K 19-
SPECIAL EVENTS.
1. GENERAL.
The peaceful condition of the neighbouring province of Kwangtung during the year 1928 and the increasing use of troops for the repression of pirates and bandits was reflected in Hong Kong by a notable absence of interruptions to normal trading. Although there was an appreciable increase in serious crime, that increase was almost entirely due to larceny. Murder and robbery showed no appreciable change from 1927. The most notable murder during the year was that of Mr. Li Hysan on the 13th April, 1928. In this case no arrest was made in spite of diligent inquiries by the Police.
2. PIRACY.
The effect of the fate meted out to the S.S. "Irene" pirates in October, 1927, continued to be felt during the early part of the year. In April, 1928, pirates again became active and captured the S.S. 'Hsinwah' belonging to the China Merchants S.S. N. Co. This outrage was followed on the 29th May by the piracy of the British steamer S.S. "Tean", which was captured while lying at anchor in Hoihow Bay. Finally, on September 30th, the British steamer, S.S. "Anking" was pirated while on her way from Singapore to Hong Kong. Repeated representations to the Chinese Authorities at Canton failed to produce any adequate response until after the piracy of the S.S. 'Anking', when troops and warships were dispatched to the Bias Bay neighbourhood. Since that time troops have been stationed constantly in that area and Chinese gunboats have maintained an intermittent patrol of Bias Bay waters, and it has thus become more difficult for pirates to take a captured ship back to their headquarters with any degree of safety.
3. POLITICAL.
Following the defeat of the Communists in Canton in December, 1927, there was a great decrease in anti-foreign agitation during the year. Anti-Japanese feeling made itself felt in Hong Kong during May, 1928, in the form of shop-window breaking and street oratory. This agitation was never very strong and rapidly collapsed. During the year, Canton Authorities devoted attention to the suppression of undesirable labour activities, and throughout the year maintained a friendly attitude towards the British in Hong Kong.