1927-05-12 — Page 5

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THE TRAGEDY OF CAPSUIMUN PASS.

NIGHTMARE SCENE DESCRIBED.

EUROPEAN OFFICERS STILL MISSING.

SEVENTY CHINESE CASUALTIES.

from Henda

Details of what he described as a nightmare scene were related by Capt. Fernandez of the st. De Lee when speaking of the wreck of the a.s. Leung Kwong on Monday night. When his ship reached the scene at 7:35 p.m. cries of "Save Lives" women, children and men were heard from a long distance. were seen above the water as they approached but before anything could be done many disappeared never to be seen again, Mr. Thomas Henry Martin, Chief Officer and Mr. Alec Donaldson, Chief Engineer, of the ill fated vessel were not picked up, and it is feared that they were drowned. Altogether it is thought that at last 70 persons were drowned.

Further particulars were avail-arrival there, she took over the nble yesterday regarding the colli- six Indian guards and other sur sion in Capauimun Paas on Monday vivors from the On Lee, whom she night between the s.s. Leung Kwong, brought back to Hong Kong. Sic and the steam launch Moon Shine. | stufed that the Moon Shine was The two steamers the On Lee and standing by the wreck and assisting the Kwong Fook Cheong, which in the rescue work. went to the rescue of the Leung Kamp returned to Hong Kong yesterday from Kongmoon, and persons aboard were able to give & vivid description of the tragedy.

The On Lee's" Story.

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, MAY 12th, 1927.

THE NEW BRIGADE.

SOME OF THE OFFICERS.

STRENGTH OF SHANGHAI DEFENCE FORCE.

R.A.M.C. CONTINGENT LEAVES FOR THE NORTH.

Col. R. N. Sorgison-Brooke, who is in command of the 15th Infantry Brigade now on its way to Hong Kong, conumanded the 2nd Guards Brigade in France during the war. After the war he commanded the 1st Batt. The Grenadier Guards, being appointed Colonel of the Regiment of Grenadier Guards in

1023.

A RICH MAN'S ESTATE.

YOUNGER BROTHERS AND THEIR HELPERS.

MR. LANSBURY COMING.

A VISIT TO CANTON?

According to a report in the THE FEES FOR ASSISTANCE, China Exprou and Telegraph a private meeting of the Executive of the League against Colonial Op- pression was held in Antaterdam during the first week in April.

At the resumed hearing at the Supreme Court yesterday, be fore the neting Chief Justice (Mr. Justice J. R. Wood) of the case which concerns a mortgage on the property of a wealthy Chinese who died in Macao in 1907, evidence was given by one of the concubines of the deceased as to the dates of birth of the two youngest sons who are the plaintiffs in this ease.

Mr. George Lansbury, M.P., pre- sided, and among those who took part were Ido Firmen, R. F. O). Bridgeman, Martaux, Reginald Baldwin (America), Lian (who was recently refused a visa to Britain), Muenzenborg, and Goldsmidt (Ger- many), and Mohammed Hatta (Dutch Indies).

A

In the afternoon the first plain Lieut-Col. R. G. Clarke comtiff gavo evidence which bore out

This meeting decided to concon- mands the lat Batt. Queen's Royal Mr. Eldon Potter's opening stato trate on six principal countries-- leginent, Lieut.-Col. S. H. J.

rent regarding the Hong Kong Egypt, China, the Indies, North, Thunder, the 1st Batt. of the property. He stated that his father South, and Central America. Northamptonshires and Liout-Col. left 10 sons including himself and special commission composed of T. G. Mathias, the 2nd Batt. Welch 11 daughtera.

Mesara, Lansbury, Purcell, Bar- Regiment. Before embarkation the

It will be recalled that the plain-boose, Baldwin, and Goldsmidt was, tiffa, Loo Kwong Lam and Loo Queen's Royals were at Dover, the Kwong Hing ask for a mortgage it is stated, to be sent to the Pan- Northamptonshirea at Blackdown of 8400,000 on Hong Kong pro. Asiatic Congress, to be held at and the Welch Regiment at Tid porty to be set aside on the grounds Canton at the end of June.

that they had not reached their

The Pan-Pacific Conference. majority when they entered into the

which it was proposed to hold in mortgage, and that they had re- ceived no benefit. The mortgage in Canton a week or two ago did not " question was made in February, 1024, and was made between them materialise and the Russian dele- and several of their brothers on the gates had to return disappointed. one hand, and the defendants* Li Koon Chun and Kan Tong Po on the Pan-Asiatic Congress will not A hope may be expressed that

question is known as 628, 64, 66 and take place and that Mr. George the other hand. The property. in 66, Queen's Road Central, and 18 Lansbury will not trouble to pay us and 21, Stanley Street. Plaintiffs further apply for au injunction to restram the defendants from sell

worth.

Sir Victor Mackenzie, the officer commarating the Second Hattalion, Scots Guarda, was best man at Princess Mary's wedding. He is chiefly known in the sporting world for being owner of Glen Muick, in Aberdeenshire, the finest shoot in Scotland. the water with the children tightly, are commanded by Major The 320d and 98th Batteries braced in their arms.

R. C. Lowndes and Major C. T. Carfrae respectively.

Appalling Scene. Survivors and the vessels which went to the rescue all told an appalling story of the wreck. The cries of those who were strug- gling in the water for life, were The 8.8. On Lee, which left Hong! most pitiful.

Mothers clinging Kong on the same night for Kong- hold of their habies refused to moon arrived on the scene of the part with them, and jumped into dianster nt 7.35 p.m. As sho! approached cries of "Save Lives" were heard. It was at first thought that they had run across the after- math of a piracy, for there were no singals or rockets sent up by the sinking ship.

Several clung to the wreckage only to be forced to let go by the wash of the tide. A woman was soen clinging to a bundle of cloth- ing her sole belonging-and she made a plunge into the water thinking that the bundle would keep her afloat.

The position of the wreck as given by the On Lee was in Lat. 22 deg. 12 ft. N. Long. 114 deg. 3 ft. E. The Leung Kwony was then sink-

But the most pitiful story was ng rapidly by the head, and men connected with those who were in were floating and struggling in the the steerage. These were unable to water. The On Lee at oner stopped save themselves, as their only exit engine, and two life boats were was through a grille door and this lowered under the direction of Mr. was lackeit. In the confusion no D. Bousfield, Chief Officer. The une thought of opening the grille, On Lee was not able to anchor, and and all who were in the steerage she therefore driftul aliout to save sent out heartrending creams, as many lives as she could. She which sukaided to n piteous moan did not see the Moon Shine in the as the vessel kept submerging. vicinity of the wreck. All hands were ordered on deck and through their humane efforts no less than

The Field Ambulance and the General Hospital were furnished by the R.A.M.C. depot at Crookham.ing, or otherwise dealing with the property, and such further relief Lieut. Col. H. B. Kelly, R.A.M.C..

that the Court may think fit, is summanding the Field Ambulance

The plaintiffs onse is being com- and Major F. C. Simpson, R.A.M.C., the General Hospital The General dueted by Mr. Eldon Potter, K.C., Hospital provides for 200 beds but and Mr. H. G. Sheldon (instructed can be expanded much beyond this. by Mr. D. L. Strellet) and Mr. F. C. Jenkin (instructed by Mr. G. G. The Nursing Sisters are from the Cambridge Military Hospital. Lieut. N. Tinson, of Messrs. Johnson, Col. W. M. Sutton from the Alder-Stokes and Master) appears for the shot headquarters will join the Staff defendants.

It is claimed by the plaintiffs in. Chinn. At the request of the War Office the Military hospital at that they were born on April 25th, Vancouver is making preparations 1904, and August 2nd, 1905 respec- to receive, if necessary, 250 con

tively, and were, therefore, under age at the material times, which valescent casunities from China.

the defence hold they were not.

bany,

one

With the arrival of the 16th Infantry Brigade the total of the Shanghai Defence Force will be 18 battalions, one fold artillery brigade, one medium battery, four pack batteries, one sapper com- It was stated by the owners of the pany, a postal unit, three signal Leung Kwong that there was hard-sections, one armoured car com- mechanical transport ly a soul saved among the steerage company, a supply depât unit, three 87 persons were saved. Among passengers. In a disaster of that general hospitals, three field am- natare, they explained, everyone bulantes, one R.A.M.C. company, was for himself, and apparently no-section, medical-mechanical trans one hygiene section, one sanitary one kept his head sufficiently to port, one advanced medical depôt open the grille for the unfortunate unit, ordnance base depôt, mohile workshop, pay and police detach.

those picked up were the master of the Leung Kwong, Capt. J. Wilson and six Indian guards. There were few women and children among the

survivors.

When Capt. Wilson was safely hoisted on board the On Lee, he

ones down below.

The European Officers. Messrs. Thomas Henry Martin was found to be suffering from and Alee Donaldson, chief officer nasty wounds in the hand and the and chief engineer of the Leung head, and as he was bleeding pro-Kwong were not picked up by any fusely, first aid bad to be applied. of the steamers which went to the The On Lee then went around the

rescue, and in all probability they wreck for the second time and find | perished. The chance of their ing no signs of life, she returned reaching any place of safety is very ** to Hong Kong, where she anchored slight.

at Stonecutters Island at 10.45 p.m. The Police launch responded to her signal, and Capt. Wilson was taken off to make his report. The On Lee then resumed her journey to Kongmoon at 2.30 on Tuesday morning, where the survivors, with the exception of the crew of the Leung Kwong, were landed.

A Little Truant.

Mr. Martin was last seen strug,

gling in the water and he appeared to be in a state of exhaustion, so much so that when a life line was thrown out to him, he was unable

to take hold of it,

The Casualties.

drowned could not be ascertained, The exact number of persons

but it is believed that no fewer

mente-total, 20,000.

E.A.M.O.

About 120 men of the R.A.M.C., with equipment left for Shanghai by the Nmprese of Asia yesterday.

New River Gunboats,.

Porta-

The first witness, who said she became the seventh concubine of Lo Kan, to whom the property be lunged before his death in Macao

a visit,

DOCTOR'S GRUESOME

EVIDENCE.

DEATH FROM 50 GASHES.

"The injurice were almost beyond description, anid Dr. Ip Kam Wa Medical Officer in charge of Kow. loon Hospital, at Kowloon Magis- tracy yesterday. Tho doctor was giving evidence against two Chinese who were charged with the murder: of a middle-aged woman on April 7th.

Try to describe them," suggested the Magistrate (Mr. W. Sobofield).

Witness, then stated that the mur dored woman was admitted to the in 1907, deposed that she was mar-hospital on April 7th with 80 severe ried in Canton at the age of 18, out wounds, apparently inflicted but did not go to her husband in with a chopper. There were 39 Macao until she was 28,

wounds on the head and neck, 18 on the face, and the remainder on the hands and wrists. The average! length was two to four inches. The woman died of her injuries the same day.

The Magistrate adjourned the

In reply to Mr. Jenkin she said both plaintiffs had lived in Macao from the date of their birth till the present time. The first plain tiff was unmarried and did not work, while the second plaintiff. was married and had two children, cane. but did not work. The third cun- cubine looked after the plaintiffs { ****** when they were children.

Questioned with regard to the 2nd, 1995, she gave birth to a boy four other brothers, who together who was the second plaintiff. with the plaintiffs entered into the Dissatisfaction With Eldar

Brothers. mortgage, Loo Kwong Chun, Lon Kwong To, Loo Kwong Wo, and Loo Kwong Wai, witness said they were in Macao

was

In the afternoon the first plaintiff, which are to relieve other ves-

Loo Kwong Laru, gave evidence The four new river gunboats,

corroborating Mr. Potter's opening sels in China, will be manned as

Replying to further questions of the case on Monday. Referring followe:-H.M.B. Petrel,

witness said that since her arrival to the "Yuk Nok Estate Society in Hong Kong she had been living to which certain property mouth; H.M.S. Tern, Chathani with her daughter in Kowloon. She handed over, the income from it to H.M.S. Gannet, Devonport: and had not seen any of the four bro be divided between the brothers, H.M.S. Seameu, Chathem. The Tern will take the place of H.M.S. thers mentioned in Hong Kong witness said this Society was con Woodenck, the Gannet will relieve during her present visit, nor had trolled by a group of elder brothers. H.M.S. Woodlark, and the Seamew they been to the Colony, so far as H.M.S. Robin, while the Petrel she knew,

will be ment.

FI

additional commit- Arrangements have been made for the crews for Petrel and May 21st. Term to sail from London about

Mr. Jenkin: In 1994 there was good deal of discussion going on with regard to Lo Kau's estate 1-I know nothing about it.

LEARN THE CHARLESTON, estate 1--No.

TWO EXPERTS DEMONSTRAT-

ING AT CAFE PARISIEN.

Have you never heard that the male descendants were making any kind of claim in respect of the If I tell you that Loo Kwong Wai, who was living in the principal house at the same time as you were, brought an action in these courts in connection with your bus Professor C. Thereses, from Liver- band's estate, would you say that pool, and Miss Marquerite Senour, was the first time you had heard from Kentuckey, are going to give of it-I did not hear of it. a series of cabaret entertainments

Have you never heard at any husband's estate had been divided and exhibition dances at the Café time of the fact that your dead

· Parisien, every evening 46 8.30 p.m. starting from next Saturday. between various sons 1-1 have These two clever exponents of never heard of property in Hong modern dancing will give classical, Kong having been divided.

Mr. Jenkin asked whether the embarking on any of the Kongmoon character, ballet and the latest ball

room dances. The last will include witness made that distinction be

than seventy persons perished. Interviewed by our representa When interviewed by our repre- tive, Mr. Bousfield, Chief Officer sentative yesterday morning, the of the ss. On Lee said that among owners of the Leung Kwong said that about 180 passengers were on the passengers picked up was a

addition to 50 of the little boy of about three years of board, in

There were also 30 age. Mr. Bousfield paid special official crew. attention to the youngster, but mon who accompanied the cargoes when the vessel arrived at Kong- besides a number of stall-holders "the little beggar made a on board the ship. The total num-

оп ber bolt for it," added Mr. Bousfield.

board would be op Asked as to what be saw, Mr.proximately 250. Of these shout Bousfield said that he was not in 180 had been saved by the On Lee, a position to see much as his time Kwang Fook Chrong and the Moon was practically taken up directing the two boats. "Anyway, it was a The exact number could never be fearful scene," said he.

ascertained, because раведнег

stedmers pay their fare a few

moon

The "Kwong Yook Cheong's ** Version.

Shine.

dances...

He referred to a letter written to the Bociety in which it was asked that a division of his father's pro- perty in Hong Kong should be made. This request was refused. The younger brothers were dis satisfied and Loo Kwong Wai, one of the other brothers with whom plaintiffs entered into the mortgage, told them that Mr. T. L. Sung would be able to help them. Loo Kwong Wai went to Hong Kong from Macao and saw Mr. Sung, and later witness and three brothers visited Sung. They discussed the matter, and Sung asid if he helped them to get back their property they would have to give him ten par cent, of its value. They signed s document to this effect. Later when Sung asked witness his age he told him he was born on April 25th, 1904, giving him the Chinese equivalent for that date.:

and Leung. It was signed by the

the distribution of the estate again saw Sung and Leung and six

Witziens went on to speak of visits to Mr. Davidson at Messrs. hours before reaching port, and it the more recent step developments twoen Macao and Hong Kong Pro Hastings, Denays and Bowley, and The se. Awong Fook Cheong, is only then that the number of in the Charleston, Black Bottom, perty herself and on being told said Ister Mr. Sung introduced him They are also that she had done, he asked his and his brothers to Leung Wing under the command of Capt. A. F Passengers on board could be tango, waltz, etc. Johnson, had also left for Kong arrived at. In this case, the fares prepared to give lessons in these Lordship to note the point

Witness said in company with Cheung, who agreed to take five unoon on that eventful night a short had not been collected, and it is

party recovered, if he helped them time after the Leung Kwong. She therefore not known how many

They come with excellent creden her daughter she went to the offices Per cent of the value of the pre- tials for they have been in Shanghai of Messrs. Johnson, Stokes and to get it back. A clause was insert- reached the approaches to Capsul passengers the Leung Kwing

for five years where they taught Master in connection with her hused to this effect in the agreement mun Pass at about 7.40 p.m.

osrried.

the brothers entered into with Sung the orien of "Save Lives," the

It is believed that there were at 5,000 foreigners and 2,000 Chinese band's 'estate.

Mr. Jonkin: Do you still say Kong Fook Cheong thought that least 90 steerage passengers. Those to dance. They have come to Hong

four brothers. Later the brothers Apiruoy had been committed. who travelled by Brst class were Kong from Indis and are on their you had not heard anything about When she got near enough the accounted for. There were six in way to Canada. found the Leung Kuong was sink- the European saloon and 11 in the The proprietors of the Caté am not quite clear on the point.

I put it to you that you know in of them signed a promissory note ing by the head.

No distress Chinese art class. All these had Parisien are providing a really 1924 this as the result of an action to terminate the agreement for s gnals were visible and rescue been rescued.

good evening's entertainment, and

Under this the brothers in quer- work was diffoult She at once

between the exhibition dances and supported by Loo Hong Wai and lump sum, lowered a life boat, and began the

cabaret turns the patrons of the others, the male desgéndants of To tion were to receive $50,000 each Kau were given, or becains posses when the settlement took place. task of picking up the men strug- The Leung Kwong, as stated in Café are asked to take the floor.

our inaus of yesterday, was not in- Quite apart from the private sora of property-The only thing The property was first assessed at gling in the water.

She cruised round and round the mured, in the opinion of the owners, lessons, Professer Thereses hopes to I know that Lim Yuk had made eight lakk but later at seven and some distribution of money among lathe, and they were advised by wreck for over an hour and was salvage work would be possible spread the Charisston, successful in finding 10 personky Divers were again sent down to among his farms, one that should all his brothers

Sung to mortgage it for four lakhs, A Brewood-seller in Canton, gaYO most of whom were members of the ascertain the extent of the damage, prave very populse, will be « de-

satisfactory report was tailed demonstration of the easiest evidends to the effect that his sister in order that Lim Yuk might be

paid book. Leung Kwong crew. The wong and 2001 Cheong then continued her made. It was stated that the ma way to master the Flat Charleston married Lo. Kau, and on August

Kongmoon, and on chinery could be salved.

and the Black Bottom.

(Continued on next Column). Toyage, to

Balvage Fossibla,

After further evidence the crnia. was adjourned until this morning.

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