Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 305

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A careful investigation of this matter might we think demonstrate that con- siderable corruption has existed in this direction.

408. The Commissioners however feel that their work must be brought to a close, and that it is impossible for them to continue indefinitely investigating cases which it would appear are practically interminable.

409. The Commissioners in conclusion wish to express their thanks for the Re Staff. assistance rendered them in this Enquiry by the majority of the Officials to whom they have applied for information, and also to the public at large.

410. Every effort has been made to curtail as much as possible the length of the evidence taken by the Commissioners, but the idiocyncracies of some of the witnesses, the reluctance of others to give evidence, and in one or two cases the too apparent hostility shewn towards the Commission, have made the work of the Commission at times extremely difficult, and unduly prolonged the enquiry.

411. The Secretary, Mr. BOWEN ROWLANDS, though suffering from ill-health, carried out his duties to our entire satisfaction, and when subsequently invalided bome, the work was very ably carried on by the Government Assessor, Mr. A. CHAPMAN, who in addition to his regular duties was appointed Secretary to the Commission, and in this capacity proved himself willing, capable and hard working.

412. The Commissioners would specially bring to Your Excellency's notice the services of Mr. DYER BALL, who acted as Interpreter throughout this protrac- ted enquiry. In the earlier part of the sittings, the weather was excessively trying. The Meetings of the Commission lasted 4 to 5 hours, sometimes longer, during which a number of Chinese witnesses were examined, speaking many different dialects, much increasing the mental strain on the interpreter; Mr. DYER BALL had not only these Meetings to attend, in addition, we understand, to his ordinary duties, but also undertook to read over with the Chinese witnesses the full report of their evidence, although this last had to be abandoned after Mr. BALL was forced to leave the Colony for a month's rest.

The Comissioners feel that they are much indebted to Mr. DYER BALL for the manner in which he carried out his onerous duty and the unfailing courtesy and ready help which he invariably rendered them.

We have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your Excellency's obedient humble servants,

HONGKONG, 19th March, 1907.

EDBERT A. HEWETT,

FUNG WA CHUN,

LAU CHU PAK,

HENRY HUMPHREYS,

A. SHELTON HOOPER,

ARTHUR CHAPMAN,

Secretary.