reports that that Officer has now questioned his own right. Under these circumstances the occupation of the Peninsula becomes absolutely necessary - for the peace and good order of the Colony and its neighbourhood. It is impossible that the pirates and robbers now located at Tsimcha Tsui can be allowed to encourage theft and robbery within this Colony, and I regret to say that reports of violence in and nearer that village have been lately on the increase.
Perhaps it may be as well to note in proof of the weakness of the Chinese authorities that Kowloong itself was captured on the 19th August 1854 by a rabble band of Hakka stone cutters that a Sergeant's Guard of Marines would have dispersed with ease. The Commandant saved himself by flight.
Next for consideration is the accommodation to be afforded to the inhabitants of this overgrown, crowded, and expensive city and the improvement in the health