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the Magistrate of the Swan-Yn District, enclosed in yours of the 15th Ultimo is in no way inconsistent with the father's having left his daughter at one time residing in his native village. That she resided there frequently whilst her father was at Hong Kong, is probable, and seems to be admitted.
4. The father also offered to prove that his daughter was more than 21 years of age, a fact corroborated by her appearance. The resident head partner of Holliday Wise & Co. was likewise present and further testified that the father (Lai-li-heen) had been domiciled here 20 years.
5. It appears that under these circumstances, and by pressure of Lai-li-heen's relatives in China, an odious system which has already resulted in the Vice Roy ordering the arrest of Lai-li-heen's uncle and which may culminate in that unfortunate man and other relatives being cruelly tortured—a series of persecutions—has been commenced for the purpose of forcing the inclinations of the girl and compelling her father to use coercion, which he declares would only drive his daughter to seek a refuge from her troubles.