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Q.-But, from the fact that you have no difficulty with the ones that you keep for the wife and family, do you gather that they find the work lighter, or does it happen that
you have a very good lot of men?
A.-I had a good lot of chair coolies who left me suddenly without giving me any warning. I never found out why they left. After that, I had trouble with another set of coolies.
The Chairman.-Can you get coolies for yourself now ?
A. If I pay $9.50 a month. I have had two of the coolies I have now for a couple of years in my service and I have never had any difficulty in getting two others.
Q. And you are paying thirty-four dollars a month now for the four?
—
A. Yes.
Q.-And what do you pay every day to go up and down?
A.-I use four coolies and I pay them 40 cents a trip.
Mr. Wilcox. It is a steep ascent up to Queen's Gardens. I have heard of several cases of employers having difficulty owing to the climb. The coolies don't like it and that is one reason given to us why they ask more money. I don't think it is a good reason, because there are other places nearly as steep, but it is notorious that the coolies in Queen's Gardens have nearly all struck for higher wages. I suppose you know
that?
A.-It all depends upon where you get your coolies from. from Swatow, or half way from Swatow, they are very decent. Canton or Macao, or local coolies give a deal of trouble.
Q. Are your men from that district?
A.-Our men are Swatow men.
If you have them Those coolies from
The Chairman.-Do you engage your coolies through the Compradore ?
A. He has to guarantee them.
Q. Does he get them for you?
A. I get them myself, or he gets them for me.
Q. Which is it? Supposing your coolies struck work to-morrow
A.--I would ask my Compradore.
Q. And is your Compradore under engagement to provide you with coolies?
A. No. He has to guarantee them. He is responsible for them.
Q-What does that mean ?
A.—In case they steal, he has to make it good.
Q.-Does he undertake to guarantee people he does not engage ?
I sent
A.-I was left with two coolies. These two coolies found me two others. the two new men down to the Compradore and asked "Will you guarantee them? He said "Yes." That is all he has to do with them.
Mr. Badeley. He guarantees against theft?
A. Yes.
Q.-Does he guarantee against leaving without giving notice?
A.-No.
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