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CARL SMITH
by intimidating the Chinese and by bribing the police. It was to the interests of the criminal class to handle Government in its own way, through the channels of corruption. They did not welcome the formation of a rival group within the Chinese community which might have influence with the Government.
The underworld issued a scurrilous attack on the members of the deputation threatening their lives and property. The broadside was so base that one of the members of the deputation told the Governor that because of its gross character it was not fitting to submit a translation for his perusal.
In his speech Dr. Ho Kai indirectly alluded to links between the lawless elements in Hongkong and the police, using what one commentator described as “neat and diplomatic language.” As an example, Dr. Ho Kai states that one of the reasons for the prevalence of gambling was the “apparent inability of the police to deal with the problem. Why this should be so has never been satisfactorily accounted for. Is it possible they are blind to the facts so patent to the rest of their fellow-colonists? If not, is the hood-winking of the public servants another offence to be laid to the account of the gamblers and swindlers?”
As for illegal brothels, Dr. Ho Kai noted that the respectable neighbours of these establishments detected their presence within a few days, "though somehow they manage to hoodwink the police for months and years." He suggests that one means of suppression is "a few active and trustworthy detectives.” Apparently the temptation to be blind to illegal activities in return for cash is nothing new in Hongkong.
Within the delegation itself there was controversy over certain statements made by Dr. Ho Kai in his speech. The attack was led by Ho A-mei. He may have had his private reason for undercutting the prestige of Dr. Ho Kai whom he regarded as a threat to his ambitions as leader among the Chinese.
Particular exception was taken to Dr. Ho Kai's reference to hawkers. By itself his statement seemed reasonable. It was the effect it had on police treatment of the hawkers that created the