127
Rule 6 of Table 'M' of the Ordinance prescribes that the Col-
lision Regulations shall be observed by all vessels and penal-
ties are provided for a breach of such regulations in sub-
section 4 of section 41 of the Ordinance.
4.
The incident between the "Wingchai" and
"Ying King* arose out of rivalry between the two vessels,
which were at the time running between Hongkong and Macan with
passengers. I am informed that on the day in question the two
vessels, practically raced over from liacao and the object of
the breach of the rule of the road on the part of those in
charge of the "Wingchai' was to prevent the "Ying King",
was the over-taking vessel, from passing the "Wingchai" and
reaching Hongkong first.
which
The manoeuvre of the "Wingchai" was a most
dangerous one and might have resulted in collision and serious
loss of life.
འ
#
As you have pointed out if Captain Bell
Smith felt himself aggrieved at the Marine Magistrate's deci-
sion his proper course was to appeal against it. There can
have been no such difficulties as the Merchant Service Guild
refer to in his doing 30, for the Wingchai" being engaged in
local trade was daily in this port. Moreover, the owners of
the vessel deprived Captain Bell Smith of his command 3 days
after the case was decided and Captain Bell Smith has remained
in the Colony where he is now employed as a licensed Pilot.
I may add that Captain Barnes Lawrence
states that at the trial he informed the Master of the "Wing-
chai" that it would in any circumstances avail him nothing to
endeavour to fasten the responsibility on the pilot he had
6.
with
h