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15. How is it then disposed of?
A.-It is sold here or stored. The Inspector in charge at Yaumáti can tell you more about the salt trade than I can.
16.-Can
you say anything as to the armament of these salt junks that are supposed to be smugglers?
A. The vessels that bring salt to Hongkong are armed the same as other vessels. Some vessels take salt from here with no intention of defrauding the Chinese Revenue; others, well armed small boats, leave the Port with the intention of smuggling the salt into China.
17. From your experience of 22 years, and the means of information you have as Harbour Master, would it be possible for vessels to be specially armed or fitted out in this Colony without your knowledge?
A.-I think not. Such a matter is more one for the Water Police.
18.--You are aware of the armament of all vessels that leave the Colony?
A.-All vessels that take clearances at my office give a description of their armament.
19. Would specially armed vessels be reported to you by your officers?
A.—If there was any suspicion attaching to them, yes.
20. Small boats do not clear at your office, do they?
A. They all have to clear.
21.-But I suppose they could get out without?
A. Yes; there is no one to see them going out at night, and no doubt a good many of them do get out, but they are not supposed to leave the harbour after a certain hour at night.
22.-You have had reports made to you of attacks by Pirates, when they have turned out to have been made by Customs Cruisers?
A. Under instructions from the Government, I send all such reports to the Police Department, who institute the necessary enquiries.
23.-Have
A. Yes.
you read Mr. CREAGH's report of the 21st June, 1877?
24.-Do you believe the vessels referred to in the report were fitted out in this Colony?
A. No. I do not believe any vessels are fitted out here specially for smuggling, except the small boats referred to as salt smugglers. I have no knowledge of any such vessels as those described by Mr. CREAGH as being "readily distinguished from the
'ordinary trader by the physical as well as the numerical strength of the crew.'
((
25.-What is the size of specially armed salt junks?
"
A.-One I have seen of 300 piculs, with boarding nets, muskets, &c.
I do not think these boats are the attacking party; they fight in self-defence. I cannot say they are not the attacking party. The salt is brought into the Colony by vessels that are not specially armed, and a good deal of it is taken away by vessels in the same condition.
See post
page 91.