1923-12-25 — Page 5

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FIERCE ENCOUNTER WITH PIRATES ON A SHIP.

CHIEF OFFICER RELATES HIS -EXPERTENCES:

A

VIVID "STORY. The reports published at the time of the pirney of the river steamer San Sing told the story of the fierce encounter on

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25т¤, 1923.

Another, who looked like a house boy, would poke his revolver under my now. lifting up my face (1'suppose to see the "foreign devil"), and finish by" stamp- ing on it.

All this time I had been shamming dead and wishing they would Gaish the job. At about 8 am I heard the anchor let go. This was in Bias Bay. One of the pirates rushing past my door (which

TWO FIRMS WITH THE

SAME NAME, "MISTAKEN IDENTITY."" case-of-mistaken-identity was the successful plea put forward by the defen- dants in a Summary Court action heard before the Puisne Judge (Mr. Justice Gompertz) yesterday morning, when the Wo Lee Firm of No. 22. Sai Street, sued cents heing halance due for goods sold

SPORT.

YACHTING.

LADIES' RACES, Ysterday, an almost ideal-sailing day,| another race in the newly instituted Altogether 13- boats put out and made Ladies' championship was sailed. a particularly good start. The wind was

1.

board with loss detail than its public had been swinging open all night and the Shiu Cheong Shing Firm for $97.93/freak, the force being about 2 or 3, and

terest merited. This was due mainly to which I dare not close or show them that the fact that the Chief Officer of the Ship. I could move) shut it with a bang. I sat Mr. C. S. Robb, who took the leading part in the resistance offerel to the up cautiously and put the lock on. Short- pirates, was so terribly injured in the afterwards four men came to the door Irays that he was in no position to give and tried to open it shouting through the information. We are now in a posi the window, but I lay as if dead. I think their intention was to throw me over tion to give a graphic story of the piracy board before they left, but they left in written by Mr. Robh himself.

a hurry, the boats being lowered with the booty in them. A customs cruiser bad been sighted earlier in the morning. I might mention that we stopped this Cus toms druiser about two hours after we left Bins Bay and reported the circumstances The officer brought off some bandages and kindly helped to dress our face wounds roughly

After the attack Mr. Robb was in hos pital for a month or more and though he has been cut of hospital for nearly an equal length of time he is not yet by any means recovered from his horrifying ex- -periences On his face, where several bullets struck him, are scars which will remain for life. Mr. Robh told a repre- sentative of the Daily Press that it was

After the pirates had left, the head more than his life was worth to go back to the Saing as some of the compratore came to my room, saying the pirates would get him sooner or later.pirates had gone and expressing his sor He is at present out of work but this is row at my condition. He also asked me not worrying him, as he will not be fit to for the key of the saloon grill, which was go to sea for some little time yet and he still locked. After crawling along to are could get a job, he says, at any raoment, how things ware. I gave it to him. The Captain came along about the same time and although wounded and worD after the night's horror, managed with the aid of an old chart to bring the ship hack to Hongkong.

when fit.

On the question of the prevention of piracies, Mr. Robb strongly advocated the bonoying of all steamers through A number of armed danger vones. Launches with machine guns would bo sufficient to coaure the safety of the ves sels under convoy. He considers that the absolute uselessness of the present grill system had been proved in this case

Mr. Robb's story of the piracy as fol

fows-

On October 23rd, 1929, the Saa Ning Eritish register and fing, left Hongkong Tat 0,30 p.m. on her usual voyage to Kong

moos with about 300.passengers on board, presumably having been searched by the police for arms.

out

We arrived rid Weglau, and hoisted the police flag coming into harbour about 3 p.m. on the 24th. After being interrogated by the police we were taken to hospital where our open wounds-4 hours, old-received the attention they badly needed.

I am 32 years of age and I assert that a good many men, after an experience such as I have had would be in a montai ward for a time.

and delivered.

Mr. D. McCallum appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. CA. S. Russ for the

defendant firm.

Mr. McCallum said, the case was a claim for the balance of money due for rice sold by the plaintiffs to the defen dants. They began trading with each other at the beginning of the Chinese year and the defendants kept a coolie house at No. 214, Hollywood Road. Up to March or April they had a branch in Queen's Road West but this had since been demolished and rice had been de fivered to both places. It was the prais tice of the firm to send out its secounts on the first of each moon and on festival days. This was done in the case of the defendants. Various sums were paid on account but in July there was a balance still due. Solicitors were instructed to collect the balance and à writ was issued. It was not until then that there was dispute as to whether certain rice had heen. delivered or not.

Mr. Russ said it had nothing to do with his clients at all. The branch in ques tion was that of another firm of a similar name who were clansmen of theirs. "We suggest that when the shop closed up and there was no chance of getting the money the plaintiffs then came to us.”

His Lordship inquired what was the result of certain letters written in the month of July.

Mr. McCallum: $39 was paid on account.

Mr. Rusa said this was denied.

In cross-examination the plaintifa accountant said he had no acknowledg ment for the receipt of the rice.

Mr. Russ: I put it to you that if you had the delivery book, it would show the chop of the defendants as having received the rice?

Witness: No.

Witness denied, this.

"Resist to the Utmost." This I did. Not that my defence was actuated by any consideration for a local Ordinance in embryo, but from the average sane man's desire to protect property under his care

I put to you that you are keeping that as far as possible-not to mention areng-book back, for if it was produced is would be seen that those were separate ing the insult to the flag in this case.

Grms! The man in the Army or Navy goes ia to action with the elation of Esprit de Corps behind him, a pension for himself or dependants of crippled.. What of the Merchant Service officer? He is scoped up with hundreds of alien people, and has to rely on his own resources. He has· to settle quarrels, be on the alert night and day, fight pirates or anything else that comes along and if crippled or killed

"what of it?" It must also be remem

ered that he is pursuing a peaceable calling and is not trained to arms.

After further evidence had heen taken his Lordship gave judgment for the defen- ducts with costs.

WEEKEND ROBBERIES: HOLD UP ON THE HIGHER

The one there was some keen sailing. design boats had to make up a great deal of time and this factor made extra keen sailing..

The course was one of seven and a half: miles with start and finish at the Yacht Club. The marks were Channel Rocks, Cast Rock, Mark Boat at Club House and Channel Rocks. A marks were taken on the port hand.

Following a times and results with the points to date which the boats have earned and the names of the ladies at the helm.

Yacht.

Hinleyon (Miss

dils (Mrs.

Time.

Bromwich) 4.11.7 4.11. 7 Bonite (Mra Daphne (MP4,

Gladys (Mrs

l'osition

Total Foints

to date.

QUALITY TELLS

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

TO

CLUBS

SERVICE

TEAMS.

IN SFCKIS EQUIENENT.

WE STOCK ONLY THE BEST.

“MCGREGOR” FOOTBALLS & BOOTS.

SOLE AGENTS

JERSEY'S

IN VARIOUS DESIGNS & COLOURS.

FOR

SPALDINGS

FAMOUS ATHLETIC

GEAR

KNEECAFS . SHINGUARDS

Fining. Corr.

Phelips) 4.13.

4.12.2

10

B

14

||

Spatt) 4.14.46

Arthur) 4119 4.11. 9

4.34.48

12

6

>

#

19

Adams) 411.55 - 4. 8.10

Cock) 4.12.43

G. Grace) 4.12.98 Adanne (Mrs.

4

20

PUMPS

4. 8.57

48.43 3

4...7.97 E

4.13.23

4. 7.38

6

16

15

17

11 6

3 20

| Senlark (Mes.

Boojum (Miss

Mitchell) 4.11.12 Uraulo (Mrs.

Davison) 4.17-45 Belinda (Miss

Grace) 4.13-8 Spray (Miss

Robertson) 4.11L 2 Joan (Mrs.

Blak) 4.18.41 Pieretta_(Minu

Irving) 4.13.20

1 4. 7.17

16

4:14:18 13 12

4. 8:571

DOLLAR LINE'S AROUND THE

WORLD SERVICE · FIRST OF THE FLEET ARRIVES IN HONGKONG FEBRUARY 4TH.

The sailing of the President Harrison from San Francisco on January 5th in- augurates the new "Around the World ' service of the Dollar Steamship Line. The vessel is the pioneer of the fleet in the service that is the realization of the life-long dream of Capt. Robert Dollar. Ships, from time to time, have made special tours around the world but the ary service will mean a chain of vessels calling at regular intervals at practically An impudent highway robbery is said all the great ports of the world. It is to have occurred on Sunday near Pine planned to mark the departure of the wood Battery when a clerk employed at Messrs. Getz Broos aamed Mr Butt President Harrison from San Fran and a friend named Farid, were attacked disco with ceremonies which will be whilst sitting on a bench near Pinewood participated in by state, county and city Battery. Three of the robbere bad dag- officials, and even by President Coolidge gers and the fourth wielded a bamboo pole Mr. Butt reports having to stolen as well as by members of the Shipping from him whilet Fariad had a silver- Roard, at Washington. watch and $1 taken from him.

LEVELS.

At about 8.30 p.m.. and a little past Castle Peak, still in British waters, was keeping watch on the bridge (the Captain-having gone to be half an hour previously), when I heard a shot fired aear the main grill followed by a com- motion and then a second shot. I im- mediatoly drew my revolver, kicked at the Captain's door and shouted to him to come out and bring his gun as some thing was wrong I went into my own room for a box of spare ammunition which was handy in the top drawer,

Apparently the guards had beca takea by surprise and disarmed in the space of about one minute, for on stepping out of the room I was faced by three pirates. One on my right beld his revolver directly at my head, the one ou iny left hand fired

I am at the service of any representa- immediately, shooting a hole in my 'right check and damaging my teeth. I quickly tive body of men who would like to go on board the six San Ficy and let me knocked up the revolver of the man on my right, with my left hand, shot the prove to them that the construction of

Announcement of the sailing schedule man who had-fired at me first, wound this vessel does not admit of the grill

Robbers, armed with daggers and of the vessels was made on Armistice Day ing him in the stomach, and then I shot being kept locked all the time and that in the arm the man next to him, his the position of the defenders is a poor revolvers, broka into a bird shop at No. at the express direction of Capt. Robert 115, Des Voeux Rond Central, on Satur- Dollar. Mr. R. Stanley Dollar, in com- revolver dropping on deck The third one at any time. “

I suppose 75 per cent. of vessels sail day night as it was being closed up for menting on the new ervice, says that man, whose revolver I had koocked up,

the night and got away with $4,000. The and by this time recovered from his suring out of Ilongkong are in a similar fokis were bound and gagged and pre- the purchase of these vessels from the prise and was firing again, and one of condition. In justice to the travelling vented from giving the alarm until the Shipping Board is the most convincing evidence of the Company's faith in the future this bullets ricocheting from the grill, public and everybody concerned, the les gang had made good their escape.

of the American Merchant struck my left check, blinding my left sons of this case should not be neglected. eye. By this time I was firing blindly The authorities should not wait for the aud emptied my revolver without appar. next piracy before action is taken and

Marine

The service will consist of seven of the! The ently hitting the third party. I heard a suggest that an enquiry should be held

An obituary notice in The Times rose type of Shipping Board liners. noise at my back and turning, faced on board the vessel which lies close to another pirate who had got round the the Harbour Office on Tuesdays, Thurs lating to Mr. Forcy Mould, chie ma sailing schedule as announced by the

ager of the Mercantile Bank of India, other side and who shot me through the days, Saturdays and Sundays. Jeg close to the groin. I threw my empty revolver in his face and collapsed falling into my room. All this happened-much quicker than it takes to tell

si

Meanwhile Captain John C. Mackech- ie opened his door just as I fell, and he received a shot through the right arm and another under, the lower jaw. was seized, and locked up in the compra- -dore's room.

He

"SIX DAYS' SHALT THOU LABOUR."

WORKING CARGO ON A SUNDAY. The master of the s Ko Chow (Mr.

Sub-Inspector Bond said that at· 7.45 am. on December 17th he saw a quan- tity of bundles of firewood being dis- charged from the vessel on to the wharf. About 900 bundles had been discharged. Witness went on board and saw Capt. Jones and told him what he had seen.

EASTERN BANKER'S DEATH

who died on November 14th, after a long company provides for arrivals in Hong. illness, says. Mr. Mould, who was only kong as follows:-President Harron, 55 years of age, joined the Mercantile

CHARTERED BANK ENTERPRISE

4

Bank of India as a junior clerk in 1889, February 4th President Hayes, March and had spent the whole of his life in 3rd; President Adams, March 31st; Fre the service of the bank. In 1890 he was ident Garfield, April 14th President sent out to the East, remaining with the Folk, April 28th; President Monroe, May Eastern catablishment of the bank for 21 years. On his return to London in 12th; President Harrison, May 28th; F Jones) was charged at the Marine 1911 ho succeeded. Mr. James Campbell President Van Buren, June 9th: Eren I lost consciousness for a few seconds! Magistracy on Saturday morning, before as chief manager of the bank. Of a retually there will be a vessel calling once when I fell, but recovered, pad though Lieut. Conway Hake (acting Marine tiring disposition, Mr. Mould wan well every two weeks at each port on the in pain and bleeding profusely, knew all Magistrate) with unlawfully working liked in Eastern banking circles, where route, that was going on around me and could cargo without a permit from the Harbour the news of his death was received with It is the intention of the Dollar Steam- ship Line to make this service the finest much regret." still see a little out of my right eye. Master.

of its kind. The vessels, afford wonderful could see the Captain (who thought I

opportunities for travellers returning to was dead) taken past the door. Then

America pid Europe., Those doriring to several of the pirates rushed into my

do so may make the passage on one ship room and treading on my body pulled down rites and drawers on top of me.

without any change whatsoever, without even leaving the vessel. It is rather a They were searching för guna, ammuni-

The Straits Echo understands that the new thing in travel to stay on the same tion, etc.

By this time the vessel was completely Capt. Jenes ordered the work to be Chartered Bank have just completed the ship from the time of starting until the in the hands of the pirates-a matter of stopped. Witness called for the manifest, purchase from the Straits Government return. And for those desiring to see about five or six minutes from the time but it was not available and the com of a block of land comprising 20,000 more of the country, stoparers are at the first shot was fired. The ship's course pradere was ordered to bring the mani-square feet at the junction of Union ranged and connections tando with any was altered and all lights put out: The fest to the Harbour Office on Monday. Strest and Beach Street, Peanug of the ships that follow, ons special ad. pirates sailed all round the Colony, pass-

He did not do so; perhaps he did not cupied by the Contral Police Station, vantage being that all the ships are of ing near D'Aguilar about 230 a.m. on the understand him. No other cargo was The bank intends to erect on this site, a standard type with accommodations morning of the 24th bound north, leisure being worked although there was cargo perhaps the finest in the busines, quarter exactly the sun

Leaving Hongkong ships will make the ly and thoroughly looting everybody on

on board. The ship arrived the previous of Penang, a building which will give it Board. My own loss is about 8700 in evening.

the spacious offices it requires for the following calls: Manila, Singapore, goods and clothes. My room was visited

The defendant said the firewood belong. growing operations of its local branch Penang, Colombo, Suez, Port Said, at intervals throughout the night by ed to the crew and that the other large and at the same time add to the dignity Alexandria, Naples, Genoa, Marseilles, pirates who made things "cheerful" for

was locked up. "This "crow cargo was of the principal thoroughfare of the Boston, New York Havann, Coleo, ime. One man who seemed to be carried with the owner's permission. The town. Demolition of the Central Police Balboa, Los Angeles, Honolula, Kobe and leader, amused himself by sitting on the wood was brought down in stall quan Station which is, wo believe, to be trans Shanghai.

Capt. Robert Dollar, who is now in ettre pointing his gun at me and kick-titier,

ferred to Carnarvon Street-will start in ing me on the wounded deg and atomach,

the near future and it is hoped that the Shanghaii on a trip around the world saying "You Be? You like?" which was

now building will be completed and ready supervising the amalgamation of the] at the English I heard him speak,

for occupation by the end of 1926 at various agencies of the new line prior to the latest.

the inauguration of the service. (Continged at foot of next column.)

**

The Magistrate found the case proved and ordered the Captain to take out post-dated permit at a cost of $75. The defendant was also cantioned, i

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CHRISTIANS AWAKE Qua 2815/O COME, ALL TE

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