1928-06-30 — Page 5

SCOTS GUARDS

*SEND OFF."

"YUEN SANG" MOVES OUT TOAULD LANG SYNE."

SMILING BUT CRAMPED.

The Second Battalion, the Scota Guards left, yesterday morning under the command of Major E. T. C. Warner, D.S.O., by the as. Yuen Sang, which is to take them to

.

THE SALT GABELLE,

KWANGTUNG TO ABOLISH

MONOPOLY SYSTEM.

GOVERNMENT TO DEAL DIRECT WITH MER. CHANTS,

Ara

The report is current, says the Conton Galette, that the financial authorities of the province considering the question of revising the system of revenue collecting in the Salt Administration Offee

Shanghai where they are to reliese The present practice is to farm out the tax collection to a monopolist,

the Suffolks.

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, JUNE 30th, 1928.

CASE AGAINST DISTILLERY.

TOO MUCH MOLASSES?

INACCURATE RECORDS.

ALSO DILUTED PASTE.

A JOY RIDE AND ITS SEQUEL.

LOCAL SHARE MARKET.

FIRMER TONE.

TWO AMERICANS BEFORE MESSRS. BENJAMIN & POTTS

THE MAGISTRATE.

FINED FOR MISBEHAVIOUR.

An incident which occurred on Tsui Tip, proprietor of the Tai Thursday night, and was reported Tung Distillery Co., at Aberdeen in the Daily Prean yesterday, appeared before Mr. R E. Lind brought two Americans camed 8. sell at the Central Magistracy yes Munro and W. B. Harris before terday afternoon on three charges. R. E. Lindsell at the Central of failing to keep correct records of spirit on his premises, and affix- ing the wrong labels

The charges were: (1) failing to

Magistracy yesterday.

According to information gather ed on the spot, one of them mount ed a motor cycle combination left

REVIEW.

In their report on the local share market, dated yesterday, Messrs Benjamin & Potta statą:---

The local market has shown a

rather firmer tone during the past week resulting in a fair turnover. Buyers of most stocka predominate. but there has not been much fluctua tion in prices

Hong Kong and Shanghai Banks have had a further rise at Home to £140 108. Od. (Middle) but the local rato remains unchanged with

Unions have hardened and were placed at 8333) to #338). North Chinas were bid up to Tis 143

The blazing mid-day sun, which who thus assumes responsibility for keep a correct record of amount in Hollywood Road and the other Famall sales reported at 81,990.

made the stones of Kowloon Dock

burn like an oven, could not damp

either the enthusiasm of the Guards; who were standing for closer than on parade on the deck of the Fuen Sang, or of their friends and com-

rades who were assembled to see

them off.

:

Cheers reverberated among the hills as at 110 p.m. the vessel moved away from the quayside to the strains of" Auld Lang Syne " from the massed bands on shore and their own pipers in the bows.

Despite the fact that many of } them had discarded their tunics

never had handsmen seemed so hot as those of the Queen's Royal Begi ment, and the 5.0.S.B. who played the vessel out They "followed valiantly the vigorous baton of the bandmaster and could be beard at

a great distance.

As many of the Service men as

to the Dock to bid farewell to the Gaards, and among the khaki clad figures were sailors, a number of civilians and ladies in gaily coloured dresses.

[

the sale of salt.

of spirit produced during the gave the machine a start by push The question is being carefully period between June 3rd and June ing it. The ride, however, soos weighed whether it would not be 5th, amounting to approximately ended in disaster for the machine 132 gallons of Molasses Mashcrashed against the side channel in advantageous to do away with the contained in eleven jars; (2) Fail- Graham Street and also injured an monopoly, and deal direct with salting to keep & correct record old woman. merchante, who would be required of the Molasses added to the The two men were brought up to pay only two cents per catty of salt to the, Revenue "office.

Molaanes Mash in the above jars; (3) That the Green labels affixed to 90 jars of dutiable Chinese spirit on his premises were not affixed to the satisfaction of the Superintendent.

It is thought that should this scheme be adopted, an increase in the salt revenue of approximately one million dollare annually could

Mr. J. D. Lloyd of the Import be looked for, while at the same & Export Office prosecuted and Mr. time the cost of salt to the con-M, K. Lo appeared on behalf of sumer would decline as the profit the defendant. of the intermediary is eliminated.

Increase In Preventiva Stan,

The salt smuggling preventive service is also receiving attention,

and equipment of this service may and an increase in the personnel

be decided upon.

More cruisers and launches may be acquired te combat smugglers.

The Magistrate asked, for an ex- planation of the third charge, and Mr Lloyd explained that they could have easily been taken off, owing to the bad state of the gum. the labels from one jar and affix This would enable them to remove

them to another, and thus save the duty payable on those "jars.

Regarding the other charges Mr. Lloyd explained at length that it was alleged by the prosecution that the defendant had been adding Molasses to the "kongs" of spirit to an extent which dd not corres pond with the records given to the

department.

The salt tax forms an important source of national revenue, and deserves the most careful attention to ensure the utmost efficiency in the collecting machinery, and to could be spared from duty had come check attempts at evasion from payment of the tax. Creating a

Under Suspicion. monopoly and awarding the privi Mr. Lloyd also explained that lege of collecting this tax to one the defendant's firm had been man or company has not had the under suspicion for some time, decired result. Smuggling con- This was due to the fact that while tinues undiminished while the price others only required three or four of salt fluctuates, to the hardship days to distill or ferment a "kong"

of Chinese spirit, the-defendants. of the poorer classes.

claimed that it took them at least seven days. It was possible to tell by the scum and foam on top of the jar the number of days which the spirit in that for had been fer- menting. Also from the tempera- ture of the "kongs" further data can be obtained as to the length of

His Excellency Presect, HE the Officer-Administering the Government (the Hon. Mr. W, T. Southern, C.M.G.) arrived about 11.45 and went on board where he chatted with the officers Commodore J. L

until noon.

Pearson, E.N., C.M.G.,, with a party

of friends was also noticed on the

: qua).

Early Start.

The departing Battalion left Shamshuipo Camp shortly before 9 m, and marched to the docks rid Nathan Road and flascoigne Rond led by the full band of the 1st Battalion, the Queen's Royal Regiment. They embarked immed-" iately they arrived, all their equip- ment having been put on board tho previous day.

-- "The Queen's® Band played selec tions on the quayside, and later the band and the pipes of the King's Own Scottish Borderers arrived.

bands.

By changing over to the new yatem it is expected that more effective control could be exercised, with consequent gain to both the Government and the people.

on charges of drunkenness and dis- orderly conduct and driving a motor cycle combination without a licence. A third charge of unlaw fully damaging the machine was withdrawn by the police.

Mr. D. H. Blake, who appeared for the defence, stated that his clients pleaded guilty to all charges, and were willing to pay compensation.

A medical certificate which was

placed before the Magistrate show ed that the woman's injuries would probably keep her in hospital for

with his Worship that the matter one week. Inspector Clark agreed

of compensation to the woman had better be left in obeyance until she was out of hospital.

Mr. Blake said his clients were also willing to pay for the damage done to the 'cycle.

His Worship fined each of the do. fendants $10 for being drunk and disorderly. The second defendant was fined a further $5 for driving | without a licence. The Magistrate aid in conclusion: Lat this be lesson to you, young men. If should not occur again.

ALLEGED MEMBER OF

_TRIAD SOCIETY.

FAINTS IN COURT.

Cautons were bought at $617).

Hong Kong Fires changed hands at

879% and 8725. China Fires are wanted at $233.

"Shell" Transports have appre- ciated to 105/ Indos (Deferred) continue in request at 870... Kailans after weakening to 53/- have firmed up to 80/-, with sales made at 53/- and 67/6

Kowloon Wharves weakened s little, but close with buyers at $138. Whampoa Docks have changed hands at $40.

Chine Providents after sales at 83.10 and at $4.00, have now no

buyers over $4.75.

Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotala were a shade higher and were book- ed at 90%. Hong Kong Lands were taken off the market at' #05) and s00. Hong Kong Trams have been in gooi demand and were negotiat ed to a fair extent up to 295. Hong Kong Electrics have been the medium of business at 371 to 8713

Star Ferries have buyers at 804) after transactions at this rate. Chins Lights have stiffened and were bought up to $11,80. The new shares

arc wanted at 811.35. Telephones fetched $5.60. China Sugars came to business at the outset at 82.70 but have since lapsed to a nominal quotation.

Green Islands Cenients (Combia- Aed) were dealt in at $9.60 and more are wanted. Hong Kong Ropes have buyers at 86-Dairy Farms put through at $21.85. Adusements were sold at $30.25, Raubs are slightly higher, with buyers at 84.50.

When a Chinese, charged with being a member of a Triad Society, was giving evidence at the Kowloon Magistracy yesterday afternoon before Mr. W. Schofield, he sudden-

SCHOOL-BOY DROWNED AT time the spirit has been ferment-ly fainted. The Court had to ad-

LAICHIKOK.

INQUEST VERDICT ACCIDEN-

TAL DEATH.

An inquest was held yesterday at the Kowloon Magistracy, with Mr W. Schofield sitting as coroner, on a Chinese school-boy, aged 20, who was drowned in Laichikok Bay on June 19th.

ing.

journ for a short time for the man to The Fermenting Process.

come round, which he did and he Mr. Lloyd said that all the jars succeeded in getting his discharge. were numbered and the fermenting

The defendant was Leung Tiex, process of adding more Molasses

a goldsmith, realding at No. 1, was carried on subject to the ap-Temple Street. He was defended proval and inspection of the Re-by Mr. J. M. Remedies. He said know which jars were ready for that the account book which the removal and which were still under

Police found on his premises was the fermenting process.

venue Officer. He therefore would

The temperature of the "kongs"

not his. He had never seen the book before, and when the Police raided his house, he went out of

were

The Shanghai Market is quiet | and quotations are more or less

nominal.

RETURNED BANISHEES'.

STORIES.

SOME OLD EXOUSES.

Mr. W. Schofield at the Kowloon Two Chinese were brought before

Magistracy yesterday on a charge. of returning from banishment be- fore the expiration of their terms. The excuse they gave to the Magis

were both sentenced to terms of im- prisonment.

"A fellow student who went with when the Molasses was first added his way to assist them in the trate-was-not--accepted and they

search.

fendant.

Weakly Paste. Mr. Taylor of the I& E. De partment said he noticed that the

the deceased to the bench said that for distilling purposes was at bor- they were at first playing in the mal atmosphere temperaturë. This

The defendant was discharged as water, as the deceased was not a temperature gradually rose to a very good swimmer." They then maximum and then slowly returned the account book which purported Marches and selections were then dressed and were about to leave the to normal. Mr. Taylor would give to contain entries of a Triad Society alternatively played by the three beach when they saw one of their evidence to show that in certain and which formed the principle link Chinese mastors coming toward the jars tested the temperature was

in the evidence was not conclusively

Fifteen Months In Hong Kong.

beach. They found that the master lower than a later fermented jar. proved to have belonged to the de The Battalion has been in Hong was also going to swim and they Mr. Lloyd also explained that if Kong some ifteen months, during then decided to stay and watch the Molasses was again added, the him. After watching the master fermenting would start all over which time it has gained the re-

for a while, deceased also undress- again. putation of being one of the finested and went into the water again. battalions ever seen in the Colony. He went

down the steps of Sleeping Quarters.

the pier and tried the depth of the The Yuen Sang, which has been water. Then he shouted out to his specially charted by the Military companion that he was not afraid authorities from Messrs Jardine, of death and that he would go out Matheson to convey the Second to the deeper part. Battalion of the Guards to the

Witness was watching him when North, is

a small vessel to he suddenly saw the deceased was inking. He shouted out for help act as troopship." Comfortable

and Private Conway of the Queen's sleeping quarters have been fitted Regiment shed the boy out of the up in the holds for the men though water and began to apply artificial probably as many as can find room respiration. Witness ran back and will, prefer to sleep on deck. A told deceased's mother, cluster of new canvas wind vents on

4

the dook, showed that no effort has been spared to make the men's quarters as cool as possible,

He returned later and saw the deceased being carried away in an

The first man was deported in 1921 for ten years. He was seen at Laichikok early yesterday morn ing where he was at once arrested. Later in the day, he was brought

before Mr. Schofield and when asked why he returned to the Colony, the man told the Court that he had come back to see his mother, who is very old and that it was a son's duty to be next to

the mother.

He was sentenced to six months' hard labour.

The other case was more serious. The defendant was banished for five years in 1925. He not only returned before his time, but also committed a fresh crime, stealing a faggot of frewood in Laichikok | Road,

These circumstances would sug- gest that the kongs" has been

labels on the jars were not proper tampered" with and certain other quantities of Molasses added. Fur which the defendant's firm used, ly affixed. He asked for the paste ther evidence would also be given and found that in one of the bot to show that the "strength of the ties the paste appeared to have. jars did not correspond with the strength entered in the depart been diluted with water. He took ment's record books. Specimens the temperature of the spirit jars, and also specimens of the spirit were taken to the Laboratory and which he tested at the laboratory. examined, the results of which add. The strength did not correspond ed further evidence in support of with the strength entered in the His excuse for returning to the

department's register. the charge.

Colony was that he could not ob Mr. Lo then asked the prosecutain employment in his native home tion if he would supply him with

and as Hong Kong was the only the results of the tests, but Mr.

place where it was possible for bir Lloyd replied that it was not usual

to obtain livelihood, he bad there- to supply this evidence to the defore defied the law. fence before coming to Court

He WEB The Magistrate said that he did

was quite right that in think not think that it was quite a ing that work was available the criminal ease and saked Mr. Lloyd Magistrate sent hing, to do cight if he would supply

Gaol for returning from banishment The hearing was then adjourned and a further six weeks for the until Thursday, July 5th at 11.20 faggot of wood which he had mis

appropriated.

Mr. A. W. Grimmit, Revenue Officer of the department gave evidence of the methods by which the strength," was tested and the labelling carried out. He said Medical evidence" given by Dr. that he visited the Distillery about J..E. Dovey was to the effect that three or four times a week. He

ambulance.

The

Veryone in Hong Kong will join the unfortunate bos died as a retook a look round the fermenting data to Mr. To. LOCAAAry | months' hard labour in the Victorin

wishing them a good voyage and the best of luck in the future.

sult of drowning. The jury return yard, and checked the firm's books ed a verdict of accidental death. (Continued on next Column).

Wm. POWELL, Ltd.

12, Des Vœux Road.

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