1918-03-25 — Page 3

Page

RACECOURSE DISASTER.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS, EVIDENCE OF MR. Mcl. MESSER.

The enquiry into the racecourse is aster was continued at the Magistracy on Saturday morning.E

POINTS ON WHICH THE JURY

ARE SATISFIED.

THY HONGKONG DAILY PREES, MONDAY, MARCH 25cm, 1918.

at the Murray Parade Ground on Heather Day, where the proceedings con tinued into the night..

CEREBRO-SPINAL FEVER

EPIDEMIC

SUGGESTIONS FOR CHECKING ITS. SPREAD AMONGST THE CHINESE

The following is a copy of a letter ad dressed to the Principal Civil Medical Officer containing suggestions drawn up in conference with several prominent local Chinese for coping with the prevail ing epidemic of cerebrospinal fever :- To the Hon. J. TC. Johnson, F.R.C.S.

Civil Medical Department,

Hongkong. Sir-Sidewalks sprinkled with disen- Factants, the daily recards. of new cases and resulting deaths; the embargo now placed against ships from this port; the occasional funeral trains all these re mind us of the prevalence of cerebro spinal (or "spotted") lever in our midst.

COMPANY MEETING. GREEN ISLAND CEMENT CO., LTD.

The twenty-ninth ordinary annual meet ing of the Green Island Coment Co., Ltd., was held on Saturday morning, at the registered offices of the Company. George's Building, Hongkong.

St.

The Hon. Mr. D. Eandale presided, and

Chater, C.M.G., the Rev. Tather Robert

there were procent: The Hon. Sir Paul

and Mr. A. O. Lang (Directors), Mr. R.

Henderson (Secretary), and Dr. J. H Sandera and Mesirs. R. C. Shewan, R Hancock, H. F. Campbell, J. K. Gibson, M. A. Figueiredo, Tse Tsan Tai and Chau Siu Ki (shareholders)

The CHAIRMAN said: The result of the

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WE ARE NOW STOCKING A CHOICE SELECTION OF

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WEDDING. COMPLIMENTARY CHRISTENING PRESENTS. THE DESIGNS ARE QUITE UNIQUE,

*INCLUDING

COPIES FROM ANTIQUE PATTERNS.

year's work is not as good as that of the previous twelve months; the gross, profit for the year being $495,255.01 against a profit last year of $610,150, In view of reserve account last year, your Directors the large amount $150,000-transferred to consider that it is only necessary to trans.

•payment of will then stand at 2203,000, and they feel CAKE STANDS. for $30,000 to that account this year, which justified in recommending the the same dividend as last year, which will SALVERS cost £320,000. We propose 815,000 off Dcop Water Bay Buildings and MENU STANDS.. Machinery in addition to the usual BONBON depreciation, and we also propose to pay a bonus to the staff of $14,261.33, of which,

is to protect the adjoining buildings. It is the duty of the Fire Brigade to extin- guish a fire and to protect both life and property. The general rule in the case of theatrical matsheds is for despatch boxes to be sent by the Fire Brigade, in charge of two Chinese firemen, and at the expense of the lessee, to be in continual attendance This is also sometimes done, but not always, in the case of theatrical perform At the opcuing the Coroner said the ances in permanent buildings. The Tai- foreman of the Jury had asked him to ping Theatre has its own arrangement, make a statement on behalf of the Jury and so has the City Hall, but in certain which they hoped would be of service to instances it is the custom of the Fire those affering evidence. The weight of Brigade to supplement the arrangements ovidence at the present time seemed to beat the City. Hall. The Brigado attended rather in favour of the conclusion that fire brake out subsequent to the collapse. and the Jury were not anxious to hear further evidence confirmatory of that con If there was evidence to the clusion. contrary they would be glad to have it The evidence also tended to show that

• the fire broke out anything from twenty seconds to three minutes after the collapse and, further, that the fire broke out for all practical purposes at one point in the row of sheds, somewhere in the neigh bourhood of sheds No. 8, 9 and 10. further evidence confirmatory of that idea would be required, although they would, of course, be pleased to hear any witness who disagreed. It seemed to the Jury also that the question of the matting fence behind the sheds had been suficiently dis oussed in the evidence. What happened was that it had been pushed over by the people escaping Continuing, the Coroner remarked, with reference to the sittings of the enquiry next week, that it was inconvenient to sit on Monday morning The enquiry would be continued, there fore, this (Monday) afternoon at 2.15 and would possibly be

be continued until 5 o'clock On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the enquiry would commence at 11 m. and then, if necessary, they would resume on the Tuesday after the holidays, The Crown Solicitor said he quite agreed with the Coroner's statements, Ho had, however, some further photo graphs which he would like to put in on Monday afternoon which he thought and caught the 3-16 ear. I met Mr. | employed by standing notices in Chinese greatest trouble of all has been to secure

No

use is.

the neck), the afflicted one stands it for

to write

DISHES.

CREAM SETS,

ETC.

TEA AND

The Coroner: But in no case will the Fire Brigade force the acceptance of these despatch boxes-We never compel may person to do anything which he is not

The discase seems principally confined compelled to do by law. It is only where fre pressetion me compulsory, by law

an occasional European is noted awunger that us insist upon persons, in the to the Chinese of this section, although absence of other provisions, making use the afflicted or the deaths. For this of the Fire Brigade. I may add that reason i have presumed to address you and to make a suggestion, which I am such use of the Brigade is not in its bestjoined by my friend, air Tong Ynt Chun interests, as it means that members are Presideat of the Tung Wan Hospital of

this city.

It appears that the Chinese do not come driven from their stations and are not in

out into the open and let it be known that a position to answer a first aların,

The Crown Solicitor: It comes to this, they have this disease until in the last of practitioners of their own race The question of providing precautions at stages, and they have exhausted the sun. I am sure, you will approve. I think, on SUGAR, AND the racecourse sheds has never been maily, when the first symptom appears the whole, the shareholders have reason to considered 7-Evidently not The design (I understand it is a pain in the back of be satisfied with the position. You will of a new permanent building for public a while, then goes to a Chinese physician omember that in accordance with is referred to us for criticism and or drug store and procures & plaster to Resolutions, passed at a meeting of share- draw the pain out There familiar holders held on the 15th December, 1910, advice by the Building Authority, but with this disso know how futile such this practice is not followed in the case means are. As other symptoms of graver and 13th March, 1917, the capital of the of the racecourse matsheds.

It is import appear the Chinese is carried to Company has been reduced from $4,000,000 sutuo hospital, where it is too often dis-to $3,000,000 by a cash payment to share impossible for the Building Authority covered that the time for eure has passed holders of $1,000,000. It has been neoss-

In view of the menaco to others and the to provide us with the designe. I can

this year's working account in order to remember having had a design of spread of this illness through ignorant Bary to provide a sum of 621,383.37 from carriers, in the hope of arousing a sewrite down the dollar value of our invest of careful prudence amongst the Chinese ment in 5 por cent. War Loan to theatrical mutated submitted to me.

and arresting further sickness, it is equivalent of 3/exchange. Among the you The Crown Solicitor: When did

spectfully suggested that the following many difficulties the management have. This is the Birst hear of the collapte?--I was up means be immediately adopted by your had to contend with, I would mention the

the Peak, and between six and ten honorable body, to wit: enormous price of coal.

largest item of our prime cost and we are (1) That a convenient station, minutes past three I received a telephone stations, be satablished in the Chinese paying $33 per ton for coal for which we Surgeon sppointed by your Department before. A high rate of exchange has, of message from the Central Police Station quarter, in charge of a capable European paid 820 last year and 810 the year (2) That suitable publicity methods be course, added to our difficulties, but our for our cargo when we have that there had been a collapse. I changed

newspapers, by posters placed in the streets, and otherwise admonishing all sold it. Not only have rates of freight

difficult, to

SOCHYD extremoly the Chinese to immediately appear for been constantly increased, but so much exainination if conscious of experiencing tonnage has been withdrawn that it has any of the curliest symptoms of this been

has been higher prices natural consequence

falling off for our cement, and a

in enles, sense and plainly stating what the necessary, freight space on any terms. The symptoms are.

which we cannot hapo a stato

of things

while the war lasts. As will improve

of our raw materials,

would further confirm the conclusion Perkins in the car, and he went to the arrived at with regard to the outbreak PW.D. to arrange about providing for Mina overseers while I found out by phone of fire. THE CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT that the Fire Brigade and Ambulance had

gone to the Race Couree

OF FOLICE, -,

Mr. Messer then detailed the arrange Mr. Mel. Messor, Captain Super-ments which had been made by the

or

(3) By notifying all Chinees physicians and druggists that they shall immediately. inform your Board (or your representa regards the supply of

the

the

intendent of Police and Superintendent of Brigade at Happy Valley. The pressure tive at the station to bo established) of Tonkin has Bill been our mainstay

any person applying for relief who has Stone has, however, come forward in ang of the symptoms described, and to rather better supply from Kwangtung, penalize any failure to so report und, but for the unsettled state of the we should no doubt have received which are now being made by your

announced that the witness was prepared while the flow of water from the fire have observed the intelligent efforts courshly larger quantities. As you

fre

Mr. McI. Messer-That is so. Since I have been in my present position, which I have occupied for about five years, no fire precautions have been taken in regard

approval of Grey Bharche opted

the

The report

rt and accounts were on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Sir Paul Chater

the Fire Brigade, via then called upon to give evidence, and the Crown Solicitor, in of water, he said, for hydrant No. 2 was insufficient for any practical ac, order to save the time of the Court, to state that no precautions had been hydrants 3 and 4 into the tank was in-officers, and appreciate the difficulties will remember, we voted $5,000 to Hong- under which you are labouring We kong War Charities last year, and we same amount this year. taken with reference to an outbreak of sufficient to enable a motor pump to feed don't want to see all public gatherings propose to pay the

present. one hose He then enquired about the forbidden, and the theatres closed; wo am quite sure that in doing so we have

of the Orient marred by an insinuation (Applause.)) Brefloat and this arrived alongside don't want to see this most beautiful city the wharf about 3.45. She started pump that it is unhealthy; and I feel sure that ing about 4 o'clock, the interval being all will gladly do their bit to keep it clean. If a layman has presumed in occupied in tying up, laying the hose to making a suggestion which only comes the scene of the fre, etc. A four-inch from his long friendship for the Chinese hose was laid out first and then a division people, it is hoped that you will gracious was made, two g4 inch hoses being used pardon bim, realizing, however, that Ono supplied a tank at the Police Recree tion Club, where the steam fire engine was located, while the other supplied a tank at the Golf Club house, from which a motor pump forced the water.

to the racecourse matsheds. NPA

Then followed a considerable discussion regarding the regulations. Dealing with theatres, it is laid down that in all build jags used for public performances buckets painted red with the words fire in English and Chinese, and continually full of water should be placed in such numbers and in such positions as the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade might direct; that the premises referred to should be provided with a sufficient number of hydrants to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, and that no smoking chould be permitted except with the permission of that oficer.

The witness remarked that those regula tions were kept with the exception of the ono referring to smoking, which he was afraid was not kept

The Coroner-These regulations apply to all theatrical buildings, temporary and permanent --Chinese theatres are exempt ed under Section 7 of the Theatres

Ordinance.

The Coroner-Now let us theatrical matsheds !:

Mr. R. Hancock proposed, and Dr. Sanders seconded, the re-election to the Board of the Hon. Bir Paul Chater, C.M.G., and the Hon. Mr. D. Landale, and the motion was carried,

he stands at your service, ready to assist Mr. F. Maitland and Mr. A. B. Lowe you in any manner posible to the fullest. were re-elected auditors for the ensuing The Chairman announced that dividend the extent

year, at a remuneration of $500 each With assurances of esteem, I have

warrants would be ready to-day- honour to be, sir, respectfully,

MA

CLARKSON DYE Hongkong Hotel, Hongkong,

March 23rd, 1918

CANTON NEWS.

[BY COURTESY OF THE CHUNG NGOI SAN FO]

Commander Lau Chi-luk has reported that his troops again reconquered the Yan Ping district city on the 10th inst The sity was attacked from three diroc tions in the morning, and was captured on the same night, Lung's troops being compelled to evanuste the city. Several hundreds of Lung's men and many officers were killed, and the rest, who were riost- ly outlaws, deserted. GENERAL LUK

The Coroner During the fire a cordon of soldiers was drawn round the Golf Club and the matshed Yes, they kept off the crowd and were very useful. They re mained on duty until 6p.m. the following

day

CANTON, March 24th, Detailing what steps had been taken | VICTORIES REPORTED IN TBUNG KONG. by the Police for the identification and Is in reported that Cantonese troops Na Lung, about 10 miles away from removal of the bodice, Mr. Mosser said havo captured the important position of that 50 per cent, of the hodies were found Yeung Kong city. in crouching attitudes as though they had VAN FING CITY, been been squashed into those positions. Starting from sheds 4, 5 and 6 the bodies increased in numbers, the greatest number being found outside sheds 8 and 9. There was a heap of 25 to 30 outside shed No. come to 7. The big heap looked as if the people had simply beca shot down a chute. The A permit for performances was then public generally were excluded from the produced, and it was shown that the scene by the cordon of soldiers until 7.20 regulations regarding fire were presumed a m. the following morning. He counted to be covered by the rule that "orders the bodies in company with Colonel should be given by the Police Officer for Ward and Inspretne Watt; they number the safeguarding of peace

and ordered 5.0 The witness put it on record that and for the safeguarding of lives, the Banitary Department, especially the witage remarking that fire precautions coulies, renderel excellent assistance in were enforced by him under the rule con-this part of their work. cerning the safeguarding of life,” and Referring again to the water supply. he added, "As far as I know, for theatrical witness remarked that a hose was oon performances only single storey matsheds neeted with a hydrant on the evening are in use. The whole point with regard after the fre and there was sufficient to matsheds in the case of a fire is the pressure then for one hose to play on any question of exita. It is acknowledged. It would have been sufficient for among fire people that if a matched the Coll Club, but, of course, nothing catches light it is impossible, except in would have served to put out the fire in its initial stages, to extinguish the fire except by cutting a gap. Once the fire

The enquiry was then adjourned until has got a hold the duty of the Fire Brigade this alternovu.

the matsheds.

FOREIGN MONARCHS AND THE BRITISH ARMY. QUESTION IN THE COMMONS. In the House of Commons on January 18th, Mr. Lynch asked the Prime Minister whether he could state what were the considerations that governed invitations to foreign monarchs to become honorary officers of the British Army; and what, under which an invitation of that character was sent to the Emperor of in particular, were the circumstances

Japan,

Mr. Boast Lay, who replied, said the recommendations were made in the public. interested meth

the

My Lynch:-In view of the necessity

encourage of relying so much on democracy will the Government case to entrusting of the Army to kings as their plaything and

The Speaker-The hon. member must give notice of that rhetorical question.

JAPANESE TRIBUTES TO BRITAIN.

General Luk Wing-ting, has established his military headquarters in the. Kwai Yuen district, and has named himself named the Ning Mo General by the late the Yew Mo General Luk was previously

PRACE. President, Yuan Shih-kai Luk has slac THE MARROW FAT OF EASTERN abolished the title of the Inspector Com the opportunity to declare himself the missioner of the two Kwange, and taken Chief of the three Provinces of Kwang tung, Kwangai and Hanan, A TRUE-EXPLANATION

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