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BY MR. JOHNSON.
Q-What became of the opium?
A. The Defendant was acquitted on the 13th September, 1878, for having tried to leave the port without a clearance. In the second case, 4th June, 1880, the junk and cargo were ordered to be forfeited, and in the third case, 16th August, 1880, the Defendant was fined 50 cents. With regard to the small rowing boat, the Magistrates ordered the boat and cargo to be forfeited under section 13, sub-section 9 of Ordinance 8 of 1879, and the decision was appealed against to the Supreme Court, and the con- viction quashed as the boat was not considered a junk or sea-going vessel.
With regard to the conveying of salt out of the Colony, the salt is brought in the first instance from the ports North of Hongkong. It is then transferred into smaller boats, and some of these are specially armed for the purpose of resisting the Customs Cruisers.
Q.-You have been Harbour Master 22 years. be aware of vessels specially armed?
As Harbour Master would you not
A. If my own Harbour Officers came across such vessels they would report to me.
Q.-Could it be possible for vessels to be fitted out without coming to your know- ledge ?
A.-I am aware of the armament of all vessels that leave the Colony.
Q.-Would specially armed vessels be reported?
A.-If seen by my subordinates they would be reported. No case has come before me that has caused my interference. Reports have been made of Piracies, which by the instructions of Sir RICHARD MACDONNELL are forwarded to the Police. Junk men at times report that they have been attacked by pirates, who on investigation turn out to be Chinese Customs Cruisers.
Q.--Have you read Mr. CREAGH's Report of the 21st June, 1877 ?
A.
-I have.
Q.-Do you believe the junks referred to in the Report were fitted out in this Colony?
A.-I have no knowledge of any such vessels as those described by Mr. CREAGH as being "readily distinguished from the ordinary trader by the physical as well as the "numerical strength of the crew."
Q.-What is the size of specially armed salt junks?
A.--I have seen one of 300 piculs with boarding nets, muskets, &c. are not the attacking party: they fight in self defence.
TO MR. RUSSELL.
These junks
Q.-Is there a record of the armament of all junks anchoring in and clearing from the waters of the Colony?
A.—When a vessel clears she gives all particulars of her armament. Every vessel which takes out a licence gives description of her armament.
Q.-As to anchorage passes?
A.-Within the waters of the Colony, all vessels get anchorage passes except those with special licences.
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