1921-05-31 — Page 3

HONGKONG IN THE HOUSE. CHILD, LABOUR AND GIRL SLAVERY.

were

THE HONGKONG DAILY FRESS, TUESDAY, MAY 81ST

CORRESPONDENCE

RUBBER INDUSTRY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE

DAILY PRESH."]

HONGKONG

The following questions and answers referring to Hongkong matters

-As one Bnancially interested in the abova industry had who was in the asked and answered in the House of "Comanians, on April 13th and 20th:-

Lout H. CAVENDISH BENTINCE asked the thick of it" for some time, after read Under Secretary of State for the Coloniesing your most interesting article of this morning's issue I would like to trespass whether a hoard of investigation has yet been appointed to inquire into the system on your time and space a little. of mai tari existing in Hongkong: what is the composition of the board; and whe ther, in view of the fact that complaints in regard to this system most y refer to giris who are sold into other households, men are included on the board of investigation 7

Mr. CHURCHILL: T as not aware of the appointment of any such board, I am committes of Chinese informed that a ladies is being formed to assist in this particular the Po Leung Kik, a Chinese ogisty of high standing, which is of the greatest assistance to the Colonial Govern ment in all matters connected with the protection of women and girls.

Major BIRCHALL Baked the Secretary of State for the Colonien whether he has any information that, in Hongkong, Chi- nes: children under 14 years of age are permitted to work upwards of 70 hours per week!

LOOKING FOR A PLAINTIFF. CURIOUS POSITION IN SUPREME

COURT ACTION.

UNPROVOKED ASSAULT BY SOLDIERS.

1812

A RICKSHA COOLIE AND HIS FARE

Both guiky."

...

The rickaha coolie said that he wan

LANE CRAWFORD & GO.

have pleasure in announcing that they are now in a position to

REDUCE

the following lines in their May Price List.

In the Supreme Court before His BEATEN WITH A STICK. Honour Mr. Justice Gompertz, yesterTwo men of the Wiltshire Regiment, day, an action, in which Ke Ip Tong Pte. J. E. Gill and L/e. R.. Walter, were wes the plaintiff and the Wing Shing charged before Mr. Lindsell, at the Cheung firm were the defendants, was

saulted a richeba coolie and his farò in due for bearing, but, the plaintiff did not Magistrney, yesterday, with baving as attend."

Mr. C. G. Alabaster (instructed by Queen's Road Central, rear the City Mr. D. H. Blake of Messrs. Wilkinson I woll remember the panic created about & Grist) said that in this case, in 1919, Hall, at 11 pm, on Sunday, causing defendants pleaded Not 1912 when, Rubber suddenly began to the plaintiff, brought an action against serious injuries. come down from, its heights of 10, 6. the defendant firm and one of the part. ners for $20,000 alleged to have been cte, to 38. Od., 2a ed. La Molaya tele- grans were received in shoals from Lon-deposited. A writ was served on the don offices, the burden of them being second, defendant; who entered sep

reduce your cost per pound. Plan-pearance, and judgment was obtained proceeding along Queen's Road, going

Gost per Ib. on the brain.. tors had

same day, to a third party. The deneer the City Hall, the defendants, who And no wonder, when in those days by the plaintif, who signed it away, the West, with a fare in the vehicle, when monthly reports showed a cost of from 3x to bs, and even more in some in. fendants got that judgment set aside on were with two other soldiers, walked up In an incredibly short time terms and a re-hearing was granted on to the ricksha and without any warning stances. they were brought down to the neigh payment of $8,000 into Court. "Since or provocation, proceeded to strike him been looking for & plaintiff who is will-that the defendants were the men bo bourhood of 2s, and later to 11, and then," said Mr. Alabaster: we have and the fare with sticks. He was certain in a few cases to 78.

ing to appear against us. I ask for cause he followed them until a European The fare, who said that he was a judgment and for the sum of money paid Sergeant arrested them

The Registrar having advised that mineral water manufacturer employed at into Cours to be refunded." where a plaintiff does not appear the the Victoria Barracks, said that he and proper course in that the case should four friends were proceeding along be struck out; Mr. Alabaster amended Queen's Road in rickshas, and, when near American Blanchard Cheese...........$1.20

the City Hall, the first defendant struck his application accordingly.

him on the head with a stick and caused the blood to low. As he put his hand to his wound, the second defendant pushed hinr out of the risksha, and he fell into the drain. One of his friends blew a police whistle and the defendanta, made off. A European Sergeant chased and caught the defendants.

i

The same beneficis effect is bound to take place during the present slump, and ad. per lb. off the coat is infinitely better than 3d on the male price.

The 1910 boom was bad for the industry but found its own way out, and as certain as that, another thing is namely, that the present slump will find its own way out.

it

Mr. D. H. Blake went into the witness Me Woud: The Governor has been

For three months only in the last box to prove notice of trial and the asked for a report on the subject of child Jabour in Hongkong. At present there bas Rubber been selling below its proaction was then struck out of the list

**all-in cost of 18. Sh Appears to be no legislation. When the Lable average Governor's report is received, the matter per lb. It has been as low as 101d will receive my very careful considera-is true, for a little while, but a high as is 11d. and for a long time has been over 2 This is not a very terrible state of affairs if it does not remain too long at present prices. Then, what about the future?

tion.

Major BIRCHALL asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can take any steps to abolish the state of semi-slavery na applied to Chinese girla in Hongkong!.

WOOD: If the hon. and gallant Member refers 3g the system of mai tsas, I would invite his reference to the un wwer given on Wednesday, the 19th inst., to the noble lord, the Member for Not tingham South (Lord H. Cavendish-Ben tinck). The term "semi-slavery" is not, I am advised, a correct description of the position of these girls,

HONGKONG FOOTBALL

ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At the end of 1918 the statistical position was quite satisfactory, consump tion practically equalling production In 1910 the substantial rise in price tempted producers to turn out as much possible and they overdid it by about

That is why there i 60,000 toax

(London and Liverpool stocks slump. ate, by the way, about 60,000 tons at pre sent). As for 1921, assuming the truth of reports that small producers-Chinese, Indian and other private owner, who cannot afford to tap at a loss, are really closing down Estates. that the 25 per cent, reduction imposed by the E.G.A will take effect for the whole year, and reckoning on a falling, off in Brazilian

AN EXTRADITION

CASE.

GRIM STORY FROM CHINESE- TERRITORY.

Replying to the Magistrate, witness said there were altogether four soldiers. A request by the Chinese authorities The witness's was the last ricksha in a string of five. The defendants for the extradition of a man alleged to have been concerned in an armed robbery, struck the occupants of all the vehicles. in mufti at the time. The witness could accompanied by murder, came before Mr. He was sure of the defendants in spits day afternoon. G. N. Orme, at the Magistracy, yester-of the fact that the "one stripe? was give no cause for the assault. He bad never seen the defendants before.

The Assistant Crown Solicitor (Mr.

Lance Sergeant Neal, A47, said that demand for extradition based on threa Hazlerigg) said the fugitive appeared on charges arising out of a robbery st Sam he was on duty in Garden Road when Chau Tin village, in Chinese territory, he heard police whistles from the direc on March 22nd. Witnesses would say that tion, of the City Hall. He ran down on that night some 40 armed robbers, of Garden Road and at the foot of that whom the fugitive was one, broke into road, he saw four soldiers going to At one wards the barracks. He took no notice various houses in the village house, the fugitive was identified by the of them and ran on. A little further up | wild and reclaimed, rubbers that is bound robbers were leaving, the aunt of one of Queen's Road, he saw the second witness

to become unprofitable at ruling rates The annual general meeting of the 30 per cent. decrease in output is prac Hongkong Football Association was held, tically certain. On the 1020 output of last evening, at Victoria Barracks. Mr. 288,000 tons this would amount to 110,000 H. J. Wilton presiding. The following toos, which makes up for 1920 surplus clabs were represented:-Hongkong Club, and leave us 50,000 tons for reduced

R.G.A.

1021 consumption. So that 1929 should Hongkong Pulics, Titovi, 2/Wiltshires, S.C.A., St. Joseph's, Staff e a remunerative price for the com- ant Departments, 22/Punjabis and 88th modity not a very serious state of Affairs even if one year's dividends are Co.-R.G.A.

referees also attended missed. considering that shareholders The following. Innds. Masters, Leaf. Andrew, Williams, to 100 per cent, on their holdings for the meetingMessrs. Thornton, Hol have been receiving anything from 10 Cheesesley and Omar.

Shipments from F.M.S. and 8.S. for January and February, 1921, were 24,799 - Mr. J. Raiston, Hon, Secretary, read

the notice calling the meeting.

inutes of the last, annual general tons against 51.404 fox: 1920 and 49,037 for 1910 good beginning, anyway. Con meeting were read and confirmed.

On the proposition of Mr. Farmer (Wilts).

seconded by. Mr.

year,

householder. In another. house, as the

the witnesses addressed the fugitive and lying on the ground covered with blood him. The last witness pointed to the another men, by name, and appealed to The ricksha coolie also had blood on them to leave her some of her peruron soldiers and said "les key" (catch She stopped the men. The last witness then The fugitive, it was alleged,

came up and pointed out the two de fired at the woman with his revolver and them) and the witness ran after and one of his associates stabbed her. died immediately.

On April 21st one of the witnesses saw fendants as his assailants. Gill was in the fugitive in a house in Yaumati and uniform and carried a stick, Walter was be was arrested there, a few days later.in mafti. The witness did not notice if tion was received from the Civil Governor of the Province of Kwangtung. On May 17th & requisition for extradi- he had a stick.

By the Magistrate: That was the only group of soldiers he saw on the street at the time. The two defendants ap Replying to the Magistrate, Gill said, peared to be slightly, intoxicated. All I bave to say is that I never touched the ricksha boy. I walked up the street in a respectable manner, and interfered Walter said: I have nothing to say. The Magistrate: Allthat the witnesses have said is true-Yes, sir..

·(manu), the report and balance sheet longod my letter as it is, for which I murder of the woman who appealed to with no one. I have witnesses to call.

I should like to add a word on Mastersumption" for 1921 but have orer-pro-

HEVEA. crave your parden.-Yours faithfully,

Hongkong, May 25th, 1921..

were adopted. The balance sheet shows a

redit of $145.78.

The following were elected as officers for the

R. Wilton; Vice-Presidents: Lieut.- Comdr. Gilchrist, R.N. and Lieut. W. H. Thornton, R.G.A. Councillors: Messrs. Robertson, Farmer and Purves.

Hon. Sec. and Treasurer: Mr. M. L Tailton.

ARMED ATTACKS: Whilst a farmer of Hokyuen village, Kowloon City, was asleep about 10 Referees Board: Messrs. J. McCubbin o'clock, on Sunday night, four robbers and T. Hamilton, Ch. Stoker Masters, intered the premises by removing some 0.8.1. Williams and Mr. Gr. May. (Hop bricks from the back wall of the kit. Bocretary to the Board).

Two of the robbers produced chen. Mr. Williams proposed that the re-

The farmer's hands were feroes fees for second division matches be revolvers,

tied behind iris back, and, after threaten. two dollars per match.

Mr. Gr. May explained that this would ing to shoot any one who attempted to mean an additional cost to the League give an alarm, the thieves broke open of $132. He was in favour of the two four boxes and stole clothing, jewellery dollars, but the question of the extra and money to the total value of $1,120 So far, the robbers have not been expense should be considered.

After a lengthy discussion, it was traced.

About 2.15 m., on Sunday, a hawker decided to increase the entrance fee next, season to twenty dollars a team in each and his son, who were engaged in night) "division of the League. With the same baking in Aberdeen, were attacked by na this, two men. A third man kept watch out number of teams next season, and, with each club playing eleven home side the house. The son, a robust youth, matches, ench team will cost the League struggled with the robber, and was get twenty-two dollars in referees' expenses ting the better of him when the robber blone, so the management will be called whipped out a dagger and stabbed him upon to provide extra funds from which over the left eye. On an alarm being

pay for the cost of medals. The Hon. Secretary read a letter fram given, the robbers decaraped without the Decca Parks Committee inviting the taking anything. The lad is now in Association to send a team down to hospital and it is feared that he will Batavia in the coming autumn. The lose the sight of his eye, Committee wore prepared to pay all expenses in connection with the trip and

to

to entertain the Hongkong men during SAD BATHING FATALITY AT their stay in Batavia.

The Hon. Secretary was instructed to write accepting the invitation and ask ing for further details and a guarantee, In the meantiine the secretaries of local clubs were asked to make enquiries among their players for those who would be pre-

MEETING.

NORTH POINT.

EUROPEAN BOY DIES FROM FRACTURED SPINE

Diving from the pier at North Point

Some of the people in the houses entered by the robbers then gave evidence bearing out the story related by Mr. Hazlerigg- feature of their evidence was the unconcerned and almost light hearted way in which they described the the robbers. As she gave this part of her evidence, the dead woman's nieca similed rather pleasantly at the Magistrate, or the interprater, who naturally receives most attention from Chinese witnesses.

Mr. Hazlerigg also produced two wit-now-Yes, sir.

After L/c. Clark, the first witness for pesses, asked for by the fugitive. They beth said that he was living in Yaumati the defence had been sworn in, the at the time the robbery took place, Magistrate again asked Walter if he though they did not quite agree on all the was pleading guilty." dates that were mentioned.

Then you are admitting the assault

Walter: 1 have my own evidence to

give.

The man, himself, declared that he was not there and said the villagers had for Then you are not pleading “guilty ” 1 sworn themselves because of a disputeNo, I made a mistake. with him, two years ago, over the 83 L/C, Clark said that he, the defend ants and Ple. Woodward were returning of cattle.

The Magistrate said he was inclined to to barracks from the Astor House about believe, that the inan was not concerned 11 p.m., on Sunday. Near the City Hall in the robbery. He pointed out to Mr. he left his companions and hurried to Hazlerigg that the witnesses were all

Road. On the way, he passed" some related and seemed too confident in their go to the latrine at the foot of Garden identification, considering the circum rickshas. As he got to the entrance of stances of time and place, and that the

the latrine, he heard a police whistle, man they identified as the fugitive was

and, looking round, saw a Chinese on the wearing dark glasses.

Mr. Hazlerigg reminded the Magistrate ground. His friends were then walking of the discrepancy of time in the evidence towards him about 12 yards from the of the witnesses called to prove an alibi. spoc. A Sergeant then came up and The Magistrate said he did not regard arrested the defendants. The witness that an of very great importance. What saw no assault. A crowd collected after struck him when the villagers gave their the defendant's arrest, and on the Palica evidence was the way the whole family Sergeant's instructions he went to bar- By the Magistrate! There were three introduced the name of the fugitive as & racks for a picket. man they recognised.

The fugitive made a further appeal to other soldiers of the same regiment tian. He also gave the names of other long to the witness's party. They were the Magistrate and said he was a Chris walking behind them. They did not be Some distance away and the witness The case was adjourned for a week in could not recognise them. The defend order that these persons might be found. Tants were slightly intoxicated, but not

witnesses. A

drunk..

Pie Woodward said that he walked a HONGKONG'S PURCHASE OF few paces in front of the defendants

OPIUM.-

A STATEMENT BY THE BRITISH LEGATION.

With reference to a report circulated.

Suddenly there was a rush on their right and police whistles were blown. They walked on and the defendants were arrested at the foot of Garden Road. He could not. swear that the defendante did not assault the complainants, bus

defendants w

pared to make the trip in September bathing beach on Sunday afternoon, next, and a Committee consisting of Mr Walter Hardwick, aged 17, son of Mr. Gr. May, Mr. Farmer Ch. Stoker.

Gill repented his previous statement, Masters and Mr. Hollands was elected to Mrs. W. Hardwick, of Quarry Bay,by Chinese news agencies to the effer he did not see any blows struck by the choose the team, should the Association sustained severe injuries to his spine that a formal protest had been lodged

with the British Legation by the Chinese white Walter made &, statement similar hear favourably from the Decca Parks which resulted in his death

Soldiers who were bathing, observing Government against the importation of

to Woodward's. Committee.

the lad's distress, went to his assistance, Indian opium into Hongkong Reuter

The Magistrate convicted and Aned the HONGKONG FOOTBALL LEAGUE and seeing that he was seriously hurt, Agency learnt an inquiry at the British defendants-85 sach, plus 85. Lo each of

notified the police. The lad was con- Legations: Previous to the Association meeting veyed by motor car to his home and Dr. (1)That no such protest has been the two complainants...

(2.) That the new agreement referred the annual general meeting of the Hong Stuart-Taylor was summoned. On exa- lodged, kong Football League was held, Mr. Grmination the doctor advised his removal May presiding The minutes of the last to the Government Civil Hospital, and to between Hongkong and the Indian Government is identical with the old annual general meeting were read and death ensued at eight o'clock yesterday ngrement except that the price charged confirined. The balance sheet and report morning, A were adopted. A balance eredit was The deepest sympathy is felt for the per chest to the. Rougkong Government shown amounting to 2134.42

the season 1021 2: President: Mr. R. J. Wilton;

Vice-President: Mr. Gr. May

of the accident.

him at the time

is doubled,

AN AMATEUR SMUGGLER.. A Chinese who, on Saturday, was re- manded by Mr. R. E. Lindsell-on a parents and also the poor ind's sister(3)That the statement that ten chests Prge of possession of 1,000 dutiable are to be imported into cigarettes, in order to get witnesses, The following officers were elected for who wee bething with of Indian consumption in the in- was again before the Court, yesterday.

Hongkong for The deceased who had only recently of China 18 false Sub-Inspector Grant said that the de R.U.A. Hor: Sec and Treasurer: Mt. returned from a holiday at home with (4)That it is true that the Hong-fendant's witnesses could not be found, J. Ralston. The latter gentleman was his parents was formerly a member of the Government are importing ten and were in all probability, not in exist not desirous of this appointment, as he would be leaving for home early in the Hongkong troops of Boy Scouts, and chests of opium & month for the year ence

since his return had been employed as 121: This is the lowest figure yet reach- The Magistrate: You are guilty. season, and Mr. M. L. Railton (Hong apprentics engineer at the Taikoo ed and shows a reduction of many hun- The defendant Bome guilt 1 admit

Clab) was elected to the post League Management Committee: Messrs Dockyard, His father is employed at the dreds per cent, compared with the im-I have, and I pray for leniency 1 am

port of 1912, since which date a steady not a professional smuggler.

taken place.

The Magistrate: $100 or six weeks. J. Rodger, Swann, Farmer, S. Masters Taikoo Sugar Refinery,

The funeral takes place this afternoon, reduction hea and Ip Kau.

Κουβ

Pineapple Brand Bacon..........

May Price List $1.40 per lb.

Hams.....

..$1.50

New Price $1.10 por lb.

$1.80

Half Hams

$1.70

$1.40 »

90

Australian Pare Creamery Batte

$1.20 për 1 lb. tin $1,00

75c. per 12 oz. tin?

40c. per pkt.

Kellogg's Toasted Cornflakes`

permit.

Other reductions will follow as soon as circumstances

LANE, CRAWFORD'S

Established 1850

Telephone 1741

[15

THE TYPHOON SEASON

IS NOW APPROACHING.

Be forewarned.

by having one of the latest

improved BAROGRAPHS“

and be forearmed.

LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.

HONGKONG.

DANCING

IS THE

CONDIMENT WHICH MAKES LIFE APPETISING-

DANCE TO.

*

COLUMBIA RECORDS

OBTAINABLE ONLY

AT

ANDERSON'S

W Powell

TELEPHONE 8146,

BATHING SEASON.

WE ARE NOW SHOWING A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF

GENTLEMEN'S

KNITTED BATHING

CAN COSTUMES

IN THE LATEST COLOURINGS BLUE, BROWN GREEN HEATHER

ALSO PLAIN NAVY

PRICES

$4.00 To

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$12.50

HIGH CLASS

GENTLEMEN'S OUTFITTERS.

97*