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183.-Have you known of large quantities going all the time, or has it increased
latterly?
A.-The first time they said over 100 men, but the last two reports said 40 or 50. The report of 100 men was about ten months ago.
JOHN FLEMING, Sergeant of Police stationed at the Central Station is examined—
184.-How long have you been in the Police Force?
A.-For 11 years.
185.--You were stationed at Yaumáti for two years.
Were you in charge then?
A.-I was Sergeant; the Inspector was there too.
186. Had you anything to do with the Harbour duties?
A. Yes, in the absence of the Inspector.
187. That was in December, 1879?
A. Yes.
188. Have you ever noticed anything about salt being what you thought was smuggled from Yaumáti to Chinese territory?
A.- I have.
189.-How often? and what was the nature of this smuggling?
A-There are a great number of boats there that do nothing else but take away salt to Chinese places.
190.-But more of them carry salt legitimately, don't they, under passes from the salt Commissioners?
A. Not the ones I ever had anything to do with these small smuggling boats, overmanned, with about three men for every one they would have otherwise, do not.
191.--Will you describe how they carry on that business, and what their operation is, from your own observation?
A.-A number of them generally go together.
192.-How many?
A.—I have seen as many as ten or eleven together, junks of 250 to 300 piculs. They are overmanned-I should say three men for every one they would have if they were acting legitimately. Each man has a rifle, or a musket rather at times I have seen a rifle, but not often. They have ammunition, and each boat is provided with two or three guns; the small boats have only one. They use fishing nets to hang over the side of the boats.
193.--Have you ever seen any attacks made, either by junks on the Chinese Revenue Cruisers or by Revenue Cruisers upon them?
A.-No; I have not actually seen such attacks, but I have often heard firing in the direction of Kapshuimún Pass, and I have heard afterwards that it was smugglers.