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284.-Was that because he had not reported the opium?
A. He had not reported the opium.
285.-Are they bound to report opium? I think not.
A. They are bound now under the new Ordinance; they were not before except on arrival.
286. Have you seen any fights between the Cruisers and junks?
A.---No.
287.--Have you heard of any?
A.-Yes, I have heard of several engagements. I have heard from the Gunner of the P'ingchauhoi.
288. You have never seen any yourself?
A.-No.
289.--Do you know anything about saltpetre smuggling?
A.--Yes.
290. How is that done?
A.-The saltpetre is generally taken on board the boats at Shamshuipò under the name of white sugar.
291.-Shamshuipò is in Chinese territory?
A. Yes, they clear from our territory and go over there.
292.-What is the crew?
A.--A boat of 500 piculs will carry 15 or 20 of a crew.
293. Is that an unusual number?
A.—No, it is a common number amongst those that carry salt and saltpetre.
294. Are they fitted out differently from common trading junks?
A.-They have fighting nets on the side.
295.-What are they for?
A.-They are old fishing nets doubled for the purpose of stopping the bullets.
296.-Do you remember a case in which you took the Master of one of these boats before the Magistrate, and he was fined $50 for furnishing untrue particulars? Do you remember when that was?
A.-In December last.
297.--Do remember another case you
you
had in which you 294 bayonets on board? That was not the same case, was it?
found 27 muskets and
A.-No.
298. Did you say they took the opium to Shamshuipò?
A. They took it there in small boats.
299.- And when they get there?
A.-They put it on board the larger boats.