Capy.
Your Excellency.
C.O.
16557
LECO
RES? £7 JUN 19
Taipo, #th. May 1899.
502
I forward herewith a translation of a Petition presented to me by the inhabitants of Cheung Sha Wan.
I have informed the Petitioners that whilst the British Government is always prepared not to interfere unnecessarily with the belief and customs of the people, it will not tolerate agitators making an improper use of the beliefs and superstitions of the people in order to create trouble
and to obstruct the carrying out of necessary public works, which are being undertaken with a view to increase the prosperity of the territory and to promote the welfare of the people.
I informed them that such agitators are working for their own private ends and will be severely dealt with as disturbers of the peace if they do not desist from their nefarious practices.
(Signed) J. H. Stewart Lockhart.
Colonial Secretary.
Honourable Colonial Secretary,
Can you not arrange with the geomancers as they are at the bottom of this trouble. I think a judicious arrangement may be made with a small expenditure.
(Signed) H. A. B.
8/6
Your Excellency.
I am afraid it would not be possible to arrange as you suggest. If the geomancers were paid, they would become more troublesome than they are already, as they would
69