CO129-487 - Others & Individuals - 1924 — Page 60

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Naturally, the publication of the Draft Regulations was followed by a considerable amount of comment and correspondence in the Press of the Colony as well as that in Shanghai.

Certain measures, (intended to make for a more rigorous adherence to the Regulations of 1914 which were then still in force), were initiated, but, being the butt of public criticism and condemned by the Commission, it was evident that they, both the old Regulations and the draft new ones, were not only inadequate but utterly at vari- ance with the opinions of those most intimately concerned.

The Guilds, whilst watching the matter closely, concluded that their unanswered latter of 12.9.23 would take a'çertain amount of time to bear fruit and did not attempt to harass the Government by further communications. The murder, however, of Captain Willox of the "Failee", following so close upon the "Hydrangea" and "Sanning" butrages, emphatically demonstrated that the continued indifference of the Hongkong Government rendered it imperative that the seriousness of the problem be again submitted for their earnest consideration.

In response to the desires of a large section of members a combined meeting was held on Sunday 3rd February, there being present

• 56 members of both Guilds, the outcome of which was the following letter, addressed to the Hon. Col.Seo.

"4th February 1924.

"The Honourable the Colonial Secretary,

nsir,

"Hongkong.

We have the honour to inform you that a combined mee- "ting of members of the China Coast Officers' Guild and the Marine "Engineers Guild of Chine was held on Sunday the 3rd inst, at "which were present fifty six (56) members, most of whom are "engaged in vessels subject to the Regulations made under the "Piracy Prevention Ordinance, No.23 of 1914.

"At this meeting convened for the purpose, the matter "of piracy was exhaustively discussed and we were, by it, instruc- "ted to forward, for the consideration of His Excellency the "Governor, the following Resolutions:-

(1) That, in so far as piracy prevention is concerned, "the Police Department be relieved from all duties in regard "to sea-going and river steamers whilst outside the waters "of the Colony and concentrate ita attention to detesting

and preventing the embarkation of unlawful persons and/or "firearme whilst these vessels are in Hongkong Harbour, "unless some better method is devised.

(2) That all arms and armed guards required by the "Piracy Regulations be removed from every vessel and the "absolute command thereof restored to the Magter as laid down "in the Merchant Shipping Aots, unless some better method is "devised.

(3) There shall be at once inaugurated a proper system "of patrol in the Danger Zone.

(4) That all vessels subject to Piracy Regulations "shall have wireless telegraphy installed and under the con- "trol of a competent operator signed on the Articles.

(5) That Insurance be automatically affected for every "Master, Officer and Engineer whose duty takes him into the "Danger Zone, the premium for such Insurance to be paid with "the money at present paid as wages to the guards, in the "event of them being removed from the vessels.

(6) That every case of Piracy shall be the subject of "enquiry at the Harbour Office (as soon as possible after the "outrage) with the Harbour Master as President of the Court, "which should consist of active Mercantile Marine Officers "of both departments, with the addition of one active Naval "Officer.

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