Sessional_Paper_1884 — Page 137

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371. And if they had opium without permits, you took them to Canton?

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A.--If they had contraband goods on board.

372.--Salt, or opium, or saltpetre?

A. Yes, and arms sometimes.

373.-Now with reference to the quantities, you let a boat off if she had only a certain quantity-do you remember the quantity? If she had over a certain quantity, you took her to Canton?

A. She would be seized for the least quantity of opium; they are not allowed to carry any. I learnt the rule was that when the quantity came up to 40 balls, the junk would be confiscated, but under that amount, the junk would be let off in payment of a fine.

374.--Did you ever see the fire returned in any case?

A.--I never saw it returned at any time.

375.-Could you state anything about what was the nature of the armament of junks that were smuggling opium or salt--what sort of guns they had, and muskets, and ammunition, and so on?

A.-They generally carry guns and muskets and spears, just the same as ordinary trading junks, only they carry more; there are arms for everybody.

376.-During the two or three years you were in the P'ingchauhoi, how many captures did you make of proper smugglers?

A. There were between six and ten junks seized. During the first eighteen months there were more, but during the last eighteen months there were very few seizures made.

377.-Do you remember a statement made in 1876 as to how the P'ingchauhoi worked? Do you remember a statement made by you?

A.--Yes, I remember that.

378. This Commission is sitting to inquire into the alleged smuggling of opium and salt into China and the smuggling from China into Hongkong. Can you give us any information with reference to that, from your knowledge of what has been going on for the last ten years?

A.-Last time I was asked a question-Why do the small salt junks come to Hongkong? I think they must be smugglers, if the salt comes to Hongkong.

379.-Why do you think so?

A.--Because if they are not smuggling, they should go to Canton or Kunch'ung. They can get twice or three times as much for their salt there than here, as salt is very cheap here, and very dear in Chinese places.

380.--But don't you know there are regular trading junks with proper licences, that carry salt into Hongkong from the North?

A. They may touch here; they would not land the salt here.

381.-No, but sail into the harbour-don't you know that?

A.-Yes, they come here, but they would not discharge their cargo.