1921-11-17 — Page 3

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THE LATE MR. W. G. LAY. A LONG AND HONOURED CAREER.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 171E, 1937.

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY.

SCHOOLBOY HELPS TO CAPTURE A THIEF.

HUGE HAUL OF DUTIABLE UNIVERSITY OF HONGKONG.

CIGARETTES.

TO WHOM DO THEY BELONG! A young Chinese named Yeung On, was At the Magistracy, yesterday, Wen charged before, Mr. Lindsell, at the Chun, the proprietor of the Yu Cheong Magistracy, yesterday, with being un- Loong firm 16, Wing Kat Street, was sum lawfully on premises with intent to commone by Revenue. Inspector Grimmett,

for having in his possession dutiable cigarettes."

By the death of Mr. William George Lay, Commissioner of the Chinese Mari time Customs Service, stationed at Kow. loon, which Wils announced in our columns yesterday, the Chinese Maritime Customs loses one of its oldest oficialsmit a felony. a personality well-known in all the ports of the Far East and one who was the holder of a name that has been a fami- liar ons in China for two generations.

Mr. Lay was not so well-known, in Hongkong as in other ports, for he had only been here a little more than a year and had not chanced to be stationed here any previous period of his 40 years'

residence in the Far East. If he had had e

115,000-

ST. JOHN'S HALL CONCERT.

The last of the series of Hostel concerts was held in St. John's Hall, on Monday, November 14th. were the Bishop of the Diocese, Sir Amongst those present William and Lady Brunyate, Mr and Mr. F. L. Knight, Professor and Mrs. Middleton Smith

The Hall was tastefully decorated with flowers ad flags, the pillars and door Mr. N. L. Smith, Superintendent of the entrance illumiusted with Chinese ways being wreathed with greenery, and Imports and Exports. prosecuted.

Delanteras, the whole effect reflecting great fendant was represented by, Mr. C. Fredit on Mr. Wong Ping, Kwan who had

taken charge of the work. Mason.

In his opening remarks the Chairman, Evidence was given, by a Chinese Mr. Choo Shin Kin, expressed the great

The Magistrate was informed that the defendant had only been released from prison on the morning of the 19th inst., where he had been doing three months hard labour for stealing. Within a few hours of his release he attempted to steal parcel, from a cubicle, on the second

the 2nd inst. he stopped two coolies infance, those artists who had so kindly fluor, of No. 261, Des Voeux Road,

The intelligence of a small schoolboy Wing Lok Street and in consequence of come to assist

Revenue Officer, that on the morning-of pleasure it gave them to-welcome-so-ma

guests to the Hall, and thanked, in ad

The most striking features of the per-

English and one in Chinese. produced by the Students of the Hall The Buglish sketch, written by Mr. Phoon Seck Quai, e under the direction of Mr. Ngan Shai Leung, who took a leading part in The Gods of the Mountains produced. by the University in 1920, and was very well received. But it was even surpassed by the Chinese Farce Concerning Them- selves" with which the second part of

the ways of a girl who does not wish to Hu Shi, of Shanghai, the plot deals with the programme opened. Written by Dr.

The acting was wonderfully-finished, so marry the man of her parents' choier. ranch so that even those who knew no the greatest of case. Chinese were able to follow the story with

greater opportunity of extending led to Young On's arrest. The little wit-information received he took them as wellformance were the two sketches, one in his circle of acquaintance in Hongkong, nes had an air of importance about him as a big case, marked in Chinese "Incense before his untimely death, the qualities and his statement in the witness-box was sticks, which the coolies were carrying, of mind and heart that had won him emphasised by dramatic movements of his to the Harbour Office. At the Harbour the respect and esteem of so many old hands. The boy said that on the evening Office the case was examined and the con- China hands would have been more of the 19th, at about 9.43 o'clock, he was tents were found to be 38.000 cigarettes. widely recognised here also.

In his younger days Mr. Lay had en- aroused from sleep, by the creaking of the Acting on the information of the coolies joyed good health; he was well-known as bolts on the staircase door. He lay quiet, the Chinese revenue office went on board tennis player and another of his and shortly afterwards, a head appeared the steamer Honas and received from the favourite recreations was walking. Four above the top of the partition door. Wit- years ago, however, he End to undergo ness looked up and the head disappeared which states the name of the consignee "goods receiver" of the ship an envelope, serious operation, and after that, immediately. although he continued to perform the p.etended to be asleep, but watched care- He lay down again and duties of his office, he did so under a confully out of the corner of his eye. The incense sticks.”

of the case described in Chinese as siderable bandicap. He attended at the head appeared again and presently the office of the Customs In Chater Road so

upper part of the body came into view. recently as last Saturday, but he had Prisoner thrust an arm through the open been complaining for some little time of wood work above the door and tried to pain which was thought to be more or reach a parcel, lying on a shelf below, less à natural consequence of his opera- Witness waited until prisoner's face could tion. It proved however, to be a return

be seen and then gave the alarm, shouting of the complaint. Another operation was "thief," "stealing." Prisoner immedi found necessary and it was performed at ately ran away and the schoolboy gave the Peak Hospital on Tuesday but the chase into the street, shouting out as ho patient never recovered; in fact he suc cumbed before the effect of the anaesthetic up the pursuit and the prisoner was ran. A Chinese constable, No. 880, took had passed away.

Mr. Lay was 50 years of age and leaves a widow who also has been in indifferent health for some time. There are three children-two sons and a daugh ter-Mr. A. H. Lay (who is with Messrs. W. G. Humphreys & Company Hongkong). Mr. Arthur Lay (who is in Mesars. Beiss & Co.'s Canton office) and Mrs. Mackichan who, with her husband and family, is now on her way back to the Colony after a visit home. A sister, Mrs. Hotson, lives in Canton: another sister is Mrs. Comiie, wife of Mr. R. C. Comrie, of the Standard Oil Co., Hongkong.

Mr. Lay has many relatives and con- nections who are in the Customs Service, as Commissioners and in other capacities, in many parts of China. The name is especially well known in the North of China, The first Inspector-General of Customs was a member, of the family. A brother of Mr. Lay's is Consul-General at Sroul, in Korea,

captured.

questions to ask, said: From the rough Prisoner, on being asked if he had any way in which I was arrested I might have committed a murder

clerk that the envelope bore the name of Mr. Mason said he understood from his anober firm, "on the premises of the Yu Cheang Loong shop." On the first floor of 18, Wing Kat Street were the offices of three firms.

The shorter items were impartially divided between Chinese and Western Mr. Bowes Smith (piano) and Mr. Ramon music. The instrumental contributions by Alberto (violin) were much appreciated

Tong. Lau Sung Sam, and Lam Sui Poh there was an opportunity of hearing In the Guitar Trio by Messrs. He Lou

ing of the illuminated clubs by Mr. Yang Chinese music at its beat, and the swing-

The full programme was as follows:- Keng Tok pleased the eye as much as the music pleased the car.

1-Song

PART 1.

acting on the information of the ccolies, Revenue Inspector Grimmett said that. he searched No. 6, Kwai Wah Lane, cigarettes placed, in small boxes. along godown and found 62,900 dutiable

which the cigarettes were found and a side a wooden case. There were 14 empty cases, similarly marked, as the one near number of drums. The cigarettes which The Inspector said that defendant ad-cient to fill one cases. As he was unable he found on the premises were just suff- (mitted the charge, and that he wished to to find the owner of the godown he be banished. He had signed a statement stationed one of his Chinese subordinates to that effect.

should enter the godown. Later in the in Kwai Wah Lane to watch if anyone day a small boy was brought into his office. The boy, he was told, went to the godown to lock the dor and on him were

Our Cantonese String Band. questioned by witness, the boy said he was found several keys and two locks. When 3-Song at the Piano... "Se Siren Rose"

sent to the godown by Wen Chuen.

.

The Magistrate: Did you actually say: I confess. I wish to be banished." Defendant; No; it is not true. The Magistriae: Why did you sign the statement to this effect then?

Defendant: They compelled me to sign

my name.

The Magistrate: I don't believe you. You are committed for trial at the next Criminal Court, to be held next month,

Defendant said the police could bang him if they so wished; he did not care.

BANISHMENT ORDER

DISREGARDED.

"Kismet, if L-could only

fly Houde Forster. MR. PHOON BECK WAH. Cantonese Music..."Lau Yew Kam" Accompanist:÷MR. PHOON SECK QUAI

Traditional.

·MADAME LOTTIE GORDON.

MR." YANG KENG TOK.

MUS., SALTER.

DOGS

FRESH STOCKS OF

per 71b. Tin.

SPRATT'S DOG CAKES SPRATT'S PUPPY BISCUITS

$2.50

$2.50

$2.50

$3.20

SPRATT'S OVALS ... CLARKE'S MELOX

MALDIRE'S DOG SOAP

per Tab-55.c.

DOG HARNESS AND LEADS CAN ALWAYS A LARGE SELECTION OF DOG COLLARS

BE SEEN. AT

LANE, CRAWFORD'S

Established 1850.

Arditi.

Mr. Mason wanted to know from Ins-4-Torch Display .......... pector Grimmett what were the marks on the empty cases which he found in the 8-Comic Song godown, Inspector Grimmett said the marks were in Chinese. He was told by-Guitar Trio... "Eighteen Beats" the Chinese Revenue Officers that the marks on all the cases were identical. The Court interpreter said the words on the case produced (which was one of those found in the godown) were "Kwong Man Heung shop, Canton Famous incensa Eticks

X

The boy, referred to by Inspector Grim- mett, was then called to the witness box He said he was a servant boy employed

the 2nd inst. Chui Yuen, a boarder and by defendant and worked in the Yu Cheong Loong firm. On the morning of a lodger in his master's shop, asked him

A complete account of Mr. Lay's career in the Customs service could only be compiled after a great deal of research A Chinese, carrying his bamboo bat je and reference to records kept in many an unusual manner, aroused the suspi other ports than this. He may be said cions of Constable No. 128, who asked the to have devoted his, life to the Service man to show him what the hat contained. of the Chinese Customs for he is believed A blanket was discovered, which proved to have entered the service in 1880 or to be a stolen one. thereabouts. He rose through all grades to the police station and a charge of The man was taken and had been a Commissioner for many inrceny was prepared for the following years. He had a high reputation as an day's Court. Meanwhile, criminal re honourable, high-minded and exceedingly cords were investigated and suspicious rented as a godown, and put two more to go to 8, Kwai Wahl Lane, which he capable public servant. Bis well-carned were confirmed when it was ascertained locks on the door. He was arrested when retirement or pension was due in only a that the man had been banished for life, he arrived at his destination and when few months from now,

from the Colony, on the 30th June, of this he was asked at the Harbour Office who year, and that he had actually left the sent him to the godown he said Chai Colony on the 25th July. At the Court Yuen. He mentioned defendant as his yesterday the Inspector asked if the master and told Inspector Grimmett that charge of stealing could be dropped, in view of the more serious charge that

he came from the Yu Cheong Loong firm. would now be preferred against the said he did not tell his master when he Examined by the Magistrate, the boy prisoner. Mr. Lindsell dismissed the set out for Kwai Wah Lane. Chui Yuen charge of stealing, against defendant, had previously asked him to lock the but committed him for trial to the godown and to sweep it." Criminal Court for breaking his sentence. of banishment.

During the time that Mr. Lay had been Commissioner of the Kowloon Customs he identified himself with religious work in Hongkong at St. John's Cathedral. He was a member of the Ghurch body and his advice and experience were greatly prized in the course of its deliberations. On his retirement Mr. Las looked for ward to devoting still more time to Church work.

General regret will be felt in the Colony at the sudden and tragic loss of one prominently associated with public affairs in the Far East,

THE FUNERAL.

Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Gompertz, Licut. Conway Hake, R.N.R., the Hon. Mr. Ho Fook. Dr. and Mrs. G. Montagu Harston, The funeral took place last evening at Mr. and Mrs. E. B. C. Hornell, Mr. and Happy Valley when a great number of Mrs. H. C. R. Hancock, Mr. and Mrs. wreaths were sent by public institutions, E. D. Hilliard, Mr. W, M. Humphreys, business firms, private individuals and Mr. G. J. Harman, Mr. Ho Pak Ping, families and one from II.E. the Governor Mr. Ha Kwong, irs. Jenkinson, the Hon. and Lady Stubbs, The Bishop of Victoria Mr. J. H. and Mrs. Kemp, Mr. S. A. (the Et Bay Dr, C. R. Duppug) and the Klubien, the Hon. Mr. Lau Chu-nak. Mr. Ven. Archdeacon Barnett conducted the and Mrs. W. L. Leask, Mr. and Mrs. funeral service. Amongst those who R. E. Lindsell. Mr. Douglas M. Larkins, followed the body to its last resting MB. Lake, Mr. Lau Sing Chuen, place, H.E. the Governor was repre- Mr. Leung Yak Tong, Mr. Lai Yan Sang, sented by his A.D.C.. Captain Neville. Mrs. Alexander. Mackenzie and family, Others who were noticed were: the Chief Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Mackintosh, Mr. and Justion (Sir Wm. Rees Davies, K.C.), the Mrs. R. Melville Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Puisae "Judge (His Honour Mr. H. H. Matthews, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Gompertz), the Colonial Secretary (Hor. Maclachlan, Mr. A. E. Martin, Mr. A. Mr. Claud Severn), the Attorney-Generni Morrison, C. B. W. Moore. Mr. Ng Kwok (Hon. Mr. J. H. Kemp, K.C), the Hon. Hing and family, Mr. James Ormiston, Mr. H. E. Pollock, R.C., Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. Mr. H. E. and Mrs. Pollock, Nicholson, Lieut. Conway Hake, R.N.R., Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Plummer, Mr. and Mr. A. Dyer Ball, Mr. S B. B. Mc. Mrs. L. C. Parker Rees, Mr. and Mrs. Elderry, Mr. Moore (Deputy CommisD. A. Purves and Mr. D. J. Purves, Mr. Bioner of Chinese Customs), Mr. E. D. C. and Mrs. A. J. W. Rosser,. the Hon. Mr, Wolfe, Mr. T. H. King, Mr. W. Arm-Claud Severn and Mrs. Severn, Mr. and strong, Mr. R. Sutherland, Mr. P. L. Mrs. Chas. C. Stark, Mr. and Mrs. Kaight, Mr. A. E. Martin. Mr. A. JW. Robert Sutherland, Doris Stevens, Mr. Rosser. The immediate mourners were G. W. Sewell, Mr. Tsang Foo, Mr. and Mr. A, H. Lay (son) and Mr. R. O. Mra H. P. Winslow, Mr. and Mrs. N. Comrie (brother-in-law).

Lake Watson, Mr. and Mre. P. Douglas Wilson, the Rey. G. T. Waldegrave, Mr. J. P. Wilson, Mr. G. G. Wood, Mr. Wong Kwok Kin, Mr. H. L. Wong.

The following is a list of the wreaths sent: From Nora and Dick," "Kate and Arnold,” “Mingie and Arthur," Sheila, Alan and Dougal," "Betty," and "M.C.D." From Sir R. E. and Lady Stubbs, Lady Kirkpatrick, Mr. and Mrs. W. Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. E. E. de W. Abney, Mr. Ah Cheung, Mr. Au Chuk Ming, Licut. Col. Hayley Bell, D.5.0. (Lappa Customs), Dr. and Mrs. G. D. E. Black, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Bell, Mr and Mrs. Richard F. Bruyn, Mr. and Mrs. F. Bevington, Mr. John Bartholo mew, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Brown, Mr. and Mrs F. M. Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Cooper and family, Mr and Mrs. AR. Cavalier, Dr. and Mrs. Kenelm H. Digby, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Dovey, Mr. and Mrs. John Duncan, Mr. and Mrs. Denison, Mr. L. J. Davies, Mr. and Mrs. G. T, Edkins, Miss E. M. Forsyth, (Continued at foot of neat column.)

Traditional..

KR.'HOʻLAU TONG.

LAC SUNG SAM.

**

LAM SUI POR

Son

ME. NAKON AUMENTOS Accompanist:VRB, ALBERTO,

"When the heart

is young

8.-A Sketch

Mr. Phoon Seck Quas Caste: Harry Leea Iad studying

abroad) Mr. Oon Aik Keong. Saout (Harry's friend).

Mr. Phoon Seek Wah, Mr. Lee (Harry's father)

Ngan Shai Leung.

INTERVAL

PART II.

1-Chinese Farce..."Concerning

themselves"...Dr. Hu Shi. Caste:-Mr. Tin-the father

đội là Chung Chứng Mrs. Tin-the mother

Mr. Chau Cheng Yuk Miss Tin-their daughter

A blind fortune teller

Mr. Chau Sek Nin.

Mr. Lo Ying Peuen. A maid servant

Mr. Wong Hong Kwok.

Mr. Mason said it was not uncommon among Chinese for a servant boy to be asked to do something for a lodger in his Master's shop. Chui Yuen also carried on business at the same address as his client. The drums found in the godown 3-Piano Solo Selection written to Mr. Smith, demanding, the 3-Song ..."The Waking of Spring" contained bleaching' powder. He had release of them. He could produce the

Del Reize.

owner.

"

||

ME, BOWES-SMITH.

MADAME LOTTIE GORDON.

The rent collector of 6. Kwai Wah Lane, 4 deposed that the premises were let to a man in September, and the rents for that month and for October were paid by a man named Lin Tat. He did not know Chui Yuen.

Mr. Smith said he would retain them-Violin Solo ...Berceuse" (Jocelyn) until they were applied for by Chui

Godard, Yuen.

ME. EAMON ALBERTO. Cantonese fong "Fake Tour

Accompanist:-MR-M. PORCUNA.

Cheng Wen" MR. CHOO SHIU KIN. Chinese National Anthem and "God Save the King,"

of

After further evidence the Magistrate discharged defendant

оп account insufficient evidence.

OVERSEAS CLUB AND PATRIOTIC LEAGUE.

On Friday, November 9th, the day on which Lord Northcliffe is expected to pass through Hongkong-Sir Paul Chater is entertaining a large number of the Community to a reception at Marble Hall at 3.30, in the name of the Overseas Club. and Patriotic League, of which Lord Northcliffe in President, and to which he has for many years devoted a large amount of interest and assistance,

It is hoped that, if time can possibly permit, Lord Northcliffe will be present, and every effort is being made to render this possible.

In addition to wreaths from individuals the following were received: From the Customs Service, Kowloon; the Chinese Staff of the Customs Service, Kowloon; the Shumchun and Shatzukok Customs full hospitality of his beautiful house and Sir Paul, in any case, is extending the Offices, Kowloon Railway; the Custome Staff, Lintin (foreign and Chinese stad); garden, and His Excellency the Governor the Chinese stair at Taishan; the Officer and Lady Stubba will be present. in Churge and staff of Samun Custom At 4 pm the guests will hear some House; the telephone attendants of the details of the Overseas Club and its Chinese Maritime Customs; the officers objects, and, in addition to the attrne of the Revenue Launches; the Officer-in- tions offered by Marble Hall itself with Charge, Exai-miao Station the P&O., its priceless collection of chinn, the lawns B.L. and Allied Lines, the Asiatic Petro and terraces will be at the disposal of leum Co. Ltd, Messrs. W. G. Humphreys the guests. The band of the 2nd Wiltshire & Co., the Manager and Staff of the Kow-Regiment will play in another part of loon-Canton Railway, the Chinese Gen the garden, and a short programme of eral Chamber of Commerce and the St.. music is being arranged to take place in Andrew's Society, Hongkong.

the music room.

* NEW

BAD NEWS OF THE YORK MARU."

UNARATED BAD WEATHER MAKES RESCUE IMPOSSIBLE.

Continuous bad weather and heavy sens have made it impossible, as yet, to do anything, to rescue the crew of the New York Maru which struck a reef at the Paracels last Sunday week.

Japanese warships and the powerful Henry Keswick tag bave been stooding by, ready, the moment the weather show. ed signs of abating, to attempt to save the crow and to salve the ship. But the the reef at the beginning, and not vessel was unfortunate as to strike

at the end of a spell of bad weather and it has been impossible to do any

south if meteorological indications war- put in at Hongkong and will again steam thing for her, The Japanese vessels have

rant; the Henry Keswick received wire- less instructions 24 hours ago to return to Hongkong

No wireless messages have been received from the ill-fated New York Maru since last Tuesday week and the last news was of a shortage of drinking water. Sab jected to privations-and-exposure, the lot of the unhappy crew does not bear thinking of.

It may be that the vessel has already broken up under constant hammering by heavy seas and that already, the sailors' doom is sealed,

Telephone 1741,

MANDER BROTHERS

OLSINA

le dernier mót

In

WATER PAINTS

Particulars and shade books on application.

SOLE AGENTS:

LANE, ORAWFORD & CO.

T.L. 1741.

THE FOX-TROT

HONGKONG

1.

OF THE HOUR

"HUMMING”

(No. 3358)

AT

ANDERSON'S

Powell

TELEPHONE 3146

NEW STOCKS IN

WOOL UNDERWEAR and HOSIERY

SOCKS

Smart new

designs and plain

colopra in CASHMERE and

WORSTED.

JUST UNPACKED.

UNDERWEAR

All weights and sizes in LLAMA and CASHMERE in

DRESSING GOWNS.

Knee or DRAWERS Ankle

Longth.** Long or

VESTS

short

TRAVELLING BUGS, SWEATERS, SCARVES, GLOVES, etc.

"THETA" SPECIALITIEJ.

JAEGER

AGENTS FOR