Sessional_Paper_1884 — Page 132

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300.—But one Inspector in his evidence said there were two or three Customs boats there, and I know there is a Customs Station?

A.They may be near the Docks, and the launch would be frightened to come so near into our waters.

Mr. P. RYRIE.-There is no one to prevent them at the Docks.

301.-Can you refer to that case of 3,000 percussion caps and 294 bayonets?

A.-It was on the 3rd July, 1882.

302.-That Captain was fined $50 for giving untrue particulars too?

A. Yes.

303.--Have you always brought up such cases before the Magistrate-when you have found them with untrue particulars?

A. Yes, since the new Ordinance was passed, since 1879, that is. We had no power before. They could state anything they liked in clearing, and we could not punish them for it. Since 1879 they have been brought up by me.

304.—These are the only cases you have had?

A. We have had cases of a man being a stranger in the place and, not knowing the regulations, leaving the harbour, but not smuggling, or anything of that kind.

305. These are the only two cases of importance?

A. Yes.

306.-Have you ever seen any fights in British waters?

. A.—No, never.

307.-Or heard of them?

A.

-Yes; I heard once about a fight between the P'ingchauhoi and salt smugglers at the back of Stone Cutters'.

308.-Do you know anything about the bringing of salt from the North?

A.-The boats are of a small class, 200 to 300 piculs. I have seen them coming into Stanley and Shaukiwán.

309.-Do you know if many of them go round the island instead of coming in through the Liümún pass?

A.-Well, I could not say. These are salt junks having an annual licence from the Heppo.

310-And carry it under licence to Hongkong?

A. They come to Hongkong, and from what I have heard they may pay duty on 6,000 piculs only and still have 7,000 piculs on board. They sell 1,000 piculs here and go on to Canton, and still they have the amount they paid duty on.

311. You don't call that a smuggling affair?

A.-No; it would not pay large junks to smuggle.

312. Do you know anything about the salt that is sold to fishermen?

A.--That is all smuggled.