CO129-130 - Sir MacDonnell - 1868 [4-5] — Page 186

4.

183

b

such industing, when the individuals question devoti themselves in rea

ality

to gaining an honest livelihood; but it appears that this class of fishermen, who, when thing intervenes, occupy themselves at Sea with their nets, habitually grom to falling upon ands plundering solitary trading vessel

vessels in distress whow such happen to come in their way,

so far as to carry off and hold in durance both such vessels and their The sufferers, being held in

Crews.

Confinement,

and even venture

care unable to lay, complaint before the local authorities, and the latter, whether in the Civil or the Military service, having

information before them, have no s

of ascertaining the whereabouts and effecting the apprehension of the offenders . Chinese and foreign vessels have alike suffered to a opent extent from injury of this description . On a recent occasion this subject has formed matter for consultation between the Vice ray and the British Admiral, Sir Henry Koppel, by whom it word observed that Chinese trading vessels, while habitually provide with an..

cre

was

Armorment, both in some instances commit depredations themselves and

also.

frequently plundered it sea by pirates, and this become the means - furnishing pirates with arms and