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Mr. Wilcox.--I have heard complaints, during the last few years especially, of private coolies going along the street interchanging abusive language with reference to the ladies they are carrying or the masters who employ them, and making great noises. While the lady would perhaps say “coolie, be quiet," the coolie instead of being quiet goes on making more noise, is in fact rebellious and disorderly. Have you heard of cases of that kind ?
A.—It is now rather too common such conduct with coolies.
The Chairman.-What do you think of banishment as a means of punishment?
A-Banishment is no punishment to them.
The Chairman.--We would get rid of the bad ones at any rate then.
Witness. A great thing would be a good photograph and registration ticket to be retained by the employer.
Q. Do you think registration would be better in the hands of the Police? A.Any way the Government thinks proper, either the Police or the Registrar General,
Q.--But which would be the better?
A.-The Police I should say because they can easily detect them. When I want a chair to take me to tiffin they bolt from me. Inspector Mackie told me to take their numbers and I do so now.
[This concluded the sitting, and the Commission adjourned till Friday, the 20th, at noon, it being agreed to summon Messrs. Goosmann and Fuchs for that day.]
20th September, 1901.
JOHANN NICOLAS GOOSMANN sworn:
The Chairman. How long have you been in the Colony?
A. I have been here now more than 28 years.
Q. Where do you now live?
M
A. I live at the Hongkong Club.
Q.-
My
-Where did you live before that?
A. On the Praya.
Q. And before that? Have you lived on the upper levels-Seymour Terrace or any of those places ?
etc.
A.-No, so I am afraid I shan't be able to give you very much evidence.
Q.--You don't keep private chair and ricksha coolies ?
A.-I keep a private chair and four coolies.
Q.-May I ask what wages you pay?
A.-I pay eight dollars to each.
Q. Is that gross or nett?
A.They have to do their own washing and they have to find their own lodgings,
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