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29th April, 1924.-8.s. "Kanchow". Galem Ali Indian Guard on the above vessel. charged at the Marine Court for absenting himself from his ship without leave. Inspector Shannon said that the guard reported that he had missed his boat at 10.45 a.m. on the 24th. He said that it was the third time he had missed his boat in two months and he had been dealt with departmentally. The Defendant told the Harbour Master that he went ashore at noon on the 23rd and was due back at midnight but could only get across by hiring a sampan for $3 and he could not afford that. He waited till morning when the boat had left. Inspec- tor Shannon said that the man had a bad record. The Defendant imprisoned for one month with hard labour.
10th November, 1924.-8.8. "Soo Chow". The guards were ordered to go through firing practice in accordance with the regulations. Three of the guards completed their firing practice. It was then observed that the fourth guard had not fired but his place was taken by one of the guards who had already finished his prac- tice. The fourth guard was then ordered to go through the firing practice when he stated that he had no knowledge whatever of firearms.
13th December, 1924.-s.s. "Taming". An attempt to smuggle arms on this vessel was discovered by the officers. Several Chinese suspected of being concerned were chased by the ship's officers, and two Guards Nos. 383 and 386 were standing near the gangway by which the fugitives escaped made no attempt to arrest them or bar their progress.
22nd December, 1924.-s.s. "Fatshan". At 11 p.m. the Second Officer was in charge of the bridge. The European sergeant in charge of the Police Guard walked on to the bridge. He was told by the Second Officer he was not allowed on the bridge. The sergeant then charged the Second Officer with being drunk. The Second Officer immediately sent for the Captain and the Chief Officer who order- ed the Sergeant off the bridge. The matter was reported to the Captain Super- intendent of Police. The Second Officer was subsequently asked by the Police Department if he would accept an apology.
MEMORANDUM ON THE MINORITY REPORT.
BY
Lieut.-Commander L. J. PITCAIRN JONES, D.S.C., R.N.
GENERAL HEAD Quarters
SOUTH CHINA COMMAND,
Wednesday, 9th March, 1927.
Sir,
In compliance with your request of 3rd March, I have the honour to submit for the consideration of the Commission the attached remarks on the paper on certain pro- posals with regard to the prevention of piracy, known as the "Minority Report".
2. I wish to make it clear to the Commission that the views expressed are my personal views and are derived as much from the evidence which has been placed at the disposal of the Commission, as from any experience I may have as a naval officer: and while I have no reason to suppose that they would not endorse them, they cannot be taken as an official expression of the views of the Naval Authorities on the station.