Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 405

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The Chairman.-That is what the Governor has told us to sit here for. to assist you, but we cannot assist you, if you wont assist yourselves.

1288 1295 6

We are trying

A. Well, now you ask me, I am willing to be a witness. But the others, if you dont give them papers to come up, they wont come up.

Mr. Shelton Hooper.-Can you give us the names of any Chinese, who have bad to give bribes, that we dont know, that we can send papers to?

A.-No.

Mr. Fung Wa Chun.-What you said to the Commission just now is not very plain. Do you not mean that if you go to the Magistracy, or Supreme Court, and give evidence against an Inspector, and that Inspector is punished, then you will be alright, but if he is not punished and let off, then you may get yourselves into trouble, because when he resumes his duties, he will give you a lot of trouble?

A. Yes, that is what I mean.

19.--WU IU NAM, declared and cautioned :—

Translation of Lai Him's letter by Lan Chu Pak :-

"For the perusal of Uncles Iu Nam and Wan Kwai.

Your nephew has been examined by the Justices of the Peace on account of the matter relating to the Inspector, and he had no other alternative but to tell the truth, but the Inspector repeatedly called and asked, saying that should your nephew have leaked out anything in connection with his accepting bribes, he would swear that he would not leave things end in peace. Your nephew is really in a dangerous position, coupled with which your nephew's business has not fared very well of late. He has no means to pay off all the debts, and deposits owing to people in Hongkong. To avoid trouble, he feels compelled to leave Hongkong. He earnestly hopes that you two gentlemen will devise means on his behalf to smooth matters by amicably arranging with his creditors and landlord, so as not to put up to auction, but to invite someone to purchase his furniture, stock in trade, and outstanding debts. With what amount that may be realised, pay off the rent first, and use the balance in squaring up the wages due to the employees, and paying a percentage to the creditors. Your nephew's gratitude shall, then, be boundless, and the whole of his family shall also be benefited by your great kindness. You, uncles, are requested to invite all the debtors to give their assistance. Tell Kan Iu and Li Yam to collect the outstanding accounts, Wong Sik to take charge of the accounts, and Li Lan to look after the sundry articles in the shop, and so everything will be alright. This letter does not contain all that he has got to say. Further, remember to take an inventory of the furniture before transferring the business to other people. This is specially written, and availing himself of the opportunity, he enquires after your recent welfare. Yours the same as a nephew, signed Lai Him, bowing his head. 23rd day 6th moon.

Envelope.

Left for presentation to

Messrs. Chu Wan Kwai and Wu Iu Nam, letter from Lai Him.

Chopped, Ui Fong Restaurant, Shektongtsui, &c."

The Chairman. Of course the unfortunate point is that this man is in financial difficulties apparently, and this makes it rather harder for us to get him back.

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