Government House, No.88, Hong-Kong, 7th April, 1899.
Sir,
At midnight on the 3rd instant I received a memorandum from Mr. May, the Captain Superintendent of Police, who had gone to Tai-po-hui on Mirs Bay to relieve two Police Constables whom he had left in charge of the matshed being built there for the accommodation of Police and Officials pending the erection of permanent buildings, saying that an attack had been made upon him by the inhabitants; that he would hold the matshed until morning, but that he required assistance.
I may explain that matsheds are houses constructed of bamboo, the sides and roof being covered with palm leaves.
2. He was accompanied by five Chinese "braves" sent with him in accordance with the promise made by the Viceroy to me that protection would be afforded by the Chinese Authorities to all such buildings and working parties, and had gone to remove the Police as I disapproved of placing our Police in an equivocal position lest there should be any conflict before the taking over of the extended territory.
The Right Honourable JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
Page 402
C. MAY
C.PL.25
463
80.1
800
FOR EASTERN COLONIAL OFFICE USE
HE. 66