Page
IS STRONG LANGUAGE
ABUSE"?
RELATIONS OF POLICE AND.
PUBLIC.
THE
**HELL** R**HELLO!" „Other people who overheard parts of the interchanges with the police, afficer | told what they heard." Ore,, who only understood a little English, was not safe whather... the oqucial expressIOD. WIL HEAD OF FOLICE DEPARTMENT | Hellp. 45. addressed to a telephone irl or Hell," with its connotation of life und brimstone but he rather thought it was the latter, which he regarded as
a very bad word.
MAKES AEROTEST.
"
.
Te it use to use strong language to a man, was one of the questions which Mr, R. E. Lindsell has to decide in a case: which occupied him for a considerable time, yesterday afternoon. In the end, the Magistrate resolved to think it over during the week end and to give his decision on Monday. The relations of the police and the public were the main issue of the case and on this there were some lively paskages between the
Captam Superintendent of Police (Mr. E. D, C.
Wolle) and Mr. M. K; Lo, solicitor.
The Magistrate: Oh very bad.
HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22ND,—1931.
THE ROYAL HONGKONG YACHT CLUB ENTRANCE FEE RAISED AT:
ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual meeting of the Royal Hongkong Yacht Club was held at the Club's premises at North Point yester day evening. There was a good atten. dance.
He Mr. Cloud Severn, C.M.G., the acting, Commodore, conducted the pro-
At this point the Magistents pat ieedings. to Mr. Wolfe that the language com
ANNUAL REPORTS.
glad to have such keen yachtstuen among then..
The Chairman said he had been able since he came, back to the Colony to get an extension of the frontage there of bity feet. They had surrendered the old lasse and secured a new lease which included the extra land The Govern ment had taken over piece of beach between their new build- the intervening ings and the Electric Light Works for Government bathing beach. The Chair the purpose of making a permanent man. thanked Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Rouse for the work done in connection in connection with looking after bathing
The following reports of the Club's members. plained of supposing it to be countered proved-was not threatening "etivities during the year were aub
mitted: abusive in the words of the Section under which the charge was laid"
The Magistrate intimated that he was not satisfied that the language was not abusive so the case procended.
Mr. Wolle: I say it in abusing,
It is the whole attitude-the tone of abuse that matters, The charge is so often brought against police officers that, when people are insulting in their manner, the Sfficer: strikes them, and orders have Sub-Inspector Reynolds, who has just issued that officers are to be very partie been promoted, wits an patrol as a serular and are to put up with any amount grunt on the 10th of last month when 6 abrise.
sawantity firewood being weighed and checked on the pavement of 53, Tes Vaux Road Ceutral preparatory to being taken inside. it was causing an obstruction of the footway and he pro- ceeded to take the measures which usually lend to a $5 fine in the police court. He had var difficulty in finding the person responsible; he was referred from one man to another and finally got in touch. on the first or second floor, with a man in singlet and trousers who, in reply to the police sergeant's inquirim in Chinese, said in "perfect English." but_with_A
Mt. Lo carried the discussion further by submitting that abusive language! implied someone abused or insulted. Mr. Wolfe had said police officers were told they must stand a good deal so it was hardly likely that a breach of the penge was about to ensue and the police offer was on the point of punching the University graduate on the nose.
The bar profit for the year is 843.4, an increase of $50.13 over the preceding
Pear.
The CHURMAN mentioned that the six were approaching completion and he new boats of the Heyward Hayes design trusted they would be available for the Championship races. He expressed the Subscriptions from sailing and row hope that the owners of yachts in the ing members have increased by 1.500 Chinese Cruiser Class would but there has been a falling off in bath Club Championship events. They want ing members' subscriptions of $173.ed at least five braft in that class in compete in
revenue and refer to the income from could assure members that the handicaps
Slipway fees 3500 are a new source of order to provide good competition. the slipway purchased during the year would be adequate so as to make the set slipway expenses #397.73.
Against these fees must be racing exciting. The Chairman express- donation to the library of $150 for orary Secretary and Treasurer. for his ed thanks to Mr. MacDougall, the Hon- the purchase of books periodicals, etc. eminent services during the year and was nade from Club funds.
he had taken in the sailing and in keep- also to Mr. Rouse for the great interest ing members posted with information.
for $200.
The surplus of income over expendi ture for the year is $105.09.higher than last year.
The usual number of debentures have been redeemed during the year and the Club's indebtedness in respect of these is now $15,000 including unclaimed and accrued interest of $87.00. The Magistrate: You make not assume
Reserve account has been increased by too much, human nature being what it is.23.20 which includes the cost of new Commodore Smyth also defrayed, the cost ours donated by Commodore F. Smyth, of colour-washing the Club House 800, which
is not shown in the accounts. consist of flag staff. Ang and furniture The additions to Club House 831275
He
The CHAIRMAN was glad to see there was a gamber of young members keen on rowing.
join them in that pastime bilt he was He only wished he could afraid his rowing days were now over. He hoped that this year members would be a keen as last and that they would. achieve as great success in the regattas debted to Mr. Mel.inn. for the interest as they did last s son. They were in-
slight Antrviene intonation, "What theme that Mr. Wolfe says I am trying to hell do you want up
“On rejoineil the officer, "you 'sayer persuade you to find that the police
he had taken in rowing * English 7
officer is a liar. #No, I don't 'suere ↑ English ; I under. stand English," was the reply,
This man took the responsibility for the obstruction caused by the wood, but, it moment inter, another man appeared who said he was the head of the firm and the first man was his guest. Finding con- fusion worse confounded in this way, the perplexed police sergeant declared that he would take one of the weighers of the wood to the Police Station. The man who had used the word "hell" also used, "later, the word "damn," with the prefix of the name of the Deity. Ultimately thể party went to the police station in a motor car which the defendants-to-be provided.
On arrival, the sergeant preferred charges, of obstruction of the footway agniust both the supposed principals and of using threatening and abusive language whereby a breach of the peace might have been occasioned against the man who used the strong language.
Cross-examined by Mr. Lo, the witness said he saw no objection to taking the wood-checker to the police station: it often had to be done when difficulty was experiensed in getting correct names, He did not march up to the wond floor "; he was invited to go up.
The Magistrate: I don't see how you can escape from it if you suceved,
Mr. Lo: I don't want you to find that and depreciation to that amount has been moonlight dancing combined with bath.
my client is liar any more than the policeman. Merely because a European constable goes into the box is his evi dence, to be accepted in preference to that of a respectable man, a qualified chemist, educated in America, and two other witnesses? Mr. Lo also suggested that Mr. Wolfe came into Court with pre judice in favour of the Inspector.
Mr. Wolle: I must object to this. know more about this particular officer than Mr. Lo knows about his client. I see these men in their daily life.
The Magistrate thought there was no harm in what Mr. Lo had said.
HEAPING ABUSE ON THE POLICE Mr. Wolfe: It has become a practice recently during the last month or two for people to try and heap volumes of abuse on the police in order to drown the main issue.
.
written of.
year's balance sheet and represents the Suspense accoust 8122.70, is as per last decit on the 1918 opening cruise.
BATHING.
The report of the bathing committee, 1920-101 Bays:The general decided to again open the Club to committee approved bathing members, at an in ereased subscription of 811 as against I10 as in parvious years, and a very suc cessful season ensued. The usual bath ing and dressing facilities were pro- vided, and the arrangements were much appreciated by the persons who joined.
“BAILING.
The report of sailing committee, 1920-1921 says:For the coming season we hope to arrange Club week-end bine. Six new boats are being built to cruises. All classes are invited to con- the Heyward-Hayes design and should afford good sailing in that class.
« ROWING.
The report of rowing committee says: The rowing last season has shown a great
had also organised dances in the Club These had been appreciated and he hoped during the latter part of the summer
ing would be another feature of the Club. Martin, and Mr. McCann for auditing The Chairman expressed thanks to Mr. the accounts and also to Ah Mow who Had done a great deal of splendid work in consideration of which the Club had bonus. raised his salary and given him & small The Chairman.concluded by moving that the reports be adopted and the accounts passed.
Mr. E. W. CARPESTER" seconded and the motion was unanimously passed...
OFFICERS. The meeting next proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, The following were appointed:
Commodore, Mr. Frank Smyth; Acting Commodore, Hon. Mr. Claud Severn; Vice-Commodore, Mr. A. Smith, Messrs. H. S. Rouse. A. W. Van- Sailing Committee, Commodore Bowden Lowe:
Andel, P. M. Hodsou, V. G.. Smyth, D. H. Blake: Rowing Committee. Capt. C D. C. Logan, J. S. S. Dodwell, R.G.A., E. W. Carpenter Hon.
E. Reid;
the Secretary, Mr. B. Ba
BIGKEN CHINESE "ANNOYING.....
Mr. Lor Why should the first defen- dant have used the language you allege! The witness: I think I can "place" it. He was annoyed at my going into the place and he was not very satisfied with my Chinese.
Mr. Lo I can't say I am. either. The witnees denied that he addressed the first defendant in a truculent manner and told him to shut up your damn mouth, you
sovee
The Magistrate; I take no notice of it. Mr. Wolfe: No but it alt appears in any good.
BY BOOTH Worte postage meigiluas held in Hongkong and Canton, sit down and leave the Court.
The Senior crews WOD the "Chater, Cameron and Herb Challenge Trophies which is a record for the Club.
Mr. Wolfe said he would not object il such suggestions against the police were proved.
coolie."
-R
MacDougall who had filled the office of Hon. Secretary and Hou. Treasurer for the last 3 years (and had done such splendid work for the Club was unable It is to be hoped that our Junior oars to serve for another year. He proposed ner will be more successful next season,
sery hearty vote of tharks to him for but they cannot expect to be unless train his services. This was carried with no
Several clamation. ing is taken more seriously. experienced coaches have expressed the desire to train and coach both Junior and Senior oarsmen provided that the return up regularly for practions. Training will start immediately after, the general meeting has been held..
ENTRANCE FEE INCREASED.
At the conclusion of The annual meet
ing. an extraordinary general meeting. was held for the purpose of considering and if thought advisible raising the ex-
trance fee to 890.
Mr. Lo suggested that, without saying either side was telling lies, there was not sufficient evidence to decide one way or the other. The fact that his clients offer ed to go to the police station with the officer showed that they felt a sense of grievance. One of the felt that he had been treated like
Mr. Wolfe submitted that the conduct
Generally speaking the last rowing On the contrary, of the defendant was such as might have caused is breach of the peace if the police officer had not kept himself well in band, The Magistrate: I still have a doubt as to the sufficiency of the language to justify a conviction under the Section, even if I find the language proved. I will put the summons over to consider that.
he said it was the first defendant, who throughout, behaved in a very high handed fashion.. "I never met a more enntankerous man," said the witness. Ho did not accuse the man of using abusive langung in order to forestall a com- plaint by the 'man as to his own de
meanour.
7
Opening the defence, Mr. Lo first clear. ed the wood out of the way an action which, if it had been done sooner, would have made this story shorter. Mr. Lo argued that the seller of the wood was responsible for the obstruction; property in the article did not pass, legally, until the check had been made and the stuff was accepted by the purchaser.
Mr. Lo: Do you reserve judgment on the facts
The Magistrate: Yes, that is to say, I make no pronouncement on the facts. if I find for the defendant ou the legal point the summon's lapses.
season was the most successful the Club Senior events at 3 regattas. the Club have had for some years Out of 8
won 7.
A number of young enthusiastic oars men have joined the Club this year and some "good scratch racing should result at the opening ernise.
As very little of the racing can be seen from the Club house an endeavour will be made to hold the next adnual regatta at Repulse Bay.
The CHAIEMAN mentioned that the en- trance fee was now $12 whereas the sub unusual for an entrance fee, to be only seription was $24 a year. (It was most
half that of the subscription. The Club would need a considerable amount of money in the future for various works which had to be carried out and he there fore moved that the entrance fee be i creased from $12 to $25.
Mr. CARPENTER seconded and the mo tion was unanimously approved.
BOGUS POLICEMAN SENT TO JAIL.
The Alagistrate replied that, ia taking him if the impression was given that be the large supply of new oars and sculls police constable and demanding 30 cents
part in the checking cutside their pre- ises, the defendants were aiders and abettors in the obstruction, at the least He also told Mr. Lo that nearly all the
The new boats which have been ordered from Messte. Sims Bros. of Putney, Lon- dan should arrive before the end of this Mr. Lo hoped Mr. Wolfe would ex- year. The Club have to thank our gen- plain? It would be most distressing to erous Commodore. Mr. Frank Smyth. for had said anything in "disparagement of ordered from Messrs. Ayling of Putney, the police. He hoped he had not given which he presented to the Club
A fair amount of attention has been the impression that he was trying to conduct the case theatrically, without paid to the boats, but owing to their regard for any damage he might do the they are getting beyond repair and the Club will soon have to consider ways
Force.
A Chinese was charged before Mr. Orme, yesterday, with impersonating "tea money" from a vegetable hawkeri
The complainant, who admitted that he was an unlicensed hawker, said he was selling vegetables at West Point, on Thursday, when the defendant, repre- senting himself to be a plain clothes man
The Magistrate: 1 don't think Mr. Lo And menns ferroviding a new, "fection special hawkers' duty, asked him if
be taken."
COMMODORE'S GENEROSITY.
solicitors in the Colony had raised the samo defence, on occasion, in obstruction cases he had always decided against has said anything to which exception can them he might be right or ho might be
The acting Commodore, in proposing he had a licence. When witness admit- wrong but, unfortunately, as the penalty Wolf Mr. Lo asked-me-as-to-the accounts passed, said he thought members dant demanded 30 cents tear money
that the reports be adopted and the ted that he did not have one, the defen in these cases was small, the questionoficer's record before I came into. Court would agree with him that the year had from him threatening to strike bim and had never gone any further for a ruling. I don't think it is fair of him to say been a successful one.
Mr. Lo said that if the Magistrate over afterwards in Court that I have come
The working put him in jail if he did not comply. Defen- account showed a balance of 8415.20 and The witness gave him 30 cents. ruled him on the legal point, the second here to back the officer through thick and the general financial position of thedant then walked away in the direction defendant was prepared to take the entire thin, whether 1 think he is wrong or not. Club as shown by the liabilities and of Queen's Road. The witness followed responsibility for the obstruction.
I object to that. Mr. Lo is trying to do assets statement, was satisfactory, there the defendant. On the way, meeting a Mr. Wolfe ( 1 am perfectly agreeable
At the Chinese constable on point duty, be ask to that. Had that been said at the bahis best for bis client but I have known being a balance of $8,443.33. ginning he would not have wasted his my client-if I may call him so-rather outset be particularly wished to expressed him if the defendant was a hawker
longer than Mr. Lo has known bu-1 on behalf of members their sincere thanks king" Lupe and other people's time and this have the officer's whole record before me to their Commodore, Mr. Frank Smyth, the defendant was not a member of the "When the constable said that case woul never have been brought..
Mr. Lot From the beginning the and I should certainly not have gone.on who was at presont away from the Colony Force, witness gave him in charge.
with the case if I thought he was de- and who had asked him (the hairman) Another hawker said that he heard thy second defendant accepted responsibility.
They The Magistrate: No, the frst defen-liberately lying. That is the statement Ito carry on during bis absence.
defendant 4smand 30 cents," would see from the reports that Mr.
The constable said that when he saw the Smyth had actually contributed to Club the sum of 82.223.20, which includ, the complainant talking to him, the Mr. Wollo: If Mr. Lo did not say that the cost of new cars, and he had also defendant attempted to run away, but and one wanted to play him off against for mean that, I certainly withdraw any defrayed the cost of colour washing the stopped when ordered to do so.
dant said he was the master.
Mr. Wolfe 1 is obvious that they thought the Inspector-was new on the job
the other.
The second defendant was then fined for the obstruction and the summons against the other defendant on this count was dismissed.
took exception to.
Mr. Lo: I never said it
thing he tokes exception to. would give his decision on Monday.
The Magistrate intimated that he lub House which amounted to $800. The defendant denied demanding money He thought they would all agree with from the complainant. He said that he him that that was a most extraordinarily had only recently arrived from Singa generous action. He had spoken to pore and had bought a return ticket on Mr. Smyth about giving these huge sums ship sailing at 4 pm. He was taking The first defendant, Kan Kam Ching, WAITING FOR A TRAM CAR. and Mr. Smyth replied that it was a walk in Clerence Terrace when the who took the oath nsa Christian,' then
great pleasure, to him to do so; the constable approached, Several hawkers went into the witness-box to deny that
Three Chinese were cautioned by Mr. Club formed a great part of his life ran away, and thinking that he was. he used nor of the streng language attri- Lindsell at the Magistracy, yesterday, and there and as long as he was connected trespassing on a private thoroughfare, buted to him. He aled, on the other a summons for refusing to move on with it ne Commodore or otherwise he witncas ran also, When the constable hand, that the police officer used the when directed to do so by a police should continue to do, everything in his arrested him, the complainant brought expression shut up your damn mouth" officers
power to help it. From the point of the false charge ugnimat him out of spite. and generally conducted himself in a Impecter Garrod of the traffic depart view of members it was not satisfactory Earlier in the morning having tea at mannor that the defendant thought objcc ment, mentioned that this, was another that the Club should show profits which adjoining tables in a Queen's Road tea tionable. As to the possibility that he cake of non-compliance with the notices were due to such great generosity on the house they had quarrelled, the complain was mistaken at first for a coolle the of the Tramway standards which asked part of one member and he hoped they ant spilling some ten on his clothing.
would be able to carry on in the The Magistrate decided to convie witness agreed that he was in singlet and people waiting for a tram ear not to trousers but he added that his vest wie obstruct the roadway. The case was ovate donations of this kind
future without having recourse to p Inspector Appleton mid that when B.Y.D. which, as wearers will know all fours with the one in which the The year just passed the Chairman arrested, the defendant had $3.2. in small is marked "made for the best retail Captain Superintendent of Police pro- trade," The defendant. mentioned that scented the other day. The police did continued, had seen the closing of the change on him. He had evidently had
Corinthian Club.
with the Prave East Case of this mature in West Point within reclamation and they had been pleased a week to welcome those connected with that
Bentence of 21 days' hard labour was Club as members. They
very passed.
he was educated at the Christian College not wish to be aggressiva. but the rule work in connect to the approach very good business. This was the second
ton, and had since, studied at an rican University. He was a quali #chemical engineer."
was made for the public safety and it was to be hoped people would comply and not render proceedings necmary.
were
FROM EUROPE
IN COLD STORAGE
Ex $.5. "OLENIFFER
CAMEMBERT
CHEESE
ROQUEFORT GORGONZOLA ENGLISH STILTON SWISS GRUŸERE ENGLISH CHEDDAR
ench $1.00 per lb. $1.20
$1.30
$2.00
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$1.20
The above Cheeses are "GENUINE. They must not be confused with imitations.
- per lb. 60 cents.
FROM THE SCOTCH FISHERIES. FILLET HADDOCK FINNAN BLOATERS KIPPERS
50
45
We have also received a limited supply of English HAMS and BACON.
LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.
MANDER BROTHERS
OL
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le dernier mot
WATER PAINTS
Particulars and shade books on application.
BOLE AGENTS:
LANE, CRAWFORD & CO.
Tel 1741
HONGKUNG
THE WALTZ
OF THE SEASON,
REPUSLE BAY"
BY
(LILIAN M. TAGGART)
TO BE OBTAINED ONLY
AT
ANDERSON'S
Powell
TELEPHONE 3148|||
we have one of the largest stocks of Gentlemen's" English and American Boots and Shoes in the Colony and at very reasonable prices.
JUST RECEIVED:
SAXONE"
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