Sessional_Paper_1927 — Page 160

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We landed at about 12.30 hrs. near Hoi Chau Village and walked to Nim Shan Market which is about 2 miles north of Hoi Chau. We made enquiries and were told 2 junks had gone off to fetch the remainder of our party. We went direct to the local commander's house, where we found about 100 of his troops and also learned that 4 prisoners had been taken in the morning operations.

Colonel Wong Fuk Chi after sending out several men to get information then sent for the prisoners and they were brought in securely trussed up with rope. We found they had been captured at Kwai Chau, which is a small fishing village on a small island about mile south of Hoi Chau. They were seen to run up a hill and hide in the bushes on the approach of the soldiers.

The first prisoner gave his name as Foong Yem Kow and at the time of arrest was found to be in possession of the following :-

(a) Two new red blankets,

(b) Eleven yards new black cloth,

(c) $54.00 in Singapore notes (consisting of one $5.00 note 49 $1.00 notes). (d) One $1.00 note on a Chinese bank, Swatow,

(e) One 5 Piastre note, Saigon.

The 2nd prisoner gave his name as Hong Tuk Fee and was in possession of 5 38′ S. & W. revolver bullets.

The 3rd prisoner gave his name as Fong Tuk Yung and was found in possession of 4 rounds of Mauser rifle ammunition.

The 4th prisoner gave his name as Fong Tung Wai, but beyond the fact that he was with the first 3 prisoners mentioned, there was no evidence to show that he was a had character although Colonel Wong Fuk Chi stated he was known to be an associate of pirates.

After the above particulars had been obtained they were put through the "3rd Degree" by Colonel Wong Fuk Chi and his officers to get further information. The "3rd Degree" consisted of threatening them with instant death and repeated slashes with a double bamboo cane on any part of their anatomy which happened to be in the way. They, however, refused to give any information and after about hour were taken away. At about 16.00 hrs. a 5th prisoner was brought in, also securely trussed with rope. He had been captured at Hoi Chau leaving the village. He gave his name as Chan Ah Hong. At the time of his arrest he was in possession of the following articles :-

(1) One new blanket, in which were:

(a) One new alarm clock,

(b) Ten yards new black cloth,

(c) One new European cut grey jacket,

(d) Two new Straits cut white drill jackets,

(e) One pair white drill trousers,

(f) One new white singlet.

(2) Two leather suit cases in which were:

(a) Two new white shirts,

(b) Several yards new black cloth,

(c) One pair new grey trousers with a tailor's name and Singapore marked

on the buttons.

(d) One new brown waistcoat,

(e) One new brown Chinese silk long coat,

(f). One pair new female beaded slippers (Singapore patt.),

(g) One gold ear pick.