1914-04-29 — Page 3

Page

ANOTHER PIRACY ON THE

STEAMER

“TAI ON.”

SATURATED WITH

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29TH, 1914.**

KEROSENE

AND BURNT BY PIRATES.

ABOUT TWO HUNDRED LIVES LOST.

We have had in recent years to record the spectacle was terrifying. The cries

many piratical outrages on river-steamers plying but wesa Hongkong and the West River ports, but the outrage on the Tai On, of which news reached the Colony early yesterday morning, is one of the

motundacious in the record.

It appours that the Tai. On cleared on

and screams of women and children struggling in the water made the night hideous, and this night of horrors will live for ever in the aismory of those who participate. The Contain and Chief

T

Engineer were the last to leave the Tar

On, thus adhering to the high traditions

COMMERUD

Captain Somerville, seen by a repre- HONGKONG CHAMBER OF ntative of the Daily Press, told how on Monday night he saw the Zieten paza aleng and heard someone on board about

Toi in

He, of course, nahoro. immediately went to the assistance of the vessel, but did not know until he had

actually anchored four cables distant that she was afire

I turned out every man-jack_who Karw bởi to manage a boat, he said, and the outs wor fishing around until 4.10 sm, when the cries had all cased and no more people were to be seen??

The Harbourmaster (Commander Basil

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

CHAIRMAN'S INTERESTING REVIEW,

are all agreed that every effort should be cheaper for the Contral Government of made to encourago arbitration in its China to take steps to have the discredited widest sansey not only between individual Canton notes issued replaced by an issue disputants, but also between the different based on sound lines, which would nation's

stablish confidence, rather than let the THE WIRELESS TELEGRAPH QUESTION. Prosent unsatisfactory situation continue | I now come to a most important with all its contingent dangora to both mattor, viz., the urgent need for a peace and trade. In my address last year eauction of a mutable commercial wireless referred to the effect the opening of the The annual general meeting of the station in Hongkong. It cannot but be Panama Canal would have in our Colony Hongkong General Chamber of Com considered a scandal that after three and to the possibility of it being found nere was held in the old Chamber of years agitation we are still without such necessary to consider the question of Commerce Room at the City Hall last in these seas. It is only quite recently further to add on this point, as we can a valuable aid to our shipping commerce dredging the barbour I have nothing veg. The Hon. Mr. E. A Hewitt, that a statement was made in the House only now wait and see if this new route of Commons – that the Government is likely to result in larger and deeper C.M.G. prosidod, and the firms repre- were doing all possible to improve draught vessels visiting our port. You edented, along with their representatives, the means of safety of life atare, I presume, all aware that in this

the were as follow:-Hongkong and Shanghai sc and here, int

second connection another point has arisen, viz., Taylor, B.N.) went out in the Government Butterfield & Swire (Mr. G. T. M. Edkins); year after year, and even yet are still to which we, who are resident in this part Banking Corporation (Mr N. J Stabb) have been put off month after month, and of adding yellow fever to the other ills biggest shipping port in the World, we as to whether we may not run the risk launch Stanley, with the intention of Shewan, Tomes & Co. (Mr. J. A. Young), unable to ascertain when this blut apon of the globe, are heir to It is satig- towing the hull of the ship back to

our Colonial Government will be removed Hongkong, but we are informed that what Toyo Kisen Kaisha (Mr. N. Morimoto); We see all round us our friends spending factory to know that the Government is remains of the vessel is under water Shellim); Vacuum Oil Co. (Mr. W. A. Bono considerable and have been investigation sa to whether the yellow ED. Sassoun & Co. (Hon. Mr. E. large sums in setting up stations, to many danger, and has already commenced on Our representative failed to elicit any. Dowlay); Union Insurance Society of information as to the movements of our ent of ours. We sincerely trust not. This for Somo timo past, for fever-bearing mosquito is a fellow resid- information concerning the unto Cant (Mr. C. P. H. Has); Gibb, Living unable to communicate with the ships, question brings me to another mater value of the Tai On'e cargo from the Monday night at her usual time, 7 o'clock had long been abandoned and there was office, while a question as to who ston & Co (Mr. J. WC. Bonnar); Hong-except it may be through the courtesy of which requires prompt attention. In my ther the vessel was insured net with tho korig Electric Co. (Mr. F. Graham); Alex some other merchant vessel which happo 24th February, 1908, 1 referred to the address at our annual meeting held on reply that they did not know,"

Huss & Co. (Mr. A. S. D. Cousland) E. Dobo in port at the moment. Until a

few days ago the latest information offi- need of a permanent quarantine station, register, owned by the Knong On Steam British American Tobacco Co. (Mr. R. D. Government on this important matter the case of a steamer arriving hero with a The Tai On is a vessal of 168 tons Sacon & Co. (Mr. C. 8. Gubbay) cially received from the Hongkong and in support of my argument instanced

Yeux Road. She flew the British flag. Bolloa); Siemsseny & Co. (Mr. H. A. Secretary in replying to our complaint There then being no permanent quaran ber (7) months ago), when the Colonial an outbreak of cholera had taken place. *Road The vossel was fitted with steel plates Sichs); Arnold, Kärberg (Mr. F. Lich); that 21 years had then already passed, time station on shore, where so large a others and grills at cather sido of the bridge Gilman & Co. (Mr WL. Pattondex); during which the Chander had been number of people could be accommodated. The Chief Officer thus preventing approach from the top Bradley & Co. (Messrs.. JA. Pluminer les station, and as yet without any treated as best might be under the cir

pressing for a speedy erection of a wire the suspects were placed on junks and Assengers made their presence known, overboard about, who had dropped deck, and the barbed wire entanglements are China & Japan sonable to suppose that there will be no matter to the flen Govermer, and niti- passengers made their pretreatened the overarlo ale Caguarter of an also proved of great use, through the

Alves); then Armed with Mausers, they the hour terrified passengers, but must have found since been seen....” and

the Captain, before

has not difficulty they prosented to the pirates Telephone Co. (Mr WL Carter) fris delay in carrying out the work.mately it was decided to purchase the This, taken in conjunction with the dates Lai-chi-kok coolie station, which made grave fears in getting on to the bridge.

Jorge & Co. (Mr. C. V. Jorge); W. Balready given, is, I think, in itself & an ideal quarantine station, where consirierable difficulty in covering the

to his whole of them. There was a commotion, The Shun Lee conveyed about 120 aur- Entex

THE POLICE REPORT.

Loxley & Co. (Mr. W

better commentary on the situation than Beattie);

anything which awakened the "skipper," who was vivors to Hongkong yesterday morning

Messageries Maritimos Cie (Mr. P. to state that the Hongkong Government properly cared for. It is, of course, under- Can Bay. I am in a position suspects could be segregated and the sick

in his cabin Instantly the suspicion that Both the Shui On and the Shun Lee stood informed at the Central Police Earome); along with the Secretary, Mr. matter; the blame rests with those atstation does not frequently arise, but At 11 6.m yesterday our reprezentative Thomas); Carl Bodiker & Co. (Mr. F. has done all in its power to press the stood that, happily, the need for such a by through the sight, and until no fur ther useful service could be rendered

The Hoi Sang was the first to arrive with the tidings early yesterday morning.

of British seamanship. Hope for the ship no other alternative than to forsake the vessel. Both jumped overboard, and the Chief Engineer was picked up by the Shine On, which also rescued 32 others

aro

for Kongmoon, carrying a general cargo, 363 passengers and a crow of about 60, the officers being Captain Wetherell, Chief Offer Evans and Chief Engineer T. D. McCartney (the latter was on the Captain Wetherell was picked up by the ship Company, whose offices are in Harvey); Standard Oil Co. (Mr. J. W was dated so long ago as the 15th Septem-number of coolies on board, among whom Tai On when the ship was pirated in the same locality some 12 months ago) Nothing untoward happened until nearly 10 o'clock, the steamer being then off Kain a ship's boat.

pirates were aboard catered his mind, and his action was as quick as his thought He rushed to the bridge seized a

duck-shot gun, and was in time to see the first pirate attempt to clamber on to tho bridge. Ho fred at him at orice, and the rubber received the full charge in the The other two European off- stomach eers were on the bridge, and augmented

Wo Kwai, and transferred to the Ho Sang, the First Officer of which (Mr. Gough) also

Kare

entertained

saved several

By

WHERE WERE THE POLICE'?

Station that 168 persons had been brought from the scene of the piracy to Hongkong, and that those are being douined, According to the police report the Tai On Left Hongkong at 7 o'clock on Monday evening, having 360 passengers on

and

E. A. M. Williams.

The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting, after which the minutes of the previous annual general meeting were confined.

* The CHAILMAN vid=The report being

As the vessel entered Capsulmon she let off rockets and kept continually board. About 10 p.m., the ship was at now in your hands for some time, I will whistling. Eight bombs were also Kai Au, near Macao. At this time tho

permission take it as read

with

your

Home. I think I am justified in adding that no third class shipping port in Great Britain would receive such treat- nient. The people there, whose lives or property are risked, havo Parliament ary, votes, and therefore are in a position to force attention to their needs, which the past few days a letter has been wo unhappily do not possess. During received from the Governinont reading as follows: I am directed to inform you.

the building for the reception of the plant

(Continued on page 5.)

INTIMATIONS

CHS. J. GAUPP & CO.,

by two Portuguese guarde, they offered exploded, but we are informed that it Captain was in his cabin, where I will now briefly refer to the more that steps are now being taken to design a determined and ultimately successful was two hours before the police came to suddenly heard a noise as of many people important matters dealt with, taking for the radio-telegraphic station at Cape resistance to the pirates attack. For a the ship, and it was not till several hours rushing, which was quickly followed by them in the order in which they appear, D'Aguilar! This is, of course, a step in brief while there was a veritable battle, later that a torpedo-bot was dispatched revolver shots. The Captain dashed out before proposing the passing of the the light direction, but as only part of the

plans have been received and no details WATCHMAKERS the officers and Portuguese guards sniping the scene with the Supermtendent of of his cabin and found that pirates were report

restoratipment, it will probably be the Owing away with deadly effect and they ultimat: Police and a large escort on board. swarming

Altogether just over 160 were brought to the stand made by the Porta- ly drove the pirates from the bridge deck

leaving several dead and wounded.

Squis of the pirates had actually got UN the bridge, and the Chief Engineer had an extremely narrow escape. A pirate had him by the throat, means of escaping. and was trying to strangle him, when when Captain Wetherell came to the rescue, and shot the would-be murderer. Some of his

duck-shot lodged in the Chief Engineer's hips. When the pirates retired to the lower decks, they stopped the engines, plunged the ship in darkness by cutting off the electric light, and then put tho steering gear out of order. They then hazarded their own lives and those of the

remainder on board by breaking open

saturating

some tins of kerosine among the cargo, the deck with the oil and setting fire to the ship fore believed and aft. By

it is some that this was done with the object of

down to Hongkong, and the police suspect that some of these are pirates. The firing of the vessel plated them in the same plight as the passengers, and they had no

A the survivors brought have been detained, pending enquiries Seven were

were sent to

to hospital suffering either from bullet wounds or burns. The Chief Engineer was also sent to hospital.

BRAVERY OF THE CAPTAIN

down

Our representative interviewed Captain

about the

TEREGULARITY OF THE SIBERIAN MAILS,

BRITISH TRADE INTERESTS » IN CHINA. IM satisfactory

Hote

are yet to hand as to the shipment of

AND

JEWELLERS.

INSTRUMENTS.

SUN GLASSES.

guese guard the pirates had been to the irregular manner in which the before we see this proposed station com I regret to have to again refei end of the year certainly after the approaching typhoon season has passed, uushle to reach the bridge. This had been Siberian Mails are delivered here. It is pleted and in full working order. surrounded with Larbed wire, and from not very easy to say where the blame lies. TRADE CONDITIONS within this the officers put up a fight but we believe that our Government and With regard to trade generally SURVEYING AND NAUTICAL which lasted for the best part of an hour, the other Powers concerned, are equally this may, I think he described as throughout the year. under review, During the fight the Chief Engineer was nozious to see this service improved, and fair, not at all satisfactory con wounded, and up to that morning the that before long this cause for complaint dition of affairs in view of the size mate had not been found. Failing to obtain will be removed.

of China, hori varied resources, and her enormous population of industrious and possession of the bridge or command of

business-like people. The disturbances ZEISS PRISM BINOCULARS. the upper part of the vessel the pirates

that which have, and unhappily still are, con- thereupon took command of the lower the London Chamber of Commerce, stantly breaking out in one or other part great importance of of the country show that matters are still very far from what they should be, Wetherell early yesterday morning. He portion, engine-room, etc. Finding they realizing the

were foiled in their attempt to secure our trading interests in China, have and give cause for considerable anxiety was obviously a bit unnerved by his experience, but excepting that his hair out the pirates became enraged. They recently created & Far Eastern setion as to the future. Many districts are given

damaged the machinery, shut off the under the Chairmanship of our friend, over to brigandage, while, as we have only SILVER AND PRINCE'S PLATE.

toe good reason to know, piracy is again significant powder marks on his hands, electric light, and then set fire to the Mr. Keswick. We feel are that this becoming serious hindrance to trado, he was little the worse for the encounter ship, using inflammable cargo for the will prove a valuable asset in our busi resulting in loss of life and property, and with may lead to serious complications bis subsequent nerve-wracking purpost. The Captain fired off rockets ness relations with China. Under exist. unless energetically and effectively dealt

ing conditions, and with increasingly Want of money and want of a and

sufficient experience. He told his tale simply and and blue lights which attracted the keen competition among all nations for number of capable and trained officiale is MAPPIN & WEBB, modestly. He is not the man to respond any The Tut Oy burned very quickly,

a share in the Far Eastern trade, it is largely responsible for this state of affairs, and while in time there will no

ITD.. some of the pirates who were on board, be done to encourage and assist our own largely a question of time, and meanwhile

LONDON. as many as possible being rescued by the what is offering. It is a cause for regret to help China towards the goal for which vere compelled to jump into the water, nationals in securing a fair share of the country suffers. We believe that the Treaty Powers are honestly endeavouring

that we still have individual cases to complain of want of good faith on the part of certain high local officials towards foreigners; and of a continuance of their old policy of indifference to, and disregard of, treaty obligations,

had been badly burnt, and that there were

eowing the Captain and his gallant band to on invitation to give a "descriptive and the passengers and, crew, ndong imperative that everything possible should doubt be forthcoming, this, of course, is

He could not make an

He said that the spot where to submission; by others, it is suggested story. that they fired the ship in a diabolical the pirates made their attack was fit at frenzy and nager at being haulked. just where the Tu? On was pirated In any case, they failed to take cognisanic about twelve months ago, and where crew of the Hoi Sang.. The Captain was that even now, after all these years of she is working and we regret therefore of the probability of the ship burning so the Shing Tai was held-up only in the water for half an hour before he urging on the part of the business com

month ago

was eventually picked up by the formunity, our own Government still hangs fiercely as to prevent all possibility of any person on hoard-including them estimate of the number of pirates aboard, g, during which time passengers and back and does not give that whole-hearted selves, of course-from escaping by the His statement bore out the account of the

support to their nationals that is so bonts. The fire spread so rapidly that affair given above, and when a references

readily accorded by their respective within a few minutes she was alight from was made to the services of the Portuguese

Governments to our competitora. atom to stern, and among the first guard be praised them highly and said it is to them that the European officers

pirates were struggling together in the water. Soon afterwards the Tax On had burned down to the water-hne, though there were many passengers and pirates. still on board, and she drifted aground a

THE HARBOUR DEPARTMENT: You will notife that a question has art

RECURRENCY PROBLEMS.

objects to be destroyed were the boats largely owe the preservation of their lives. Kai Au. The wong Wai also steamed sen as toalleged interference of unlicensed Colony

Many of the Chinese passengers and crew leapt overboard and swam about in the

muddy water, others hung over the side

with

water

Representatives

ALEXANDRA

BUILDINGS.

CHATER ROAD.

CALDBECK,

I must now make brief reference to two other matters of considerable importance to the trade of this.

The first is our subsidiary coinage. As you are aware this coinage was drawn to a heavy and steadily increasing discount, owing to the importation of large quantities of of which many of cur local Companies Chinese subsidiary coin, in consequens MACGREGOR&C.

subsidiary coins was a wise and necessary the Hongkong Government in prohibiting the circulation in the Colony of alien measure which will gradually bring about or less stationary value in the neighbour- the desired object, ie, attaining a more hood of par for this coinage. I may mention that the legislation dealing was based on matter with the broad lines, and should not interfere with the Chinese local trade which is largely financed in Chinese small coin, You will see some very interest- as the Government, while prohibiting the

correspondence

published

actual circulation, have not prohibited under the heading of Inter the importation of these coins, and they national Arbitration. and I am sure we can therefore be dealt with through the

From other sources we learn that the up to the scene and assisted in the work stram launches with the legitimate trade skipper is much too modest in speaking of rescue, transferring the rescued people of licensed vessels. The proposed change of the part he played in the affair. He to the Hai Sang, which eventually brought was very strongly objected to by the of the vessel, and many more must have really distinguished himself by his them to Hongkong Other boats which Committee; the supposed interference succumbed either from drowning er from gallantry, and the Chief Engineer rendered assistance were the Shun Lee being based on an entirely erroneous view suffered severely. The recent action of burns. The distress signal was

was hoisted for one, certainly rockets cont up into the darkness of the to him. Captain Wetherell remained midnight until 40 am More Frecues, no more of this, but I feel compelled to owes his life and for On, these two standing by from of the situation. We trust we shall hear night, and the steamer's whistles blown on his ship to, the last, The Chief

At about 10.20 p.m. the master of the Officer had jumped overboard

wer made and the two boats eventually refer to the matter, as this is yet one more Shim Lee, Captain John Somerville, observed the rockets sant up from the Captain dropped into the

an our 4 quarter of an hour before the came on to Hongkong. When the for instance of the constant attempts on the Sau arrived in Hongkong waters she sent part of the present Harbour Department Tai Os, and heard the ill-fated steamer's He and the Chief Engineer did ad thoy up police signals. The police boarded the to interfers with, and dictate to the shipping as to the manner in which their whistles. He immediately steered his could to get the passengers to leave the boat and took charge of the 168 passengers business is to be conducted. vessel toward her. On getting up to her he ship, and when it was no longer possible Seven or eight of these were wounded, and slowed his engines, and dropped anchor to stand on the

they hung over the were taken to hospital. The others have in 12ft of water, about four cables from the Tan On. He then observed a fork of side clutching to the open port holes, been detained, as many of them are

shouting counsel to the terrified passen-members of the pirate gang. #am at one end of the steamer, and with

The Chief Engineer fually had to shock realised that she was afre. Ho let go as his hauds were being scorched. promptly ordered three boats of the and Caplain Wetherell bade him “good- Shun Lee out, and all hands in readiness bye, in doubt whether they would ever to assist in rescue work. At about see one another again. The Captain still 11:30 pm the three boats pulled away to managed to hold on for some time and the burning ship, and from that time up finally had to let go himself. He was till 4 o'clock yesterday morning they were -plying to and fro, picking up people from

the water

The Shru On, Hai Sang, and Wo Kwai also observed the signals of the Tui On and drew as near as possible Boats were sent out from these steamers also Spectators of the scene describe it as one never to be forgotten. The fames brought

gers.

picked up by one of the Arong Wave boats and brought on to Hongkong by the flu Nung whither the steamer pro- ceeded with all possible speed to give notice to the authorities.

A

The ship usually carries four Pertu guesə guards, but on this trip only two were on board. One, named Dies, was formerly a soldier at Macao, and the other named LJ da Bilva, is & married man, with a family residing in Hong the Tai Ôn out into strong relief, and kong. Both are reported missing.

TEFALSEMMOR

1451

ing

INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION,

PERTUSSIN

Is a harmless and efficient remedy against all diseases of the respiratory

organs, especially WHOOPING COUGHI CATARRII OF LARYNX, ACUTE AND CHRONIC BRONCHIAL CATARRH, ASTHMA, &c., which bas been recognised unequalled by the highest authorities. Also the AFFECTIONS

OF THE LUNGS will be greatly, relieved by the use of It

TO BE HAD AT-

THE MEDICAL HALL.

HONGKONG.

medium of recognised Chinese banks and exchange chops The second matter is one of very much greater importance. I refer to the question of the Canton nola

(ESTABLISHED 1864),

BOLE AGENTS FOR

JUNORA

(THE WINE OF HEALTH ">

The steady depreciation in the APPETISER

value of these notes (at present they are autored at something dike 60 per cent descount) has become most serious

aatler and is having a very disastrousONIC

effect on the trade of South China In fact all import business is practically a. a standstill for the time being.

Ramour pats the outstanding circulation STIMULANT

of Canton notes at some $30 to $35 lions, and until decisive steps are taken to rehabilitate the issue, trade must suffer understand this matter 18 engaging the serious attention of the

Taken before mesle, it promotes appetite,

Central Government, and that there is a Tonic for convalescents and neurasthenics

the near future I would strongly recom-it is unrivalled.

Some prospect of its being dealt with in.

mend urgency in dealing with the ques

tion, se am convinced it would be far

121