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CABLES.
The Eastern Extension Telegraph Company (British) by means of three cables to Singapore, one direct and one each via Labuan and Cape St. James respectively, provide good connections with Europe via India, with Australasia, and with the other British Colonies and possessions. By their cable to Manila connection is made with the direct American cable, thence to San Francisco. Two cables to Shanghai, belonging respectively to the Eastern Extension and to the Great Northern (Danish) Companies, via Foochow and Amoy respectively, give a good connection with Shanghai, North China, Japan and Russia; and the system of the Great Northern Telegraph Co. gives a good service to Europe via Asiatic Russia.
TELEPHONES.
Hong Kong Telephonic communication, provided by the Hong Kong Telephone Co., is available to most parts of the Colony.
VI. Justice, Police and Prisons.
Serious Crime in 1928 showed a slight increase over 1927—5,351 cases against 4,879. Minor Crime showed a considerable decrease—14,077 cases against 19,891 cases in 1927. The increase in serious crime is accounted for by the increase of burglaries and larcenies in dwellings, and felonies other than murder, robbery, assault with intent to rob, kidnapping, piracy and unlawful possession. Larceny cases showed a marked decrease. In the minor offences, "Miscellaneous" showed a decrease of 5,000 cases.
There was an increase of 2 murders, and a decrease of 1 robbery.
The murder of Mr. Lee Hysan, a well-known member of the Chinese Community, was the most serious outrage of the year. The victim was shot in the back at point-blank range while entering his Club, which was accessible only from a little frequented back lane; no hue and cry was raised, and the murderer made good his escape.
There were no sudden variations in the population of the Colony during the year, as conditions in the neighbouring Province remained generally peaceful.
In May, the Japanese Boycott, which was reflected in the Colony, resulted in nothing more serious than a few isolated cases of window smashing, which were promptly dealt with and checked.
Piracy. Five Piracies were recorded, the two principal being the S.S. "San Nam Hoi" in January, and the S.S. "Anking" in November. The Chief Officer of the "San Nam Hoi" and 2 Indian Guards were killed.
15 of the pirates were captured, and 7 were executed by the Kong Mun Authorities. In the "Anking" Piracy, the Chief Officer, the Chief Engineer and Chinese Compradore were killed and