Enc.No.24
"Tamar" at Hongkong.
21st April 1899.
54
.0081
Sir,
In continuation of my letter No.443/190 of 10th inst., I have the honour to report that as the date appointed for the taking over of the new territory beyond Kowloon approached, indications were shewn that some opposition was to be displayed by a section of the natives, and that His Excellency the Governor considered it essential that he should be prepared for any emergency. Tai-po-hu, at the head of Tolo Harbour, had been selected as the spot at which the Flag was to be hoisted on 17th inst., and as the local launches are not suitable for transporting men and stores outside the harbour, His Excellency frequently requested my assistance, pointing out the urgency of the matter and the impossibility of obtaining transport either by Military launches or by hiring.
I therefore at His Excellency's request detailed H.M.S."Fame" to proceed to Tai-po-hu on 12th inst., to convey a party of Officers and men for the purpose of selecting a camping ground for the troops who were to attend the ceremony of hoisting the Flag: She returned the same evening.
On 14th His Excellency informed me that he had received a report of threatened burning of matsheds and desired to send a party of police to protect them. I again despatched "Fame" but on arrival it was found that the sheds had already been burnt, and a large number of Chinese on the hills around were shouting and firing jingalls. The "Fame" then returned with the police.
...
Sir E. H. Seymour K,CB