REG 26 WEC 39
The Hongkong Telegraph Mail Supplement
HONGKONG, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1899.
419
PIRACY ON THE WEST RIVER.November 14th.
The facts of the attack on the river steamer Cheong Kong flying the British flag, are briefly these, as told to our representative by Messrs. Tung Kee, the Hongkong agents for the Kwang Wan firm.
The Kwang Wan firm have three steamers running between Samshui, Kongmoon, Kam-chuk, and Hongkong flying the British flag and, built in the same manner, with an upper deck with cabins for passengers; the lower main-deck being used for cargo. The size of the boats is roughly about 150 feet in length and they are under 100 tons register, so do not need to carry European officers, but carry arms for the protection of the crew against pirates. Further precautions are also taken by searching the passengers to see if they have any concealed weapons. This search is supposed to be done before the vessel leaves the wharf, but on this especial occasion the Cheong Kong postponed doing it until well underway, after leaving Kamchuk, where she had picked up some passengers. She left Kamchuk at 4 p.m. on Sunday, and about a quarter of an hour afterwards when the crew started to make the search, the pirates who had come on board at different places in parties of three or four, made their attack on them, wounding the master of the boat. A man went down to the engine-room to intimidate the driver; whilst the remainder collected the valuables from the passengers. They afterwards compelled the master of the boat to land their plunder at Cha Tau San, and then sallied forth for fresh game, which was soon met in the shape of a steam-launch towing a cargo junk. The steam-launch, guessing their fell purpose, immediately opened fire, which the pirates returned.
The battle lasted for about half an hour, evidently without doing much damage, as we were assured no one was hurt on the Cheong Kong. Then the people on the launch cut loose from the junk and allowed it to fall into the hands of the pirates. A rich haul was then made from her, seventeen cases of opium and a box of gold coins amounting to $2,000 being captured. The pirates then steamed back to Cha Tau San where they landed their booty, and allowed the Cheong Kong to proceed on her voyage to Hongkong.
The affair was reported to the Central Police Station by the master of the boat yesterday afternoon and she left again on her usual run last night.
In connection with the recent piracy on the West River, we learn that the Government is powerless to take any practical steps to bring the offenders to justice.
Nothing but the usual proceedings in such cases can and will be followed, which will involve some clerical labour and a considerable amount of waste blue official-looking paper which will eventually find its way into the waste paper basket of His very Serene Highness the Viceroy of Canton. We are informed that His Excellency the Governor takes a very keen interest in putting a stop to the piracies which are so prevalent just now and that an immense amount of correspondence has passed from his hand to the Government at home but, unfortunately, this being a Crown Colony, no local steps can be taken independent of the Home Office.
We understand that His Excellency will in a few days make an excursion up the West River for the purpose of personally viewing the hunting grounds of these marauders, it is to be sincerely hoped that his trip, which though ostensibly but one of pleasure, will have some practical outcome, although in what particular way we cannot altogether imagine.
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REG 26 WEC 39
The Hongkong Telegraph Mail Supplement
HONGKONG, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1899.
419
X
X
PIRACY ON THE WEST RIVER.
November 14th.
The facts of the attack on the river steamer Cheong Kong flying the British flag, are briefly these, as told to our representative by Messrs. Tung Kee, the Hongkong agents for the Kwang Wan firm.
The Kwang Wan firm have three steamers running between Samshui, Kongmoon Kam- chuk, and Hongkong flying the British Bag and, built in the same nanner, with an upper deck with cabins for passengers; the Tower of main-deck being used for cargo. The size of the boats is roughly about 150 feet in length and they are under do tons register, so do not need to carry European officers, but carry arms for the protection of the crew against pirates. Further precautions , are also taken by searching the passengers to see if they have any concealed weapons. This search is supposed to be done before the vessel leaves the wharf, but on this especial occasion the Cheong Kong postponed doing it until well underway, after leaving Kumchuk, where she had picked up some passengers. She left Kum. chuck at 4 p.in. on Sunday, and about a quarter of an hour afterwards when the crew started to make the search, the pirates who had come on oard at different places in parties of three or four, made their attack on them, wounding the master of the boat. A man went down to the en- gine-room to intimidate the driver; whilst the re- mainder collected the valuables from the pas sengers. They afterwards compelled the master of the boat to land their plunder at Cha Tau San, and then sallied forth for fresh game, which was soon met in the shape of a steam-launch towing a cargo junk. The steam-launch, guessing their fell purpose, immediately opened fire, which the pirates returned. » The battle lasted for about half an hour, evidently without doing much damage, as we were assured no was hurt on the Cheong Kong. Then the people on the launch cut loose from the junk and allowed it to fall into the hands of the pirates. A rich haul was then made from her, seventeen cases of opium and a box of gold coins amounting to $2,000 being captured. The pirates then steamed back to Cha Tau San where they landed their booty, and allowed the Cheong Kong, to proceed on her voyage to Hongkong.
The affair was reported to the Central Polica - Station by the master of the boat yesterday afternoon and she left again on her usual run last night.
In connection with the recent piracy on the West River; we learn that the Goveniment is powerless to take any practical steps to bring the offenders to justice.
Nothing but the usual proceedings in such cases can and will be followed, which will in-. volve some clerical labour and a considerable Eamount of waste blue official looking paper which will eventually find its way into the waste paper basket of His very Serene Highness the Viceroy of Canton. We are informed that His Excellency the Governor takes a very keen in- terest in putting a stop to the piracies which are so prevalent just now and that an immense amount of correspondence bas passed from his band to the Government at home but, unfortu- nately, this being a Crown Colony, no local steps can be taken independent of the Home Office.
We understaud that Is Excellency will in a few days make an excursion up the West River for the purpose of personally view- ing the hunting grounds of these marauders, it is to be sincerely hoped that his trip, which though ostensibly but one of pleasure, will have some practical outcome, although in what particular way we cannot altogether imagine,
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