185 (238)
2337,9
A. Yes, on account of the mistake and alteration. That is not of much importance,-- that matter. But what is of most importance is, I have a relation at a place called Shang Mun, at the South gate of the City. He lived at a place called Nam Mun, at Shang Mun. He bought a house for a few hundred dollars. Well, the house was low. This (witness illustrating with his hands) is the kitchen here. One side had fallen down, but the other day he put some tiles on to cover it, and at the side he put some boards like a wall, and cooked there. Then the police issued a paper to him, saying that the boards was a breaking of the law. Then, he was told to come over, and have the case tried, and then, when the case was tried, he was told that he must take dorn the boards.
The Chairman.-When did this happen, Mr. Fong?
A.-About the 4th Chinese mocn of this year, and then he said "If I take down the boards, can I build it up with stone, or bricks" and he was told no, that he must have a plan made. Well, it would cost some tens of dollars to get a plan drawn, and he was a poor man without money.
Q.-I dont quite understand. Was it a fallen down kitchen, and he was making a lean to, to carry on his cooking in ?
Well.
A. When he bought it, the kitchen was broken down, and he put a board up. here was the wall on one side, and he put a little boarding here, and a little boarding here, (Illustrating). Mr. Bannister went and saw it, and Mr. Wells, the London Mission Officer, went and saw it.
Mr. Fung Wa Chun.--Did the owner build the kitchen aftewards ?
—
A. No, he did not. And it was promised that someone would go and look at it, and now it is several months past, and no one has gone to see it.
The Chairman. Where does he do his cooking how?
A.- He has gone elsewhere.
Mr. Lau Chu Pak.--Who promised you? The Public Works?
A. Yes.
The Chairman.-What has he done with the house? It cost him $200.
A. He has left it there.
Mr. Fung Wa Chun.-No one lives there now?
A.- No.
Q.--He has lost his $200 ?
A. He has left it there. Now, there is no one living in it. The gentry, they got me to go over. They are all poor people, and it is very hard to get plans made.
248. Mr. Fung Wa Chun.-Why did you not get up a Petition?