CO129-294 - Governor Sir Blake - 1899 [10-12] — Page 68

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security for the repayment of the money.

The money is said to have been repaid, but Pun Sik man's uncle refused to give up the deeds, and they remained in his hands till his death. On his death about 6 years ago Pun Sik man took possession of them.

It appears that it has been the practice of the Kuk to lease the shore, and the rights of monopoly in the passage boats using it, and of levying the 2 cents toll on passengers and 6 cents toll on cattle by those boats, to a lessee by the year. The lessees this year are Pun Chuk Sam and Li Ngan San. The rent is $580 for the year, $100 of which has already been paid. Four years ago Pun Chuk Sam was the lessee also, and it is alleged by Pun Sik Man's party that he failed to account to the Kuk for certain sums on account of the rent of the shore and otherwise.

The following year he was removed from the Council, and at the time of our acquiring Mirs Bay and at the present time, the members of the Council were and are Pun Ming In, Wong In Pong, Li Ping In, and Wong Tsz Kwan. There were added by the San On Magistrate Li Ying Pui and Pun Ling as Assistant Councillors. The latter has recently obtained a degree and was added, I understand, for that reason.

Now when Mirs Bay became British, Pun Sik Man, who lives in Kong Kong and is apparently what is called a smart man, recognised that the monopoly which the Kuk possessed on shore did not extend to the water, and so he started a launch, the Kwong Hung #1.