97.
By C.W. Lockhart.
Mr Lau Cheite, manager of the Hop Hing Firm. I have often heard about the Triad Society. Whenever we want cargo boats or coolies, a higher rate than usual is demanded, which greatly interferes with our business. About the coolies I don't know if they are members of Sam Nop-ui. The boat coolies are quite different from what they used to be in their behaviour. When cargo boats are berthed alongside the wharf with cargo on board, young boys throw the cargo into the water. If interfered with, grown-up men come to their help. These men come in bands of 20, or 30, or 40 or 50. When the Police are looking for them, the men run away; they are being looked for.
The coolies do not report small losses for fear of the Society. Sugar is also stolen. They steal anything they can lay their hands on. There have been fights in consequence of this molestation. Eight boats out of ten are molested. There was a fight last year, and there have been fights recently, though I have not heard there was a fight last night.
Mr Chan Na-Wei Yuk, I belong to the Chu Wing Firm. In the 3rd moon on the 15th day, a junk laden with rice belonging to the San-Kwong Shop arrived in harbour. A small boat with 4 or 5 men in it went alongside and demanded 20 taels "hang shui" or "tax". The junk people told them to apply to the agents, but finally gave them 100 cash. When the junk left the harbour, another boat followed it up, and would not return until paid. The "stick gamble" have been giving trouble by swindling clothes from people's persons. All these men are members of the Hop-in Society. If the headmen are arrested, the number of the Society will disperse and there will be no more fights.