1930-08-30 — Page 7

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1930.

POLICE STATION TRAGEDY

MYSTERIOUS HEAD OVER WALL.

Chinese Sergeant's

"Vision."

Interesting evidence was given by Lance-Sergeant Youe, of Sheungship Palico Station, yesterday afternoon when Mr. R. E, Lindseli and a Coroner's jury resumed the Lok Ma Chau tragedy inquiry,

The Sergeant who arrived at Lok Ma Chau with the first rescue party, said that from 7:45 to 11.30 p.m., on July 21, he was posted outside the south-east corner of the compound wall, and at about 8.30 saw the head of an Indian bob over the wall at the other side. The head imrisdiately disappeared as he raised his revolver to fire. The Sergeant reached over the wall and fired a shot down- wards at where he thought the man would be. As he put his hand over the wall the man on the other side shouted "No" three times. He was pretty certain that it was an Indian's head that he saw because it wore a turban.

י

Replying to the Coroner the Sergeant said that in spite of the fact that when the body of Dalip Singh found at 11.30 it was calculated that he had shot himself on the top verandah at least four bours previously, which took them back to 7.30, he was of the opinion that the head which he saw at 8.30 was an Indian's.

BULLET-PROOF CHARGES.

|

Mohindar Singh who bore him a grudge,

"Did Mr. Sparrow explain to him that it was not Mohindar Singh but it was Mr. Scott's order? Yes, he did.

THE

telephone wire that day?—Yes,

at about 10 a.m.

CHINA. MAIL.

e?—Yes.

NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.

Steambr

* VENEZIA-L **

And three more came?

Crawled to Station. All in-order? Yes, all right. Proceeding, witness said that i At Taipo exchange if you are shortly after the A.S.P., N.T., taking a message from Hong the D.IN. himself and some of Kong or other station and Lok Malthe Indians left the Married | LLOYD TRIESTINO NAY, CO. Chau calls up, would you know? Quarters and crawled up to the

Yes, the Lok Ma Chau shutter station. This would be about NOTICE TO CONSIGNEÈS, will fall and remain down until 7.45., They got as far as the put back.

compound wall. It was dark and| Mr. A. L. Shields (Foreman of they got through the fence gate From Trieste, Venke. Brindal. Port the Jury): What was the mes- right up to the compound wall sage previous to and the one after without incident. On the way up that of 5.807

they were joined by Sergeant Madgwick. Two Indians posted at the east corner.

CONSIGNEES of Cargo are hereby Coroner: The A.S.P. was in landed at their risk into the Godowns informed that all Goods are bolag charge now?-Yea,

of the Hongkong and Kowloon Whart Where did you go?--I was and Godown Company, Ltd., at Kow. posted at the south-west corneroon, whence and/or from the wharves of the compound wall with in-delivery may be obtained. structions to watch the west side.

Curoner: He was said that there was none previous to it.

Mr. Shields: The one.after?. Witness: From the D.IS. (Officer-in-Charge. Water Police)- to all stations.

Coroner: This was a message concerning the trouble at Lok Ma

Chau?—Yes.

When

6.35.

was it received ?—At

at 5.45, you were kept very busy Mr. King: After the message

receiving calls?—Yes.

All outstation calls come through Taipo?—Yes.

were

Said. Suoz, Masinua, Aden, Kara-1 chi, Bombay, Colombo, Penang and Singapore.

Optional Cargo wil be forwarded

unless notice to tlio contrary to give

before 30th instant.

No claims will be admitted after tho' Goods have left the Godown, and all Gooda remaining undelivered after the be presented to the Undersigned on or 5th September will be subject to rent.

All claims against the vessel must before the 16th September or they will not be recognisel.

All broken, chafed, and damaged The head dis-Goods are to be left in the Godown's where they will be examined on the 5th September at 10 a.m. by our sur Iveyors Messrs. Goddard & Douglas.

Head Over Wall. Witness went on to say that at head bob up on the other side of about 8.30 he yaw an Indian's

the wail in the compound.

Coroner: That would be the wall of the passuge leading to the Mr. King said that the purport Intrine?--Yes. of his question was to show that appeared almost at once, as make entries in the book for the reached up over the wall and fired the witness.did not have time to raised my revolver to fire. next three-quarters of an hour at a shot downwards at where I ed least.

thought he would be. Just as I put sy Sergeant Youe's Evidence. my revolver over the wall I heard Lance-Sergeant A40, G. Fgomeone shout "No" three times. Youe, was the next witness. He I then ran to the back gate of the said that, he was stationed at compound, stood just inside, and Sheungshui, where Sub-Inspector fired five more shots from left to O'Connor was the Officer-in-right along the left-hand wall. I Charge..

saw nothing, and heard nothing,

·

At about 5.30 p.m. on July 21 Coroner: How could you in the witness was in the station with dark tell he was an Indian? Indian Sergeant B135 (Matan saw something like a turban on Singh) of Lok Ma Chau Station the head. came in. He arrived in a motor

Is it possible it might have After Mr. Sparrow had explain-lorry, and made a report... Been a Chinese-It might have What action was been, but I took it to be an more?-He insisted that it was all taken? The alarm was sounded Indian. due to Mohindar Singh that he and a party was made up to go to Answering other questions. was transferred again to the New Lok Ma Chau. Territories.

At the resumption of the Inquiry Mr. T. Murphy, A.S.P., proposed calling Indian Constable B4 to speak about the Lewis gun, but the Coroner salt that would not he necessary, as they were satis- Sed on that point.

Indian Constable B11. Curdited to him, did he say anything| Singh, stationed at Taipo, was called. He said that he was the Indian Station Interpreter, and had held that post since October last. On July 21, he was off duty but was in the station. At about 5.15 p.m., as he was taking his evening meal, the Chinese Inter- 'preter and the Station Guard shouted to him that he was want, ed on the telephone, which was in the charge room.

Witness went down but when he spoke aver the telephone he re ceived no reply from the other end. He then told the Chinese Interpreter to ring up Lok Ma Chau. After two minutes, they got through. Witness spoke aver the telephone and learned that P.C. B542 (Dalip Singh) had

fired on the Officer-in-Charge of the station. The speaker at the other end added that he did not

Station Guard Contradicted.

Coroner:

You were sent out? Yes, the party consisted of Sub-Inspector Ho To-tung, Chinese Inter-O'Connor, myself, eight Indians preter at Taipo Police Station, and one Chinese detective. was the next witners He 'snid

that from 3 to 5.30 pm on July-About 5.40. 21 he was on telephone duty at

'+

Sure Was Indian.

witness said nothing happened after that. He was at his post until 11.30, when-the I.G.P. and party entered the station.

Coroner: You heard no more What time did you leave Taipo? shots fired?-I cannot remember. How did you go?-The Indians

In view of the evidence that the station and recorded every in the lorry and the others in a

B.643 shot himself on the top message that came through on public car. the station's telephone book You reached the cross road at verandah, and that when his which he produced.

about what time?-Shortly be- body was found at 11.30 he was fore 6.

dead for four hours at least, which Anything happened on the takes us back to 7.30, do you still journey ?-No.

think that it was an Indian you You went as far as the station saw at 8.30?—Yes. path ?Yes.

Coroner: Did you receive any message at all from Lok Ma Chau?--No.

When Lok Ma Chau rings up what happens?The bell rings and the electric shutter falls.

That happens in the case of all outstations ringing up Taipo?

Yes.

Lok Ma Chau's electric shutter: did not fall at all in the 24 hours you were on duty?—No. .

know whether the Officer was shot or not, but P.C. B.9 (Chajja Singh) was severely shot and was Mr. King: When you receive about to die. It was also stated telephone messages where do you that Dalip Singh had taken pos-write them?-In the book. kassion of the Lewis gun, and that the Officers at Lok Ma Chau hud locked all the doors and were returning the fire.

Where is it placed?-On a desk close to the 'switch board.

You never left the telephone

room between 5 and 5.30?—No.

When you left at 5.30 who took over?-The telephone clerk, Chan To-shing.

Lewis Gun Removed. Continuing, witness said that he asked the speaker at the other end as to where the Lewis gun Chan To-shing then went into had been taken to, and received the witness box and said that he the reply that it had been re-relieved the last witness at 5.30 moved to the verandah on the topp.m., on July 21.

Foreman of the Jury (to wit- negs): When you arrived at the Married Quarters you were the senior officer there? Yes.

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first

Mr. King here pointed out that You heard no shots fired?-whoever put his head over that

How did you get the first report? None at all.

Wall must have stood on some-The Officer-in-Charge at Autao Youw no signs of anything thing, or he must have been a (Lance-Sergeant Hastings)

very tall man, because the wall made the report. It was the result unusualNo signs.

What did the party do then?-was six feet high.

of a telephone mesange. Started up the hill led by the

What measures did you take? Office-in-Charge, acting Sub

told him to have the men in the Inspecter McEwen and myself.

station stand to. When I came What happened then? When

down the men fell in, and each man we got round the first bend we

was served 80 rounds of ammuni saw Sergeant Madgwick and a

Coroner: They came together, Crown Sergeant and three Indian tion. I then picked out an Indian party of Indians from the Married Quarters and they signalled to us. but they worked their way up dif-constables, and told Lance-Sergeant,

You could see the station round]ferent ways. the first bend? Yes.

I, thought you came with the Inspector.

Mr. Shields (to witness): You "Come Another Way."

did not then know that an Indian What next?--They signalled to had run amok?—No.. Our In- Madgwick shouted to us to come only said an Indian was shooting. us to stop and then Sergeant dians were very vague. another way.

They

I got the facts when I got inside the Married Quarters,

You heard no reason for this trouble?-None whatever.

Why? He said an Indian at the station was shooting at every-

Before this witness proceeded one. with his evidence Mr. T. H. King

What then?-The Indians took

explained that the two telephone to the hillside extending to the

Chinese Detective's Story. The next witness to be called

floor of the station. Witness was requested to communicate with the A.S.P., D.S.P., and D.I.N. to ask for assistance. He did so by sending a telephonic message to Autao and Sheungshui Police

Coroner: Did you not telephone/terpreter they take 211⁄2 hours off back along the road, and then up Koon-yau,

Stations.

Hong Kong ?N.

Why.?

Mr. King: As a matter of fact it was not his duty to do so. He was not the telephone operator, and he only takes his orders from

the D.I.N.

them to Lok Ma Chau, together with Hastings that he would proceed with

myself. Lance-Sergeant Hastings: was to take his own private ear, and

would take my own car................ There were six of you altogether. then? Yes.

Continuing, witness said that Further Arrivals...

when they reached the garage the sergeant'e car was found to be out of order. Witness told the sergeant

clerks at Taipo go on duty alter-right and got up to the Married was a Chinese detective-sergeant natively from 10 a.m., to 10 a.m., Quarters. but by arrangement with the in- another way-down the path, Sheungshui. His name was Chen to witness. He seemed excited, so

. I myself Went who came with the party from

"Ta Sze Yan."

The first message you received after you took over at 5.30 was from Lok Ma Chau?—Yes.

*

to commandeer a lorry. Just about that time the station guard called

in the afternoon when they are the hill from the east to the

witness returned to the charge room, relieved by the interpreter. Married Quarters.

·Coroner: On arrival there what where he found the A.S.F., New Coroner (to witness): From 5.30 onward you remained in the Indian that B543.

There I found out from

orders did you get?--The inspec- Territories, (Mr. Sparrow) and also telephone room?—Yes.

antor told me to take up my posi- Sergeant Madgwick. They confirmed

tion at the bottom of the station the report witness had already re Then you learned what had path, and to warn anyone arriv.ceived, and arrangements were at tween 5.30 and 5.46-None.

Did you receive any calls be-happened?--Yes..

ing there. I was later sent to the once made to take torches, Verey Sergeant Madgwick was not landing stage, on the river to pistols, first-aid bandages, and other there? No, he had gone.

warn the river patrol.

Several equipment to the scone. What did you do?-I sent one Indian to the east to watch that and I looked up at the station and before the party got away from the Did you start off there? Yes, telephone messages had to be sent side of the station, and posted saw nothing. I continued along station about 6.80 p.m. There were What time was that?--5.45.

other Indians at various points of the road that runs to the river, then eight in the party, the A.S.P. Ma Chau calling?-Its shutter, anything suspicious.

How did you know it was Lok them to fire if they saw B543 or fired. There were three shots in reached Lok Ma Chau at 6.45 p.m.,. the Married Quarters and told and about half-way 1 heard shots leading on his motor-cycle. They No. 19, dropped.

Tall. One shot 'was fired first, and So far you heard no shots?-then the other two. in quick suc Who spoke to you?-An Indian. Yes, on the way up five or six cession. The second shot whistled must leave the enquiry at this stage Could you understand what he shots were fired and two bullets over my head. I took to my heels for the day, and enquired of Mr. were sent together with the sald?-Only three words in Can-struck near me.

tonese "Ta sze yan."

Coroner (to the Jury): That, Married Quarters ?-About 6.20. Found the back.

What time did you reach the getting to the wharf by going have to call,

and ran along the road, eventually King what other witnesses he would literally translated. gentlemen,

Mr. King said that he would call means "Kill a man.”

Shots From Station.

What time was this?-About Mr. Sparrow, in connection with a What next? I heard shots 6.15 p.m. Later Sergeant conversation he had with Dalip from the stations and the Indians Gardner came along, and I warn Singh (B.648, the "amok""), and also and I fired at the station, fed him.

Mr. Burlingham, as regards a con-

In answer to a question put to him by Mr. King, witness said that two Police Constables were sent out from Talpo Station to Lok Ma Chau as a result of the message they received.

These two men were supplied with bullet-proof vests and they com- mandeered a lorry to take them there. Later another three men

Officer-in-Charge.

Mr. King: You are the inter- preter at Taipo Station?--Yes.

Do you remember P.C. B543 (Dalip Singh) coming to your station to see Mr. Sparrow Yes, once only..

Can you remember the date?--

Can't you even say the ap proximate date?--It, was some time toward the end of June.

Dalip Singh's Complaint, What took place?-He com. plained about his transfer. A

What did he say ?He said that he had already served one year in Talpo, and wanted to know why

he was again sent out to the New Territories,

What Station was he in then? —Lok Ma Chau, photolabile

How long had he been there

What reply did Mr, Sparrow give

To the witness: What did you do?-I shouted for the munchi (Indian interpreter).

More Witnesses To Come, Coroner here intimated that he

Did he come at once? No, he Witness added that he could not Mr. King: Which road did you versation with the same constable. came about three minutes later. see any signs of life in the go by It was the path that In addition, Mr. T. Murphy, Second Did the man at the other end station. About 7.30 he heard passes through Lok Ma? Châu à D.C.13 would be called to give wait?--No, when munchi came some shouts from the 'station. Village." "I was just going through evidence as to finding cartridges In he could not get a reply. · Coroner: Dpring that hour the village when I heard the fir- the station. The armourer would

Did you ring up Lok Ma Chau? you were the only European Offi. ingedalsvere

also be called to prove that at least, —Yes, I tried for two minutes and cer in the Married Quarters? – A Sinister Figure.

16 of the shots fired came from the then got through.

Yes.

De Coroner? When you heard the rifle of the 'amok.” Finally, the What did you record in your Continuing his statement the firing did you look up at the staInspector General of Police would be telephone book?--I did not record witness said that the munchi told on? Yes called anything.

him that the shouts were from Did you see anything?—I saw - In reply to the Coroner, Mr. King Mr. King: Those three words B722 (the station guard) who a figure partly concealed on the seld that possibly ons, and certainly is not a proper messages wanted to come out of the stafirst floor with a gun protruding, two more hearings would, be sufl-

Coroner (to witness): How do tion Witness then told the men The figure was behind a pillar cient to complete his case- you remember: the time then? to stop firing, and ordered the The gun was pointed in my direc On account of the serious natura munchi to shout to B772 to come tion.

Question By Jury. The Foreman of the Jury here at the time? about a month," of the report, I went into the outs/Lynk The Alarm At Autao. asked whether, and when they

charge room and looked her the Coroner: Which he did? He Inspector J. Brennan, Dividional would have an opportunity of In him 7-Mr Sparrow said that it clock there a

AR came out About the same time Inspector in charge of the North spacting the record of B549. was Mr. Scott who had sent him Did you

vour the AS.P. New Territories (Mr. District, New Territories was next MF King said that he had not got out to the New Territories as a duty to

Sparrow), and the Divisional. In falled. "In answer the Coroner It with him at the moment, but he Autad would put it in at this beginning of arters the next hearing

punishment,int)

Did he

garding

"Singh, the

-he said that

any

thoug

I got spector, North (Inspector the said that he

after Brennan) came to the Married. Police

Quarters. A few minutes after ; was) |

more Indiana, shouted that they the nasir? át

* Did you teat the wanted to come out of the station, was in his quarters at

dewa at The Inquiry was then adjourned He to September 8 (Wednesday next)

at 2.10 p.m

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