{
653
lected a site for a station. On the 31st. March he again vi-
sited the place and found the framework of a matshed erected
by the contractor who had however ceased to work as he was or
dered to desist by the villagers. I may observe that matsheds
are temporary structures of bamboo poles, rafters, and floors
with sides and roof of palm leaves. They are put up without
nails and very rapidly and are strong and watertight.
4. On being appealed to by the villagers
to remove the matshed as its position would interfere with
their Fung-Sui' or good luck, he declined to do so or consi-
der the matter until they permitted the workmen to proceed,
so work was resumed. On the next day he returned, and in defs.
rence tofthe objections of the villagers he asked them to point
out another site, which they did, on which he ordered the fra-
me to be taken down and removed to the new site. As soon as
the workmen had well begun on the new shed they were resisted
upon which a message was sent to the Colonial Secretary, Mr.
Stewart Lockhart.
5. On that day Mr. Stewart Lockhart came
to me bringing with him an inflammatory placard that was, ac-
cording to the information given to him, being posted in the villages of the leased area. A copy of this placard was trans- mitted with my despatch No. 82 of 1st. instant At the same time the information was given to me that the workmen erect- ing the matsheds were stopped by threats. Mr. Lockhart, who has a long experience in China, said that the consequences of
7 A10521
the