|
ships to the American flag. He is also believed to have helped in coaling and provisioning the German
178
cruisers then in these watera. He unwisely returned to Hongkong and is now a prisoner of war.
Mr. Bune comparatively recently acquired about a half share in two vessels flying the british flag. vir. "Devawongse" and "ihranang" which were engaged in the local trade, The price paid for each vessel was about £8,000. They have now been sold to a byndicate of Hongkong Chinese for $200,000. (£17,500) each. Carlowits & Co. Looked upon as one of the most dangerous firms. Correspondence shows they have information about the movements of the British leat
shortly before the war and were no doubt in close touch with the German officials. This probably will account for the fact that when war did break out they had
comparatively small stocks in tongkong. These are now
being liquidated.
un the outbreak of hostilities .r. Charles Rayner,
a former partner, who had retired from the firm for some
time previously, returned to China and opened agencies
in Thanghai, Canton and longkong. He is registered as & Eritish subject
When .r. kayner first opened business in Hongkong
he employed a man of Austrian (or possible German)
origin, who had previously been engaged as a clerk in
the italian consulate, inter he put in a man secured from
another German fim in vanton. Loth these men were
rejected by the "ongkong Government.
a it was known .r. hayner was doing a good business in Canton, following up carlowitz's business,
the