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8th October, 1901.
JOHANN THEODOR LAUTS sworn:-
The Chairman.-You are a member of the firm of Lauts, Wegener & Co. ?
A. Yes.
Q. How long have you been in Hongkong?
A. For about twenty-three years.
Q-Where do you live now?
A.-Queen's Gardens, No. 3.
Q. Have you got any chair coolies ?
A.-Oh, yes.
Q.-Ricksha coolies ?
A.-No.
Q-How many chair coolies?
A.-Four at present.
Q.--Have you any difficulty in getting them ?
A.-Not with these four med.
Q-Have you previously had any difficulty?
A. I had difficulty when I kept chair coolies for myself. I keep the four now only for my wife and children.
Q. How do you manage now yourself?
A.- -I take outside chairs.
Q.-Up and down?
A.-Up and down every day.
Q. Why have you given up keeping them?
A. Because I had too much trouble with them.
Q-What was the nature of the trouble?
A.-I had them leaving me without giving me notice.
Q. What did you do?
A.-I had them twice before the Police Court.
Q. When was that?
A.-About two years ago.
Q-Any other reason?
A.-Increase of wages.
Q. What was the increase they asked for?
A. They asked me for $9.50. I paid them at the rate of $8.50 each.
Q-Are you paying $8.50 now?
A.-I pay $8.50 to my present coolies.
Q. Are you in favour of a system of registration of private coolies ? A.-If it can be done.
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