Counsel Comments On Prison Detention Of Schoolboy
That it was a mistake to imprison a boy who was under 15 years of age was the opinion advanced by Mr A. J. Clifford, in a mitigation plea at the Criminal Sessions this morning when a student pleaded guilty before Mr Justice Reynolds to de- manding money with menaces.
Court Story Of Alleged. Kidnapping
Man Stands Trial
The story of an alleged kid- napping of the son of the owner of a lime kils at Lau Fan Shan village, Ping Bhan, New Terri- torles, on March 11 last was told by Mr. A. Hooton, Crown Counsel, when. Chan Tam-kam, 30, uh- -employed, appeared on trial before Mr Justice, Gould (Acting Chief Justice) at the Criminal Bessions this morning.
not in
Det. Insp, D. 11. Taylor sent for the Police.
empanelled The Jury
by Mr Mr Clifford, instructed CA, B, Runs was for accured and Mr W. A. Blair-Kerr (Assistant Crown Solicitor) was for the pro- Becution.
The accused sent a threatening! letter to Leung Chung of 88 Recla- mallon Street on June 12 demanding $200 on behalf of the "members of Ho the Tang Yeo Tong Society."
went to was arrested when ho collect the money,
Saying that the crime
result
Was the
of the boy breaking out from at home, | rigorous discipline Mr Clifford stated that if the Police had look
locked deeply into the case, the boy certainly would not have been
In
He was only 14 years prison.
not even 15 and some months old, years, and it was only in very ex- ceptional circumstances that boys of that age wore imprisoned.
any
OVER-STRICT PARENT
Не
For from laxity being the cause, the offence was committed through said Mr Clifford. aver-sirletness. The necused came from a very old Chan was charged, with others Hongkong family and as he was the with kidnapping only son, he had been treated with Slu Tak-stody..
with uttering a letter the greatest severity. His father demanding $5,000 with menaces; now realised he was too strict with and, with demanding $5,000 with the boy, who was never allowed slightest freedom. For the menaces for Slu's release,
Pales- Infringement he was beaten. Mr Hooton, who is from line, is appearing for the first time was never allowed to go out except as Crown Prosecutor in the Supreme in company and had no pleasures of his own. In fact, he was treated Court.
was prewith cruel strictness,
Clifford Mr
suggested that as the Included boy's family now realised what was wrong with their control, it would be best for him to be returned to them and be under the influence of Mr Hooton sold that on the good family. As he had been im- evening of March 11 Slu was work-prisoned by his mistake, His Lord- ing at his father's kiln when he ship should give the accused a beal- was approached by a stranger who ing and then allow him to go home. asked his way to the Ma Temple. Scuding him to prison, would only At this time another man appeared make a criminal out of him:
Mr Clifford produced a copy of the with a gun in his hand which was
birth certificate of the accused which pointed at Siu.. Under threat,
recorded his birth as being in Octo- the pistol, Siu was marched away recorder
ber 1033. At the time of the offence, in the direction of the Temple, ong man on either side of him. A short the boy was only 14 years and eight distance away they were joined by months and were it eight months three other men and the parly then earlier, he would never had been proceeded towards the nearby hills. brought to Court, Counsel added.
four women members
THE ABDUCTION
It was not alleged that accused was one of the two strangers who Arst appeareil, said Mr Hooton, but i was the Crown's allegation that he was one of the other three men who joined the original two abduc- tors.
FATHER'S ADMISSION
The boy's father gave evidence saying he was a fitter who owned several motor boats for business. He
in the Colony for more had been than 30 years and originally had four sons and three daughters of which Ho only the accused survived, A rope was then put around Stu's might have been too strict with the nock and he was taken to a cave accused, but he was of the old typa ordered to of family. Upon arrival, Stu was write a letter to his father to the
A school report showed that the was regular and effect that he was in danger, that a boy's attendance
discuss his marks good, although, he was meeting was to be held
that his father was not to fond of playing. ransom, report to th olice and that if the
Drawing attention to the depos!- money war fot pald within three
very hard with tions describing the behaviour of the Mr Binir- accused when arrested, days it would go him (the captive). Siu was again Kerr recalled that he denied know-
of having received the parcel taken away, after he had been where he blindfolded, to a house
of money and made a falso accusa- was kept a prisoner until March 23, tion against an innocent man. This at that his state of mind when, due to his guard falling
showed asleep, he escaped.
time and perhaps threw light on his development although he was sald to be 14 years.
ledge
THE HONGKONG, TELEGRAPII, WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 1948.
Cyclists Take Over Town
As townspeople watch from the relative safety of the sidewalk, three motorcyclists, whose sweaters rend "Boozefighters Motorcycle Club," stop for a beer on one of Riverside's main streets. More than 2,000 cyclists, in town for racing at a nearby track, took Forty-eight over and rode wildly about the streets. were guoled during the first two days of the July 4-5 Holiday spree. --- AP Picture.
Colony's New
PRO
The Telegraph learns un. officially that Covernment W. has
appointed Mr Gordon Harmon, who is act- ing British Consul in Pei- ping, as new Public Re- lations Officer in Hongkong.
Mr Harmori is expected to visit Hongkong this week to meet Mr K. W. Black- burne, CMG, OBE, Director of Information Services, Colonial Office, who arrives here during the weekend.
It is not known when Mr Harmon will take up his duties as Government PRO.
INADEQUATE FIRE
APPLIANCES
Ex-SMC Workers Seek Legal Aid
strations.
оп
ייי
Berliners Disappointed By "More Food" Rumour
Berlin, July 20-Berliners flocked to the city's Central Food Office today as soon as the newa spread that the Russians had offered 100,000 tons of food for all four sectors of the Ger- man capital, the Soviet-licensed Germlin news agency reported.
Most of then asked for potatoes, but the Food Office could tell them nothing "as the Soviet authorities have not yet issued detalled orders,” the
arency. (Observers
Ente
Moscow todas
thought the Russians would start sending food by air almost at once, Reuters reported).
An official British statement des- cribed the Soviet offer as "pure pro- paganda" and sald Britain and the United States would continue to supply food to the Western Sectors.
In London, the British, American on the and French representatives Committee which has been keeping a.close watch on the German situs- tion since the crisis broke out more than a month ago, today put the Russian move on their agenda as "a matter of first importance."
In Frankfurt, the three
three Western Military Governors, General Slr Brian Robertson, General Lucius Clay and General Pierre Koenig, met the Premiers of the 11 Western Ger man atatea to discuss their objections to the "London Plan."-Houter.
SOVIET REPORT
Soviet- Berlin, July 20.-The licensed German news agency re- ported tonight that the Russians contact" today have "established
Central Komunandatura German Economic.Commis- sion to draft regulations of supply- "the entire population" of Berlin with food.
with
The the
Ing
The plans will be announced in
The
a few days, the agency sald.
аренсу quoted the Soviet Information Bureau as saying that arrangements have been made es- pecially for the transportation and storage of perishable goods.
Provisions have also been made of the food
for the ention
distribution
Soviet sector,
of
the 50 that it could meet
the requirements of the entire pulation of Berlin,
DO-
These ra-
While General the
BACK PAY CLAIMS
A responsible officer of the Central Kommandatura stated that food and Shanghai, July 21.
The milk would be made available Executive Committee of the according to the increased rationa Shanghai Municipal Council as deelded upon by the Allied Kom-
mandatura on June 10. Foreign Employees Association tions were the only valid ties for is negotiating with a reputable the population of Berlin, he cald legal firm to handle their claims Reuter.
CLAY TO REPORT 20 for payment of their superan-
20 General Frankfurt, July nuation funds and pensions
Lucius D. Clay, United States Mill- against their employers, the tary Governor in Germany, was on former Shanghai Municipal his way by air to Washington to- Council.
day for consultation on the Berlin This move was decided
to crisis with State Department pacify tho growing clamour for offclais. action from the former Council An official statement by the employees and to deter them from United States Army Headquarters in holding demonstrations. It
was Europe raid that General Clay left learned.
for Washington on Tuesday evening According to a member of the and would return before the next the Minister Executive Committee, this is the scheduled meeting with
20." desperate resort which the Presidents on Monday, inst
of Committee could hit upon to ap-
cold war peaze the growing number of mem-key figures in the bers who are Insisting on demon- now entering its fifth week-was on Remarking that In case of an
his way to the United States capital, THREE-YEAR WAIT
11 German State Premiers of Tri- accident defendant might have cost the lives of everyone on board,
The foreign RANSOM NOTE
employees of the zonia, who today discussed their own. Mr Cairns fined a Junk master $200
former
International. Settlement's plans for Western Germany with the
Allied Going back to the morning after
occupation authorities, or two months at the Marino
Shanghai Mr Blair-Korr said it was not the
governing body the the alleged abduction, Mr Hooton)
Court this morning for failing to Municipal Council have been wait- given until Monday to frame their
final said that Slu's mother was passing practice of the Crown to check up
Bre Oghting requisito have the cuse
ing for nearly three years for pay- Political experts of the military the kiln where she found an envelope the birth register.
equipment and life saving ap-
ment of their dues which She took it to her husband the accused was examined by X-ray nearby.
paratus on his Jank. One and the report was that it was im-
Sub-Inspector Nippard reported who found two notes inside.
assumed through the Cairo Treaty, governments will moet the Premiers to tell whether ho was
by which the foreign powers gave neur Ruedeshelm tomorrow, mainly to try and effect a compromise on was the letter written by their son possible
10 the differences between the London and the other was from the kidnap under of over sixteen but that he that defendant had four
1inguishers Instead of five, 10 life-up, their extraterritorial rights
six-power decisions on Germany and pers, demanding a ransom of $5,000 was about 18.
TO BE GIVEN CANE
fow weeks, much the German modified plans drawn up the post which must be paid within three days.
A placa appointed for com-
There was a prevalence of Slu's father and
his life subject in the local press; with most
According to a communique munication between
There tinued Mr Blair-Kerr.
fire ex-writers emphasising the point that the kidnappers was indicated, with type of crime in the Colony, con- instructions that only one persona danger of bad characters, who i tinguisher, was unfit for use. Asked Britain and the Unlied States are hight, talks with the German leaders was to meet the abductors.
Siu's father then contacted his always on the lookout
and the latter means or agency to perpetrate this son's father-in-law
thair threatening lotters, deliver went to the appointed place the next type of crime, using young boyn morning. Under a bridge were ac- cused and another man, Mr. Hooton the accused were given too light
punishment. said. There was some discussion
Saying that it would be a pity to and finally, an offer of $1,000 was-
send the youth to prison although he made.
In the meantime, the Police who had pleaded guilty to a serious and were pursuing other Inquiries, de-all too prevalent crime, Mr Justice
be fined $75 or two weeks for a similar to tained accused on March 13. After Reynolds ordered eight strokes
the cane and the accused
There were no passengera personal intervention of Mayor K. C he had been cautioned he made a statement and four days later when kept in custody till the caning was offence. ho was formally charged with the carried out. kidnapping he made another state- ment, which would be produced in ovidence, Mr Hoolon concluded.
The trial is proceeding.
French Film Well
Received
The
In this
this
buoys instead of five.
fire ox-
There were
China
views
belts instead of 10, and two life londence has appeared on the by the Premiers.
no passengers on board.
Defendant stated thaţ was belts had rotted, and ond
ROBBED HIS UNCLE
ht
a
of
now.
any steps to have the belts renewed, defendant admitted he had not, bui would do 80
"And in the meantime," remarked Mr Cairns, "If there had been accident you might have cost lives of everyone on board."
SIMILAR CASE
SMC
their claims.
demonstrations Sporadic protest have been held by former employees during the past few year Last year, angry groups of ex-SMC workers blockaded the British Con- sulate General for two days, vowing they would not leave the compound until guarantees were forthcoming. they would be paid their The coxswain of a motor junk was that were dispersed only by the
very
the
were
to-
and
Sir General
Brian informal." Robertson, the British Commanding oficer, told the Germans they must decide now on any state boundary changes they wanted before the peace treaty.-Reuter,
Fatal First Flight
Paris, July 20-The prototype troop carrier--
OC-
but there was a crew of 20 and the Wu, who told them that Britain of a giant French life belts were inadequate in number. could not be held responsible, and designed to hold 134 passengers- Defendant stated that he had sent that China, in taking over the settle-crashed on its first test flight near
today, killing all five cupants. Reuter, some of his life belts to be repaired. ment, had also taken over the Coun- here
should Mr Cairns said he
have cil's assets and liabilities-Reuter. replaced them with spare anes. It
also Was
Mr important, Cairns added, that the fro pliances should be in order. The ilver of people depended on it. Defendant had no right to be under 20, way with anything less than the stipulated number of life saving for apparatus.
For stealing property belonging to his uncle, Chau Wing-cheong, unemployed, was sentenced to four
recommended good months and
banishment by Mr d'Almada International Central this morning.
King's Theatre had houses at all performances yester day when the triplo
film,
at
LICENCE NOT PRODUCED
Mysterious Cairo Explosion
from Haifa
London, July 20.--As Cairo was again visited by "un- Identified" aircraft today, Egyptian security forces were today investigating the explosion which killed four persons and Injured 17 in the Egyptian capital last night. Suggestions that it was caused by been stolen by Jews The master of a sampan WES Y prize
"La Symphonie Pas- Inspector Moran sald on July 10,
The Jewish Commander in Latrun torale," started its two-day run defendant went to his uncle's stall ained $10 or two days for failing to a land mine dropped from a plano when British troops were evacuat-
produce his licence when called were not confirmed, but the capital's Ing.
air raid sirens sounded and ack-ack show was gala at the Recreation Ground,
do The 9.30 pm.
80.. Sub-Inspector upon affair, and HE the Governor and wood Road, and stole a clock, an Lady Grantham attended.
electric fan, a hat, a pair of shoes Nippard reported that a licence was guns opened up an hour's intensive is said to be a former colonel in
found to have expired at the end explosion. The film based on a story by and $130. Only the clock and a produced some hours later, but was barrage within 15 minutes of the the British Lifeguards-Reuter
Gide,
of last month. Defendant said the licence was kept at home...
flet
won
Д
-
Holly-
to
SHOWING TO-DAY
KING'S
AIR-CONDITIONED
At 2.30, 5,15,
7.20 & 9.30 p.
PIERRE MICHELEM
UNE PRODUCTION
FILMS CIDE
THREE INTERNATIONAL
PRIZES AT THE FESTIVAL OF CANNES
ADOPTED FROM THE 'FAMOUS NOVEL OF"
ANDRE CIBE:
BLANCHAR
MORGAN
"LA SYMPHONIE PASTORALE”
AWARDED: First International prize for the bost
Actres Michala Morgan First, Intor- national Prize for the Bast French Film --La-Symphonic Pastoralo", First - Inter- national: Prize for, the Bost screen' music of George Aurio.
DIALOGUE IN FRENCH-ENGLISH SUB-TITLES” ALSO LATEST PATHE NEWS
ORIENTAL
AIR CONDITIONED
TAKE ANY EASTERN TRAM CAR OR HAPPY VALLEY BUS
ENJOY YOUR PICTURE IN COOL COMFORT FINAL SHOWING TO-DAY: 2.30-5.15-7.30-9.30 P.M. THE BEST COMEDY OF THE SEASON!
IF YOU LAUGH YOURSELF
SICK AT THIS PICTURE: SUE BOB HOPE!
BOB HOPE
SIGNE HASSO WM.BENDIX
Piedecall by PASL IGNES
Birected by SIGNEY LAWFIELD"
WHERE
THERE'S
LIFE
HU CLORCE COULDURISTIS
COMMENCING TO-MORROW:"ANNA KARENINA" -:-
SHOWING
TO-DAY
Cathay
Wanchai Road, Wanchal.
PAULETTE GODDARD RAY MILLAND
SHOWING TO-DAY
At 2.30, 5.30, 7.30 & 9.30 p.m.
Kotty
MITCHELL LEISEN
MAJESTIC
There's no
mystery about
this body!
COLUMBIA PICTURES presante
*
George Joan
.AT
2.30, 5.20, 7.20 & 9.20 p.m.
BRENT BLONDELL
THE CORPSE CAME C.O.D.
COMMENCING SATURDAY:
Eddio CANTOR
Joan DAVIS
in “IF YOU KNEW SUSIE”
They Answered the
PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS Call
FRANCE SEEKING the following fan were recovered.
Meanwhile, in the strife-torn Holy Andre
Festival Inst Defendant said he wanted to re-
Land, fighting continued on several
NEW PREMIER prizes at the Cannes.
fronts In spite of the Security Coun- year: best French film, best screen turn to Shanghai and he stole the
cil's determined order that all fight-
(Continued from Page 1) actress (Michelo Morgan) and best property in order to get money for
Took Cigarettes passage. His uncle refused to
Elve
ing should stop lest sanctions bo im- screen music.
posed on the "aggressor."
Roubert made up the Socialist dolo- The story deals with the con him any money.
of emotions engendered in a
Into Prison Complainant, Chan Ming-shun,
Brigadier Glubb Pasha, British galion.
President Auriol was expected to saintly pastor and a blind walf said he gave defendant money to
could
Copies of photographs taken For conveying 30 packets of Commander of the crock Arab Le whom he befriends when the latter go back to Shanghat several times,
cigarettes into glon, today toured front line posl- try to find a Premier who grows up and recovers, her sight. but on each occasion defendant Phillip Morris,
Socialists For the benefit of those who do not spent 1 and refused to go back to Stanley Prison, Henry Iteyes, 18, lons in the Judean Hills in view of reunite the "third force" coalition by the South China Morning
and Radical Socialists.
Under
Post and Hong Kong Telegraph understand French, English sub- Shanghal. Defendant also atole from warder No. 84, was sentenced to six Israeli forces only a few hundred of Popular Republicans,
tralyards away. him on several occasions.
months by Mr d'Almada at Central titles are provided.
this morning.
He inspected units in the Latrun Premier Schuman's leadership they Inspector Moran said defendant. area where the Legion commands had opposed the Communists. became
warder
at Stanley in July the road between Jerusalem and the left ant General Charles 1940. At 10 p.m. last night, Prin Tel-Aviv, and saw Legion fortifica- Gaulle's French People's Party on elpal Officer J. I MacTavish paid a lona at Latrun, which were hit by the right.
of the Indient surprise visit to the prison and on 180 shells during tank-supported M. Andrel Marlo was mentioned searching defendant, found the attack one hour before the truco asins the candidate
Socialists. Former Premier Paul cigarettes concealed in his stockings. the Jews tried to reopen the road.
Mr d'Almada, in refusing to give A six-pounder gun on the roof of Reynaud, an Independent Republi- defendant the option of a fine, said the fort knocked out one of the two can, figured also in the speculation. it was not the, Orst of its kind, Cromwell tanks reported to haveAssociated Press.
FOR OUTBACK COOKS WANTED Sydney, July 20-The Grazier's allow Chinese entry Into Australia Federal Council is taking for Italian under the White Australia polley. immigrants as cooks on the big At their 70th convention, in pufback sheep and cattle stations. Sydney they suggested that the Italians take an army cooking course The Council sald today it would in Australia, and a course in garden- prefer Chinese, but, Immigration Ing, before going to the stations, Minister Arthur Chiwell would not United Press.
-de
on Staff Photographers are on view
in the Morning Post Building,
ORDERS BOOKED.
Have
You?
Send your donation to
the
HONGKONG WAR MEMORIAL
FUND
Hon. Treasurers
Löwe, Bingham & Matthews Marcantile Bank Bldg.
Page 5Page 6