INTIMATIONS.
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 12′′m, 1917.
MOUTRIE PIANOS
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Established 1836, Incorporated in Great Britaiz.
Total Assets exceed £14,000,000 :---
ROUMANIAN OILFIELDS.
A RICH WAR BOOTY,"
GERMANS SLENDER SUPPLIES.
[FROM A CORRESPONDENT TO THE TIMES."]
The rich oil district of Roumania which the enemy is now rapidly hearing, lies north of Bukarest, with its gront centró át Ploesti. There are other de
captured.
SEVEN NEW V.C.'S.
THRILLING STORIES.
THREE YEARS IN THE ARCTIC,
PRIMITIVE HABITS OF THE ESKIMOS.
Mr. George H. Wilkins, a member of the Stefansson Arctic Expedition, has reached England after more than three years spent in the Arctic, mostly among the Eskimos of Victoria Island. Banks Land, and the northernmost coast of Canada.
sentative Mr. Wilkins, who is an Aus- In an interview with Reater's repre- tralian, and is going to join the Navy, described some of his experiences.
FAR EASTERN MEN AND THE WAR.
We regret to learn that news has boom received of the death of Mr. W. C. Ladd, late of the Chinese Maritime Customs, Lappa, Macao, Mr. Ladd left for Eng land at about the end of 1915. On arrival home he joined the 25th Fusiliers. and proceeded to German East Africa. Flo. tied on 3rd November, 1018, of enterie fever at No. 1 Stationary Hospi- tal, Tango, German East Africa.
Many of his friends in China will be interested to know that the name of Cap- tain A. E. Wearne (formerly of the editorial staff of the North China Daily News and Inttorly Renter's agent at Peking) appears among the list of officers and men specially mentioned by General Sir Archibald Murray in his dispatch dealing with the operations East of Suez between June 1st and September 30th. 1916, published in the London Gazette af
HONGKONG RESERVES,
ORDER BY MAJOR WAKEMAN, O.C., H.K.V.R.
In a rucent Gurette will be found the announcement that seven more officers : | and men have won the Victoria Cross. All runks from private to lieutenant colonel are represented, and in the brief history of their exploits will be found another splendid catalogue of the mili- tary Virtues cergy and resources, determination and endurance. We read posits well to the north in the depart-F. J. Edwards and Robert Ryder, who, of two men of the Middlesex Regiment, ment of Rutan,-in Moldávia, but these private soldiers though they were, showed are less developed and are of mach that instinct for leadership, that eye
for the prime nucessity of the situation, He joined the expedition as photo inferior importance to the oilfield near which is rare even auring the bravest grapher, but at one time or another he Ploesti. The wells for the most part troops. It will be observed that these has commanded the three small vessels seven Victoria Crosses go to the infantry. of the expertition. He has done many lia in the Prahova volley between
The narratives of the deeds which won thousands of miles of sledging, some Ploesti and the Predeal Tass, which the them show that the font spdier of our times accompanied by only a single
time in worthy, his ancestors in that Eskimo,
and, developing into esemy have never been able to force, wish some outlying but not unimportant unconquerable British infantry which naturalist. has collected a large number wells in the neighbourhoort of Tirgovistea held the blood-stained hill at Aibueraf birds and mammal specimens from December 1st, to the west--a town which has now been and stormed with Picton the fortress of the Parry Archipelago, a region entirely
Badajos Military history is agreed uncovered hitherto by the naturalist. that there could be no higher praise. The following are the officers, non-commin signed uficers, and men whom the King has been graciously pleased to confer dhe Victoria Cross- Lieut. (temp. Lieut. Col.) ROLAND Boys
BRADFORD, M.C., Durham Ll For most conspicuous bravery and good leadership in attack, whereby he saved the situation on the right flank of his brigade and of the division Lieut. Col. Bradford's battalion was in support. A leading battalion having
Visiting a camp where he had made suffered very severe casualties, and the friends with an Eskimo a few months commander wounded, its flink became bofore and not finding him, Mr. Wilkins dangerously exposed at close quarters inquired after his health. He was told to the enemy. Raked by machine-gus that the man was dead, and the manner of fire, the situation of the battalion was his death was this, One day the deceased eritical. At the request of the wounde i camy across a member of the tribe commander, Lieut.-Col. Bradford asked fashioning a knife out of the copper permission to command the exposed which is found in this region. He chaffed battalion in addition to his own, Per him, it appears, on his want of skill, You don't know the first thing, about mission granted, be at once proceeded making a knife," he said, in effect. The to the foremost lines. By his fearless artificer said nothing until he had finish energy under fire of all descriptioned his work, when, remarking, "I think and his skilful leadership of the two battalions, regardless of all danger, he succeeded in rallying the attack, cap. tured and defended the objective, and so secured the flank,
How important the possession of this district would be to the Germans will Le apparent from surne figures of last year's oil yield. "It is my exaggeration say that the fall of Bukarest, though the loss of its capital is a moral blow to any country, would have less serious consequebers for the Allied cause than Ehe conquest of the oil-bearing zone. In 1915 one-and-a-half million tong of ot were treated through the refineries, and this gave, among other products, 25 per cent of petrol,Of this tota! Roumania exparted 420,000 tons of refined pros ducts, 08 per cent, of which want to Germany and Austria, and of thut 98. per cent, only a per cent, was petrol, the Roumanian Government hating decided to treat petrol as contraband. There is, therefore, a very considerable stock of
not far short of a million tons.
Fire, Life, Marine, Motor Car, Plate Glass, Fidelity Guarantée ond, Loes of Profits.petrol in Roumania-in all probability
OTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN (het as from 1st January, 1917, the Company's Offices wil be REMOVED to No. 4, Das VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL (Dext to the Hongkong end Shanghai Banking Corporation).
JOHN DE B. LANCASTER, Acting Local Manager,
Hongkong, 27th December 1916.
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The materials are strictly all-wool tweeds and worsteds. Correct. in cut, tailored and finished In a fashion that proclaims the handiwork of expert craftsmen.
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180
WILLEM HEYBLOM,
POWELL'S BUILDING,
12, DES VOUX ROAD.
If Germany can get possession of the oil of Roumania it would-be of more in- portance to her than the granaries, as she has been practically dependent on Roumania for her vil during the war, It is true, there was Galicia to draw from, but these fields were out of the. enemy's hands for some time and a con siderable amount of destruction was done there by the Russians, when they evacuate ed the oil district.
DESTRUCTION OF THE PLANT.
It is to be hoped that the Roumsalan authorities, realizing that the mája pur- pose of the German. invasion is the ac- quisition of this rich source of an essen- bial material of war, have taken proper incasites (should the oil country have to to evacuated) to destroy the large stocks there. These oil stocks probably amount to one and a-half million tons. At the same time the Roumaniaus should thoroughly demolith all the wells and machinery. If this were doce it would to about six months before the wells and machinery were again in working order. Te following is a list of the most im- nortant cerares of the oil industry;4
Moreni
Tintes Bustenari
Telega Baicoiu
Bordeni Campina
Chiciura
Of these districts, as has been indi- cated, Ploesti is the centre. It contains many refineries and large stocks of vil The chief pumping and storage etation of the Government pipe line is also situated here, and the town is quite one of the most important railway centres in Roumania. From Ploesti the main railway line runs direct to Sinaia and through the Predeal Pass, pissing Tintes and Baieniu, two oilfield sitrated on the plain, and thence on to Campina, another great oil centre, where the big gest refinery in Europe is situated, be- longing to the Steaua Romana-n German Company. From Campina the oilfields of Telega and Bustenari (the second rest important feld in Roumania) are within easy access by road, bang about 0 to 13 miles distant. These folds are in the foothills of the Carpathians, and consequently more difficult to get al. Ad- joining them are Bordeni and Chiciura, which are not connected by railway, but are within 16 miles of Picesti by road. All these Gelds are north and north-east of Ploeati Still farther east are thic uilfelds of Buzen, less developed up to the prezent.
Worth-west of Ploesti lies the most im- portant oilfield in Roumania from the point of view of production-manuely, Morani, which is reached by road from
· Plocsti at a distance of about 25 miles. To the west of this again is the town of Tirgovistes, which contains refineries and a considerable stock of oil. These oilfields in the Moreni-Tirgovistea dis- tries are now immediately threatened by the German advance, which has already reached Tirgovistes. Two of the very best roads in Boumania are the Bukarest- Ploesti and Ploesti-Campina roads, espe sially constructed for heavy traffic, being carriageable all times of the year.
The oil industry a Roumania, though i only rose to importance in 1809, when the production was 260,000 tons, las Crown with remarkable rapidity. In 1907 the million mark was passed, the produc tion gradually increasing until in 1914 it bad roached 1,800,000 tons. During the last two years the average has been over 13 willion tons, development work having been considerably restricted dur ing the war from lack of materials.
SHIPPING NEWS,
Q.M.S. *KWEILEE" IN COLLISION,
Tho C.M.9. Kweilee, which left Hankow for Shasi and Ichang, on Deseraber 19th, had a collision with a junk when some 30 miles abovo Hankow. Tho juak, which was loaded with about 80 tons of antimony, was sunk and two of her crew were drowned, but the re- mainder of on crew-five in number were resence Tha Kreilee had one or two of her for ard plates dented, but. the damage as not sufficiently serious to prevent her continuing her vogage
Temp. Sec.-Licut. Tom EDWIN ADLAM,
Bedford R,
Mr. Wilkins spent a considerable time among the so-called Blond Eskimo, whom Mr. Stefansson discovered on a previous expedition. They are quite untouched by Western civilisation, and their habits and customs are essentially primitive. They are not a long-lived race, and fifty years is perhaps this normal span. Human life is very little valued amongst them, and what civilised people class as murder is regarded as a more or less harmless eccentricity.
A KNIEE MADE AND TRIED.
Sunday, 14th January:.....
The following members of "A" and "B Cos, will attend at King's Park Range on Sunday, 14th inst., at 10 am for Musketry. Dress: Drill order--Sergt. A. Charlton, Lee.-Cpl. F. C. Goodman, Ptes. D. E. Donnelly, A, J. J. Brock, C. Severn, W. Dickson, W. Andersen, F. A. Coleman, D. V. Steavenson, S. R. Jones, A. R. Lowe, H, G. G, Elson, T. H. Kolfe.
G. KH. BRETTON, Capt.,
Adjutant, H.K.V.R
January 11th, 1917.
HONGKONG POLICE RESERVE.
Monday, January 16th.-All Recruits.
PARADES, 5.30 P.M. Tuesday, January 16th.-Maxim Gun-
it is a pretty good knife," he plunged ners. it into the breast of his critic.
our, and this incident was much appre-
The Eskimo have a keen sense of ham-Wednesday, January 17th.-All Recruits, (Recruits will be inspected by the D.S.P. (R.).
ciated.
There is a ceremony of marriage among the Eskimo, and apparently the amber For most conspicuous bravery during of a man's wives is limited only by his operations. A portion of a village capacity to support them. The regular which had defied capture on the pre-prive for a wife is a rife or twelve vious day had to be captured at all months' hard lehour in the service of the costs to permit subsequent operations prospective bride's family. to develop. This minor operation came under very leavy machine-gun and rifle firo. Second Lieutenant Adlam, realis, ing that time was all-important, rush ed from shell-hole to shell-hole under heavy fire collecting mon for a sudden rush, and for this purpose also collect ed many enemy grenades. At this stage he was wounded in the leg, but nevertheless he was able to outthrow the enemy, and then seizing his op portunity, and in spite of his wound, he led a rush, captured the position, and killed the occupants. Throughout the day he continued to lead his men in bombing attacks. On the following day be again displayed courage of the woanded and unable to throw bomby, highest order, and themagis again
It is only rarely that a rifle can be obtained from the Indians to the south, and the price paid for it. in skins, practically represent a year's activity in hunting. Some of the more opulent Eskimo possess three wives. Une is chosen for her personal attractions, another for her prowess as a hunter and fisher, while the third does the house work.
he continued to lead his men, Hig magnifteent example and valour, coupled with the skilful handling of the situation, produced far-reaching
CANNIBALISM.
Some of the tribes are not above the suspicion of cannibalism, and there is a case now pending in which two Roman Catholic missionaries were killed and parts of their bodies cater. But the arm of the Canadian Police is long, and it has been stretched out even to those remote limits, and has taken the ealprits least understand the enormity of their in charge. They, however, do not in the
offence
Though the Stefansson Expedition has valuable results have already been accom not achieved all that it set out to do plished. In the Bathurst Inlet, accord: Timp. See.-Lieut. HENRY KELLY. Wbeen found to make the expedition an ing to Mr. Wilkins, enough copper has Riding L.
results.
economic aceeas, and there is water For most conspicuous bravery In power available there during at least six attack: He twice rallied his company months of the year for working the crush- under the beaviest fire, and finally leding mills, On the purely scientific side the only three available men into the eight tons of specimens, besides valuable enemy trench. and there remained photographic and phonographie records, bombing until two of tirera had become have been brought back to Ottawa. casualties and enemy reinforcements Mr. Wilkins parted with Mr. Stefans had arrived. He then carried his com- son in April last, but he heard from him pany sergeant-major, who had been in May by a letter brought by the return wounded, back to our trenches, a dis.ing support party. He was then travell- tance of seventy yards, and subsequent.g on the northmost coast of the new ly three other soldiers. He at a fine and which he discovered in June, 1915,
which has already been described. example of gallantry and endurance. No. 11913 Sergt. ROBSIT DOWNIE, R. Proposes to explore this new land and to discover how far it extends. He will Dublin Fus,
not return until next spring, and no news of his adventure can reach civilisa tion until the summer of 1917.
.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. When most of the officers had become casualties, this non-commissioned officer, utterly regardless of personal danger, moved about under heavy fire and reorganised the attack, which had been temporarily checked. At the critical moment he rushed forward alone, shoating, "Come on the Dubs." This stirring appeal et with immediate response, and the line rushed forward at his call. Bergt Downie accounted for several of the enemy, and in addition captured a machine gun, killing the teara. Though wounded early in the fight, he remain. ed with the company, and gave valu able assistance whilst the position was being consolidated. It was owing to Sergeant Downie's courage and initia tive that this important position, which had resisted four or five previous attacks, was won.
No. 15888 Sergt. JAMES YOUNG TURN-
Butz, late Highland L.I.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, when, having with his party captured, a post apparently of great importance to the enemy, he was subjected to severe counter-attacks, which were continuous throughout the whole day. Although bis party was wiped out and replaced several times during the day, Sergeant Turnbull never wavered in his determination to hold the post, the loss of which would have been very serious. Almost single. handed, he maintained his position, and displayed the highest degree of valour and skill in the performance of his duties. Later in the day this very gallant soldier was killed whilst bomb- ing a counter-attack from the paradog of our trench
No.
་་
9442 Pto, FREDERICE JEREMIAM EDWARDS, Middlesex R.
For most conspi¬uous bravery and re- Barce, His part of the line was held up by machine-gun fire, and all officers had become casualties. There was confusion (Continued at foot of next Column.)
THE ANTWERP EXPEDITION.
He
Color Winston Churchill, in his con- eluding article in the Sunday Pictorial, argues that no more important reaults have been achieved in the present war, by forces so limited and for losses so small, then those rewarding the alinost forlorn enterprise to relieve Antwerp. He declares: To the five days thus gained we owe our victory on the Yser and safety of Dunkirk and Calais, There has been no more remarkable example of flexibility, celerity and baffling nature of the amphibious power which Britain alone wields, but which she has so blindy undervalued and condemned."
BAND PRACTICE.
Monday. January 16th-8 pm. Thursday, January 18th.
All
All
NO. I COMPANY.
p.m.
ranks, except Recruits, will parade under the CC. Company at Central Station, 5.30 p.m., on Friday, January 19th.
WEEKLY REPORTS.
Section and etter Commanders con- cerned are required to send in their weekly reports to Sta Inspector Potter, even if they consider they have no parades, etc, to report. Members of Sections attached to other units must be so described.
PATROLMEN
During the present cold weather, Patrol- men may wear private overcoats, if of dark colour, with the Metropolitan Police Armlet on left Sleeve above the elbow,
POLICE SCIDOL.
No. 2 Company Class is to include 32 P.-es. (8 per Bettion), and not. 20 P.-es. as before ordered.
RESIGNATIONA.
Sergeant 526 Botelho is permitted co resign as from this date on leaving the Colony. Pc. 75 Bird and 73 Lo Kami Chak are
resigned as from this date.
(Sgd.) F. C. JENKIN,
D.S.P. (R.).
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE. HONGKONG AND CHINA DISTRICT
VACCINATION DUTY.
Y.M.C.A, Division,
+
Members of this Division will attend awarded for Vaccination Duty from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. daily at the follow- ing Stations:-
Y.M.C.A. Headquarters, Hollywood Road West. Man Me Temple. Hollywood Read Central. Possession Point,
(Sgd.) E. RALPHS. (Officer in Charge of District.). January 11th, 1917.
THE PAO LI SYNDICATE LOAN.
MELTING OF BRASS CAMH
Bek
As an answer to the Government's. argument that it was necessary to con elude the Japanese loan with the profits of cash melting enterprise as security, the United Chambers of Commerce organized the Pao Li Syndicate and raised a large- sum of money, which forms the principal of a short-term loan to the Government. and indication of retirement. Private enough money to start the cash-melting The said Syndicate has also raised Edwards, grasping the situation, on enterprise under Government supervision, his own initiative dashed out alone The loan agreement has been approved towards the gun, which he knocked out by the Ministries concerned and the with bombs, This very gallant act, Cabinet and is expected to be promptly coupled with great presence of mind confirmed by Parliament. and a total disregard of personal danger, made further advance possible and cleared up a dangerous situation. No. 2981 Pto. ROBERT RYDER, Middlesex
R.
BIG LAND DEAL AT HANKOW
For most conspicuous bravery and A big land deal was put through at initiation during an attack. His com the close of last year in Hankow, says pany was hold up by heavy rifle fire, the C.U. Poet, when the whole of lot 13 and all his officers had become casual- on the British Bund, opposite corner. tica. For want of leadership the attack from the new Hongkong and Shanghai was flagging. Private Ryder, realising Bank, was bought from the Augustine the situation, without a moment's Procuration Mission by the Inter- thought for his own safety, dashed ah-national Bank. The bank intends to solutely along at the enemy trench, and, ercot on this site in the near future one by skilful manipulation of his Lewis of the most up-to-date buildings in
Hankow. gua, succeeded in clearing the trench,
Some time ago another hig This very gallant act not only matte penes of ground, the lot, on which the possible but also greatly inspired the former Boomer's Hotel stood, was-at- subsequent advance of his comrades. quired by the Banque Industrielle, who and turned possible failure into are soon to start building splendid new *success.
bank premises.