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built in space had been left in the cargo for the
accommodation of the stowaways and their number was
such as to leave no doubt of collusion, if not on
the part of the European officers, on that of the
stevedore in Hongkong.
>
connected with the vessel namely the owners.
In face
however of the number of stowaways little could be
said and I am of opinion that the vessel escaped
lightly.
It is currently reported that an association
exists in Hongkong for the purpose of smuggling
Chinese into the Philippines, coolies being willing
to pay two hundred dollars to be landed.
A number of vessels have been fired already on
rather slight evidence but many fines have been re-
mitted.
The Hongkong firms who own the vessels depend
on Chinese and Malay quartermasters to check these
irregularities with little or no result as their
wages are small and a bribe an inducement.
I interviewed the Governor of the Islands on
the subject pointing out that the bond given was equal
to the value of the ship and that the fine if en-
forced would fall on the least guilty persons con-
nected
I have, &c.,
(Signed)
W. H. M. Sinclair.
Acting British Consul.
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