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PIRACY IN SOUTH CHINA. DISCUSSION BY ASSOCIATED BRITISH CHAMBERS OF. COMMERCE

At the recent conference of the Asso- eisted British Chambers of Commerce of China and Hongkong, it was unanimously

resolved :--

"That in the opinion of this Con- ference the numerous piracies that have taken place in Far Eastern waters, and the inability of any Government in China to deal with the situation, walls for immediate action on the part of the

Toreign Powers.

the

The Conference urges L.M. Gov. erament to make arrangements with proper Chinese authorities where by, luunediately a piracy is reported, punitive measures may be taken against the pirates by HM. Navy in the locality where they have handed.

Further, the Conference strongly alvoentes an increased number of nava. vessels available for patrol work. especially in the Canton delta nnd neighbouring waters, where frequent and successful piracies clearly indicate that the existing patrols are inado

quate."

In moving this resolution on behalf of the Hongkong Chamber Mr. BROOKE Suure sold in part 1--

THE

period mentioned no case is on record of an encounter of a naval patrol with a pirate band. Experience in the past when, in time of unusually provalent piracy, joint patrols by British and Chi- nese naval vessels were mutually agreed upon and maintained for a considerable thue with highly satisfactory results, gives reason to believe that an increase in the number of. H. f. gunboats, now, would be at least as effective. And this is confirmed by the recent praiseworthy Buccess of small Customs Revenue

tured

men.

HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY," MARCH 20rs, 1934

CRIMINAL SESSIONS. [INFORB HIS HONOUR TUB CHLÈN JUSTION (in wiLIAM EKS-DAVIES)]."

PRISONER. AFORTUNATE'

Li Ping. a Chinese, pleaded not guilty to a charge of uttering a forged banknote on February 11th, and of having in his possession nine other forged notes of the Banque de l'Indo-Chine.

Nine

{BRFORM HIS HONOUR THY PUISNE JUDGE

(MR. JUSTICE DOMPKATE)),

BANK SHROFF'S MISTAKE.

About the middle of last month, it may

be remembered, a report was current that a shroff of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank had overpaid a client to the extent

was a police court case in which an office of a large sum of money. The seqitel

boy employed by Messra Fong Tang and

་ է

Mr. Dyer Ball, Assistant Attorney-, General, appeared for the Crown, whilst Mr. F. C. Jenkia defended.

Mr. H. K. Holmes (Crown Solicitor)

Co. was charged with stealing $2,700. patrol which, after a spirited fight with prosecuted, and said that accused at pirates on a stolen steam launch, on tempted to change a five-piastre noto The lad was committed for trial, and An extended system of with a money changer sa Queen's Read accordingly appeared in the Suprenie patrols would have a deterrent effect, West. The changer thought it was a bad Court yesterday morning.

number of tonding to decrease the piracies and probably provent them alto-one and the police were called, gether on such patrolled routes as might other notes were found on prisoner, and he was charged. Prisoner told the police be organized.

that he had won the money at funtau at Canton At the Police Court, after evi- dence had been given, prisoner made a statement in which he said he had been a soldier at Canton and had come to He Hongkong for medical treatment. could not distinguish a good note from a bad one, and he did not make the notes himself.

At present, pirate gatizations have far too much scope for their operations; if an extended patrol- ling system were sustained the pirates would not take the chances they do soy. We realize that the apprehension of the They pirates in the act is difficult.

pard the vessel, which they intend to pirate, as passengers, arms are secreted (which the police have been powerless to prevent), and at a given signal they rise

After and take charge of the ship which is then escorted to the pirates' haven the valuables have been "removal, the ship is freed. Until the ship is actually in the hands of the pirates there is nothing to indicate what is about to take place. Usually this is done at night and the vessel proceeds to the pirates' destination without lights.

In recent months it has become clear ibal some means is needed for dealing with the resurte of pirates established in Chinese territory where the Chinese authorities are unable to exercise police aql judicial power. Just bevond the Although it is therefore difficult for the inland territory of the Culony of Hong- present organization of warships to check kong is Bias Bay to which, on Novem-mate the pirates in this course of action, ber 19th, 1999, a piratical gang took the there is no doubt that an increased aum British steamboat Sui an, which plies bor of patrols would be a deterrent and two Hongkong and Maeno. A year lead to captures such as the Customs have later the British steamer Sun Aing was shown can be effected. Apart from the pirated and taken to this same spot, and special punitive measures denit with in anly a few weeks ago the ex-British gun- the Brat part of the resolution, Heng- bont drengen, running between Hong kong regards patrols as the first essential king and Swatow, was also pirated and "taken there and compelled to discharge for the prevention of piracies.

everything of value

whe contained.

Again, on December 5th last, the 5.8. Kang was similarly dealth with. Bias Ray is just beyond the limits of British territory and China seems powerless to Jake any punitive action.

The toll the pirates levy apos com- merve and shipping is heavy and increas ing,

It is ineasure of the demoraliza ting brought about by the uninterrupted sutress of pirates during many, many months, that, in a recent as in the Hongkong area, katswain of many years' service turned pirate-lender and

pathise

YES, WE HAVE NO SOLUTION.” In the discussion of the resolution, Mr. W. E. KIRBY, secretary of the China Coast Officers' Guild, said in part:-

In the opinion of an employé of the Banque de l'Indo-Chine the notes were very clever forgeries,

His Lordship, a summing up, said it appeared a very simple case. The jury had to be satisfed that prisoner knew the notes to be forgeries. When the money changer told him that the note was a forgery, he tried to leave the shop. He denied that he had any more and nine others were found. Had they any doubt that he knew that they were" for- geries! If they had, they should return a verdict of not guilty, but otherwise, if they were satisfied that bis attempt to get away was because be knew the note was forged, they should find him guilty.

From the Assistand--Attorney-Genaral's

Both

outline it appears that on the morning of February 1st, defendant and two em. ployé of the Bank of Canton weat to the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank parties. (Fung Tang and Company's re- presentative and the Bank of Canton's representatives) desired to change notes of large denominations. The lad handed in $300 and the others twenty 8500 bills. The Hongkong and Shanghai Bank's shroff took the money and then handed it with a memorandum in respect of the $300 to acother shroff, asking for change.

The first shroff returned to bis counter with thirteen bundles of notes, each sheaf totalling $1,000. Following, the practice of dealing with smaller amounts Brst, the sproff attended to prisoner. By mis- take the shroff handed him $3,000 instead of $300. He next counted out the $10,000 change for the Bank of Canton men and as got aware of his mistake until about 1a.m. the same morning, when the other shroff, in checking his receipts against the amount he had paid out, dis- covered a deficit of $9,700. The deficit was reported to the compradore of the Bank. Later in the day one of the men from the Bank of Canton returned to the hearing of the deficit, said that the man who was changing money at the same time as himself belonged to Messrs. Fung Tang and Co. When the Bank's shroffs approached prisoner, he denied having He also de- nied it when charged, at the police

There is no need for me to occupy your sime by relating the long chain of outrages that commenced just over two years ago of the China Merchants' with the steamer are familiar with very fortunate man. His conduct, in his fongkong and Shangbai. Bank, and, on

has succelled them all.

in quick succession, the most recent are fresh in your memories being the attacks on the steamers Sunging, Tres and Tuile, which involved the murder of two masters and the brutal wounding of

pasient throug

The Jury after returning said they were not satisfied that prisoner was aware that the note was a forgery.

His Lordship thereupon discharged the prisoner, hut said he felt it his duty to point out to the prisoner that he was a Lordship's opinion, was wholly inconsist nt with innocence, and he felt it was in the interests of the whole community to The Jury comprised: Mesars, T. Orton Alves, F. G. Wakefield, H. J. H. White,

say so,

UNUSUAL PLEA FOR THE DEFENCE.

station.

The shroff, Wong Ma Cheung, gave confirmatory evidence.

was morally, if not personally; respon another waster and chief officer all fo (foreman). M. Pollock, C. M. de S. received more than $300. wilde for the nailer of his captain. being British subject, it is obvious that

The tile is surely past when British this state of affairs cannot be tolerated. L Packe and C. L da Roza. lives and British commerce car be any indefinitely and it is with dismay that my longer sacrificed to diplomatie formali-Committee and members, who have been ties. We all heartily and sincerely sy! Yes, we have no contactly wish her deliverance from the strife of farting and division and any steps which the Powers would take would only be in their own protection and, in- cidentally, of a nature calculated to help eather than hamper the nation in its pre- sent trials. For it must be remembered that the Chinese themselves are the chief sufferers from the ravages of bandits and

Leung Mow, a Chinese, was charged with being in the aclawful possession of

Mr. Jenkin, cross-examining, elicited replies to the effect that witness knew the prisoner well by sight, as he had often come to change money. Ho did not know what firm the prisoner was with until the men from the Bank of Canton told him. He admitted that the previous day the Bank had lost $40,000 and that his son, also a shroff in the Bank, had been mixed up with the loss. His son was still with the Bank; it was merely a coincidence that he himself Compradore got angry with him and be realised that his position as shroff was imperiled by his mistake. It was after gave him information regarding the firm

pirates and the national revenues are merchant service is a not wholly willing a plea of lawful authority as an ex- should be in Eault the next day. The

depleted because restricted trade, due to keeps treasury chests half empty..

the operations and the fear of rubbers, I recogning, it will agree that the mer.

view the amazing

attitude the Hongbour Covention. White of Committee and member fully realize the competitive nature of the trade interest involved, the natural desire of any Gov-an automatic pistol, fifty one rounds of erument to premote and faster traile and ammunition, and an empty cartridge case

at Mong Kok Tsui on February 14th. at the same time avoid any act which may

Mt. H. K. Holmes (Crown Solicitor) and impair trade interikts, my Committee

embers would, with due deference, point prosecuted, and Mr. N. I. Brewer ap- out that the excutive personnel of the peared for the defence.

animport Prisoner pleaded not guilty" ak ant unit in consolidating trade.

ubtless concur with this viewpoint and ense for possession.

Outlining the case the Crown Solicitor marine should be granted the full said that prisoner was seen on a ferry

of protection in its by

end kong side. When the launch, stopped at It is for you to decide if that adequate Mong Kok. he jumped into a boat and

In the course of further cross-examina- measure of protection against piracy, has was being rowed away when the con-

merchant vessels.

tion, witness stated that when he was sela stable on duty called on him to stcp: Leaving, for a moment, have clearly demonstrated. If China ber-

what the Government has failed to do, box containing 25 rounds of ammunition under the grill, the prisoner mentioned self is unable--and it dear she is un-

we turn to the sole act which it has aroom.

Acather twelve the sum of 83,000. was found on him.

He admitted that able to take the measures necessary tolished. It has published a draft of pro- rounds were found in the left breast this was the first time he had said this: so the ports with that end in view, posed piracy regulations, which ara as ar ner pocket of his jacket and in his hat he had not suid so in the Police Court or stop the pirneies or co-operate with the she should be invited to consent to anitrary as they are illogical and unfair.

venture to say that this draft will never lining 14 other cartridges were discover to anybody else. understanding that, whore, pirates are

ed. The pistol was found suspended definitely located in any district, the woome law, not only because its

from a girdle round the man's waist

Immediate joint action on the part nfjest . His Majesty's Government launch which had core from the Hong that the men from the Bank of Canton

the foreign Powers is urgently necessary and that it is practicable and can be brought to hear smoothly, promptly and

avocation

He

to which the prisoner belonged.

effectively, recent events in South China socorded to cun-tink the question of returned to the wharf and a cardboard handing the prisoner the bundles of notes

naval Jurces of any of the Powers will in, the main are absolutely im dangling between his lega, next to the

rent measures.

free to land and take punitive and deter- Failing consent, China, should be informed that the Fowers find themselves enmpelled to act in the man- ner indicated when occasion arises..

but also because of the severo criticism

pposition which are being directed at it a shining example from all quarters. As a

it

skin.

Mr. Brewer urged that the Ordinance worth, it contains what has now he did not prohibit prisoner, who was the come known as the notorions Resist to master of a junk, from having arms on Committer oned for the protection of his vessel. the Utmost" clause and If Britain must act alone in this mat- and members cannot, by the wildest He should, of conras, state on his clear- ter of helping China to suppress the foes stretch of imagination, reconcile them-ance papers that he had them in his which arg of her own household, she selves to the belief that this clause was possession, but he was still in port and ought to do 40. This constant succes sponsored by an oficial who was conver- therefore had not filled in the papers. sion of indignities upon the British flag ant with the practical working of constal and the spectacle of a world-power, her merchant vessels. What can at the most hands tied with diplomatic red tape, im-six European officers accomplish against an organized, armed, piratical horde of 60 patent in the face of what are little more than small organized groups of amateur or more? guner, has continued far too long al- ready and must cease if British prestige ช

not to be entirely undermined. The mumber of these gangs seems to be grow ing stimulated by the frequent success of the game and the aheenen of offective deterrent, Hongkong, to which hundreds of thousands of Chinese have looked for safe asylum in the political disorders of the last ten years, believes that British intervention against pirates will be heartily welcomed by the substantial classes amongst the Chinese.

I come now to the second part of the resolution, which advocates an" increase in the number of paval vessels available for patrol work, especially in the Canton Delta and neighbouring waters, where frequcat and successful piracies clearly indicate that the existing patrols are in- adequate.

I need, occupy very little of your time in speaking to this part of the resolu tion Local records show that in the last two years--to carry the story back no

farther there have been anything from

THE QUESTION OF WIRELESS. Closely connected with the resolution on piracy was the following resolution also proposed by Mr. BROOKE SMITH on behalf of Hongkong:-

His Lordship ruled that he should have had them described on his licence and also pointed out that if prisoner thought he was committing a lawful act, be, would not have secreted the articles as he did.

The Jury returned a verdict of guilty, Prisoner was sentenced to five years imprisonment, his Lordship remarking that the Chinese had to be made to understand that this offence.

www a' serious

(Continued on nazt column.).

The case was adjourned until this morning.

The Jury comprised: Messrs. E. F. R. "Sample (foreman), W. S. J. Sousa. Ng Sze-kwong, Chan Shin Taun, R., E. Hoare, E. Kern and E. C. Hagen,

PUSY JURYMEN. TWO APPLICATIONS FOR

RELEASE

Mr. C. M. Alves, broker, when called as a juryman before Sir William Rees- Davies in the Criminal Sessions yes- terday applied to be excused from serving owing to the fact that he was particularly busy just now in connection with the March Settlement,

His Lordship said he had refused many Laimilar applications. He had already re

ceived notification from the Registrar of this application and the conclusion he had arrived at was that Mr. Aires' ser- vices would not be required next week, when Settlement Day came. So far as this week was concerned, bo saw no reason why Mr. Alves should got serve. I always do what I can to assist gentle- men as far as possible, but you must servo."

"That the recrudescence of piracies in Eastern waters again emphasizes the urgent necessity for continuous means of wireless communication with H.

I regret that His Majesty's Government smaller vessels. The Conference views with satisfaction the improvements being has not yet provided a sufficient staff of

to increase the efficiency of the wireless operators to enable communion wireless on river gunboats, and asks H. tion to be effected at all times. And yet M. Government to install wireles on it is obvious that a wirelem apparatus overy such ship, ale to provide the which out of action the greater part of necessary increased staff of wireless the 24 hours is largely deprived of its operatora so that communication can be practical value. A staff of operators effected at all times and where expodi, suficient to maintain constant communica ent for general purpos, when the ordin ton is absolutely essential. The naval ary commercial mount of telegraphic wireless apparatus must also be oupable of messages from merchant ships ommunication are not available, na is picking up different wave lougth from wooks ago and that he, was the only frequently the cass in South China -which c In moving this relation Mr. Becoxs that adopted by the Nery for its own par SMITH: said:--

poses otherwise the help we need against piracy will not be fully obtainable

It is almost uncosary to dwell on the importance, in fact, rocessity of having

one to five piracies-amall or gunboats fitted with wireless every mouth."

contemplates this when it asks that naval

When, in the Puisne Judge'a Court, the name of Mr. D. E. Donnelly was called, Mr. Donnelly asked to be excused, saying he served on the jury only thres

European in the office.

His Lordship: You have been called. I am afraid you cannot be excused.

Assistant Crown Mr. Dyer Ball,

Solicitor, exon in duae. Last year's list

The resolution before the Conference

call undertake the transmission of List was Only two instances are stallations. As the present time there is commercial messages when, as so frequent was finished with recorded of prosecutions of pirates in one gunboat in southern water without,

ly happens,

Hongkong Courts in that period "of two installation and I understand that the tation have a means of communic

down.

Mr. Donnelly again stated that he was the only European at the office that day. years. Those facts are sufficient to sub- feasibility of equipping her with wireles Other Governments beip their nationale His partner would be back the following stantiate the statement that there have is now being considered by the naval in every way they can in this aspect day. He had no objection to serving

authorities. am advised also that vari been "frequent and successful piracios.

the in Hongkong is that thon. We say, further, that "existing patrols ous

have been affected in improvements

all help, but messages can

His Lordship said that the reason why are inadequate, and certainly it seems the efficiency of the apparatus on other

note with appreciation that this that the operators are on duty. It seeme

only be sont or reaved during the time Mr. Donnelly had been called again so that if naval patrole were in fact ade vessels. quate the law of averages must have matter has been receiving the attention it extraordinary that the wireless stuff should soon was that a new list was in use. He had not really been called twice in brought them on some occasions in the deserves and trust that, at an early date, not be adequate to maintain courtant com- last two years in contact with pirates, the ship already referred to will als he munication. Such a, emlition of affaim the same year. Seeing that Mr. Don Sometimes

fitted with a suitable installation, there have been two

is bound to be a source of wonkness espec- nelly had no objection to serving the chances in a single day.. But in the

ally in regard to piracy prevention. next day, he would be excused.

(Continued at foot of nezt column.)

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