CO129-490 - Public Offices - 1925 — Page 642

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inadequate. The number of cases of ships which have been

pirated by passengers who embarked with their arms is well

known. Coastal and River steamers are frequently in Hong Kong

for 12 hours at a time and during the whole of this time

The ship's cargo and baggage is being discharged and loaded.

officers cannot possibly be expected to search the people who are constantly coming and going yet the police only come

on duty on the various sharves some two or three hours before

the ship is due to sail. It is submitted that an adequate number of police should be on duty on the wharves the whole

time, also that the Water Police should be strengthened and provided with additional suitable Harbour craft to be used in supervising and examining passengers embarking on vessels

in the stream. At present Police supervision and examination

This doubtless of such passengers is hopelessly inadequate.

will entail a considerable increase in the strength of the

It is police force and consequently increased expense.

submitted however that it is as much the duty of the Govern- ment to protect life and property on board ship by taking precautionary measures whilst ships are in port as it is to

protect life and property ashore.

WHAMPOA TO CANTON. Owing to the silting up of the Tai Mei

Barrier a number of vessels have to be lightened at Whampoa and the cargo so taken out has to be carried from thence to

Canton in native craft.

The greatest difficulties are being experienced in inducing the owners of native craft to carry such cargoes

owing to their fear of pirates.

The regulations of course cannot apply to such craft and the only defence that can be afforded to such craft

must