630307-1899-Despatches-and-other-papers-relating-to-the-Extension-of-the-Colony — Page 34

THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 26TH AUGUST, 1899.

(Colonial Secretary's Third Minute of the 17th April, 1899.)

YOUR EXCELLENCY,

1381

THE CAMP, TAI Pó Hü, 17th April, 1899, 10.20 a.m.

The villages in the neighbourhood of Tái pó Hü are practically deserted and difficulty is being experienced in obtaining coolies. I have landed and am now waiting in the Camp for the General who has gone to Fong Ma Pó to inspect a site for a Camp there. Mr. MAY and Mr. Ts'or are here with me, and H.M.S. Humber is just coming to anchor at about a distance of 14 miles from the Camp.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART.

(Colonial Secretary's Fourth Minute of the 17th April, 1899.)

THE CAMP, TÁI Pó Hi, 12.25 p.m.

I have just had an interview with His Excellency the General Officer Com- manding. He has decided to establish a permanent Camp at Fong Ma Pó in the Lam Ts'ün valley. He hopes to have the permanent Camp established by to- morrow evening, and to have the troops ready for movement on Wednesday next.

As regards the labour question, His Excellency the General Officer Command- ing will explain the position. If force has to be used to obtain labour, I presume such force must be exercised by the Military, but, of course, only after every effort has been made to persuade coolies to work willingly. I have received Your Excellency's message instructing me to return to the meeting of Legislative Council to-morrow, if possible. I have consulted the General Officer Coinmanding, who thinks it very desirable for many reasons that I should remain here. I am of the same opinion, so propose to remain. I am endeavouring to get as much informa- tion as I can in this neighbourhood, which I do not propose to leave until Wednes- day when the troups can be moved from the perinanent Camp. On that day I will proceed to Un Long.

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART.

(Colonial Secretary's Fifth Minute of the 17th April, 1899.)

YOUR EXCELLENCY,

THE FLAGSTAFF HILL, TAI PÓ HÜ, 17th April, 1899, 2.50 p.m.

Will you

Since writing my first letter, there has been further firing on the part of the Chinese. His Excellency the General Officer Commanding is returning to Hong- kong and will give full particulars. I have had a further conference with the General Officer Commanding and he will explain what his wishes are. kindly cause the Director of Public Works to be informed that our bels have not reached us? As the troops are engaged to-day, I fear our tents will not be erected by this evening, in which case it will be necessary to retain the Wing Fu. The Harbour Master should know this.

J. II. STEWART LOCKHART.