Sessional_Paper_1884 — Page 161

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The two fishermen from Shánkiwán who presented the Petition did not get back their fish lest it should form proof against the Yanwot'ong, but they got $40 in money.

Lately I have heard that one of the cruisers took away a boat's nets, and a girl from another boat. They took also from a third boat about 21 piculs of salt. The salt was sold at Yaumáti. I do not know the names of those three junks, but I will enquire and let you know. When the change was made from Ch'éungchau to Hongkong, the Yanwot'ong people went about among the Lans and gave information. Besides the master Chêng Tsun-teng there are three clerks. They have large quantities of Permit forms in boxes. These have been removed from the shop for the present. If you suspect my statements it will be very easy to get the master of a junk, say at Stanley or at Aberdeen, to get a Permit if you supply

the money.

I have been informed that the Mandarin at Po-táu Chau has beaten some of the men on board those salt cruisers for robbing people.

[Asked how it came that no report has been made before, states]. No one dares. Even I am afraid of getting into trouble, if it gets known that I am giving information.

1st May, 1883.

master of the

(Signed)

F. STEWART.

Lan, Salt Fish Street.

I have been in Hongkong 25 years, I know that Permits from the San On Salt Farmer have been issued in this Colony to fishing junks belonging to this Colony for the last ten years. Formerly, it was done very secretly. Permits were sent here from Ch'éungchau, and the Agent occupied the upper floor of a house, changing his residence frequently to prevent detection. He sent men round to the Lans and junks to let people know where he was to be found. I know the Yanwot'ong was established here at the end of last Chinese year. Several Permits have been obtained from it by my shop. I do not know the head man or any of his subordinates.

The sum paid for Permits varies with the size of the junk and the quantity of salt used. They are dearer this year than they were formerly. One that cost $2 last year costs $2.75 this year. The reason given is, that the Farmer has to pay a higher sum than formerly to the Salt Commissioner. The Salt Farmer lives in Nam Tau. I do not know him. Permits are issued at Nam T'au, Ch'éungchau, and Hongkong. There are two armed Cruisers for the San On District. If they find a fishing junk without a licence they impose a fine of from $100 to $200, and confiscate the junk.

I heard about the two Sháukiwán fishermen who had their fish taken away by a cruiser. I do not know how the matter was settled. I have not heard of the taking away of a girl or of the taking away of a junk's nets.

(Asked how it comes that this issuing of Permits in Hongkong, to Hongkong licensed junks, has been going on so long without any complaint, states). The Cruisers are so powerful that fishermen are afraid to complain, and are too glad to be let alone by paying the fee for the Permit.

The Cruisers frequent this Harbour.

2nd May, 1883.

(Copy)

(Signed)

F. STEWART.

Inspector Cameron to Registrar General.

YAUMÁTI, 7th May, 1883.

SIR,

I have the honour to inform you that on Saturday the 5th instant, I sent a man, named-

to the Yanwot'ong, No. 167, Praya West, with instructions, to purchase the paper that I handed to you on the above date. Before obtaining the paper several questions were asked him as to who he was and