CO129-490 - Public Offices - 1925 — Page 652

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to the present time. It has certainly been effective in preventing piratical attacks but it has also aroused a good deal of discontent amongst ships' officers and owners who do not like the guards or the delay caused to the better

found ships.

(d)

Grilles. The original system of grilles was

greatly extended.

Here again whilst undoubtedly very valuable against internal piracy the extended use of grilles is inconvenient from many of the officers and owners point of

that in case of a view. Also it has the serious defect collision any bitch in opening the necessary grilles may result in enormous loss of life, although the obvious retort to that argument is that unless a river steamer can be beachad

at once or outside assistance is at hand, the loss of life is

Still the mere fact that the bound to be great in any case, passengers would feel that they were cooped up like rats would precipitate a panic and hinder the ship's staff.

(e)

Police inspection and searches. Is undoubtedly

Practically all

most valuable and should be continued.

attempted piracies have been on outward bound ships from Hongkong and strict searching at that end is a necessity. The Customs at Kongmun are also very efficient in supervising

their end,