Sessional_Paper_1927 — Page 92

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The Commissioners will now have grasped the position of the scheme at date and it is for them to say whether they consider the inauguration of a thoroughly up to date Pas- senger Depot, an important factor in the prevention of piracy.

In doing so, I would ask that the suggestion be regarded from a broad point of view and with due regard to the general improvement of Harbour conditions for years to come. It, to my mind, serves no purpose to turn down suggested improvements for such reasons that ships will have to shift once or twice more than at present or some such trifling detail. I think I can say with conviction that Shipowners in Hong Kong would be only too glad to co-operate in any working scheme which would lead to a better organisa- tion of passenger trade and of the Harbour generally, particularly as they will reap con- siderable benefit.

From over twenty years' experience of shipping work here, I have not found that those in charge of shipping interests have ever been backward in considering general im- provements, in fact, their general attitude has been quite to the contrary.

I have been courteously supplied by the heads of Government departments with certain information as to the methods employed in dealing with Passengers leaving and arriving in the Colony and for the sake of record would quote the letters as follows:-

Under date 30th December the Acting Health Officer writes as follows :-

"With reference to your letter of 18th December relating to s.s. "SUNNING" Piracy Commission, I regret that I cannot give you any useful information.

1. There is no medical examination of passengers on steamers plying between

Hong Kong, Canton and Delta Ports.

2. There is no medical examination of passengers bound for China Coast Ports, such as Swatow, Amoy or Shanghai or for ports South of Hong Kong such as Kwong Chow Wan, Haiphong, Saigon, Bangkok. The passengers arriving in Hong Kong from these ports are medically examin- ed only when such ports have been declared 'infected' by Governor in Council.

3. All ocean going vessels carrying more than 20 emigrants bound for destina- tions other than Japan, Formosa, China, Indo-China and Philippine Islands come under the Asiatic Emigration Ordinance. The Asiatic crew and emigrants on these vessels are all medically examined before vessels sail. Your Mr. F. V. Osmund can give you full particulars of method adopted.

"There is no search for arms etc., carried out in connection with the medical examination. The Revenue Authorities act quite independently of the Emigration Authorities'.

The Superintendent of Imports and Exports under date the 20th December, gives the following information:-

"In reply to your letter of 18th December, I have to refer you to the Captain Superintendent of Police. This Department has nothing to do with Piracy Preven- tion, and only takes action in the case of definite information being obtained that arms are being taken off to a ship.

"2. Cargo arriving in the Colony is only examined if there is suspicion that contraband is concealed in some particular lot.

I am particularly indebted to the Police for a very full report on the present system of inspecting passengers which will be invaluable to the Commissioners in comparing what might be done with a proper up to date Depot, with what is being done to-day under very difficult circumstances, and granted that they agree the importance of search cannot be over-estimated; the present unsatisfactory nature of the procedure due, I thoroughly admit, to lack of facilities, cannot but be regarded with misgiving as to its effectiveness: