1924-03-29 — Page 6

SATURDAY MARCH 29, 1924

PIRACY PREVENTION

PROBLEM.

«TAI LEE” INQUEST VERDICT. JURY PUTS PLAIN MAN'S VIEW Important Recommendations Made

+

THE CHINA MAIL.

loer deck grilles were left open

when the ship was leaving. Work Moon, and it seems that all the ship's revolvers were

the Tai Lee was docked after

the typhoon last year, from a locked drawer in the Captain's

cabin. We consider this care-

lessness. These revolvers were of the same calibre as those used

PIRACY EVIL:

HONGKONG PREVENTIVE

MEASURES.

HOW THE CONVOY SYSTEM WORKS.

DOUGLAS STEAMERS.

ANNUAL MEETING THIS MORNING.

YOU'

The forty-frst ordinary general meeting of the Douglas Steamship Co, Ltd. was held this morning at the offices of the general managers,

by the pirates, as shown by the To combat the piracy evil, Messrs. Douglas, Labralk and Co.,

bullet extracted from the body of British soldiers Captain. Willox. We think that machine guns general air of slackness on board.steamers. The. dodgers were not closed? Why?

In giving their verdict at the Magistracy yesterday afternoon, the Coroner's jury which has been investigating the death of Capt, the pirates knew that there was a carried on some of the river. G. G. Mackie and, W. E. Clarke | J. Willex, formerly master of the river steamer "Tai Lee," who was shot when pirates seized his ship, made a number of important recommendations which, as indicating the plain man's view of the piracy prevention problem, should prove a useful contribution to

"

the subject.

GWILDS” ATTITUDE,

Mr. Hind's Address."

Better Conditions for Officers, With regard to your Worship's question as to the conduct of the ship's complement, we say that the the request of the Commander-in-ship's European complement ap Chief. The memorandum was as follows Piracy Regulations-We heard a good deal of evidence as to whether grilles, etc, were kept locked. The old Regulations faid down many Rules as to grilles but omitted to say anything should be kept locked. The fact that a similar omission has been made in the new Regulations and not so

bond. The conditions

The

under

a

them.

with Lewis 20 Des Voeux Road. Mr. H. PE are now being White presided and supporting him were Messrs D.G.M. Bernard, (Consulting Commities), and Mr. CL Farmer (Secretary), Among the shareholders present were:- Messrs G. P. Lammert, E. A. Abraham, Chan Yu-ching, Lam Kin-chor, AA. Alves, S. T

GIL Williamson, J. E. Gomes and F. T.

*

A

In presenting the annual report, the Chairman said

As stated in the report both || Haiching" and " Halhong"hayề each undergone an extensive over- haul during the half year the cost

be required in the way of repairų working account of the steamers, and it is anticipated that little will for the next year or two,

:

Steamers leaving Hongkong at night for Canton proceed to Cap- sui-mun where they wait for a short time for the Steamboat Co.'s vessel which leaves at ten. Belog the fastest ship in the convoy this boat takes up a position at the pear to have given in on the first tail-end and keeps behind during warning of pirates on board. They the whole trip. On reaching Cap

The report and accounts, which did not seem either willing or sui-mun about thirty-five to forty anxious to assist in suppressing minutes from the wharf, rocket:

having been in your hands. for convoy.proceeds together. The hearing of evidence was

them. Not being armed, this was signals are exchanged, and the cover a period of six months only, It is impossible, however, Eight privates in charge of some time, I wilt, with your non-com." board the s.s. Permission take them and the completed earlier in the week and

doubtless the only course open to

Lungshan" and "Fatshan" on auditors report, as read, and I when the inquiry was resumed

the figures presented as satis yesterday Mr. W. B. Hind, on

10 call upon them to defend their à unless they are engaged upon bet-alternate nights. The system for trust that shareholders will accept factory: taking into consideration behalf of the China Coast Officers

ships under these circumstances

as is identical except that all ships leave the continued disorganized politi Guild and the Marine Engineers

British Masters that port at 5 p.m. and the convoycal condition of China which it is Guild of China brought forward a far corrected does not seem greatlyter terms of service and given such the down-trip from Canton, is

exercised by

We gradually disperses on reaching regretted shows no signs of ships. number of points which he said to the credit of those concerned. control over their ships

British over

beitenment, and that trade he had been instructed to mention. The new Regulations, however,

The Kongmoon run, which now, Chiefly Mr. Hind's address was a cover many of the points where are strongly of the opinion that the Castle Peak Bay. recapitulation of the points made the old one failed-notably no present terms of engagements, ter- by the Guilds in their recently passengers within the grilled area minable at 24 hours notice, does boasts almost as many vessels as consequently has been of a fitful

number of

competitors is increas published correspondence with the of the bridge proper protection not conduce to efficiency. We the Canton service, is accorded and uncertain nature, while the

think that H.E the Governor aimilar protection. Here the troops

tingkat Government. It was the opinion to the engine-room, etc. of the builds, he said, that the evidence has shown that none of should call upon the Harbour are placed on the "Tai Lee" and On Lee" respectively, one of system of Indian guards was quite the officers carried arms. This Master to put forward such re- useless and that the responsibility is in defiance of Regulation commendations for the improve theselships taking the last position "On Lee" is in dock for protection against pirates 32, about which there can be nment of conditions of service as in each night's convoy. should be transferred from the question. The omission readers will permit of capable officers being present, the

the owners liable to forfeit $5,000 employed. It is impossible to get and troops are not posted on ships of which has been debited to the police anthorities to the Navy.

Coroner Sums Up Summing up, the Coroner (Mr. which officers are called upon to efficient officers to serve in these dying the Chinese flag. The same

able rates of pay and unless pro- from Kongmoon: R. E. Lindsell) said he had already serve in these ships are such that ships unless they are given suit steps are taken on the down-trip informed the Jury that their main the ordinary cleanliness, discip vision is made in case of death or It is stated that no troops have function was to determine the line, and efficiency of a British disablement. We think that, pos- been sent to the Wuchow steamers cause of death of Capt. Willex. ship cannot be maintained by sibly, if the rockets, etc., had been yet owing to the ships sailing at That death was due to shock as the them. The fact that they are on ready in position for firing some different times and the resulting system on this run. Measures are have been given. result of bullet, wounds, and that 24 hours agreement makes their those wounds were inflicted by one position so insecure..that many do warning call for assistance might difficulty of organising the convoy

There is much conflicting however, being considered.

Mention should be made that the 5.5. "Tai Lee," the Jury, he command over the ships, which evidence as regards the Chinese or more of the gang that pirated not take any trouble to exercise thought, could not doubt. If that are entirely in the hands of pilot, members of the crew, but the fact the complement of Indian, guards was their finding then they could boatswain and compradore. It is bring in a verdict of wilful murder. impossible to expect the condi- that several were seen during the is still borne by each, ship in The Coroner pointed out that every lions outlined above to attract piracy fully armed and assisting addition to having troops on the member of the gang was guilty of men capable of carrying out the the pirates and were missing from mother ship" of each convoy. murder if, in effecting their com- Regulations, or by their personal the ship after the pirates left the of since, points to some of them by, any one of them. There was unpopular with pirates. At pre being involved. We are not at all mon purpose, anyone was killed influence of rendering their ships vessel and have never been heard some evidence that the bo'sun sent the owners regard British impressed with the evidence of and his assistant, and possibly Officers as a necessary evil which the ship's carpenter and pilot, but other members of the crew were in must be made to cost as little as seems evident that the bo'sun direct collusion with the pirates. possible and they will not hesitate and assistant bo'sun were involved If the Jury were satisfied on to dismiss a good man who does

ringleaders.. could return not fail in with their ideas, and to and that the bo'sun was one of the. that point they

verdict against them and put in his place anyone from We understand that the owners

front water

who will

are under a $5,000, bond to carry to take less other persons unknown, or if the

agree privately

out the Piracy Regulations. 1 not satisfied they could return a

the going to enforce verdict of murder by persons on ages than the Guild rate.

Referring to subsidiary consider that on board the s.s. the Goverment is case, is known.

We recommend that issies, he invited the Jury in the "Tai Lee" there was no attempt the Govern first place to make any remarks at discipline and command the the Government should enforce they desired as regards the search- European Officers. That

Indian Guarda ing of the "Tai Lee" and of the officers were neither prepared to

With regard to the Indian passengers on board prior to sail-resist piracy or mutiny, nor capable ing on this particular occasion and of doing so; that had they been

their duty, but that the present the Regulations. any recommendation: as to search willing to take command of their guards, we consider that they dild system of employment is unsatis. ing of all such river steamers in ship and see general. The Jury had seen for efficiently carried out they would factory. The Captain should have themselves the way in which the have received no encouragement more control over the guards who searching was conducted on the from their owners, and probably at present are almost entirely wharves, and in the case of the have rendered themselves liable under the Captain Superintendent "Tai Lee" they must remember it to summary dismissal; that unless of Police. Finally, we feel very was probable that the arms were the owners are deprived of their strongly that compensation should concealed on board by members of bond for breaches of the Regula- be made to the dependants of the crew. Secondly, the Jury must tions under the Ordinance they Captain Willux.

to keen good officers. Unless pay pass judgment on the observance will never find it worth their while of the anti-piracy, regulations conditions and compensation are which were in force in January made attractive, good officers can last. The evidence had, to his not be expected to stay in river mind, established that three, at steamers. Unless you have good "least, of these regulations were not officers in river steamers you will never get Regulations carried out. observed, namely:

*

or

otherwise in

this

case

Regulation 16, which required all equipment in the way of rockets flares, etc., and. frearms and ammunition to be readily access ble at all times;

Regulation 32, which required every officer to carry firearms at all times when his ship was in the danger zone; and

the bond...

Jury's Rider.

As

That, your Worship, covers all we have to say with regard to the questions put before us but we have rider we should like to put for We consider, that the Govern ward at the same time. It is the opinion of the Comman-ment Anti-Piracy Regulations, if combined owners and officers of the ships, der-in-Chief that the Regulations conscientionsly carried out by the are sufficient when with efficient police measures and will only help to lessen the danger Co-operation on the part of the and that more effective measures necessary, We notice in passing officers to put a stop to piracy. of dealing with the question are

The Verdict.

WOUND UP.

LAUD RECLAMATION "CO.

LTD.

The New Steamer. The new steamer "Hai-Ning" will be soon in commission, and, satisfactory addition to the Con pany's feet, She is 315 feet in we fully expect will prove a very

length and 46 feet beam, and has accommodation for over 40 first

accommodation for 32 second class. class passengers, in commodious

passengers in a deck house aft, while her exceptionally lofty and two-berth staterooms amidships

airy tween decks, will render her a favourite with deck passengers; in addition, she. will have higher speed than in usual in steamers of her size, while her hull being com posed of iron is better calculated to resist the effects of corrosion, than if built of steel..

The accounts call for no special The resolution for the voluntary winding up of the Company and the comment, and I. trust you will appoint of M, L. S. Greenhill as approve of the proposed distribu Liquidation which was adopted at tion of profits, and also of our con the Hongkong Laud Reclamation quake Fund. in extraordinary general meeting of tribution to the Japanese Earth The amount written off as De Company, Ltd., held on March 14 was confirmed at a further extra-preciation represents 4% for the ordinary general meeting of the half year,being the amount allowed Company held nt the, offices of under the Company's Articles Mesers. Jardine, Matheson and Co. of Association; namely 8% par Ltd. this nosening,

STEALING FLOWERS:

Stealing. dower, known as Mog. nolia Fuscate from the Protestant unusual charge preferred against Cemetery at Happy Valley was the

annum on the book value less the amount of the reserve fund. **

Prospects of this Year, Regarding prospects for the current year; in the pressat un- settled state of affairs in the Far East an element of uncertainty must always exist, but I can mate time are satisfactory.. the ades that earnings, up to the present

adop

The report and accounts were PA

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sell at the Police Court this morn- tion of the Report and Accounts, as presented, and after this has ing.

The Superintendent of the Nota-been seconded, will be pleased to nical and Forestry Department answer any questions shareholders by a watchman "but they started stated that defendants were warned may desire to ask, picking the flowers again as soon as

Lammerta Defendants who pleaded they. It was proposed by Mr. William- his back was turned. were now comers, were mulcted son and seconded by Mr. Gomes, that. Messrs. D. G. M. Bernard, W.3 Clarke and C. G. Mackie be re-elected, as Consulting Com fines of $3.cach

mittee for the current year.K It was, proposed by Mr. that in the Regulations no men importance. We think that the The members of the jury, tion is made that the grilles be present system of military patrols Abrahams that Messrs. Lowe kitthews and B. Messrs H. R. Hancock locked. We are strongly of the in force on one boat of a convoy Bingham Regulation 52, which required (foreman), F. A. Perry and opinion that where ships officers are might be extended to each boat. Messrs. Linstead and Davis be grilles at the entrance to the A. F. B. Silva Netto, declined the wounded or killed in repelling Finally, we recommend the elected auditors for the currant engine rooms, etc., to be kept Coroner's invitation to retire and attack.provision for their depend strengthening of the service of year at a remuneration of $500. per locked at all times when the ship had evidently come prepared with ants must be made. One of the Naval patrols in the Canton annum each. Seconded by Mr.

most important points to be con-delta, and that all passenger ships Gill, AT MAKES was in the danger, zone, and no their verdict

As to the cause of death, Mr sidered is that of search which, sailing/out of Hongkong must be access to be possible thereto except

Hancock said the jury's verdict though at present carried out as provided with wireless and carry from the bridge deck.

The other regulations then in was one of wilful murder against efficiently as circumstances permit, at least one efficient wireless

have been the boatswain, assistant boatswaipis in our opinion totally inadequate force appeared to

to deal with the situation: Some operator p

The Coroner: This concludes observed. In this connection, the and persons unknown. Coroner called the attention of the Mr. Hancock went on to say that new scheme, such as a central de the enquiry, and I thank you for Jury to the fact that the owners of the jury's answer to the Coroner's pot where a far larger staff must the careful and kind attention you every steamship that plied within question "Was the police search be employed, and where more have given to t the danger zone had to enter into efficient?" was that the search of control cas be exercised, appears to a bond of $5.000 for the due observe the Tai Lee" by the Police was us to call for immediate considera- out as efficiently as ticn. This is, however, not by ance of the Piracy Regulations by carried

circumstances permitted, but quite any means the solution to the their officers.

In conclusion, the Goroner said possibly firearms were 'secreted on difficulty. It is fairly prob the Jury might desire to make board without arousing suspicion,able that some, at any rate, of some comments on the conduct of especially at Wong Moon where these; piracies are organised in the ships officers and say little. it was understood that no search this Colony and that the pirates The conduct of the guards on was carried out. The Jury con-take refuge, in the neighbouring auty appeared to have been exsidered, the present system of Chinese territory after the seed is cellent. The two inside the grille searching for firearms; at Hong- done did their best until they were kong was not at all adequate. wounded, and the third was shot Slackmers on Board. down before he had time to do As regards the observance of by collaboration with the anything. As regards the officers, the Anti-Piracy Regulations by Chinese authorities in Canton. the Jury must remember that this the ship's officers and crew of the We cannot help thinking affair was shown to have been as

3.5 Tai Lee, continued. Mr. that some working arrangement much a mutiny as a piracy, since Hancock we are of the opinion should and could become several members of the crew were that there was considerable to with the Chinese Customs in league with the pirates. That they had not carried out the slackness: None of the officers Authorities and/or the Police In regulations had been admitted by carried fire-atms, and all the spare Canton which would work to the the Chief Officer, but whether arms and ammunition were locked mutual advantage of both places, they could have done moreto resist up in steel boxes in the Captain's In this connection we think steps the attack when it came was for the cabin, the key of which we should be taken by the local tevenson always in his possession. All the Government to communicate with jury to say)TIE

Fockets, Very Flights to were the police at Canton to endeavour The Navy's View mech In connection, with the last two kept locked on a steel box on the to apprehend the bo sun and other WAS members of the crew who escaped bridge, the key of

Punitive measures should be adopted against the pirates in the This we consider of the gresiest

issues, the Corones rend a meme | the" possession of the

1 drawn up by e Nothing was in readiness and

None of them has been brought 10 justice and the only way we think this can be done is

mp, Naval Intelligence was impossible arthings were to locality, in which they have landed.

Officer, in his senting the Nav

lon' as répre.

thorities, at give any call for help at all

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