Page
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 1926
ALL QUIET IN CANTON. SUCCESS ESSENTIAL TO DANGEROUS BOULDERS
NO SIGN OF DISTURBANCE.
CAPTURED STRIKE PICKETS
RELEASED.
KUOMINTANG.
KWANGTUNG READY TO
REVOLT.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
[TROM OUR CHINESE CORRESPONDENT.]
The reports from Canton yesterday RUMOURS CONCERNING ACTING stated that everything was quiet in the City and there was no sign of disturb ance. The bluejackets bave been with- drawn from the Hongkong, Canton and
Signs are not wanting that the people Macao Steamboat" Company's wharf but
in many parts of Kwangtung are ready the Nearus is lying alongside.
Our Canton correspondent writes that to revolt against the present administra
day,
16
.
AT POKFULAM?
DID PROFESSOR 'EARLE REPORT
TO P.W.D.?
INTERESTING DEVELOPMENT IN PUMPING STATION ENQUIRY.
The question as to whether Professor Earle, of the Hongkong University, made a report to the authorities two years ago as to insecurity of boulders in the vicinity of Pokfulam, created an interesting
the Central Magistracy yesterday after noon concerning the calaniity which occur, red in July at No. 3 Pumping Station, Pokfulam,
GAS MASKS FOR COOLIES. RECOMMENDATION BY JURY TO PW.D
SEQUEL TO DEATH OF WORKMAN.
That in future Chinese coolies, working" in sewers, nullahs, or such places where the presence of gas makes the conditions of work dangerous, should be provided with gas maska, was a recommendation put forward by a jury sitting at the The case was in conacetion with an en- Central Magistracy yesterday afternoon. quiry, conducted by Major C. Willson, concerning the death of a Chinese cookie, who was overcome by coal gas fumes while working in the storm-damaged nullah at Pedder Street on July 24th.
The opening of the enquiry was report-
the strike pickets arrested by the British tion as soon as a favourable opportunity development in the resumed enquiry ated yesterday, and it will be recalled that naval authorities were released on Mon- presents itself. While the Kuomintang are successful in their military operations The meetings called by the Com.and hold the whip-hand nothing will be munists to protest against the British done. Let the army suffer a serious do- naval action ended with the usual defeat and the whole situation will be
changedL nunciation of "imperialism"
and re- quests bo the Foreign Offee for action.
The Foreign Ofde is still advising the Strike Committee not to take any action
which will complicate matters.
SWATOW GENERAL'S FAMILY IN HONGKONG.
During the past few days papers bave been smuggled into Canton and neigh bourhood the reports in which have thrown doubt upon the claims of the ocials. In Toyshad the belief was spread that the days of the Kuomintang were numbered and acting under this The family of General Ho Yingyira, stimulus a number of the opponents of the Garrison Commissioner at Swatow, Bolshevism banded themselves together arrived in Hongkong yesterday. All the and pitched into the Government tax troops have left Swatow for the border collectors. It would perhaps be unwise and as the Kuomintang are preparing to to attach great importance to this inci- abandon the Port at any moment, the deat particularly as tax-collectors are women and children are being sent away. notoriously unpopular everywhere, but a Two Chinese gun-boats, supporting the straw shows which way the wind is blow. anti-Reds are reported to "have beening and evidence is accumulating steadily teen in the neighbourhood of Swatow, that the Kuomintang have lost popular -The 2nd Kuomintang Corps. Heads suppert and that in a number of districts quarters in Canton has been advised that the people are eagerly anticipating their ane of its divisions operating against downfall. the anti-Reds from Kwangsi at Mei-ling was successful in taking Mei-ling. There is no doubt now in Canton that fighting against Marshal San Chuan-fang's has to be faced
THE NEWS AT HOME. There is no doubt of the interest taken by the people at Home in the Canton дета, and
a number of papers are cabling to the local correspondents for special reports.
N
לין
A British wireless message from Rugby, dated September ath says:-
Telegrams from Canton state that there is complete cessation of firing by pickets boats which disappeared at the first sign of activity by British naval vessels.
The latter found it unnecessary to fire a single shot: "Although ejected from the British wharf alongside which gun-beats have
been stationed, pickets are still showing activity ashore.
The above is a reasonably correct statement of the case, but although the pickets may be still active dr shore they are showing at the moment no particular | sign of this activity on the Buad.
THE EVANS CASE.
BONDS TO VALUE OF RS.400,000 RECOVERED.
H. & S. BANK MAN BEFORE
THE MAGISTRATE.
BOMBAY, August 19th.
Canton, hears that General Chiang Kai Shek, Commander-in-Chief of the Kuo mintang Army, has ordered strong con- centration of troops at Penghsiang in order to oppose the invasion of Hunan hy Kiangsi "anti-Reds"
Members of the Kuomintang" in the Southern Capital now admit that unless General Chiang is able to capture Wu chang within the next five days, he will have to retreat southward.
It will be remembered thai, owing to
the storm of July 13th-18th huge boulder, weighing several thousand tons, crashed from the top of the quarry face the building, wrecking the main pump, at the rear of the pumping station into and eansing considerable other damage. In addition, four Chinese coolie work men were killed in consequence of the
fall of the boulder.
The enquiry concerning these men's deaths was opened last Friday by Mr. R. E. Lindsell, sitting as Coroner with a jury. On that occasion evidence was given by a P.W.D. witness as to the fall of the boulder, and the opinion was ad- vanced that the boulder would not have been dangerous in view of the fact that it was covered with earth and before the collapse appeared to form part of an adjoining boulder, Yesterday, it was stated that two years ago a report was made to the Public Works Department by Professor Earle as to the insecurity of boulder in the vicinity of the site, but P.W.D. officers stated that records did not show that any such report had been received. As a result of the failure to elucidate the matter, the enquiry has been again adjourned, in order that Professor Earle may give evidence, on his return from Shanghai.
༄*
No Knowledge of Report. Mr. R. S. Vergette, Inspector of Works in the Building Ordinance Office, P.W.D., who gave evidence at the last hearing was recalled,
Mr. Lindsell Have you any, knowledge" of any report having been made to your department by Professor Earle, of the University," about two years ago as to the insecurity of boulders on this site.
Witness: I have no knowledge of it. Mr. Lindsell: Supposing such a report had been made, to whom would it have been referred?
the man was discharged from the Govern ment Civil Hospital ca the morning of July 9th as being normal and cured. He returned to his home, but was taken ill the same night had died in the early hours of July 95th. Chemical tests car- ried out later showed that death was not primary dus to coal-gas poisoning. the deceased, said when he saw the man A Chinese doctor who was called to he found he had no puse." He told the man's father that his son ought to be removed to hospital, and that it was A case that could hardly be cured.
Precautionary Measures.
.
Mr. Douglas Sandemian Edward, engi- neer of the P.W.D., spoke as to visiting the scene of the mishap at the nulish in Pedder Strees on the morning of July 24th. He put in copies of the Govern- ment regulations, which detailed the pre- cautionary measures that have to be adopted in cases of work being carried out in the repair and inspection of sewers, and clearing of storm water drains, etc. These precautions, be stated were drawn up so as to provide for all precautions possible being taken for, the safety of workmen.
Witness continued that when he learn ed of the man in question having been overcome with gas and removed to hos pital he enquired whether all precautions had been taken in accordance with the regulations. He was told that they had These regulations, said the witness, were included in the annual contracts made between the Department and the taro con- tractors who carried out drainage work, maintenance and repair of sewers and
nullahs.
3
At the time of the mishap, the deceased was down a manhole clearing sand and boulders out of the nullah.
Filled With Gas,
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Questioned regarding the presence of gas in the nullah, witness said that it had Never before was there anything likes it, nor are its marvellous properties likely ever to escaped from a broken pipe running be equalled in diseases arising from impure blood. It searches cut and expair from the across the nullah. The whole nullah was vital current every larking trace of poisonous matter, caring blood and skin diseases, General Li Tsai Hsin, the acting Kuo-
Witness: To the Director of Public choked at the time with sand and scrofulous and glandular wellings, bad legs, abscesses, ulcers, eczema, gout, rheuma- mintang Commander-in-Chief in Canton, work in the first instances and the boulders washed down from Glenealy and tism, goitre of Derbyshire Neok, eta. It improves the general health and quickly ramoves long-standing bronchitis, asthma and hacking, straining, spasmodic cough, is soen to leave Canton for Shiukwan on probably direct to the Building Authority.was filled with gas
"too often the precursor - of consumption. air. Lindsell: Can you tell me who ulti- Asked by Major Willson why the Gas an inspection tour. Reports are current
LIFE WITHOUT HRAUTH 18 LIVING DRANI. in "anti-Red" circles that. General Limately would have been detailed off, if Company did not turn off the gas, wit-
such a report had been made 1.
ness replied that the Gas Company spent upon arriving at the Kwangtung-Hunan- Witness: The overseer in charge of the Kiangsi borders, will re-organize, his district. strength and if General Chiang fails to advance, he will try to deprive General Chiang of his command and join the "anti-Red" movement. General Li, it is said, was at first not a member of the Kuomintang and, even now, is not Communist.
several days in trying to discover where VETARZO BRAIN AND NEEVE FOOD.
THE PIRACY CASE. JUNEMASTER CHAINED TO TREE.
BOAT AND CARGO STOLEN.
The case in which three Chinese are charged with having pirated a cargo junk in British waters, on July 22nd, was con. tinued at the Kowloon Magistracy yes
terday.
One of the fokit on the junk, who had given evidence previously, said be recog aised the first prisoner.
Witness denied over having quarrelled with the prisoner. The prisoner said The case against Llewellyn Evang, ex- that he recognised witness as one with Chief Accountant, Hongkong and Shang-whom he had a fight when his boat hai Banking Corporation, on a charge of collided with a junk. criminal breach of trust in respect of
Had Not Seen It.
Mr. R. S. W. Paterson, engineer of the Buildings Ordinance Ofice, P.W.D., said he had no knowledge of any report being made by Professor Earic.
the leakage was, and were unable to do so. Asphalt formed a belt for gas, and leakage thought to be on an upper level had often been traced to the lower
level.
Cara Ordered.
In reply to another question, witness said it was reported to him on July 23rd that the gas was leaking somewhere, and he could smell it himself.
Mr. Lindsell: Supposing such a report had been made two years ago would it in the ordinary way have come to you.
Witness: It probably would. In any case I should have been informed. Ia the ordinary course of events if it had Witness I instructed the contractor not come to me for action it would come to me for filing.
ajor Wilson: What steps did, you Lake?
that great care must be taken in clear-
Mr. Lindsell Who would have beening the nullah and that coolies must work deputed to visit the scene f
Witness: Either myself or an overseer. Witness said he went to the scene of the calamity on the morning it occurred. He climbed nearly to the top of the place from where the boulder fell. From his observations he believed the boulder had become dislodged and fallen down with a sliding motion. The heavy end of the boulder had struck the pumping station The ground was very sodden that morn- ing.
|
The Boulder."
in relays in order to avoid being in the Bullah too long. I also ordered that a coolie was not to be in the nulish longer than half an hour at a time.
Major Willson: Were these instructions carried out?
Witness: Yes
Further questioned, witness said it was his practice to visit the scene three times four-inca pipe, and was not always a day. The gas came out in waves from
noticeable.
..
He added that provided precautions were carried out he had considered it Mr. Lindsell: As regards the boulder safe for coolies to work in the mullab. itself and the place it came from, have
- Why Hot Gas Masks? you formed any opinion as to why it
The Foreman: I understand that at Eshould have fallent
Witness replied that he thought that Home gus masks are used in testing for at sometime, many years ago, it was part escaping gas and during work of this of the boulder which still remained. (At nature
Witness replied that this had been bis the last hearing it was stated that there The Magistrate asked prisoner if he were twe boulders, and that the one re-idea, but certain reflections as to whether Government Securities valued at over had any proof that this quarrel bad maining at the top of the cliff formerly Chinese would wear them had been cast Rs. 5 lakhs came on for hearing ou accurred. Prisoner replied that neither adjoined the other one on the top ct upon the suggestion. He added that August 26th,
had the occupants of the junk any proof the quarry face, so that to all appear some of the Chinese coolies" were not
azce they formed one boulder.)
intelligent enough to wear a gas maak' Applying for a remand till that date, that he had been one of the pirates who Witness added that it was clear that and use it properly. Inspector Hurst of the Bombay C.I.D., had stolen the junk.
there had been a layer of earth above it.. who is in charge of the case, stated had identified him.
His Worship pointed out that witnesses. Mr. Lindsell: Did you see any evidence
"Oh," replied of a washout from water? before the Chief Presidency Magistrate prisoner, "I could easily get these men Witness: No. that
arrested and get
ed.
so far they had succeeded in recover. Buy lies about the or three men to i
ing nearly Rs. 4 lakhs worth of bonds! of the property alleged to be mis appropriated and some of the missing bonds were in Rangoon..
On Evans' counsel protesting against
HOURS WITHOUT FOOD.
"
Mr. Lindsell: From its position it is unlikely there would have been a wash out there?
Witness: Very unlikely.
in that quarter.
The Foreman: But provided some could be got who were intelligent enough it would make it absolutely safe!
Witness: Yes
Witness added that on July 29th, owing to the work being repeatedly held up, gas masks were brought into requisition, and were obtained from the military authorities.
Unintelligent doolies. Witness said that he wished to
en-
A cook on board the junk said that In reply to further questions, witness he was awakened in the middle of said to his knowledge there had been no. the night and saw lour men on deck. Besid., the auditor's report on the Three of them were armed with revolvers.ded any sort of danger to be a phasise that there was risk in the wear
After about an Bank's accounts had not yet been receiv-Witness was bound.
Mr. Lindsell remarked that he had puting of gas masks by unintelligent Chinese hour's sailing the junk was anchored and this question to the witness because he coolies aitness with other occupants was placed, had been informed that morning that Major Willson: All recruits have ro in a small boat. They were put in the Professor Earle, who was now in Shang learn
Witness: Yes, but if a coolie is sent the undue delay of eight weeks in placing Hold, and kept there all night and the hai, bad made a report. He suggested down into a nullah with a gas mask, and next day. No food was given them. that witness should communicate with
Witnesa recognised the first prisoner. Mr. Pearce, of the Public Health and does not understand it properly, it is Prisoner questioned him as he had ques Buildings Ordinance Department, P.W.D., quite easy to damage it. An unintelli tioned the previous witness, but the cook and tell him of the questions that had gent coole would probably go on work. also denied ever having quarrelled with been asked and ask if he (Mr. Pearce)ing thinking he was safe and would very would come to court and make a state-likely inhale gas. In this case when we used masks, we considered it too much The master of the junk said that the Witness did this and afterwards Mr. zisk to allow the contractor's coolies to rabbers kept him and the steersman on Lindsell informed the jury that Mr.wear them, but issued them to specially reboard the junk. Next day he was taken Pearce had been home on leave two years selected coolies of our own.
B. charge sheet before the Magistrate, Inspector Hurst undertook not to apply for any further remand.
TYPHOON WARNINGS. The telegrams quoted below were ceived from the Manila Observatory by the American Consulate General:-"
Sept. 6th, 8 p.m.-Cyclone or typhoon E. of Southern Luzon: direction un
known:
Sept. 7th, 11.45 am-Typhoon in about 126deg. Long, E, and 15deg. Lat. N., moving W.N.W..
Manila, 9.20 a.m., 7th.Typhoon in about 124 deg. Lõng, E, 18deg. Lat. N., moving W.N.W.
him,
MASTER'S ORDEAL.
to an island in Chinese territory, was kept prisoner by being chained to a trec until August 14th when he escaped and went to his native village. He returned to Hongkong on August 27th.
The pirates had taken away the junk and the cargo, the total value of which amounted to $1,000, Witness could not identify any of the prisoners.
The three accused were committed for
trial.
ment.
ago,
ル
Enquiry Adjourned.
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Bajor Willson briefly addressed the jury on the evidence and commented on the fact that when the man was dis
After retiring, the jury returned a ver-
Major Willson I agree with that rider.. Mr. Lindsell said in view of the in charged from hospital he was normal dict that the cause of death was due
It was stated by Mr. Edward that formation he had received he would have and certified as cured. It was a pity to coal-gas poisoning and that no blame although, the precautions in the regula to adjourn the enquiry for the attendance they were unable to obtain any evidence or negligence was attached to anybody. tions provided for the lowering of a lamp of Professor Earle.
as to what he did while absent from his The jury added the following rider to into a manhole, drain, sewer, or nullah' Mr. Lindsell also said that records had home between eight and ten o'clock on their verdicts: "We recommend that in to test for possible gas, etc, it would been searched and there was no trace of July 25th. The man may possibly have cases where conditions in a mantole or have been sheer fooliness to have done any report of danger at this spot.
taken some, remedies of his own, which nulish are too dangerous for a safety so in this case," as they knew gas was, The enquiry was then adjourned. tit could have influenced his death.
lamp to be lowered that gas masks be there, and an explosion" would have Monday, September 20th.
(Continued at foot of next Column.) used by the coolies under supervision of|resulted.]
2.