1929-05-28 — Page 1

Page

NEW 1929

GRAHAM - PAIGE SEDAN and TOURING MODELS

Touring from $2,300 Sedan from $2,550.

Sole Distributors for Hong Kong & South China:

KOTEGATE & CO. Pedder Building, 3rd floor. Telephones C. 93. and C. 741.

Sunett

imaging Director.

ChinaTM Mail

No, 27,190

SHIUKWAN RETAKEN

NORTH RIVER RESTORED TO CANTON

TREND AND EFFECT OF WAR

Latest News About Warships At Swatow

WHY TWO PROVINCES IN SOUTH JOINED THE FRAY

Shiukwan, the northern terminus of the Kwangtung section of the Canton Hankow Railway, which is about 150 miles north of Canton itself, has been re-taken, without fighting, by the Cantonese faction under General Chan Chai-tong, which supports Marshal The effect Chiang Kai-shek of Nanking and is in control at Canton. of this is to restore to the suzerainty of the present Canton Govern- ment the whole of the North River basin of primary commercial importance.

News about the pro-Nanking warships at Swatow is published below and a report about some other Chinese men-of-war, which honoured Hong Kong by a visit, appears elsewhere in this issue.

An echo of the debacle of the Kwangsi Army is an official denial that bribes were offered to military and naval units in the Cantonese assembly. Not that it makes much difference whether inducement was held out or not. The result was the same to Kwangsi and war by financial negotiation is still preferred in. China to-day to direct action.

HONG KONG,

BATABLISHED

1845

TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1929.

|PIRATES & BANDITS FROM PENANG 10

ACTIVE

MA NING STORMED

TOW-BOAT RUNS GAUNTLET IN

KAMCHUK RAPIDS

TWO OF THE CREW WOUNDED

[From Our Own Correspondent)

Pakkai, Yesterday. Pirates and bandits have taken on a new lease of life as a result of the pro-Canton garrison in the Sze Yap (four districts) being with drawn hastily for active services on the West River sector against the Kwangsi invaders.

On May 22 news was received that Hoiping city had been captured by brigands but this has not been confirmed. In any event Helping city is small end of little commer- cial importance, and rumours of ite "fail" into outlaw hands have come through from time to time.

LONDON

BY MOTOR CAR

TWO INDIANS' REMARKABLE 13,000 MILES“ JOURNEY

"SNOW, MUD, AND DESERT

London, esterday. Two Indians, M. Conagasaby and G. Pillay, have arrived in London after eight months strenuous driv- ing of a British light car through snow, mud and trackless desert for 11,000 miles from Penang.-Reuter.

DUTCH TEA

MORE FOR LONDON THAN

·FOR AMSTERDAM

IMPORTERS' GRIEVANCE.

The Hague, Yesterday. Tea importers. in submitting re-

ter, Jonkheer Maitre D. J. de Geer,

PRICE $3.00 Per Month,

WATER SUPPLY

OVER 40 MILLION GALLONS LESS STORAGE

CONSUMPTION LAST WEEK

The following statement has been sent to the "China Mail" by the Water Authority:-

Hong Kong Water Works The total storage in the Island: reservoirs yesterday morning, amounted to 261.05 million gallons, showing a decrease of 22.92 million gallons during the past week; the amount collected from streams be ing 7.96 million gallons.

The week's consumption amount- ied to 33.86 million gallons, and in

cludes 2.10 million gallons brought across the harbour from Kowloon'to the tanks on the water front and .83 million gallons from the Taikoo Refinery Supply.

L

Kowloon Water Works

"Your Eyes. Are Safe: With Us”

N. LAZARUS Hong Kong's Only European Optician

Established Over Forty Years). Manager:-RALPH A. COOPER, Registered Optometrist by Canadian Govt. Exam, F.LO. (London)

(Personal Attention).

ALLEGED BREACH OF COVENANT

LAND INDENTURE

DISPUTE ARISES OVER THE

MING SING CINEMA

OWNER CLAIMS POSSESSION

LIFE-SAVING AT SEA

VITAL POINTS

RAFTS REGARDED AS MORE USEFUL THAN BOATS

MORE SAFETY THE OBJECTIVE

London, Yesterday.

The subject of boats and other

«A case of considerable importance to land-owners was commenced at the Supreme Court this morning be- fore the Chief Justice, Sir Henry life-saving appliances in passenger Golian, between Ip Shui-shan, of ships has been under consideration 183, Laichikok Road, and L Lai-by a Committee of the International chuen, of the Ming Sing CinemaConference on the Safety of Life Theatre, also of Lalehikok-road.

The

the "Titanic"

plaintiff, Ip Shui-shan, at Sea, now sitting in London. claims that he is entitled The previous International Con- to possession of 4 piece ference, held in 1914, which follow- of ground registered at theed the lose of the "Titanic," was of Land Office as New Kowloon Inland very great public interest and was The total storage in the main-Lot No. 992. By an indenture dated centred in this question of life- land reservoirs yesterday morning, mises to defendant for a term of 12

September 21, he had demise pre-saving appliances.

The life-boats on amounted to 102.18 million gallons,

December 20, 1926.

652 left the "Titanic" in boats out gallons during the past week. presentations to the Finance Minisshowing a decrease of 13.72 million Chinese years, commencing from were sufficient for 1,178, but only

The week's consumption, includ-

Also by the same indenture the of a total of 2,201 persons on board. defendant had, covenanted that he

Popular Demand would not assign or part with po3-

A popular demand was made for .10.18 inches eession without first obtaining the boats for all and the Conference consent of the plaintiff in writing made provision to meet this demand. .21.86 inches The defendant, however had in The Convention of 1914 has not breach of the covenant assigned a come into operation as a Conven- .11.66 inches

lease and parted with possession to tion, but national regulations con- the Ming Sing Cinema Theatre, and tain many of the Convention pro- also other persons unknown to visions, and for some years past. plaintiff without having obtained his practically all ocean-going passenger ships have been fitted to comply Plaintiff had; therefore, on April with the Convention standard as 30, 1928, by notice in writing to the regards the number of lifeboats defendant, determined the lease, and carried. The experience gained since now claims (1) possession of the 1914, however, has shown the neces premises and (2) meane profits sity for boats being carried so as from April 30, 1928.

to be readily available for launching,

goes to London

contemplate

Ma Ning was stormed by bandits, who captured the place after several

[contended that the abolition of the hours' stubborn fighting. The local "militia guards" were overcome ali many houses were sacked in the tea duty in Great Britain would looting.

place the London market in a more Plot Nipped in Bud

favourable position than Amater- Had not the guards at Cheungsha dam. They pointed but that even taken precaution that town might now a larger quantity of Dutch- From Yunnan comes an enlightening despatch showing how have suffered a similar fate. About East Indies tea

80 strange men were seen suddenly than to Holland. and why war was declared by that province in the remote south-in the town, but they were shadow- Jonkheer de Geer replied that the west againat a neighbour. The effect was that Kweichow declared fed and prevented from attempting Government did not

an outbreak.

Then the "Hingkee' tow-boat, import duty.-Reuter. bound from Canton to Kowkong, had to run the gauntlet when pass- ing Kamchuk Rapids (on the lower West River). She escaped, but two of the crew were wounded by shots fired by pirates posted on the river ton. Those knowing the financial banks. All the towboats to and condition of Kwangsi province from Canton now avoid Kamchuk will readily admit that Kwangsi, and proceed via Yungkee. while having set aside something [Note:

for Kwangei against Nanking and Yunnan maintains the balance of odds by coming in against Kweichow and Kwangsi.

گران

KWANGSI'S "TO FIGHT AGAIN”!

Canton, Yesterday.

Other news from Pakkai,

The pro-Nanking Cantonese Army has now resumed control of Shiukwan, the northern terminal the Canton-Hankow Rail- way (Kwangtung section). The Kwangsi forces hitherto operating along the North River appear to which is not "Kwangal" but "na- have retired for the time being in

tional" in scope. Kwangsi's aim order to prepare for a renewal of is to prevent one man (Chiang the struggle against the pro-Nan-Kai-shek) from

of high-handed practice ly a bit monopolising a king elements in Canton.

political party (the Kuomintang). against a people who could not hely Chinese gunboats in

-Nan Chung Kuo News Service. Swatow have falled to take action against the pro-Kwangsi troops on land because of lack of military sup- port and not necessarily because of disaffection, according to state- ments made here.

for constructive measures, has not referring to the political situation, the wherewithal to appropriate will be found under the caption "Shiu. any money to support' a movement kwan Retaken."]

WUCHOW'S FATE

Pro-Nanking Forces Claim to Be Approaching

Kwangsi Withdrawing Reports from Szewui. Shiuhing. and other places in Kwangtung recently occupied by the Kwangsi Army indicate that this Army is prepared to withdraw into their

province, Kwangsi. natural destination will be Wu-

The pro-Nanking froces are ad- chow, a part of Kwangsi on the vancing along three routes with West River.

a view to encompassing the city.

Changsha, Yesterday. The vanguards of the (pro- Nanking) Hunan troops have reached the vicinity of Wuchow, the Kwangsi headquarters, which is expected to fall within a few days. Their

Own

2

semi-official-Reuter.

According to Kwangs message, the anti-Nan- king faction in the Kuomintang is not by any means discouraged at the recent setback, and avows in- tentions to launch another drive on Canton from Kwangsi.

The battles of May 20, 21 and 22 on the North and the West River sectors for the possession of Canton must have cost many lives. More than 5,000 wounded have been brought into Canton city by train for treatment during the last few nights. The trains could not undertake the transport

in the day owing to pressure of other traffic.-Nan Chung News Service.

YUNNAN JOINS IN

Casus Belli Explained: March on Kweichow

ότι

Yunnanfu, May 14. Acting instructions from Nauking, this province has declared war on the neighbouring province of Kweichow and an expedition has already started, three Generals with their armies having left the capital. Generals Chang Fong-swen, Chu Hsiao-t'ong and Li Hsiao-ien have

themselves.

Effects of War One effect of this local war is an immediate advance in the price of rice and, of course, the people suf-| fer, not the military.

There have been some good show ers of rain lately, which have helped the wheat and barley. which crops are very good just now.

1929 rainfall Average

Deficit

Don't waste water!

the abolition of the reduction of the|ing supplies to water boats and (plaintiff's) consent.

COL. LINDBERGH -

JOINS THE RANKS-OF THE

"BENEDICKS

MARRIES MISS MORROW

Eaglewood, New Jersey,

Yesterday.

The airman. Col. Lindbergh, was married to-day to Anne, daughter of Mr.. Dwight Mófrów, U.S. Am- bassador to Mexico. — Reuter's American Service.

MYSTERY"

SHIPS

5 CHINESE MEN-OF-WAR IN HONG KONG

LATE, BUT WELL PAID?

No fewer than five Chinese two- funnelled warships, these being among the largest in the Chinese "Recruiting" has been going on Navy, could be seen together in briskly of late, but in many cases it Hong Kong harbour. Three were is plainly a press-gang method and moored at buoys opposite the Royal some poor specimens are rounded up Naval Dockyard, whilst the other two were in the Kowloon Naval an- for cannon fodder.

The currency is going from bad chorage.

to worse and the exchange on The assembly of so many Chinese (French) piastres now is over 800! warships in Hong Kong is unusual. Speculation was rife, especially In Kweichow, it is said, there is no currency problem. The General left when about two hours later three in charge of the capital is a relative of the five ships were discovered to have slipped out of the harbour.

to the

of the late Tang Chilyao and is Amongst these were the two which supposed to be friendly Kweichow party, so it will be inter have been here for over a week. esting to see how events turn out.

Our own correspondent,

SZE YAP AFFECTED

Pro-Canton Garrison Sent on Active Service

Pakkai, Yesterday.

Two of the three new arrivals were left behind, anchored off Kow- loon, and this morning they were still there.

The mystery ships-as they have been called-came from other parts of China obviously to help the pro-Nanking (Cantonese) adminis- tration in Canton headed by Gen-

gone with about 1,000 troops and After considerable alarm, an off-eral Chan Chai-tong. In well- their staffs to 1-liang by rail, and shoot of the war between Kwangsi informed circles it is believed that Kuo will proceed from there via Lu- aud Kwangtung, the situation is the officers and crews have been Jiang to Kutsing, where all the normal once more except that ban-handsonely recompensed, although armies will concentrate. The main fits are still active.

they arrived too late to join the armies have gone by road straight [Note: News about activities of fray. to Kutsing, which is close to the pirates and bandits in this part of Kwelchow border

the West River delta will be found

MORE REINFORCEMENTS

Eight Merchant Vessels Pass Near Hong Kong

Canton, To-day. Eight merchant steamers, fully loaded with General Yang Ting- fel'a troops, passed near Hong Kong yesterday evening on their way to Canton from Shanghai by order of Marshal Chiang Kai-shek to assist in the coming anti- Kwangai campaign.

This is the second detachment of pro-Chiang Kai-shek troops des- patched to Canton, and they are expected to arrive in Canton this afternoon.-Nan Chung Kuo News Service.

"SILVER BULLETS”

Kwangsi's Ennity Is Against Chiang Kai-shek

•

From the provincial capital here, elsewhere in this issue under the for about 30 miles, there is a good caption "Pirates and Bandits motor road which the troops will Active."]

use. The road through I-liang runs That part of the pro-Canton gar-{" almost parallel with the motor road rison under General Heung Hon- ping was withdrawn and sent post and the two converge on Kutsing.

The excuse for attacking Kwei-haste to reinforce the defences A smaller chow is that the Governor, Chow along the West River.

unit under Luk Fung-cheung carri.

RED LITERATURE

SEIZURE ON. THE WATER FRONT

TWO MEN DETAINED

Hong Kong, amounted to 25,36 mi)- lion gallons.

The yield from streams during the week was, therefore, 11.64 mil- lion gallons,

STEALING TURNS

More Trouble at the Street Hydrants

Two "water cases" were heard by Major C. Willson, O.BE, at the Central Magistracy this morning.

Mr. Eldon Potter, K.C., and Mr. and it has also proved that where Leo d'Almada, jur., appeared for this requirement is not complied the defendant on the instructions of with the provision of a large num- Messrs. G, K. Hall Brutton & Co. ber of lifeboats may be a source of The plaintiff is represented by Mr.danger. Hin-shing Lo, instructed by Mr. F. X. d'Alimada.

Case Outlined

In outlining the facts of the case,

The Life-saving Appliances Com- mittee have, therefore, kept before them two main points, firstly, that a life-saving appliances on a ship shall be readily available and, secondly, that they shall be adequate. The Committee's Proposals On this matter the Committee's instead of having his buckets in Plaintiff was the owner of two lots proposals are, firstly, that every line with the others on the road-of land. His original intention was lifeboat on board should be so car- side, the accused took up a position to erect sight dwelling-houses there- ried as to be readily available in on the pavement, apparently intend-on, and he had in fact consulted emergency and no bost should be ing to steal a turn.

his architect on the matter.

carried which will impede the

In the first case a Chinese was charged by a Chinese constable with causing an obstruction with Mr. Lo said that he had been in buckets on the pavement outside a structed only just this morning and shop in Hollywood-road, whilst that it was the plaintiff's intention waiting to draw water at the street, to shorten the case as much as pos hydrant. The constable said that, Bible.

A fine of $3 was imposed.

Constable Hit With Bamboo

FAIR STILL

J

Eventually four houses were prompt bandling of boats that are erected on one lot, but before work available, and, secondly, that these An Indian constable, in the se-could be started on the second lot, readily available boats on ocean- cond case, charged a Chinese with the defendant approached plaintiff going passenger ships should pro- assault. In this case also the ac-and asked him to lease the ground vide accommodation for all persons

to him for the purpose of erecting) on board, a cinema theatre. They discussed

Light Apparatus the matter, and finally it was agreed In addition the Committee pro- by the plaintiff that the land should pose that light, buoyant apparatus be leased to defendant for 12 years. be provided, which will float in the

A Successful Protest

sea and provide persons with some- Continuing, counsel said that in thing to which they can eling if, the action before the Court plaintiff by reason of the rapid sinking of a relied on the agreement executed in vessel, it has been impossible to get the offices of Mr. Hall Brutton. them away on boats. Such op- Prior to the agreement being sign- paratus is a definite addition to ed, defendant had submitted a draft the sources of safety and will to plaintiff in which the name of a be provided in determined propor- third party was mentioned. Plain-tion to the number of persons on tiff did not agree to it, and had se board.

This morning's weather re- port issued by the Royal Obser- vatory stated:-

Weak anticyclonic areas sit- uated over China and S. Man- churia and in the Pacific to the East of Japan.

Pressure is relatively low in an irregular trough extending from Indo-China across the Philippines and the Loochoos to the Pacific.

The typhoon 18 situnted about 100 miles north of Oshima, moving north or N.N.E.

Forecast-E. winds, moder- ate; fair.

successfully protested against it that Regarding the use of life-rafts it was totally omitted in the signed these have proved to be of greater agreergent executed on September service than inboard boats. 21, 1926. Defendant took posses- sion on December 20, 1926.

or

The Committee contemplate that administratione might, if satisfied Mr. Lo said that in the that rafts will be more useful than agreement, defendant ad coven-boats, allow rafts in substitution anted that he would not for boats over and above a certain part with possession, sub-apecffled minimum accommodation cused was alleged to have tried to, let, without first obtaining in Hfeboats, such minimum being steal a turn. He made four at-the permission of the plaintiff insufficient to ensure that in the tempts to get to the fountain, and writing. Defendant committed a North Atlantic passenger trade and fill his bucket before the others in breach of that covenant when he in most of the other trades lifeboat front of him, and each time the sub-let the land to the Ming Sing accommodation will be provided for constable pushed him back. On the Cinema. Plaintiff was not aware all. fourth occasion the accused pick that defendant had assigned the land

Use of Wireless ed up his bamboo pole and "poked" to a third party until March 14, the constable in the stomach.

In view of the improved reliability 1928, when he received a letter of motor lifeboats, the Committee Accused alleged that it was his from Mr. Hall Bratton requesting express the opinion that where more turn after waiting for four hours, him to call at his office to give his than a certain number of lifeboats and kicked his tin away. but the constable favoured another (plaintiff's) licence to the assign-are carried one or more should be

Chi-ch'en (Chow Sai-sing) oppresses ed out the relief duty but this was literature, suspected of being of a A quantity of printed Chinese the people, but if that is true, and also sent to stem the tide of the seditious nature, were seized by

His story was disbelieved and a is a cause sufficient to declare war, Kwangsi invasion. how many Governors in the other were sent out to act as transport water front on Sunday night, after

Press gangs Police and Revenue Officers on the fine of $25 was imposed. provinces would be at peace? As a coolies for the departure of this the arrival of the up-river boats. matter of fact, from enquiries rade, batch and panic reinged. the Governor of Kweichow has the province in good shape, with roads

Fear of Communists

It is understood that two Chinese, who are believed to be Communists,

A state of emergency was declarare being detained for investiga-

in all directions, reaching even as ed suddenly at 10 p.m. on May tion, and there is a possibility that far as Szechuan, and brigandage is 21. Rumours

which is in were current that certain information scarcely heard of.

Samshui, the port at the confluence the possession of the investigators Tibetan. Horses Seized

of the West and North Rivers, had might lead to further arrests. Recently the military here com- been entered by the Kwangsi The papers have been sent to the mandeered about 300 horses from forces. Guards were posted at in Secretariat for Chinese Affairs for some Tibetans who were returning tervals along the streets and translation. Wuchow, Yesterday. to their own country. If all ac- pedestrians were ordered off. According to an important off counts are to be trusted, it was Subsequently it was learned that cial in the Kwangsi Army, there due in such a manner as not to com- precautions had been taken mere- la no substance in the rumour tend itself to right-thinking people.ly to prevent a rising of Commun- that Kwangsi military authorities At any rate the Tibetans are not ists and an outbreak of bandits. The "China Mail's football con- have paid over large sums to under Chinese law and, in this case, Nevertheless fear prevailed because tributor, "Rover," gives a forecast bribe Canton military and naval there does not seem to have been the place was left to the protection on page 9 of the changes in rules units to desert the pro-Nanking any test of the lawfulness or of only the police and militia to be proposed at the forthcoming Cantonese administration in Can- otherwise of the case. It was mere. Our own correspondent.

A LOCAL FOOTBALL.

annual general meeting.

NEW TANKS FOR EASTERN DISTRICT

WORKING IN TWO WEEKS

ment.

·!

was

motor-boats fitted with wireless in- stallations and searchlights, i Bri- tlsh Wireless Service.

"Hard Up" Plaintiff was surprised and right ly refused to do so. Instead of that The wrote a letter to defendant ask- ing for an explanation. A reply

from duly received

the plaintiff was not entitled to posses- defendant stating that he ston; nor had there been a breach The following statement has been "hard and

up

had therefore committed. It was further alleged sent to the "China Mail" by the sub-let the land to the Ming Sing, that plaintiff had all along ac Director of Public Works:

Plaintiff then consulted his soli-quiesced in the occupation of the Five additional brick tanks have citor-Mr. F. X. d'Almada and a premises by the Ming Sing Cinema, been ordered, and if possible will be notice was consequently sent to the and had even permitted defendant working in about two weeks. The defendant determining the lease. In to erect the theatre. The defence, existing tanks will be operating from

6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and these hours May, Mr. Brutton applied to the therefore, contended that plaintiff will be extended as additional water Chief Justice for permission to was estopped from claiming because beats are obtained. It is hoped that bring in the name of the Ming 3ing he had stood by and had not inter- when the extra tanks are completed Cinema, and by His Lordship's fered with the assignment being at all tanks. a 24 hours supply will be malatained

order that name had come into exist executed. Until the tanks in the Eastern dis- ence,

Evidence in corroboration of trist are provided, a supply for eight

counsel's opening statement was adaltional taps will be available, and the water supply from these will be total derial. It was stated that

The defence, counsel said, was a given by the plaintiff. maintained during the 24-hours."

Case proceeding

Defence a Denial