Page
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY APRIL 1818 1818.
HONGKONG DEFENSE CORPS.
ADMINISTRATIVE.ORDENS BY MAIOR HA
No
MORGAN, ADMINISTRATIVE COMMANDANT,
STRENDTH
962 Sapper E. W. Gardiner was
** BEDUNTED BUCTION, Monday, 16th inst,
5.30 p.m. At Jockey Club Stables. → Dress: Dzill order,
Thursday 18th-inst
5.30 p.m. At Jockey Club Stables.
Dress Brill order without rifles.
Both the Building Authority and the With regard to Mr. Lo's supplemen Captain Superintendent of Police share tary questions, was it practicable, having regard to the purpose for which they no fur as it can were intended, to have had the sheds their responsibility, be shared, with their predecessors in recled separately?—Yes. ofice. While on the administration off so would this form of construction the Fire Brigade it does seem to me offer greater security to the public with worthy of notice that the officers, of the The foreman also said: We desire to Brigade, having at their disposal a three put on record tue fact that the Hongkong Jockey Club had neither responsibility nor inch main capable of serving one hose interest in the sheds except as lessees of only, should have been so unfamiliar with the matter as to attach two hoses Nos 1 to 3-and that the Royal Hong to it, and so render both hoses ineffee: kong Golf Club were in no way concerned rolled on 8th April, 1918, and posted Tuesday, 10th inst
tive.
WATER AUTHORITY.
Finally, we come to the Water Authority. We know that if the Water Authority had closed tho sluice valves
regard to fire or collapseYCH,
enrolled on 2nd April, 1918, and posted to Engiüçer Company,
Nos Sapper R. V. Cameron was enrolled on 6th April, 118, and posted to Engineer Company No 04 Private P. H. Weston was on with the regulations nor in the condito Machine-gun Company. tions governing the construction or use of | No. 065 Private W. A. Webb was enrolled on 10th April, 1918, and posted to the sheds
**** B" Company
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. the pressure would have been greater, With regard to the two Government Although the increase would have beon Departments, whose actions have so large dxtremely small. As to whether they come within the scope of this enquiry we wish to place on record the conclu Wator Authority should have put in a farger main it is difficult to form an sions we have come to respreting came opinion on the data provided. I think you might content yourselves with noting that at the present time a three inch main is wholly inadequate for the needs of the neighbourhood
CALAMITY PREVENTIBLE DY FOBESIARY.
PURLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
No. 865 Corp. A. Lambden, "D" Co. |
is permitted to resign on leaving the
・ Colony, to date from day of do-
parture
No. 887 Pto. T. K. Dealy D' Co
in periaitted to resign on leaving the Colony, to date from day of depar Lure
SIONALLING SECTION,
5.30 pm Parade at Headquartera,
Dress Clean fatiguo, Tuesday: 16th, and Friday, 19th inst. -----
B-STILIZOHIER BEARKE BECTION.
3.15 p.m. Parade at Headquarters.
Monday, 15th, and Friday, 19th inst.
6.15 pm, All units except “"D" Ca on Murray Parade Ground, under Sergt. Edmonds and Corp. Grimes, Dress Drill Drill order. ORDERS FOR CADET COMPANY BY END-LIEUT. JEW, DEARD,
J. PARADES.
Monday, 15th inst. :--
is permitted to resign, dated 10th No. 881 Pte. W. E. Clarke "D" Co.,
5.15 p.m. Nos, 1 and 8 Sections at April, 1018 Headquarters. Squad drill, No. 204 Supper HA Moosdeen, Eng. 5.30 pm Band practices at Head-
quarters
The conclusion of the whole matter the strength of the material customarilyo, not having heen seen since, it 18 Wednesday. 17th inste
Exercise
Years
concluded, with deep regret, that be lost his life in the disaster at Happy ** Valley on 20th Feb., 1918,
5.15 p.m. Nos. 3 and 4 Sections at Kamati Football Ground, Squad drill 6.30 pm Band
at Headl
G. E. STEWART, Capt., |_ Adjutant, H.K.D.C. Hongkong, 12th April, 1918.
NOTICE
Works has not in previous years hid We regret that the Director of Public down definite standards of construction for these race stand masheds. Admit- ting that the lack of reliable data as to then is this. You may or may not find tied in-matshed construction makes the a verdict of criminal negligence against efficient checking of plans dificult, this any person concerned, but whether you is hardly a valid reason for dispensing de or not it would appear that this with all critidem of contractors draw
nity was one which could post inge, neither is the fact that no such
quarters, have been prevented by the check on the methods of construction Corp. A. Nicol, B Co. is granted 9 weeks leave from 23rd April, 1918. of foresight, and foresight which has been exercised in former y one might reasonably have expected sufficient to exonerate the Director of L/Cpl. H Hamer, Eng. Co., is granted before the event and which one certainly Public Works from the charge of failing menthe leave from 30th April,
1918 W found easy to expect after the event to carry out his duties as laid down by Pte. W. Davison, "B" Co., is granted
the Hongkong Ordinances. We are the opinion that the race stand matshe is 8 months' leave from 1st May, 1018. during construction and on completion Pte. E. H. Sharp,D Co., is granted O mouths leave from 9th April, should have been inspected by a quali
1918, hed engineer Not having the history of the development of the Water Sys Pte. N. S. Brown, "B" Co., is granted tem of the Colony before us, we estspend 6 weeks leave from 10th April, 1918. judgment on the question whether the Pte J. R. Greaves "B" Co., is granted administration of the Water Authority 6 months extension of leave from has been negligent in not making pro
14th March, 1918, vision for a better supply of water in Pte R Mattingly, Sig. Section is the neighbourhood of the Happy Valley granted 30 days leave from 5th It must be borne in mind, however, that his attention was drawn some years ago by the Police Department to the fact that the supply was insufficient for fire par poses. We are of the opinion that the present water supply is inadequate.
The Coroner concluded by suggesting that one outcome of the recommenda- tions of the jury might be an Ordinance empowering and directing the Captain Superintendent of Police to control the arrangements for any contemplated assembly of people in public places.
Mr. In, before the jury retired, naked two questions hich will be found below The jury retted at 4:30 pm. to con Hider tlisir verdict...
THE JURY'S FINDING The jury returned at 0 o'clock, when the foreman road out the answers to the questions which had been put to them. They were as follows:---
Was the collapse of the matsheds caused by fire No
Was it caused by delilerute cutting of lushinga-No. V
MAK
If the answers to these questions are in the negative, then was it caused by a failure of the structure to meet demands made upon it by legitimate use Yes,
if so was the failure due to the use of unserviceable material by the matshad contractor, Kwok Kun 7-No.
If the material was serviceable then was the failure due to some imperfection in the design of the sheds having regard to the purpose for which they were in tended It might have been due to some
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
We consider that the Captain Super intendent of Police ørred in not taking on his own initiative obvious necessary precautions for the safety of the public, and the fact that he was officially notified by the Public Works Depart ment with regard to these sheds does nos exculpate him.
ster
While it is an open question whether the great loss of life could have been prevented, or even curtailed, had an ample water supply, the necessary te appliances, and the assistance of ex
been amazediately parienced fromen
April, 1918, NUMER
Spr. M. Houghton, Eng. Co., is granted
12 months leave from 9th April, 1918. Pte, II. E. Muriel, "A" Co., is granted
one year's leave from day of depar turo
Gnr FM. H. Holman, Arty. Co., granted 3 months leave from June, 1918,
Pte. E. V. D. Parr, “ D' Co., is grant- ed a moring leave from 9th May, 1018,
-TRANSFER./
SELOSANTS' MESS
The quarterly meeting of the members of the "Bergeants tes will be held in the Mess Room at 7 p.m. on Thurs day, 18th insty Every member not on duty to attend.
HONGKONG POLICE RESERVE. ORDERS (BSUED BY HE T. C. JENKIN, CRE,
✨E EQUIPMENT PARANES,
All ranks will attend at Headquarters ice as detailed below. Men on
duty on tho dates allocated to their Sections will attend at such subse-
Ordera,
isquent dates, es, are specified in these 1st Uniforms, caps and covers to be worn,
Ritles, Ammunition, truncheons whistle, chains, armlets and belts. to be produced for inspection by those in possession. A Absence from these parades will be summarily dealt with as a default. The first named Section will attend at 8.15 pm. and second-named Section at 5.45 p.m. Tuesday, 10th inst
No. 437 Pte. F. J. de Rome, "A" Co., is transferred to the Artillery Co., dated 9th April, 1918.
No. 643 Ito. S. H. Jones "B" Co, is transferred to the Artillery Co., dated: 11th April, 1918,
Nos. 1 and 2 Sections.
imperfection in design; it also might table, still that does, not excuse the No. 658 Pte. J. Walker, "B" Co,, is Wednesday 17th inst. ;--`
Buch
of the Captain Superintendent have been due to some unsuspected tault pf Police to foresee and provide against or latent defect in the material used as a contingency as no outbreak of
matshed race stands, Can you indicate any feature in the We would add, in conclusion, that there At design which was obviously fatal to the appears to have been a regrettable lack afety of the sheds No consultation and co-operation be *** Can you pɔint put may ipature or tween the Police and Public Works Do
Coffeatures in the design which fartment with regard to arrangements was apparently point of weakness which immediately concern bour Depart The absence of struta ab the rear of rente. eher's 9-to 15 inclusive. The lack of any general system of cross-bracing in the front and rear walls of the sheds.
Can you point out any features: which aggravated the tendency to collapse once the collapse had begun The want of continuity in the levels of the roofs and
RECOMMENDATIONS.
That in view of the danger from fire the practice of permitting the use of temporary race stands constructed of such inflammable materials, as matting and bamboo be discontinued,
The accommodation required, in addi- flors also the position of the great tion to that provided within the Heng majority of the staircases
Do you consider that the omission to kong Jockey Club enclosure should take the form of suitable permanent build. inert the main upright poles in things in which all inflammable material ground was an error in construction - is eliminated as far as possible,
IF awing to local conditions, it is not Was the strain under which the struc-found possible to act on two preceding the recommenda- ture failed the presence either through- tionis contained in the top of the 'ont the sheds or in any part of them
of a large crowd of people?--Yes. employment of matsheds as race stands
Was the normal strain increased by panis before the failure-There is no direct evidence that it was
Was the strain euch that it could have been reasonably foreseen and provided. for at the time when the sheds were con- structed There is no evidence that the theda were subjected to undue strain.
In the erection of the sheds did the matahed contractor exercise reasonable care and skill 1-Yes,
In instructing the contractor to erect these sheds and in inviting the public to enter these sheds without limit of number did euch lesser exercise such care as a prudent man would ordinarily use in his affairs-Ics.
In inspecting these sheds did the Hailding Inspector use due diligence and exerciso the degree of skill which he possessed f-Yea
At what point in the row of sheds did the failure first become apparent At some point between sheds 8 to 15 inclu mive, but we are unable to decido the exact point.
At what point did the outbreak of fra riginate-At some point between akeds 8 to 10 inclusive.
And from what cause The infam miable matting coming in contact with the burning charcoal from some cooking chatty,
of the lesson.
portions
paragraphs and a
is found to be absolutely necessary, then special precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of the public using the titeda
regula
The framing of the necessary tions to render a repetition of the recent. awful disaster impossible must rest with the Government, but we would like to draw special attention to the following obvious safeguarde
Necessity of leaving sufficient intervals between each shed to prevent, or at any rate retard, the spread of fire.
Confining the structures to one loor only and limiting the height from the ground at which that floor may be built.
Prevention of overcrowding. Provision of sufficient exits.
Total prohibition of the use of oil lamps naked lights and fires for cook ing
Attendance at the racecourse of fire- men on duty with fire appliances ready for instant use."
Provision of a sufficient water supply to cope succesfully and immediately with any outbreak of fire,
Further the duties of the several Goy ernment Departments concerned shouti be clearly deazed, especially with regard
to:
The planning of the sheds.
The passing of the structures as com forming with all Government require
ments.
In what sheds or portions of shots Inspection of same while in use. were cooking arrangements in use I+In Steps to be taken to ensure the provi- the basement of No. 3 and on the ground sion of an adequate water supply- foors of Nos. 18, 10, 14, 15, 17 to 19, Enforcement of all regulations Inid and 13 With reference to No. 18 octu down for the guidance and control, in punts state that no cooking was going particular of the public using or the od at the time of the collapse. With rulessees of matshed race stands, andin ference to the basement of No. 13 chero general of any contemplated assembly were cooking arrangements according to of people in a public place. the contractor, but this is denied by one per That the Government should initiate enquiry with the object of demonstrating In what sheds were fire precautions and recording the physical properties
fo the adopted Nos. 4, 56 and 8. Was cookstruction.
materials used in matshed con Sing with charoen! in Chinese chatties in
The Coroner: "Then, gentlemen, 1 these sheds an imprudent act ?--Yes
thank If so was it so imprudent as to be which you have given in this very you for the care, and attention grossly negligent No. Did any act or long enquiry and I think I am doing any omission of duty on the part of any right in tendering to you the thanks public officer constitute approximate and the Colony for the work which you
have efficient capse of the death under condone I shall take the earliest oppor sideration? - No. Martens sanity of forwarding a copy of the ind- What is your verdict?-Death due to ing in full to the Government, and also muffocation, the result either of the car. I shall have pleasura in submittingiz lapse or of the fire or both. We do not request to the Chief Justice to grant yon attribute criminal negligence to anyone a long period of exemption from service in connection with this death.
on the jury. The enquiry stande slused
set to "D" Co., dated 10th
April, 1018..
CATIE, OF ARMS,
the weekly parade of Infantry Companies the bores of rifles must be free from oil.
LECTURE.
At Headquarters on Friday, 10th April, at 6 pm. Subject, Field Service Regulations
DEDERS FOR ARTILLERY COMPANY BY CAPTAIN JH. W. ARMSTRONG, V.D. PARĀDES AT BELARSKS BATTERY.
Sunday, 14th inst
0 am. Eight Half Company, D.R.F.
Class Examination by LG Tuesday, 16th. inst.
7:30a.m. Right Half Co Full drit 3.15 p.m. Left Half Co. Full drill, Friday, 19th inst.:~
7.30 a.m. Right Half Co. Layers, and › Bettors' class only. ⠀⠀⠀
empana zos vaINEER COMPANY BY CAPTAIN 12th to 19th inst
W. BUSSKLA
EL Manning Nightly-Parades as per rosters posted at: Heedy Barters, Engine drivers at 6.15 p.m. Els tricians at 6.30 p.m. Officers next for duty-Belchers, end-Licht. Matthewman; Lycemun, 2nd-Lieut. Templeton; Stonecat tors Licut Stevenson. Instructions for N.U.Os and men of Infantry Battalion attached for duty Class 1 at Balchers at 8.30 pon Mondays and Thursdays, Ulamat-Belchers at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Class 3 at Lyeamun at 6.30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays under Staff Sergt. Ovendene, and Parsons,
IL Bang
Thursday, 18th inst
Nos. 3 and 4 sections.
Nos, 6 nad b Sections. Friday 19th inst Monday, 2nd inst,
Nos and to Sections.
Nos, 9 and 10, Sections, Tuesday,Yard inst
No 11 and 12 Sections. Wednesday, 24th inst.-
Nos. 13 and 14 Sections. Thursday 25th; inst
No 15 and 16 Bections. Friday, 26th inst,
510 pm. All members of Nos. 1, 8 and 2 Companies who have been unable, by reason of duty, to at- tend on previous dates
Mon will be required to state, the nature of all equipment in their possession which was issued before 1918 and is still serviceable, and all issued since January 1st, 1918.
BOOTE.
Members of No. 3 Company, the Ambul
anco Platoon and Buglers and Drummers whose names have been submitted as requiring boots for police duty may attend personally to the contractor, Fook Sing, 7, Queen's Road East,
SEARCH SUPERVISORS, Are again reminded that they aro
ordered to examine the book kept at Central, when reporting for duty, containing reports of property. stolen, persons
os wanted, and serious crime.
By Order,
*T. 1. Hovan," A.B.P. (R.) and Adjutant Hongkong, 12th April, 1918.
Carpl. Day and and Corp. Norris, ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE. CH.K.D.C. at Belchers, and Staff Bergts. Harclay and White, R.E., and Serg Williama, H.K.D.C., at
oRDERS FOR INFANTRY DITTALION EX MAJOR
«FARADES --*' A **- DOMPANT.
Tuesday, 16th inst.
*
~* [5.15 p.m. Nos 1, 3-3 and 4 Platoons yon Felo Ground, Hengkong retid *ents will parade at the Cricket Cish at 5.10 p.m. and procced by 771 kram to Causeway Bay Company
deill Dress Drill order.
COMPANY, Tuesday, 16th inst
5.30 p. Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8 Platoons Son Foln Ground, Hongkong resid. ents will parade at Cricket Club at 5.10 p.m. and proceed by tram to Causeway Bay. Company drill. Dress Drill order.
CU MASHINE GUN COMPANY. Monday, 15th inst. ***
30p.m. Drill at Kowloon Dock, Nos. and 2 Guns only. Hongkong sidente proceed by launch from Queen's Statue Pier at 430 p.m. Tuesday, 16th inst, * ***
17.10a.m. No, 3un at Headquar Wednesday 17th inst 6.10 p.m. Drill et
4 and 5 Guas only.
Thursday
Beso 6.10 p.m. Drill at Headquarters. n. The following men only need attend Pies Field, Irvine Labrum, AC. D. Logan, H. Lagun Mokerms, Pinguh pad, Stapleton,
• HỒNGE,ONG AND CHINA DISTRICT.
CORPS PARADE.
The Corps Parade announced for Sun-
day April 14th, is postponed to Ban day, April 28th, at 9.30 am. *
Tuesday, April 16th-
8 p.m. squad and stretcher drill Thursday April 18th *—*/**
8 p.m. Squad and stretcher drill. NO. 3.V.A.D. Monday, April 16th-
4.15 p.m. Recruit drill. Tuesday, April 16th
116 p.m. Bandaging class. Wednesday, April 17th:-
20 p.m. Band practice. Thursday, April 18th
1.15 p.m. Recruit drill. Friday, April 19th: — "
15 pig. Bandaging class, Saturday April 20th:---
8.30 p.a. Band practice. 3.15 p.m. Drill (trained mombon).
"A" and "B" Soctions. Monday, April 15th:
4.20 p.m. Bandaging practice. Thursday, April 18th-g
4.20 p.m. Bandaging practice. Friday, April 10th
4.20 p.m. Randaging praction
(B) B. RALPHS. (District Supt in charge of District). Hongkong, April 13th, 1918,
Other Local News, will be found on.