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C
MITSUI BUSSAN KAISHA, LTD.
The
Aiverting directors,
China Mail
ABLJSHID
1846
No. 27,360 HONG KONG, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1929.
THE SITUATION IN CHINA
FOREIGN SECRETARY AND SAFETY OF BRITISH WOMEN
WARSHIPS IN CANTON
HAVE BRITISH TROOPS A
SALUTARY
EFFECT?
The
TO-DAY'S DOLLAR, closing rate of the dollar on demand, to-day was 1/8 9/16.
PRICE $3.00 Per Month.
HOW HISTORY IS MADE COLLISIONS WILL OCCUR AT THE BEST OF TIMES,
EVEN WHEN EXTREME CARE
is used.
J
BUT WHEN
London, Yesterday. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr. Arthur Henderson said that he had no information on the situation in China additional to his reply on December 9, except that the majority of British and American women and children in Nanking arrived at Shanghai safely on December 9.
Sir, Kingsley Wood asked if the presence of British forces had
E salutary effect, and if the position were improving.
Mr. Henderson replied that he had no evidence on which to base such a conclusion, and added that the note from the Commander on December 9 sald that things were very much quieter. Further questioned. Mr. Henderson said that he had received no official re- ports of raids by Chinese troops or aircraft over Soviet territory. According to his information, Soviet troops had advanced to Chalator, Soviet gunboats raided Fuchin, and Soviet aircraft bomb- ed Fokutu.
Replying to a question in regard to the Canton fighting, Mr. Henderson stated that there were five warships on the West River. patrol, three of which were at Canton. The remainder were dis- posed in accordance with the situation. Arrangements had been made to provide for military reinforcements, if necessary.--Reuter.
CONSULS TO ENQUIRE
Tokyo. Yesterday.
A report from Harbin states that for the purpose of ascertaining the situation to the west of Khingan, especially the condition of the non- Chinese residents, from whom no reliable news has been received for almost a month, an international train, carrying American, British, Japanese, French and German Cón- suls is acheduled to leave Har- bin en route to Manchuli on Dec. 13.
Teaf Yun-sheng left Pogranich- Daya en route to Habarovsk en Wednesday afternoon.-Reuter.
RECENT FIGHTING
Rugby, Yesterday. Answering a question in Parlia- ment, the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Henderson, said that he had no news of any recent fighting in the Canton area, but on December 8 National Government troops, who had been occupying the defence line some 30 miles from the city, were reported to be falling back.
Canton was reported quiet on that date, with no signs of local disruption.
There are five warships on the West River Patrol, three of which
PANIC IN SHANGHAI
Shanghai, Yesterday.
necessary, but will leave what they consider sufficient troops in Han- kow to defend it Seng-chi.
against Tang
The Government's position ap- pears to be somewhat improved, at
CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT
. The annual Christmas Sup plement of the "China Mail" will be included in our issue of Saturday.
Better and brighter than ever, with Christmas stories and a comprehensive shopping guide, our Christmas Supple- ment should not be missed,
Orders for Saturday's Issue, including Christmas Supple- ment, will be fulfilled in strict rotation.
the fact that Ho Chien, controlling least temporarily, partly owing to Hunan, with twenty subordinate generals, has issued a circular de- claring for peace. This presumably
One
HAICHING PIRACY SEQUEL
TRADITIONS OF MERCANTILE
MARINE
VICE-ADMIRAL'S TRIBUTE
H.E. the Commander-in-Chief, China Station (Vice-Admiral Sir A. KWaistol, K.C.B.) has receiv ed the following despatch from the Admiralty:-
"Admiralty have noted with ad- miration the gallantry of the Cap- tain, officers and crew of the 9.8. Halching in successfully overcom- ing the attempted piracy of their vessel and request you
to convey this message to her owners,
"The timely action of destroyers 'Sterling' and 'Sirdar' is also most satisfactory."
From Commander-in-Chief The Douglas S.S. Co., Ltd., own- ers of the "Halching," have re- ceived the following from the Chief of Staff to H.E. the Com- mander-in-Chief, China Station (Vice-Admiral Sir A. K. Walstell, K.C.B.):-
BUT BEYOND.
AN APOLOGY NOTHING MORE is
saip:.....
A STEAMER HITS A`ROCK, AS DID THE TUG "Kau-Sing,
THE OTHER DAY....
– Nautical HistoRY,
is MADE....
COAL MINES BILL
Production Supply And
Sale
London, Yesterday.
1.Pakipat
1227.
BASHFUL LADIES AT THE COURT
bilious 2
„PERHAPS ITS EYES!
Some forma of Jestrain CHRO blliousness. Our examination will quickly determine whether you need glasses or not. We never prescribe glasaca unless they are necessary.
LAZARUS
Hong Kong's Only European Optlelaa. 13, Queen's Road, Central. Telephone Mr. Cooper C. 2203 for appointment.
IRONSIDES MEET WITH A REVERSE
BATTLE FOUGHT NORTH OF CANTON
BIG CASUALTIES
ENGAGEMENT
ONE OF
POSITIONS
Scenes not unlike those in Paris in the ominous days of 1914 were enacted in Canton on December 10 when streams of motor vehicles poured troops out to the front and very heavy casualties were suffered by both sides in the fighting for the mastery of South China.
The Ironsides, acting for themselves to the north of the city, and relying partly, on guerilias to the north-east of Canton, franti- cally endeavoured to convert the war into one of positions. The Cantonese defenders, on the other hand, aided to some extent by their Northern reinforcements, stolidly confined the battle to one of positions.
CANTON'S ADVANTAGE
Canton's advantage lay in the of the buses were badly knocked DEFENDANTS DO NOT LIKE TO shortness of the line held, its about. But the day was served.
GIVE THEIR AGES
proximity to the city, the holding of that part of the Canton-Hankow MAGISTRATE ANGRY
Railway (Kwangtung section) with- During traffic cases before Mr. in the lines, and a motor road from
The House of Commons formal- ly passed the first reading of the Coal Mines Bill, which was intro- duced by Mr. Willam Graham to "provide for regulating, and faci-E. W. Hamliton at the Central Ma- Canton to the north-east. litating the production, supply,gistracy, men have been lined up a| and sale of cost by coal owners dozen at a time in front of the dock semi-outlaw friends first struck to When the Ironsides and their and a temporary amendment of Section 3 of the Coal Mines Act. without any difficulty and much the north-east of Canton, the dea- 1908, and the constitution and time of the Court has been saved fenders fell back Every unit that functions of the Coal Mines Na-in this way. But when it comes to could be spared from Canton itself tional Industrial Board and mat- ters connected with these pur. poses." Reuter.
POPE AND PEKING
Celebration of 11th Priesthood Jubilee
Canton, Yesterday, Pope Plus eleventh priesthood jubilee celebration, which occurs on December 20, will be celebrat- "Gentlemen,-I have pleasure in Informing you that have receiv-
ed in Peking. In response to the et instructions from the Lords request of Monsignor Constantini, Commissioners at the Admiralty to the Apostolic Delegate, the Wai- convey to you their Lordships ad- chiaopu has appointed Mr. Chi Ta- miration of the gallantry display- ed by Capta
0. H. Farrar, officera eng, Director of the Peking and crew of the s.8. Halching in Archives' Office, to participate in successfully overcoming the at- the ceremony. Canton News tempted piracy of their vessel on
Agency. December 8, 1920," The Commander-in-Chief him- self wrote:-
are at Cantor, the remainder being means that he will remain neutral disposed of in accordance with the and not join the attack on Hankow. situation. Arrangements have been made to provide military reinforce- Also Chen Tiao-yuen is still ad- ments, should the situation neces-hering to the Government, and sitate such action-British Wireless Bending troops to the Southern Service..
Shantung border to prevent the Shih Yu-san rebels entering Shan- tung. The Nanking Government claims that Chen Tiao-yuan intends A small Communist demonstrato attack Shih Yu-san's rear. tion on the outskirts of the French Shanghai continues quiet. Settlement this morning was dis-thousand loyal troops of the Fifth persed by the French police, with Division arrived yesterday, but the nine arrests.
authorities are taking precautions. Following a rumour that Com-British troops, while not confined munists intended to attack Shang- to barracks, are not allowed far- hat North Railway Station, martial ther towards the town than the law was declared in Chapel, and racecourse. people in the streets were searched. Chinese police attempting to dis-
Hankow, Yesterday, perse the crowds fred in the air, and a small parie eraued, many
The situation locally continues refugees streaming into the
Confidence is being very quiet. Inter- national Settlement.
strengthened by the assurances of An emergency squad of Shanghal loyalty received from various Municipal Police, turned out, but minor generals in Honan. It now their services were not required. seems that Tang Seng-chi's. de- The boundary gates were closed fection will not prove a serious em for half an hour
barrassment to the Government, "Nanking is reported calm, and and it is declared that Tang ly residents are pursuing their usual already seeking a compromise routine duties. Reuter
LEADERS DETERMINED
COMPROMISE SOUGHT
The Ichang situation is gradually returning to normal, and the rebels have been driven far Inland Reu ter
"Gentlemen, I desire to express my admiration of the gallant stand made by Captain 0. H. Farrar and the officers at your steamer 'Hai- ching when attacked by Internal pirates in the early hours of Sun- day, December 8, 1929., I feel that their Buccessful resistance will have A strong deterrent effect ainst any farthor attempts at
1929 rainfall Average Deficit
A
69,40 inches $2.40 inches 13.00 inches
STEMMING THE TIDE Even the military police and some of the civilian police were sent out. to stem the tide distinguished themselves. So soon and the former
as news reached Canton that the
north was vigorously challenged by assault on the north-east had been repulsed, the Ironside force to the two Cantonese divisions. (which had fought the same enemy in the East The defence stiffened, the Ironsides River valley nearly two years ago), employing the system where ladies and from other parts of the defen-thock tactics countered and ground were concerned it did not work an sive line where there was no pres smoothly, as was demonstrated Bure was rushed out. Motor 'buses, this morning.
The Court interpreter had the task of mustering only seven women and it turned out to be a heart-breaking undertaking. The women were backward In answering to their names, apparently 20 one wishing to be the first one to come forward.
Eventually, with the assistance of the Court Sergeant and Constable, the women were placed in order, but the interpreter's difficulty was not over. Like all ladies these were reluctant to disclose their ages!
To Be Sorted Out
The Magistrate became impatient at the loss of time and directed' that in future women should be "Borted out" outalde the Court and then brought in.
FULL PIRACY STORY.
A full report of the piracy of the steamer "Haiching" will be published in the "Overland China Mail," together with special photographs of the vessel before and after the attack.
The usual Pictorial Supple- ment will also be included in this week's "Overland China Mail," which will be ready on Friday Morning.
To avold disappointment orders, which will be fulfilled in strict rotation, should be sent in at once.
private cars and public vehicles were elicited the information that two
Finally order was secured, and Instantly commandeered to rush men men-Chinese-were, in a dying then the women were charged with up. Bus drivers along the highway
trespassing on condition. Their names were not
Д Government leading out towards the scone of given.
plantation above Hatton Road, ap-the Ironsides' drive belted. Some On applying at the Government parently with the object of cutting Merchant Navy wore maintained, Civil Hospital, a "China Mail" re- firewood. Everyone in Court was not only in the face of danger but presentative was politely informed considerably relieved when the ale the successful steps taken that all the doctors were too busy to save the ship and bring her into barboar.
to give any information. Hew.
piracy.
The highest traditions of the
Το
I also wish to place on record ever, by adroit questioning, it was my appreciation of the steps your gathered that one of the victims, company has taken to render your whether a suspect or not, was in ship proof against piracy. have had only one attempt to pleacy
critical, condition, thero --and that an unsuccessful one being something wrong with the is a record of which the Douglas man's lungs. His name was not Line may well be proud.
disclosed.
In conclusion, I shall be grate ful if you will convey to Captain Farrar and his officers my con- gratulations on their very gallant and successful defence."
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Admiration of Gallant: Defence
& very
women chorused resignedly. "If the Police say so, let it be so
The Magistrate imposed fines of each, or, in default, ten days' hard labour..
LARCENY CHARGES
was gained.
This has proved to be the first sustained action in the campaign. In spite of everything that has been said, the Cantonese authorities have Justified their continuous with- drawal hitherto in order to shorten their line. First blood goes to them, but the Ironsides are by no means in flight. In fact, the main column has yet to move up.
Surprise victory-for that is what it is haa immediately improved the morale of the pro-National Govern- ment defenders and the chances of the Ironsides and Kwangsi-ites materially reduced. •
People of Canton were much por turbed by the proximity of hostill- ties and some thousands of refugees poured Into Hong Kong yesterday, a few thousand arriving last night. Chinese in Hong Kong, however, are displaying increased confidence In the ability of the Cantonese to hold on. Speculators were buying notes issued by the Contral Bank, Canton, in such large quantities that quotations rose sharply and "shorts" were badly caught because very few notes have been left on the market.
CONFIRMATION
A wireless messavet from Can- ton dated December 11 reads:-
"It is reported that the Tronsides were defeated last night at a position southward of Ruahsten. The Canton
Charges of the larceny of eight
ese claim the destruction of one bars of iron from a contractor's brigade (of Ironsides) and the cap- Then three other women were shed at Kowloon Tong, were pre-Kwangsi forces in the
ture of 5,000 rifles, also that tho called up on a similar charge, they ferred against two unemployed sector were repulsed.
West River having been found in another part of the same plantation.
Chinese, at the Kowloon Magis-- tracy this morning, before Mr. W. Schofield. Both admitted the charges.
The Magistrate remarked with a sigh: "You are likely to make a mess with even these three!"
Joss favoured the interpretor this brought to light the fact that a Detective Sergeant Fitches then time, however. The women came second charge of returning from forward at the first time of calling banishment fall against the first and took their allotted places in front of the deck.
defendant. He was banished fa 1925 for 5 years.
Mr. Perry, the: Chief Officer, in prgoressing satisfactorily
Piracy Guards Urged to Remnin
London, Yesterday. Presiding at the annual meeting of the P. & O. Steamship Company, Lord Inchcape bald that there seemed every prospect of a successful future for pul verised coal, especially in cargs steam-: ers. If present experiments proved. Batisfactory, they might be forced, for At a meeting of the Shipping reasons of economy, to adopt it in Sab-Committee of the Hong Kong passenger as well as cargo steamers General Chamber of Commerce Referring to the unrest in Chins, resolution was unanimously car revival of trade, there, Lord Inchcapo held last evening, the following which he said was militating against a ried:
That the Shipping Sub-Commit with the piracy of a Japanese steam read a letter from Hong Kong dealing tee of the Hong Kong Generaler from Formond to Hong Kong on Chamber of Commerce requenta Eoptember 31... He trusled "that a res that there be entered in the minutes newal, afgi piracy would result in the number she gave ven a lighter sentence, that of an expression of its deep regret at change of the decision of British;
· Hiding their Ages
In convicting the defendants, Two were old women and they His Worship sentenced the first were not so particular about hid man to 8 months jail on the ing their ages and disclosed them charge of larceny, and for roturn at the frst time of asking. Set fog from banishment he was given woman who was with them also be strokes of the birch, the sentences such a fine example, a younger 10 months hard labour, with 15
had seen twenty odd summers. It The second defendant, who had haved well, and disclosed that she to run consecutively would not he fair to her to publish nothing known about him was
They all pleaded that they did $10 or two weeks, in default.
the loss of life and the extensive authorities to cease providing naval not know that they were on Govern Baldes damage sustained in the piracy of and military, guarda on April 1, 1980, ment land
IRONSIDES IN RETREAT
[From Our Own Correspondent] According to a report received (Kwangtung North River Section from tho Government Pall
of the Command), on the 10th by the Kwangsi, who was attacked
however met with 9 land-mines which were exploded causing great. losses. Then a heavy enfilading are by machine-guns was poured into them causing great havoc. Their losses are estimated at about 5,000, but they are difficult to guage.
Eastern Sector: and were met by BRIGADE WIPED OUT
the 3rd, 8th and 50th divisions. The Ironsides also attacked the
and were repulsed with many casualties. Three Brigades were shattered, among which seemingly have already seen was that of General Ng Kiwal That outlook Ser trump, teamers, be it The Magistrate decided to give White Shadows in the South which was practically wiped out. cember 9, 1925, and expresses lauld, was probably never gloomer, the the two old women, the bedent of Sens' see the new priff and hear Over 8,000 rifles and ammunition admiration of the gallant defence **made by tha personmal vor, the hips
present, are doubband discharged them with the special synchronized sound in large quantities and numbera caution. The younger woman affects in accompaniment with the of machine guns were captured did not doum to be ab ignorant us picture you have not yet seen besides about 2,000 prisoners.
and the Magistrate it then you will cvel at the most If the above report le, authen-.
rful South Sea scenes ever tie, it will mean a heavy, set-back.
to the Kwangel open
the as "Halching", su Sunday, DI
The Dying "Coadleton 254 being deplorable
Fprove, but at the mome
this morning at
regarding the
CAIRO LOADERA would have to be
to cover costs of ran- ordered her to pay 25, or go to jail
for ten days
depicted