CO129-406 - Public Offices - 1913 — Page 135

;

HONGKONG.

2nd June, 1913.

134

Sir:-

Mr. Sandeman, the Honorary Agent for the Guild in

Hongkong, has asked me for the details of the piracy

of the Steamship "Tai On", which took place in Chinese

waters on the night of April 2nd, 1913, I being at the

time Chief Officer of that vessel.

I would state that the "Tai On" is a small twin

screw steamer of 428 tons net register, flying the

British flag, and owned by Chinese.

Licensed by the British Authorities to carry 1208

passengers, the vessel is compelled to carry a British

certificated master, mate and engineer.

The "Tai On" runs between Hongkong and Kong Mun, a

treaty port on one of the western branches of the Canton

river, a distance of 84 miles from Hongkong; leaving

Hongkong the one evening at 7 o'clock, and returning

the next night, the whole running being night work.

At the time of the piracy Captain Holmes was Fuster

myself (Cornwell) being Mate. Both

members of ".S.G.

The

he Secretary,

Imperial Merchant Service Guild.