CO129-291 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [5-6] — Page 444

C.O.

16557

437

RECO

(Received 27 JUN 19)

Heung Tsun Village 18 April 1899.

Tang Kok Lax states:-

I am a Native of the Kam Tin district in the San Sha Wai village. I am a graduate of the 3rd degree. Men of my village have taken part in the resistance. The reason of the resistance is that there were rumours that there would be an increase of taxation, numbering of houses, & taxes on fruits & houses. About 80 men of our district took part in the fight.

I do not know whether any of them have been killed. I have come here today to beg for pardon. I come by myself. The other elders have run away with arms. There are no arms now in the Kam Tin district; there are only women now in the Kam Tin district. The inhabitants are all scattered. They will not dare to fight. They wish to submit. I hand in a list of the names of the leaders in the movement in the Kam Tin district. The leaders have all fled into Chinese territory. The movement did not originate with Kam Tin but with Ping Shan & Ha Tsun. Kam Tin made a mistake last year & was not anxious to cause any more trouble. Tang King Shik wanted to come with me. He is sick so could not come. King Shik & I consulted together & I decided to come. The idea in coming is my own. I come to pray that our village may not be burnt, as it is under British protection. The Governor's proclamation was posted in our district. I saw it myself. I had no power to stop the people. Tang Chuk San did not tell them to desist nor did Tang Lai Wan. They belong to the most powerful portion of the clan. They have property in the territory. I have land worth about 8000 dollars and 6 houses. Kam Tin is not going to resist. All have run away. Un Long has no persons prepared for resistance. Ping Shan has a large number, over 100.

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