Your Excellency.
(15)
C.O. 16557
RECO REG 27 JUN 19
Taipo, 1st May, 1899.
456
Among the petitioners who came to see me to-day was a man named Ma-On-ki belonging to the Un Iu village.
I had information in my possession to the effect that he had sold land to the Company, and there was a rumour that he had been compelled to sell it. I accordingly availed myself of his presence to question him. I enclose a copy of the statement he made before me.
If the transaction took place on the 8th moon of last year it cannot be recognised by the Govt. in view of the proclamation issued informing the people that no sales of land would be recognised if made after the date of the Convention.
But you will notice that the seller states he sold the land of his own free will and no threats were made to induce him to sell it. He also states that the price he received was a fair price and that he does not wish to buy back the land again.
When the land question is being investigated it will be necessary to have some rule laid down as to how cases like the present are to be dealt with. The Acting Registrar General might make further enquiries regarding the transaction in question in Hong-Kong from the Chairman of the Land Company.
(Sd.) J.H. STEWART LOCKHART
Colonial Secretary.