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apply to an old state of affairs. Now that the blockade is so stringent and piracy has to a great extent died out, vessels are not so heavily armed as formerly. I am not aware of any peculiarity in the build or armament of vessels engaged in smuggling. I have seen the firing of large guns from the Peak, which firing was evidently being carried on between smugglers and Revenue Cruisers. As a recent instance of alleged seizure of a Chinese junk by a Revenue Cruiser, I would refer to a report by the Inspector at Stanley. I would like to call the attention of the Commission to section 18 of See post Ordinance 14 of 1870, as a doubt has existed in the minds of Magistrates as to whether it is applicable to Victoria or the whole of the Colony. I consider that it would be well to have that point made clear.
C. V. CREAGH, Deputy Superintendent of Police in reply to the Commission states:-I made my report in 1877 from information I derived from Police and Custom House Officers. The boats referred to in 1877 were specially constructed. They had. large crews and were much stronger than the ordinary run of boat. My information was derived from Custom House Officers and did not come under my notice officially. My report was only intended for persons knowing the circumstances of this place.
pages 99-100.
pages 100-101.
After making the above statement Mr. CREAGH is told by the Chairman of the Sea post Commission that if he should desire to express anything in writing to the Secretary of the Commission, the Members of the Commission would be glad to receive it.
EIGHTH MEETING,
16th June, 1883.
Present:-Sir GEORGE PHILLIPPO, Chief Justice, (Chairman).
His Honour Mr. Justice RUSSELL, Puisne Judge.
Honourable P. RYRIE, M.L.C.
Mr. J. H. STEWART-LOCKHART, (Secretary).
The following Witnesses were re-called. See Report page vii, par. 2.
HENRY GEORGE THOMSETT, R.N., is examined by the Commission.
1.-You are Harbour Master and Marine Magistrate of Hongkong?
A. Yes.
2.--How
2. How long have you been so?
A.-22 years.
3.--Have you any means of knowing whether opium is smuggled from Hongkong into the mainland of China? If so, what means?
A.-My only means of knowing are by vessels being taken in the act of conveying opium and brought before me for breach of any of the local laws.
4. During the time you have been Harbour Master has it come within your knowledge that any junks have been especially built or equipped as to armament for the purpose of smuggling opium?
A.-No.
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