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(2.) On the 13th May, at 8.30 a.m., when the launch Fook Sang, running from Hongkong to Sham Chan, was off Castle Peak Bay, seven men who had embarked as Hongkong as passengers drew revolvers, overawed the crew and passengers and robbed them of money, jewellery, clothing and opium. They then steered the launch to Kau Chan Islands where the pirates and their booty embarked on board a fishing-boat and saile away in the direction of Macao. Three of the pirates were subsequently arrested and convicted at the Criminal Sessions.

(3.) About 6 p.m. on the 7th June, a Hongkong launch while towing two junks laden with kerosine to Canton, was attacked off the Brothers Islands by a number of men from two fishing junks who fired two shots, then boarded the launch, cut the two junks adrift and steered the launch up the Canton River, and on their way robbed three junks and also stole money and clothing from the launch value $710. The pirates ultimately abandoned the launch at Tam Shui Ho in the Tung Kun District where they landed in boats which appeared to have been waiting for them. No arrest made.

(4.) On the 17th July, at 8.30 p.m., the ferry launch Cheung Yuen, running between Vic- toria and Yaumati, was seized by a number of men who embarked as passengers at Victoria and who were armed with revolvers and swords. The pirates drove the crew and passengers below, took the launch up the Canton River where they pirated a large fishing-junk to which they transferred the passengers; after which they attacked several junks, keeping possession of the launch till 1 a.m, on the 19th July. On the arrival of the launch in Victoria Harbour, the Water Police found a large quantity of stolen property on board, nine of the crew were charged for receiving stolen property, &c., but were discharged.

(5.) On the 24th November, at 7 a.m., the ferry launch Kwong Sing left Hongkong for Wan Ha in Chinese territory on the North shore of Deep Bay, and at 9 a.m. when off Nam Wan in British waters, five men who had embarked in Hongkong as passengers and who were armed took charge of the launch, robbed the passengers and took the launch to Chinese territory near Macao where the pirates landed with their booty. This launch was accompanied by two ferry launches who, on seeing her leaving her course, reported the occurrence to the Imperial Maritime Customs (Chinese) Authorities who sent a launch from Ling Ting Island in pursuit, but they failed to overtake the pirates in time to prevent the escape of the pirates. No arrest made.

GAMBLING.

9. The returns show a large increase in the number of cases under this heading. There was during the year evidence of an effort, in some cases most determined, to increase the promotion of gambling, which called forth increased activity on the part of the Police and especially of the Euro- pean Detective Staff who were successful in making several important raids. A syndicate which con- ducted a Lottery and other gambling in a village in the New Territory opposite Shaukiwan gave con-

siderable trouble.

DRUNKENNESS.

10. The number of cases for the year was 49 more than last year.

There are in the Colony 25 houses which are licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor on the premises Three licensees were convicted for selling liquor to persons who were drunk, two were fined $25 each and one $10. One licensee was convicted of keeping a disorderly house and fined $50, one was convicted of selling liquor during prohibited hours and fined $5, and one was convicted for selling adulterated liquor and fined $50.

PROSTITUTION.

11. The Protection of Women and Girls Amendment Ordinance has continued to work satisfac- torily.

Forty-nine prosecutions were instituted under section 11a of the Ordinance and in 35 cases con- victions were obtained and fines to the total amount of $2,950 imposed.

One hundred and eighteen (118) brothels were closed by order of the Magistrate under section 4 of Ordinance 31 of 1899, while 3 prosecutions were instituted under section 8 of the same Ordinance result- ing in the conviction and banishment of two persons. A third absconded and bis bail was estreated.

PROPERTY REPORTED STOLEN AND PROPERTY RECOVERED.

12. The value of property reported stolen during the year was $110,366.85. The value of that recovered by the Police and restored to owners was $3,972.45.