SUFFERINGS TOO MUCH FOR A MAN TO BEAR.
237
In our previous issue we gave an account of how the explosion of the mine laid at Hau Lau Fong was brought to light, and, in consequence, a certain Mr. Sz, a descendant of one of the gentry, was involved and imprisoned. We also gave an account about an old woman appearing in Court and giving evidence against Sz. On the evening of the 13th. (4th November) His Worship the Nam Hoi District Magistrate, Mr. Pui himself occupying the bench, ordered Sz to be produced and tried. The latter however persisted in making vague and false statements and would not reveal the truth. His Worship thought that he could elicit a true statement only by resorting to torture. He therefore ordered that a severe beating with the bamboo should be given the prisoner. With skin and flesh all lacerated and blood streaming from his whole body, Sz doggedly denied the charge brought against him. Next he was subjected to the back bench. The bones of his fingers were all broken and his life nearly went out of him. But still he would not alter his first statement.
1. This is an instrument of torture in China. A wooden bench is placed on the ground on one end. The prisoner is secured to the back of the bench in a half-kneeling position; his hands being carried round his own back and his thumbs fastened to the legs of the bench.