1923-12-29 — Page 5

Page

THE LATEST PIRACY,

8.8.

** HYDRANGEA ” . SEIZED.

AND LOOTED.

Yesterday morning, shortly after eight o'clock, a message was received by wire fess from Waglan and passed on to the Water Police to the effect that the 3. Hydrungen had passed Waglan just pre- viously making for Hongkong and flying the polles flag and other signals to the effect that she had been pirated. On arrival in Hongkong the vessel was order od to anchor in the Naval anchorage where the story of another daring and successful pirney was unfolded by the officers of the ship.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29TH, 1928.

SYSTEMATIO IDOTING. From that the onwards until the time of their departure in the early hours of the following morning the pirates devoted

KOWLOON DOCK BALL. ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL DANCE.

Kowloon Dockyard was the scene of most of their attention to a systematic much merriment last night on, the occa looting of the vessel. From the Captain sion of the holding of the annual staff they stule 3116 in money, besides many ball, under the auspices of the Kowloon valuable articles of jewellery. From the Docks Recreation Club. Needless to Chief Engineer something like $250 was state, the ball was an unqualified success. stolen. The second Enginger also lost a In past years it has been customary to large sum of money. In fact all the crew hold the event in the spacious moulding suffered heavily. It appears that just loft in the dockyard, but this year a previous to their departure from Hong change was made, the first floor of the kong the ship's crew had received its magnificent, and newly-erected offices of annual bonus and had not had time to the Company being used for the purpose, bank it and it is estimated that, from the The transfer, was a good one and, con- Crow, something between $2,000 to $3,000 venient as the moulding loft was, the The piracy of this vessel is of special was stolen in money alone. In the case facilities offered in the spacious offices interest to the hongkong public in view of the officers all their spare wearing was a great improvement. of the fact that she is an ex-British war apparel was seized; some of thers only Woop, which since the War has been sold being left with what they were wearing at by the Admiralty to a Chinese Steamship the time About the only article of value Company. the Chiu On 8.S. Company of saved by Mr. Scott, the Second Engineer, No. 205, Wing Lok Street, and converted was a gold ring. This he saving by by then for mercantile use. She possesses taking it from his finger and dropping it a rare turi of speed, probably being the into a pot of tea which was on the mess fastest merchant coasting steamer running table.

in and out of Hongkong. Her black and. Reports as to the hauls from the pas yellow funnels and peculiar shape are sengers are conflicting. At present the well-known to most people in Hongkong police are unable to form an estimate and Kowloon."

owing to the large number of passengers The vessel, which is one of 680 nett tons, involved. But the ship's Officers consider trades between here and Swatow. She that the hand must have been a big one. carries five European officer, and, owing] One of the pirates was seen, to lower a to her fast turn of speed she is exceedingly sack, and to cuntain banknotes, into a popular amongst the Chinese Sho left waiting junk to be taken ashore A

The floors

hers on Thursday afternoon after the large, perecutage of the passengers were were conveciantly situated on either side

for arms and usual police search

500 suspicious characters, with some Chiame passengers on board rind some 300 tons of general cargo. At about 6.40 p.m: when the ship was off Single Island, at the entrance to Bias Bay, she was attacked by some fifty to sixty pirates who were on board as passengers and in a short space of time they had the European Officers, the crew and the pas sengers at their mercy.

At this time the third officer, a Chinese, was on the bridge with one of the quar- ter-inasters while the master of the vessels Capt. William Brewer, the Chief Officer, Mr. Faster, and the Second Officer, Mr. H. E. Jett, were dining together in the saloon. Similarly the Chief Engineer) (Mr. J. C. H. L. Scott) and the Second Engineer (Mr. A. M. Scott) were dining in the Engineers' mess, the Third Engineer, a Chinese, being down below. “

The first warning these officers had was

RICE THIEVES IN THE HARBOUR...

MERCHANTS CONTEMPLATE FORM- ING A PREVENTATIVE ASSOCIATION.

#

Mr. W. B. Hind, appearing as the case heard prosecuting solicitor in before Mr. J. R. Wood at the Magistracy, yesterday afternoon, in which the charge was that of stealing rice, said that the rice thieves were becoming so numerous that the rice dealers had it in mind to Torin an association with a view to taking steps to prevent the stealing of rice from. cargoes whilst they were being unloaded.

The case was one in which a boatnian was charged with stealing a quantity of rice from a steamer in the harbour. The defendant was seen to snatch the rice from a foki on board the steamer and to take it on board his own junk which was lying alongside. He was arrested and taken on board ship.

The Magistrate found the vase proved had sentenced the man to two months' imprisonment with hard labour.

CAR OVER THE BANKING. THE HON, MR. STEPHEN'S CAR

TURNS TURTLE::

The general scheme of arrangements for the hall was the temporary con- version of the whole of the first floor from offices into rooms for the enter tainment of the hundreds of guests

The defendant's excitse was that it was who attended. The Committee, with the kind sanction of the Chief Manager impossible for him to steal the rice as of the Company (fr. R. M. Dyer) there were eight coolies and four store- went to no end of trouble to make keepers present at the time. He asked the transformation.

wore the Magistrate:," How could he steal it cleared of the office furniture and re- if they were present furnished and decorated on a very effec- tive but simple scale. The plan on which the offices have been erected lent itself admirably for this. As one entered by the imposing main entrance to the ball- room, cioak, rooms for ladies and gents Chiose from Singapore either going home of the great staircase, whilst several for the Chinese Now Year or going home rooms situated at the head of the stairs on retirement and, as is the usual practica were utilised. For instance, Mr. R. M. of migrating Chinese, they carried largo Dyer's office was placed at the disposal of the Committee and used as a Com sums of money with them. mensure confirms the supposition that the Bittee room, whilst the typists and type- sack contained banknotes

writers in the typists office ceased to be From the police we fear that the and in their place a well-stocked refresh pirates were disappointed in their haul.ment bar was erected. The secretary's One of them was overheard to remark office was similarly treated, it being for just prior to big departure that the en- the nonce & card room. The counting ture financially had teen 'n failure. Be house made an admirable lounge for those this as it may, the passengers were sitting out between the dances, a large searched not once or twice during the number of small tables at which light night, but many times, and most of them refreshments were served had been in- stalled. The drawing office adjoining the counting house was converted into the came back to Hongkong without a cent. "The ship was kept going throughout the ball room and here it was that the main

out. This office is an exceedingly large fallen over the embankment. night well up into Bins Bay for about scheme of decorations had been carried 40 miles, and at about 4 a.m. their pilotone and full advantage was taken by the drew the vessel towards shore. He could) not have been too sure of the coast for decorators of two rows of supporting hall. These pillars were tastefully cover- ed with trellis work through which was

This in a

22

PIRATES PROVIDED THEIR OWN PILOTE.

A car belonging to the Hon. Mr. A. G. Stephen, Chief Manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, whilst being cleated yesterday morning outside the gårago just below the Helena May Institute. suddenly ran down the incline, crossed the road, and went over the basking fail- ing many feet. The car was considerably damaged and was the object of curiosity to many passers-by. "It was later in the day hauled back on to the road and taken away for repairs.

It is thought that one of the coolies who was engaged in cleaning the vehicle must have set the engine in motion and that it leapt forward and, before it could he stopped, it had crossed the road and

given by the Indian Sergeant in charge in bringing the vessel in the grounded Pillars running down the length of have been built in the moulding loft

awaiting the finishing touches. They

where they were placed on exhibition of the Guard who rushed into the saloon slightly on what appeared to be a sandy yelling that he had been disarmed by boach Here a number of junks wore pirates. At the same time shots were waiting to take the booty shore. Mem. entwined sprigs of greenery and in addi- last night. Without a doubt the most beard being fired on the deck of the bers of the crew were forced to help the tion arches of trellis work similarly interesting of these is the very realistic covered with greenery connected" pillar model of Hongkong by night. The model vessel and as the officers scrambled out pirates to lower the booty and stolea

darkened cabinet. Looking through an enchanting Christmas like effect. On of their seats four Chinese entered the cargo into the waiting junks whilst three with pillar, giving the whole ball-room has been built inside a large specially saloon and held up the officers. One of of the lifeboates were lowered fully loaded them, who appeared to be the leader, with booty, and some of the sailors were the far wall opposite the entrance to special peepholes one can see the hills. in flag ground. By an ingenious electric light- asked for the master of the ship and compelled to row the boats to other junk, the ball room from the lounge the dock of Hongkong rising "dimly in the back- Captain Brewer stepped forward. He waiting in the distance. In ons caso some yard colours wore picked out was at once ordered out of the saloon of the pirates were actually rowed ashore fashion. The orchestra was ingeniously ing arrangement the hills are lit up just placed above the principal draughtuch's as one sees the Peak on any clear night. direct in a lifeboat. and marched to his cabin on the bridge;

offices built inside the drawing office. In the foreground, riding at anchor is the imitation of the harbour, are a num. deck, with an armed pirate on either side

This meant additional space. for the of him whilst another covered him with

dancers. Passing through the dance hall one entered the supper room-also large and roomy and used on working days as

rovalver from the rear. In the cabin he was searched and a revolver which Captain Brower was wearing at the time,

INTENTION TO HOLD OYVICERS TO RANSOM-THWARTED.

Just prior to the departure of the pirates all the imprisoned officers were taken to the Captain's cabin and there they were informed by the odor that it was their intention to take the Captain a dining room for Europeans and on bu: which he had not had time draw, the Chief Officer, the Chief Engineer and

a reception room. was taken from him. The pirates also the Compradore, ashore with them and to launching 'days na acized a number of rifles which were hold then for ransom. Fortunately their This room was also suitably decorated

vile plan was not carried out for at that with greenery and bunting. stacked in the Captain's cabin ready for mement a strange ship was sighted which

From there use in case of emergency,

the pirates took to be a Revenue cruiser.

SBIP BEFLOATED."

of

her of big ships, including an Empress vessel The vessels are brilliantly illumi aated. The model was designed by Mr. Lieorge Duncan, who also is responsible for one other very fine model, that of the Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Com great attention has been paid to minute pany's works. This also is well done and details. Both models do Mr. Duncan great credit. The models of the ships are the work of Mr. E. Docherty who is in

The music for the dancing was supplied Captain Brewer was marched to the They hurriedly left the ship and made by the Hongkong Hotel No. 1 Orchestra for the shore. At this time they had the Guard's room where he witnessed them winches going hauling up bales of cargo and the catering was also in the hand, charge of the Department." Dai to be from the No. 1 hold. These they ordered of the Hongkong Hotel Company, which taking whatever arma - were found. This dono, he was agaia marched, to stop and they stole away as quietly is to state that both were all that could be desired. It is estimated that about still heavily guarded, back to his cabin, and as quickly as they could.

500 guests were present at the Ball, the where he was locked up and compelled to

It took some little time to get the principal guests being the Chairman of remain during the time that the pirates Hydrangea re-loated, but by careful the Company (Mr. D. G. M. Bernard) were on board. The other officers were mancurring and with the assistance

and Mrs. Bernard, Mr. R. M. Dyer (Chief kept in the saloon and were only allowed the tide she left the shore and soon was up on deck just prior to the departure steaming back for Hongkong. Th

It should be stated that the engine room Manager of the Company), the Hon. Mr. of the pirates in Bias Bay. The Indian staff was compelled to work the vessel A. O. Lang, bir. J. Reid (Manager of the guards were also taken by surprise and under the supervision of one, sometimes Taikoo Dockyard) and others.

more, of the pirates who stood guard

One cannot close this police without disarmed.

over them with a revolver. He told them For the first half hour or so pande that they would not be harmed unless they a reference to the display of models made monium reigned on board the ship, disobeyed orders, and by way of encour in the Dockyard for the British Empire Pirates seemed to make an appearance agent told them they could have any

During the Exhibition. These models are now prec- thing they liked to eat, from all parts of the ship. Amongst the night oranges were handed to them tically ready for despatch Home and last Grst class passengers it is estimated that whilst the imprisoned officers were also night will be probably the only ocension given a similar diet, a number of there were seven, whilst there wors about oranges being thrown into the saloon to on which the general public will have an nine in the second class and between 40 them. The pirates themselves fared well opportunity of seeing them ere they are and 50 in the third class. Most of these after ordering the ship's cooks to prepare packed up for despatch. One can only is the third class were youngsters, as the upper for them.

The leader of the gang travelled first regret that the public has not been given second engineer put is, bits of strip class and he is said to have travelled by more opportunity of seeing and admiring lings, who scarooly knew how to handle this reset on the last three occasions these delightful and skilful pieces of work, x revolver." These youngsters went about apparently to learn the movements of the but owing to the pressure of time this 13-Waltzing

officers and crew.

-

the deck firing indiscriminately and waving their firearms in the faces of EMPLOYEE OF THE "HONAM

the officers and the crew. These youths appeared to be very nervous about their

unfortunately could not be arranged.

These models include a view of Hong kong by night as seen from the harbour, An employé of the 8.8. Ifonam which standing & feet high by about 20 ft. broad,

ARRESTED.

13

The officials responsible for the ball were Mr. D. M. Neilson (Chairman of the Dockyard Recreation Club), Mr. J. M. Smythe (Vice-Chairman), Mr. J. B Hamilton (Hoa Secretary), Mr. C. E. Stewart (Hoa. Treasurer); general com- mittee: Messrs. Cullen, Ramsay, Mair, Greig, Dixon, Gourley The decorations were carried out by Mr. G. Duncan and Mr. D. Keith, and Mr. F. C. Colmer was responsible for the lighting effects. Tho art, Greig, Mair and Ramsay,... MC's for the dance were Messrs. Stew The dance programme was as follows:-

"Thru the Night", Extra Waltz.....

1.-Lancers. Bohemian Boya 2-Fox Trot..." I want to see my

Mamma every night." "Cut yourself a piece of cake"

Good Night De'il among the Tailors"

•Blue 6.-Fox Trot 7-One Step

"Dancing Tool B.-Lancers

"Amelia

Stella 5.-Waltz "I'm just a little Blue

11.-One Stop .....

Other lips 10-Yox Trot

"Marchetn.!! 12-For Trot

After every Party" 14-Fox Trot "Beale Street Mamme 15.-Fox Trot

Yes We Have No Bananas * Caledonian 16--Caledonians

"Why Should I Cry Over You." 17.Waltz

3. One Step

4-Waitz

5.-Eightsome Reel

that one of the pirates shot himself with stated to be a Chinese meas contractor on jacent islands and the Now Territories, 19-Eightsome Reci his own weapon through the foot. At the ship, has been, arrested in Macao.

He is alleged to have had in his possession, a model of the Hongkong and Whampoa

CARDS" and it' is said to be due to norve is now on the Hongkong-Macao ran, a large relief map of Hongkong, its ad- 18. Fox Trot Who's Sorry Now]

De'il among

The

Tailors

"Gone Happy

the end of half an hour or so things a number of toy short-arms and several Dockyard and a number of models of 21.--One Step quietoned down after the hardened and coils of wire, articles considered highly steamers which the Yard has turned out 22-Fox Trot

"Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Bhean", aro↑ sored leaders of the pirates had incriminating in the present circum during recent years. These models.

23 Fox Trot Zar Tell 'em I Stutter " Bancos The man wie given" u“ wurm enforced something like discipline amongst reception by the Macso detectives and now nearing completion and are just 24Waltz

Three O'Clock in the Morning their own nefarious sáng,

is still under detention.

(Contioued as foot of next column)

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