A case has just occurred in the New Territory which well illustrates the rough and ready methods of the Kuangtung people if they think they are without the pale of the law. Alter the occupation of the New Territory a steam-launch owner saw his way to make sone money by putting ona launch to run between Hongkong and Sa-ug-drung, on the eastern borders of Mirs Bay. The waters of the bay are British, but the village lies on the Chinese shore, and he soon found it paid. He was not long left in undisturbed possession, however, for another launch proprietor put a lauriely on the route, and very quickly a bitter feeling of hostility arose, and the would-be monopolist took steps to preserve the good thing he had found, and managed to prevent the rival Munch landing any of her engers at Ssu-ug-chung by firing at them.
he matter] reached the ears of the police and yesterday the two launches were followed ata short distance by 2 police launch carrying DetectiveSergeants Sullivan and Sim and two Chinese detectives, When the opposition launch reached Fotochow, the police boat steamed up alongside and the police went on board this launch and concealed themselves' in the cabin. On arrival at Swng-chung as the launch steamed inshore a large crowd armed with firearms and knives appeared on the beach, with obvious intent to oppose any attempt laud. The collector of the launch was being rowed ashore in a boat when some of the mob assembled on the beach, rushed into the water, pulled him out and gave him a brutal beating. He managed to get back to the buat and was rowed to the Jat, at which two passing through the awning.
Officers then showed themselves on deck and the assailants ceased hostilities. Five men have since been arrested. The collector has been sent to hospital, and is seriously ill. The five prisoners were brought before the Magistrate yesterday, but the case was adjourned until Wednesday next, bail being refused.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.