Probate and Administration Ordinance

The Official Administrator may, whenever he thinks it expedient to do so and
                    upon such evidence of death as he deems sufficient, take possession of the
                    movable property of a deceased person which may be found within Hong Kong, and
                    provide for the safe custody thereof until probate of the will of such deceased
                    person or administration of his estate has been granted by the
court:
Provided that the Official
                    Administrator may, in lieu thereof if he thinks fit, issue forthwith a
                    commission of appraisement of all or any of such property.