No.40.
(33)
NECO
C. O.
16557
C
REcd 27 JUN 19
533
Col. Secy's Office,
Hongkong.
4th May, 1899.
Cir.
With reference to the Viceroy's despatch of the 23rd ultimo (a translation of which accompanied your letter of the 24th, item) having reference to the destruction of the watch-huts at Taipo-hu on the 31st ultimo and the subsequent disturbances in the leased territory, I am directed to state that His Excellency the Viceroy has apparently been misinformed on the subject.
The erection of the watch-huts was only begun on the 1st April on a site selected by the villagers. A watch-hut had been begun on the 31st March but as the villagers objected to the site, Mr. May, Captain Superintendent of Police, asked them to select another site, which they did, and thereupon Mr. May directed the watch-hut to be taken down at once and removed to the site selected by the villagers. This was apparently satisfactory to them and they left for Hong-Kong promising that they would return on Sunday the 3rd April. He left two Policemen with the workmen to guard the property.
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