THE DAILY PROVINCE
NOVEMBER 23, 1907

p.1

HINDU CHARGED WITH
BLACKMAILING
------------------Deported East Indians Tell Commissioner King They
Gave Money to Pan Singh for Protection.

------------------Testifying before Commissioner Mackenzie King, en route to Victoria on
the Princess Victoria yesterday, five Hindus who are being deported, said Pan
Singh, who instituted habeas corpus proceedings here on behalf of Hindus,
had compelled 100 of them to pay $5 each, and others one rupee additional.
Singh told them the money was to be given the immigration officers to allow
them to land. It was to be refunded if they were deported.
Singh had previously told Mr. King and Dr. Monro that the story was
unfounded. A search showed he had £5 in his possession.
After yesterdays evidence, Mr. King wired Chief of Police Chamberlin to
place Singh under arrest. He added that the testimony showed the company’s
officers were not responsible for the Hindu influx; that they had come over
after reading glowing reports about the country. Many of them mortgaged
their farms to raise the passage money, and are now penniless.
To-day Mr. King will examine Japanese witnesses at Victoria.
The session yesterday was attended by Mr. Charles Wilson. K. C., on
behalf of the provincial Government.
Pan Singh had not been apprehended at a late hour this afternoon.