1924-03-29 — Page 5

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“TAI LEE” PIRACY.

STRONG COMMENTS BY NAVÁL INTELLIGENCE OFFICER.

CONDITIONS ON WHICH EUROPEAN (OFFICERS SERVE IN RIVER STEAMERS.

JURY'S VERDICT AND OPINIONS.

SUGGESTIONS FOR MORE EFFICENT CONTROL ON BOARD:

1233

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY,

gang was quilis of murder it, an effecting their common perpest, anyone was killed by any one of them. There was setic evidence that the hesur and his assist-

consider that on board the 8.3. Tai Let there was no attempt at discipline and Thac command by European Officers.

the officers were neither prepared to resist piracy or mutiny, nor espable of doing so that had they been willing to take command of their ship and sen the Reputations efficiently carried out they would have received no encouragement from their owners, and probably have rendered themselves liable to summary dismissal that unless the owners are de prived of their bond for breaches of the Regulations under the Ordinance they will never find it worth their while "ta keep good officers. Unless pay condi tions and compensatiçu are made altruc tive. good officers cannot be expected to Unless you havd stay in river steamers. good officers in river steamers you will never get Regulations carried out. It is! the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief | that the Regulations are sufficient when combined with efficient police measure and co-operation' on the part of the and reasonable discipling, determination officers to pus a stop to piracy.

THE VERDICT AND THE JURY'S VIEWS.

In delivering the verdict of the Jury the foreman (Mr. . . . Hancock) said: As to the ease of death of Captain Willos our verdict is that of wilful mur- der "against the bosub, assistant bosun and persons unknown.

THE POLICE SEARCH OF THE "TA: LEE."

The verdict in the Enquiry into the chcumstaners surrounding the death of Captain Willes, who was shot during the piraus of the s.. Tei Lee in January.last, was delivered yesterday at the Magis.ant, and possibly other members of the crew were in direct collusion with the tracy. A verdict of wilful maander wäs

watswahn. the pirates. If the Jury were satisfied on against returned

the

that point they could return a verdict assistant oatswain and persons

against them and ether persons unknown, known, and the Jury answered at some

or if not satisfied they could return a length a cumber of questions pub to them

verdiet of murder by persons unknown. By the Coroner bearing upon the "Anti-

Referring to subsidiary issues, he invited

Mr. Hancock said that the Jury's an Piracy Regulations.

Was swer to the Coroner's question the Jury in the first place to make any

regards the the police search efficient was that the remarks they desired as searching of the T her and of the search of the Tai Zee by the Police was earried out as efficiently as circurastanees permitted, but quite possibly firearms assengers on board prior to sailing on this particular occasion and aux recom.

"were secreted on board without arousing mendation as to searching of all auch suspicion, especially at Wong Moon river steamers in general. The Jury had where it was understood that no search was carried out. The Jury considered seen for themselves the way in which

conducted on the the present system of searching for fire- the searching was wharves, and in the case of the 7ai rearins at Hongkong was not at all ade- they must remember it was probable that quate. the arms were cocecaled on board by members of the crew. Secondly, the Jury must pass judgment on the observance

When the Court resumed yesterday afternoon, Mr. 'W. K. Hind addressed the Court at some length on behalf of the China Coast Officers Guild and the Marine Engineers' Guild of China. In the course of His address he said that in the opiniën of the tiuilds the system of Juving Indian guards' on board ship had Lamentably failed. During the ten years that had elapsed since the Piracy Regula- tions were first brought in and enforced, there had not been a single case in which an Indian guarit had proved of the slikht- est ise.

Regulation 16, which required all equip ment in the way of rockets, flares, etc., dnd firearms and ammunition readily accessible at all times:

Regulation, which required every officer ta entry firearms at all times when his ship was in the diger zone; and «

Regulation, 52, which required griles to the, engine rooms, at the entrance etc., to be kept locked at all times when the ship was in the danger zone, and no access to be possible thereto except from the bridge deck.

IN OBSERVING SLACKN288 SHOWN

REGULATIONS.

"As regards the observance of the officers and crew of the us. Tai Ler," continued Mr. Hancock, "we are of the opicion that there was considerable slack uess. None of the officere carried fire arms, and all the apare arms and an munition were locked up in steel boxes in the Captain's cabin, the key of which was always in his possession. All the rockets, Verey lights, etc., were kept locked in a steel box on the bridge, the key, of which was in the possession of the Captain. Nothing was in readiness, and it was impossible, as things were, to give any call for help at all. lower deck grilles were left open when the ship was leaving Wong Moon, and it seems that all the ship's revolvers were stulen, when the air was docked after the typhoon last from a lock ed drawer in the Capt 's cabin. We consider this carelessness. These revol

The

MARCH 9TH,

102+

SPORT..

FOOTBALLA

TO-DAY'S MATCHES.

!!

HONGKONG LEAGUR.

Divisina 1. South China » East Surrey Regt. Be- H.K.F.C. ground, at 5 p.at. force: Mr. Smith. Kowloon . H.M.S. Ambrose, Kowloon F.C. ground, at 4.43 p.m. Referee : Mr. Hollands. R.G.. .. Hongkong Police, Sookuupoo "A" ground, at 4.43 p.m. Referce: Mr. Spencer.

Division 11.. Filipino Club 2 Club de Recreio, Kow- loon F.C. ground, at 13 pm. Re- fered: Mr. Smyth.

CRICKET.

CRAIGENGOWER 2, E.A.S.MA. CLUB.

The following Craigongower team will meet the Easma Club in a friendly match to-day at 2.13. p.m. on the Craigenzomer Cricket Club ground :-B. W. Bradbury. T. Grimes, D. Fritz, H. J. Dennis, G. White, W. B. Muskete. S. Abbas, M. Pinns, E. Mofung. F. K Modi and G. W. Jne.

A

QUEEN'S COLLEGE PAST. . PRESENT.

The annual match between the Past and Prevent of Queen's College will take place to-day on the Indian Recreation Club ground at 2.13 p.m.

CORRESPONDENCE.

COMIC OPERA TENNIS..

[TO THE EDITOR OF TIN HONGKONG DAILY FRESS."3

as amusing.

S:-Those fortunate enough-or un fortunate: depends entirely on the view. point to witness resterday's tennis com- which must a comic opera "tenals turo" have been indeed a rare treat. Let it not be imagined that the players were anything hut serious in their attempts to win. The lighter touch was in this instance provided by the umpire. Though mystifying, he certaicly Such instructions to the players as carry on" "The game is three-two"! Hold hard":"Man, Man, I mean dence 1 caused a titter of amusement from all except the players. But, when the umpire with the true Gilberting touch They are fvc; I mean five sets in the third game onlookers broke into unrestrained mirth. There were a few who appeared not to enjoy. the comedy touch. But let us not be over critical of the umpire's efforts, for the majority, at least, appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely. For the players I cannot speak, though, if they were amused, they managed to conceal their feelings most effectively.-Yours,

announced.

the protection of merchant shipping in piracy regulations which were in force

ife, therefore, saggested that or otherwise, in this ease of the anti-Anti-Piracy Regulations by the shin's Petitions were, in one instance treated ta the Colony should be transferred from the in January last. The evidence had, to police to the Naval authorities. Mr. his mind established that three, at Hind added that the Colong, was paying least, of these regulations were not ob 20 per cent of its total revenue to the served, namely: Imperial Government for the purpose of maval and military protection and be arged that the fmperial authorities should¦ supply sufficient gunboats and similar craft for such protection. In England. he said, it was required by the Merchait Shipping Act that every sailor who was employed on board ship should be sup plied with what was called continous discharge book, which contained the full rreurd of the individual concerned. If such had been followed in the Colony of Hongkong the character of every single man who went to sea in consting boats would be known and bad characters would not be allowed and could not possibly get on board and cause such a lamentable Occurrence as this had been. The Guilds considered that the practice of having arins and armed guards on board ships Was more an incentive to piracy than saything else, because the pirates were in need of arms for use on the rivers of China and in the districts from which they cause. If there were no arms there trould be fewer piracies.

The other regulations" then in forec appeared to have been observed. In this contection, the Corner called the atten tion of the jury to the fact that the owners of every steamship that plied within the danger zone had to enter into a bond of $5,000 for the due observance of the Pilacy Regulations by their officers.

vers were of the same calibre as those used by the pirates, as shown by the ballet extracted from the body of Capete", tain Willox. We think that the pirates knew that there was a general air of slackness on hoard. The dodgers were not closed? Why! -

With regard to your. Worship's ques tion as to the conduct of the ship's con- plement, we say that the ship's European complement appear to have given in on the first warning of pirates on board. They did not seem either willing or anxious to assist in suppressing them. ot being armed, this was doubtless the only course open to them. It is impos.

In conclusion, the Corgner said the jury might desire to inake some com- ments on the conduct of the ships officers and say little. The conduct of Mr. Hind urged that all vessels subject the guards on duty appeared to bave to the Piracy Regulations and plying been excellent. The two inside the grill within the danger zone should be equip did their best until they were wounded, ped with wireless; that competent and the third was shot down before he wireless oficer should be on board at all had time to do anything. As regards the material times, and that signals should officers, the jury must remember that he made at stated intervals so that the this affar was shown to have been us Naval authorities would know by the much a mutiny as a piracy, giace several sile, however, to call upon them to absence of such signals that something members of the crew were in league with defend their ships under these cireum had gone wrong with the ship. He put the pirates. That they had not carried stances unless they are engaged upon bet forth the further suggestion that as the out the regulations had been admitted ter terms of service and given such con wages paid to the Indian guards were by the Chief Officer, but whether theytrol over their ships as is exercised by extremely high the money would be very could have done more to resist the attack much better employed in forming an when it came was for the jury to say. insurance fund for the benefit of officers

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICER'S STRONG and engineers who were killed and in- jured in the performance of their duty.

In connection with the last two issues, There is no other class of people in the world. k. Hind said," who have the Coroner read a memorandum drawn been ordered to defend property and life up by Lieut. Beauchamp, Naral Intel to the utmost, as the officers and en-ligence Officer, in his position as repre- Kineers on these boats have been order-senting the Naval Authorities, at the re-

quest of the Commander-in-Chief,

VIEWS.

:

ONLOOKER.

THE LIDER. We consider that the Government. Anti- Pirney Regulations, if conscientiously carried out by the owners and officers of the ships, will only help to lessen the danger and that more effective measures of dealing with the question are neces- sary. We notice in passing that in the Regulations no mention is made that the grilles be locked. We are strongly of the wounded or killed in repelling attack opinion that where ships officers are provision, for their dependents must be made. One of the most important points are strongly of the opinion that the pre- though at present carried out as efficicat British Masters over British ships. We to be considered is that of search which, Beat terms of engagements, terminablely as circumstances permit, is in our at 21 hours notice, dues apt conduce to opinion totally inadequate to deal with We think that H.E the the situation. Some new scheme, such officiency. Governor should call upon the Harbour as a central depot where a far larger Master to put forward such recommenda- staff must be employed, and where, more tions for the improvement of conditions eqatrol can be exercisod, appears to us. of service as will permit of capable of- to call for inmediate consideration. This cers being employed. It is impossible is, however, not by any means the soly- The to get efficient officers to servo in these tion to the difficulty. It is fairly prob- that the pirates take refuge in the neigh- piracies are organised in this Colony and

None of them bave been- bouring Chinese territory after the deed, is done. think this can be done is by collaboration brought to justice" and the only way we with the Chinese authorities in Canton. We cannot help thinking that some work ing arrangement should and could he come to with the Chinese Customs Authorities and/or the Police in Canton which would work to the mutual adran. tage of both pinces. In this connection local Government to communicate with we think steps should be taken by the the police at Canton to endeavour to of the crow who escaped Punitive mea- apprehend the bosun and other members Bures should be adopted against the pirates in the locality in which they have landed. This we consider of the greatest importance. We think that the present system of military patrola in force on one boat of a convoy might be extended to recommend the

ed to do by these piracy regulations memorandumi was as follows:-Piracy ships unless they are given suitable rates able that some, at any rate, of these

who, if killed injured by reason of the performance of such duty, have a Regulations-We heard a good deal of pay and unless provision is made in compensation given to them or their dependents. They feel extremely strong on this point, and I would urge the Jury most particularly to make a rider to the effect that if a man is killed or injured in consequence of defending pro perty or life on board ship, "adequate pensation should be paid to him or his relatives by the Govertment or from some insurance fund.".

ense of death or disablement. We think of gridence as to whether grilles, etc.. were kept locked. The old Regulations that, possibly, if the rockets, etc., had laid down many Rules as to grilles but been ready in position for firing some omitted to say anything should be kept warning call for assistance might have locked. The fact that a similar omis been given. Rion has been made in the new Regüla- tions and net so far corrected does not seem greatly to the credit of those con- cerned. The new Regulations, however, cover many of the points where the old Dlr. Hind pointed to the fact that in ong failed-notably no passengers within the case of opium, cocaine and other the grilled area of the bridge-proper dangerous drugs an inducement was given protection to the engine-reom, etc. The to the searchers in the shape of rewards. evidence has shown that none of the so in officers carried arms. This is in defiance He understood that was not the ease of arms, and if such was the of Regulation 32, about which there can The omission. renders ense, thought that some such incentive be no question. should be given. In many cases the the owners liable to forfeit 85,000 bond. searching of passengers was performed The conditions under which officers aro enlled upon 10 serve in these ships are in a very perfunctory manner. There was

e question of bribery or anything-of such that the ordinary cleanliness, dia. that sor Lut the searching was not cipline, and eficiency of thorough enough. Some people were slip cannot be maintained. by The fact that they are on

There is much conflicting evidence as regards the Chinese members of the crew, but the fact that several were seen during the pirney fully armed and assisting the pirates and were missing from the ship after the pirates left the vessel and have rever been heard of since, points to some of them being involved. We are not at all impressed with the evidence of the ship's carpenter and pilot, but it seems evident that the bosun and assistant bosun were involved and that the boun was one of the ringleaders.

We understand that, the owners are under a $5,000 hand to carry out the Piracy Regulations. As they were broken a. British in this case, is the Government going to them. enforce the bond! We recommend that a 24

passed with their baggage simply because hours agreement makes their position the Government should enforce the cond. each boat. Finally,

#

they looked respectable cad it was, pero insecure that many do not take haps, those very pooplo who were carry- Sng the arms and ammunition for use for any trouble to exercisé command over the ships, which are entirely in the piratical attacks..

hands of pilot, boatswain and compra THE CORONER'S SUMMING UP. dore. It is impossible to expect. the con- The Coroner, in summing up, said he ditiors outlined above to attract men had already informed the Jury that their capable of carrying out the fegulations, main function was to determine the cause or by their personal influence of render of death of Capt. Willoz That death ing their ships unpopular with pirates, was due to shock as the result of bullet A present the owners regard British wounds, and that these wounds were Officers as a necessary evil which must inflicted by one or more of the gang that he made to cost as little as possible and pirated the 9.5. Tai Lee, the Jury, he they will not hesitate to dismiss a good thougfit, could not doubt. If that was man who does ont fall in with their ideas, their finding then they could bring in a and to put in his place anyone from the verdict of wilful murdor. The Coroner water front who will privately agree to pointed out that every member of the Lake less wages than the Guild rate."

TLE S.P3.AN

GUARDS: BETTER CONTROL

NEEDED,

strengthening of the service of Naval patrols in the Canton delta, and that all passenger ships sailing out of Hongkong must be provided with wireless and carry at least sac efficient wireless operator.

With regard to the Indina guards, we consider that they did their duty, but

The Coroner: This concludes the ea- that the present system of employment is unsatisfactory. The Captain should quiry and I thank you for the careful Mr. R. E. Lindsell (Coroner) presided bave more control over the guards who and kind attention you have given to it. at prosent are almost entirely under the Captain Superintendent of Police. Fin over the Enquiry and the Jury consisted ally, we feel very strongly that compenins of Messrs. H. R. B. Hancock (foremad), Mr. C. G. Purdue, A.SP. and Assist tion should be made to the dependente F. A. Perry and A. F. B. Silver Netto. of Captain Willox.

That, your Worship, covers all we harsant Director of Criminal Intelligence, to say with regard to the questions pat watched the enquiry on behalf of the the China Coast Officers' Guild and the before us but we have a rider are should Police, and Mr. W. B. Hind appeared for

Marine Engineers' Guild of China. like to put forward at the same time. (Continued at faoi of next column.)

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