthful Offenders' Ordinance, a criminal court is authorised to order any offender under 16 years of age to be caned in lieu of imprisonment.