LOSS OF THE FONTAINEBLEAU.
OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE RECENT FIRE.
ALLEGATIONS OF DISPUTE AND FIGHTING DENIED,
The Agent of the Compagnie de Messageries Maritimes in Hongkong has received the following account of the fire which occurred ов
the Fontainebleau from one of the passengers on board. As will be seen the statements made in the reports first published that these disputes between members of the crew and a öght accompanied by revolver shots are emphatically refuted.
The passenger writing to the Message ries Maritimes agent, in Shanghai, says: Consequent upon ούτ 'conversation respecting the destruction by fire of the 8.9. Fontainebleau, I consider it an agreeable duty, in view of the malicious reports of the Singapore Press with which you acquainted me, to confirm here under in writing the account of the disaster rendered to you verbally and of which you may make such use as you think best:-
After a voyage which proceeded until then very normally we began to experi- ence two days niter having left Suez, when we were half way through the Red Sea, a temperature which was exception ally trying and from which we suffered until reaching Djibouti.
On the 12th of July, about 1 p.m. or about two hours before arriving at the above port, an intense heat was report- ed from the No. 2 spardeck in which were accommodated passengers of the French Army and Navy. Soon after, it was found tint a fire had brokên out in the No hold Inimediately measures were taken to combat the fire with steam. Ahout 3 p.m. when the steamer was anchored in the Port of Djibouti and when the Company's Agent came on board things looked only like a small hold fire. At that time nobody could evidently imagine the future developments of the accident. However, the passengers were informed by the Captain of the Fontaine- bleau that he could not fix the date of her departure and that she. would have to remain in port fer at least 5-6 days.
Upon receipt of such advice and in view of the fact that under the cireum- stances the sojourn on board did not offer much comfort, practically, all passengers -hurried on shore in order to secure rooms in the few hotels existing in that port. The majority took their cabin luggage ith them. I noticed on that occasion, and I insist on this point in order to refute the malicious allegations referred to above, that the removal of the luggage was carried out in the usual way by the hotel conlies assisted by the stewards of:
the steamer.
The Sighting of the fire proceeded mean while normally under the supervision of: the Captain and the ship's Officers and with the assistance of the French soldiers and sailors who had volunteered to help the crew. All the frehouses were direct- ed upon the fire, the inen taking turns with the greatest order and calmness. A dense smoke was coming out of the hold which was carried aft by a very strong wind.
The situation seemed to improve. to- wards 10 p.m. and it looked as if the fire had been brought under control. The flooding of the held continued with the i result of a heavy list to starboard. About 10.30 p.m. the steamer righted itself a little but, only to incline soon after, more and more towards the right.
Still the situation did not seem to warrant any grove apprehensions until 1a.m. when the wind became more violent and the fire became more intense. The fight against the elements proceeded without weakening. However at 3 a.m. the Captain considering the situation as having become eritical decided upon the evacuation of the Inst, remaining passer- In order to avoid any possible gers. panic he advised the passengers to put their Ingaze on the big lighter which was lying alongside the ship and on which the heavy trunks and a certain nuinber of mail bags had already been discharged. The passengers hastened to follow this advice, 20 minutes later the situation became still more critical: the fire had invaded the second, class smok ing room whereas the wind grew stronger every moment, thereby endangering the accommodations of the first and second class passengers. Then the Captain. gave the official order to evacuate the steamer and instructed, the chief steward to ins- pect every cabin so na to ranke sure that all passengers had left. He also gave the order to blow the whistle, as is cus tomary when a ship has to be abandoned "(several long blaets).
When the Chief Steward had reported that more passengers were remaining, on board, the order to evacuate was given to the personnel of the restaurant, thence to the men in the engine room and soON after an order for general evacuation was given, as the superhuman efforts of the crew and of the French soldiers and sailors could be of no further avail.“ Only the Captain and the ship's Officers remained atill on board.
Very soon after, however, seeing that any further effort would be useless the Officers and then the Captain, evacuated the Fontainebleau, but remained in the vicinity of the steamer on board of a tug hoping that the wind would calm down and permit them to resume their efforts. At 8.30a.m. the fire seemed actually to wenken and the Captain" and the Officers returned on board to make a last attempt; however their hopes were vain and-15 minutes later the fire redoubled in violence compelling the Captain and the officers to leave the ship. All hope to save the steamer was now definitely
THE
HONGKONG SHIPPING.
SLIGHT INCREASE IN HONGKONG FREIGHT.
BUT STILL POOR RETURNS,'
HONGKONG DAILY PRESS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER · 22ND
There was a slight improvement with regard to Hongkong cargo recorded in yesterday morning's shipping statament, but the returns were still poor. Hong- kong cargo increased by nearly 1,000 tons, compared with the returns of the previous day; but freight for ports be- yend again showed a decrease, going down by over 2,000 tons. Two British vessels brought one-third of the Hong- kong freight, and carried nearly half that for ports beyond.
TONNAGE AND NATIONALITIES.
The tonnage figures were as under:- Total: 27,13 tons; British vessels: 7,814 tons; Other vessels: 19,309 tons.
At 9 Am. yesterday there were 34 vessels in the harbour, of which 22 were British. During the previous twenty- four hours eleven vessels arrived, vi, three British, one French, one American, two Dutch, two Japanese and two Chi- nese. Departures during the same period, came to fourteen, P., one Japanese for Tsingtao,, one British for Balikpapan, one American for San Pedro, one Dutch and one British for Shanghai, one Chi nese for Sha U Chung, two British for i Singapore, one British and one Chinese far Amoy, one Dutch for Takao, one Japanese for Hongay, one American for Manila and one French for Kwang Chow Wan. There were seven clearances, ri, two Japanese für Singapore, three Bri tish for Amoy, one Japanese for Shang- hai and one Japanese for Takao,
CARGO ENTERED,
(For the 4 hours.ended at 9 a.. yesterday),
... 4,909 tons.
7,910 31
For Hongkong For ports beyond
--
Total
.12,888
>
(For the previous 24 hours ended at 9 am on Monday). For Hongkong
3,914 tons. For ports beyond........17,568
Total
x1
....21,462 39
vessels, numbering two, brought 1,650 Of the cargo for Hongkong, British tons, the best return being 1,050 tons. Of the remaining 3,250 tons in vessels of other nationalities, the best return was 160 tons of coal and general cargo. With regard to freight for ports beyond, Two British vesseli carried 3,348 tons between them, of which one steamer car- ried 3.188 tons. Of the remaining 4.631 stone steamer under another ag carried 3,360 tona..
THE ARRIVALS
143
The arrivals for the twenty-four hours
9 Bu yesterday were ended at under:-
Helenus (British) from Yckohama and
Shanghai with one coal
and 3,199 tons of general cargo for ports. beyond: Sunning (British) from Shanghai and Amoy with 1,050 tone of general
cargo; Glenfalloch (British) from Penang and Hoihow with 600 tons of gen- eral cargo and 150 tons for ports beyond';
Hanoi (French) from Haiphong and
Fort Bayard with 300 tons of coal and general cargo;
Standard Arrow (American) from New York and San Pedro with e, ni entry;
Fan Cloon (Dutch) From Belawan Deli
**
and Singapore with 608"tons of general cargo and 50 tons for ports beyond; Tisgroen (Dutch) from Shanghal with four tons of general cargo and 821 tons for porta beyond;
Tangu Muru (Japanese) from Yoko- hama and Shanghai with 180 tons of general cargo and 3,560 tons for ports beyond;
Kohoku Maru (Japanese) from Tükao
and Keelung with 1,500 tons of conl and 360 tons of general cargo (tran- shipment for ecriaus porta); Wing Wa (Chinese) from Kwang Chew
Wan with 200 tons of general cargo;
Sui Fik (Chinese) from Sha U Chung with 23 picula of general cargo and fruit.
LATER ARRIVALS.
L
the above returns, were as under:
Later arrivals, too late for inclusion in Clydebank (British). from New York and Iloilo with 150 tons of general cargo and 70 tons for ports be- Fond;
• Springbank (British) from New York
and Takau Bar with a nil entry; Hop Sang (British) from Tsingtau and Foochow with 250 tons of general Glenople (British) from Vladvistock
cargo;
and Shanghai with 'n nil entry for Hongkong, but beans and ten for porta beyond;
Kama Maru (Japanese) from London and Singapore with 943 tons of general cargo and 5,043 tons for porta beyond;" Tonjer (Norwegian) from Chinwang-
tao with coal.
Practically all passengers, including
Daily Press Cricket Competition.
Selecting the Hongkong
Interport Team.
Series B Coupons.
*
THE DAILY PRESS CRICKET COMPETITION TO-DAY ENTERS
UPON ITS SECOND STAGE.
V
ין
FROM TO-DAY UNTIL OCTOBER 6th A SERIES B COUPON WILL
BE PUBLISHED IN EACH ISSUE OF THE FAPER. TWENTY MORE CHANCES ARE GIVEN IN THIS SERIES OF
SELECTING THE CORRECT TEAM. FOR EACH CORRECT" NAME GIEN ONE AND A HALF POINTS WILL BE REGISTERED.
ALL LISTS IN SERIES B MUST REACH THE DAILY PRESS "
OFFICE BY OCTOBER 7th
PROSPECTS OF WINNING.
"
THE MAXIMUM POINTS WHICH CAN BE SCORED IN THIS "
COMPETITION 15/990. EXPERTS CONSIDER THAT THE FIRST PRIZE WILL BE WON BY A TOTAL OF NOT MORE THAN 330:
IN SERIES BALONE 930 POINTS CAN BE SCORED BY A COMPETITOR WHO CHOOSES THE CORRECT TEAM AND GIVES THIS CORRECT TEAM IN HIS FULL TWENTY LISTS. IT IS, THEREFORE, NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN IN THE COMPETI-
TION" IN THE SECOND ROUND.
ONE LIST, ACCOMPANIED BY TWENTY COUPONS," WILL BE AS TWENTY LISTS AND WILL BE MARKED JUDGED
ACCORDINGLY.
First Prize
Second Prize
Third Prize
Prizes.
$200
60
25
In the very unlikely event of a tie these prizes will be divided.
Rules.
Lists must strictly conform to the following rules:
Each must have a special coupon attached and be signed with a nom-de-plume, Initials of the selected players must be given Where more than one player may bear the same name, full and correct initials only will score points,
The competitor's name must not be written on the selected list, but must be sent separately in the same envelope with that list. Envelopes should be marked "Cricke: Competition." The names and addresses will be retained by the Editor. The lists only will be handed to the Judge.
The fudge, therefore will be aware of the nom-de-plume only of each of the com- petitors. More obvious pars Wicket" "Willow," "Stamped," etc., should be avoided to save duplication. Moreover, it is hereby notified that any ose using the name R. Abbit „will be promptly disqualified. It is already dedicated.
Coupon
HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
Series B,
Cricket Competition.
September 22nd, 1926.
VEREENIGDE NEDERLANDSCHE
SCHEEPVAART-MAATSCHAPPIJ. (UNIZED NETHERLANDS NAVIGATION CO.)
HOLLAND-OOST AZIE LIJN
(HOLLAND EAST ASIA" LINE).
NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES.
FROM AMSTERDAM, ROTTERDAM,HAM- BURG, BREMEN AND GENÇA.
THE Steamakip
THE
"OUDERKERK (10)*
from the abova porta, having arrived Consignees of Cargo by her as notified that all Goods are being landed at their risk into the hazardous and/or extra-hazarions. Godowns of the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co., Ltd, whence and/or from the wharves, Delivery may be obtained.
Goods not cleared by the 37th September, 1926, will be
be subject to fent
All broken, chafed and damaged Packages are to be left in the Godewas, where they will be examined on the 26th September, 1926, st 10am, by Messrs. Goddard and Douglas.
Claims against the Steamer must be Presented in writing within ten days after arrival of Steamer, otherwise they will not by recognized
No Fire Insurancs' will be affected, by the Undersigned in any case whatever.
Bill of Lading will be countersigned by
JAVA CHINA-JAPÄN LIJN,”
General Agenta. Hongkong, 20th September, 1926. 13991
SHIPPING MOVEMENTS.
The B.I... Tilawa will leave for
even those who lost part of their luggage Singapore, Penang and Calcutta to-day
lost.
I deem it my duty to emphatically of personal effects, are unanimous with (Wednesday) about 2 p.m. refute the allegations respecting a disme in recognizing, that on this tragic pute said to have taken place between the members of the crew, as also regard ing a 5ght accompanied by revolver shots and the wilful and prolonged going out of the electric lights, all of which be jongs to the domain of the most wild imagination or of
bad faith. ." (Continued on neit column.)
occasion everything went as well as could. The m.v. Japan (Swedish East Asiatic have been hoped and even beyond their Co., Ltd.), left Rotterdam on September own expectations. Discipline, calmness 19th, and is due to arrive here, on or and order never ceased to reign and my about October 20th. impression (which is not a purely personal The m.v. Sumatra (Swedish East Asia one) is that the French Marine, bas, once tie Co., Ltd.), left Antwerp on September more, been up to its reputation and 19th, and is expected to arrive bére on worthy of the tradition of its past, Lar about October 20th.
S.S.
1926
FOR CANTON.
THE INDO-CHINA S. N. CO., LTD.'S
CHEONGSHING" (Tons 1989)
NOW READY TO RECEIVE CARGO, AT
WEST POINT WHARF
WILL" SAIL FOR CANTON ON
FRIDAY, the 24th inst.
Returning SUNDAY, the 26th inst.
Cargo
Cargo and Pa-sengers will be carried at Current Rates. can be landed into Company's Godown at Canton and Storage arranged at Favourable Rates and "Reasonable Protection given. Special Facilities for Delivery of Cargo. ex-Godown...
For further particulars, Apply to
3969]
JARDINE, MATHESON & CO., LTD.
General Managers. INDO-CHINA-8. N. Co., LTD.
ASAHI
BEER
SPECIALLY, BREWED FOR/EXPORT
DAI NIPPON BREWERY CO.
LIMITED.
TOKYO JAPAN
SOLE AGENTS.
MITSUI BUSSAN KAISHA:
THE NEW FRENCH LIKNOT THERAPION No. 1 THERAPION" No. 2 THERAPION Nơ &
Mo, 1 fær Bladder Chahuert. Wo. s for Blood à Dhia Diamant, 20, 2 for Doronie WALSHA, KES TU KMANS U ODNOSIS PLACE BY MARLATI, 14, DE, ŽE OLAN
Henstock Bd., K.**, London, on Mas Prox 30, Benza de XuOSTILE GUY SE 43
VESSELS EXPECTED,
HONGKONG
Emperes of Asin (C.P.R.), due October
th. Nyanza (P., & O.), due to-day, about 5
p.m.
Tulma (B.I. & Apear), due to-morrow,
about a.m.
LTD.
'J[59
MARTIN'S
PILLS
APIOL & STEEL
Sure and certain for all Female complaints.Every lady should keep a box in the house.
Chemists and Stores sell them throughout the world. Proprietor: MARTIN, Chemist, Southampton, Kaginë,
THE HONGKONG & WHAMPOA DOCK CO, LTD.
TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS. "MANIFESTO, HONGKONG,
CODE USED AI, A.B.C. Fifth Edition: Engineering First and Second Editiors Western Union' and Watkin's, Benson's, Marconi,
Dock Owners, Ship Builders, Marine and Laud Engineers, Boiler Makers, Iron and Brass Founders, Forge Masters, Electricians.
S.S.
CHANGTE.
BUILT AND ENGINED AT KOWLOON DOCKS BY THE HONGKONG & WHAMPOA DOOK 00., LTD, TO TH
#
ORDER OF THE AUSTRALIAN-ORIENTAL LINE, LTD., 705 AUSTRALIAN-HONGKONG SEVICE), Please address enquiries to the Chief Manager,
R. M. DYER, B.Sc., MI.NA KOWLOON DOUE, HONGKCES