THE CHINA MAIL, APRIL 2, 1938
IMPORT OF HONG KONG'S TYPHOON SIGNALS
In the course of an explanation regarding the import of typhoon signals, the Director. of the Royal Observatory writes:
When the existing code was intro- duced in 1920, there were undoubtedly many ideas existent concerning a ty phoon at 300 miles distance and a great disservice was rendered by press com- ments such as "things only begin to look serious" when the last two signals (then numbers 6 and 7, now numbers 9 and 10) go up. Immediate steps were taken to correct this impression,į but at the present time public opinion of the significance of the signals, prob- ably varies a great deal. The inhabi- tants of small craft and dock and go- down companies give due heed to the No. 1. signal as they have too much at stake to delay. precautionary measures. Some ships work cargo until the last moment, others leave for shelter with commendable promptitude. The latest official explanation of the code is meant to give a definite lead to all who are hesitant as to their course of action...
NO. 1 STAND-BY
"Signal No. 1 is a cautionary or “stand by" signal, and does not neces sarily imply bad weather. Signals No. 5 to 8 convey definite warning of ex- pected gales and will not be hoisted until such gales are probable at Gap Rock and/or Hong Kong, or when a typhoon is sufficiently near to the Co- lony to warrant a danger signal, al- though the occurence of a gale may be uncertain.
Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, who make an outstanding hit in "The Awful Truth" at the King's
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The Man
Wealth
Killed
Tony
"The term "gale” signifies wind velo-
Riches have killed "lucky" city of 40 statute miles per hour and Oklend who thought life would be upwards, and on such warning it is ad nothing but a fairy-tale after he visable that small Craft (sampans, found a goldmine.
a la-
launches and junks) seek shelter,
For 27 years Tony, an emigrant steamships prepare to proceed to a re- cognised typhoon anchorage or moor- from Lithuania, worked as ing, and that custodians of buildingsbourer in Chicago, until the slump prepare to secure all windows and came and robbed him of his savings. shutters.
So Tony went prospecting in the
"Signal No. 10 will be accompanied | Port Arthur district of Ontarie, and by three explosive bombs fired at in- found gold. tervals of 10 seconds at the Water Police Station and at the Harbour Of- fice. It will be displayed as early as possible when wind of typhoon forces (60 statute m.p.h.) is expected; in many cases, therefore, No. 9. will not be utilised."
NOS. 5 TO 8
In the luxury home he bought in Oakville. Ontario, he used gold nuggets as paperweights, command- ed a regiment of servant, ran many cars, had champagne for breakfast.
Two years ago he went back to Chicago in search of a bride. He married & manicurist, Sylvia Czar- There should be no mistake or mis-necki, whom he had known wher apprehension concerning the local code he was poor. --
of gale signals Numbers 5 to 8 are He gave her $3,200 worth of not preliminary warning signals. Numsables, a 3720 engagement ring and ber 1 is the only preliminary signal
and numbers 5 to 8 are definite warna car during their whirlwind court- ings of impending gales and bad wea|ship.
ther and should be treated as such. Now a heart attack, caused by Numbers 9 and 10 are signals of great "good living," has killed him at urgency but it would be extremely Miami Beach. dangerous practice to wait for their
He was only 54. display before taking definite action as the notice may be short. Numbers 61 and 8 are usually displayed after the centre has passed, but numbers 5 and 7 should always be regarded as being potentially number 10.
The revised explanation says in effect that the did gale signal (communicated by faing one round fram z gun), has been replaced by the signals 5 to 8 and that similar precautions - should
NAVAL HOSPITAL
SHIP AGROUND
Malta Storm Damage
b A storm caused the British taken. The number 9 signal is intend hospital ship Maine to break Ded to form an intermediate signia) (16: -be need after Nos. 5 to 8 and before from her moorings at Malta re- No. 10) when the track and progress cently. She ran aground on soft of a typhoon are such that time is mud, but was not in danger. Ad- available for hoisting This implies miralty tugs was in attendance.. that the typhoon will pass at some dis- tance from the Colony and that the The boom at the mouth of the sequence of events will not be so rapid Grand Harbour broke away and as in the case where the typhoon is apis drifting at one entrance to parently moving directly upon the Co- the port.
lony. Its hoisting therefore implies a
doubt as to whether 10 will The P. and 0. Imer Rampura, hoisted at all. In this connection ↑ 16,688 tons, after waiting : 13] may be mentioned that No. S has been hours off Malta with 92 passen- hoisted at times soldate and on only ♬ of these cocasions preceded No. 10. 1 gers who wished to disembark, must be emphasised that any code o left for Port Said with the pas procedure which delays protective a sengers still on board.
tion until the boating-of Nos. 9 or 10 Thousands of pounds worth embodies a mistaken idea and should of damage was done on the be revised the Companies respon land. sible,
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