84.
Again will always make private wharves a necessity of our commerce. Individual members of the community at large will often be able to procure from the owners of the private wharves facilities not otherwise attainable.
The only addition I would desire to make to my evidence, as taken, is this. In the Lower Bazaar, in former times, people used to build houses out in the sea, with the door facing the sea, but accessible by a single plank from the shore. These houses were the resort of thieves and robbers of all kinds. I visited some of them. There was a trap door inside the house, with a boat moored below it: The plank by which access was obtainable could be removed by a touch. The trap door and boat afforded all facilities of escape.
1
83.
342 65.
There is nothing that I can see to prevent the same sort of thing being done in the Bazaar, anywhere facing the sea, where buildings are erecting. A theft absolutely would matter impossible.
The writer of several letters signed "A holder of several Lots", whose name I do not mention, which appeared in No. 566, 568, and 570 of the China Mail, may be relied upon for the accuracy of his facts, and the soundness of his opinions.
I have heard the evidence of the last witness, as to the supposed injury which the Praya will work to the Inland Lot Holders southward of the Queen's Road. I cannot see how a work so manifestly advantageous to the entire community can be a disadvantage to all freedom of a Praya, giving to all...