{
impression. The vessele in question are small river
steamers of some 80 to 90 tons rugistered in the Colony,
764
and consequently rank as British vessels. They are however
owned by Chinese firns and manned by the usual class of
Chinese seamen with the exception of the Commanders,
Who
in this case are understood to be British.
The Committee would add that it is precisely this
class of small passenger vessel whose improper use of the
steam whistles has led to repeated complaints being made
to the Jovernment. Hence the regulations.
5. The case of the Norwegian steamer anchoring in
Junk Bay has also been fully explained in the letter under
reply.
For many years part Merchant Captains have made use
of this anchorage in unsebuled or foggy "enther without
hindrance from the Fort Authori bies.
During last Summer however, particularly cowards the
end of May and early in June, the condition of affairs in
the Far Eastern Seas was abnormal. It was unquer ti onably
imperative that under these circumscances it was the duty
of the Honsione Goverment to do all that was possible
to ensure that the neurality of the port should not be
infringed. Regulations therefore had to be strictly
enforced co prevent vessels while anclioring in the waters
of the Colony from doing so iz places where proper Folice
control could not be exercised by the Harbour Authorities.
It was in consequence of this necessity that Junk Bay
was temporarily, so to speak,"rub out of bounds".
کو
On the 5th of June the "Oscar II" anchored without
permission in Junk Bay and the Commander wa duly sum-
moned. The Maggsorate,before wilom the case w.s tried,
appeared to consider the explanation given by the Master
as reasonable for 10 seems the labber was discharged with
The Committee of the Chamber of Commerce
represented
a' caution.
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