Sir,
Enclosure 2 (br).
Hongkong, 3rd December, 1908.
355
In answer to the charges preferred against me, I have to reply as follows:-
(a).
Regarding the receipt of a monthly sum of $20 from the Fux On fire, I deny having received any sum of money from this firm, neither have I engaged extra coolies while on No.6 District or at any time. Because entries regarding firm's wages, and coolie labour, are to be found in the books of the said firm, I fail to see how they relate to me.
(b). Neither does the payment of $10 for boat day labour, which I am charged with having received while on No.6 District. The charge is false.
(c). I do not deny having received the hams and beers mentioned, but can honestly say that I did not know who were the donors. While on duty, or away from the house during my leisure hours, such articles have occasionally been left, but I have always been unable to find out from whence they came, as they were left with the boy, no name being given, and no message or letter left. Consequently, I was unable to return them.
(d).
Regarding eggs. I certainly received a quantity of eggs at 10 cents per dozen. On my enquiring the price, a salesman in the Mo Hop shop offered to let me have as many as I wanted without payment. This offer was promptly refused, but I gave him to understand that in the course of a month I used many dozen eggs, and asked his lowest price per dozen. He said 10 cents, and the offer was accepted.
(e). Demanding $40. This charge I also deny and should like more definite information concerning the date and time when the demand was alleged to have been made. At present the charge is very vague, and having no knowledge of it, as it stands it scarcely gives me a fair opportunity to clear myself.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.
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