1929-04-18 — Page 5

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CANTON'S WATER

SHORTAGE.

WELLS GIVING OUT,

BREAKDOWN AT PUMPING STATION.

RICH HARVEST FOR WATER CARRIERS.

TEROM OCE CHINESE CORRESPONDENT.]

RICE FAMINE IN KWANGTUNG.

"MISFORTUNES NEVER COME SINGLY."

[FROM OUR CHINESE CORRESPONDENT.)

*+

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1929.

GOODBYE TO “TOM' GRIMSHAW.

QUARRY BAY RESIDENTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS.

THIRTY-NINE YEARS IN THE COLONY.

TOUCHING TRIBUTES AT CLUB

GATHERING.

CANTON, April 17. Calamity never comes singly but always in, pairs," says à Chi- A note, of sadness prevailed in nese proverb which will trike na the dance hall of the Taikoo Cub echo in many European ears. It last evening when farewell presents is lucky for China that her mistions were made to Mr. and Mrs. fortunes do not come in three as Thus, Grimshaw who sail for Home they are said to do in the West.

on Saturday by the P. & O. liner

ነነ

CANTON, April 17. Following the break-down of one of the engines at the Canton Water. works, which are now a Govern. This proverb is now being cited" Karmala," ment concern, the City in again by all the "" old wives" of Kwang

Thirty-nine-nearly forty-years is a long span in the life of any man, facing a serious water shortage. tung.for.the drought of the Autumn Only the lower levels are getting has been followed by a practically and Mr. and Mrs. Grimshaw have lived in the Colony for that period. the service and in the Old City, rainless spring. Only three times is not difficult for the imagina Tungshan and parts of Sai Kwan has rain fallen since the advent of tive quind to picture Quarry Bay in people are having to resort once Spring, according to the Chinese the days before the construction of Taikoo Dockyard. There is home- more to the never-failing wells.calendar. Kwangtung is in conse- thing in the rocks boulder-strewn There are plenty of wells in Canton quence faced with a serious rice hilla surrounding the Bay which is strongly reminiscent of the hills but with two exceptions. they are famine."

of Scotland It is therefore meet the property of private individuals

that 13 per cent of the residents and the qual permission to neigh

hail Irae ower the Border," and among that community Mr. and bours and friends to use them has

Mrs. Grimshaw have endeared been revoked, in most cases, owing

themselves. Their departure will to a general fear that the drought

leave behind many fragrant mem will continue, and even the wells

ories and there are many younger members of the community who will dry up if the supply is not

have cause to feel grateful for the carefully conserved. The result is

motherly interest of Mrs. Crimshaw that people thus left without water

and kindly friendship of Mr. Grim. shaw, have to pay carrying coolies. ex- orbitant sums for bringing water either from the Pearl River or from the spring at White Cloud Mount.

The rice fields throughout the province are dried and cracked in a net work of fine lines, and even those patches which, having a little water at the beginning of Spring, were planted out with shoots of rice are now dried up with their plants dead and shrivelled.

The inhabitants of the East River districts are already feeling the famine and are subsisting chiefly on potatoes and other vegetables; the farming population of the West River districts are in no better BOILING WATER SHOPS.

case. Practically no rice crop will The keepers of boiling-water be reaped this year and unless shops" complain that they are very relief is given by the Government badly hit. In normal time two tea- millions in Kwangtung will be Pots full of boiling water are sup-facing starvation within the next plied for a copper cash, and large few months. numbers of people get their tea made in this way, finding it worth the saving in time, trouble and fuel. Water for washing is also supplied

at two cash for a couple of buckets fuli. Many of the boiling water shops have closed as people refuse to pay the extra price due to the cost of getting the raw material"

cold water,

The tea house keepers are also complaining. They find that water from street

not good wells is enough and, again, they have to put up their prices owing to the cost of getting the purer supply from the

River or the White Cloud spring.

Already a number of the wells have failed, notably those at Sin Pak and Tai Pak, which usually supply quite large areas.

of

The currying coolies are, course, reaping a harvest, their, charge varying from five to ten centa for a couple of buckets. A

limited supply is given by street hydrants, where noisy crowds col- lect brawls are frequent and in- creasingly large detachments of police are told off to keep order and see that everyone gets a share.

WATERWORKS IN. “

TROUBLE.

The failure of the Autumn crop decided the Government to remit the Customs duty on rice from Annam and other places abrand for a period of eight months, but since the Spring crop has also failed something further will have to be done both for Kwangtung and Kwangai.

The continued drought is also seriously effecting the water supply in the cities and villages. The in- habitants of Fatahan, who formerly relied on wells, now have to go a long distance to fetch water from the river, and the inhabitants of the thousands of small villages on the hillsides, far from the river, are in an even worse predicament.

DISPUTE BETWEEN-

JEWELLERS.

QUEER ALLEGATIONS.

TROUBLE AT A NATHAN ROAD

BUSINESS HOUSE.

Before Mr. Justice Wood at the two Summary Court yesterday, Sinhalese jewellers appeared as the parties in an action: The plaintiff, K. O. Williams, who conducted his own case, sued A. G. James, repre- sented by Mr. Horace Lo, for $500, being the value of personal effects, and 8359 as a share of the business. Effects worth. 3238 had been return ed, reducing that part of the claim

tr $264.

various

Messys. W. Wotherspoon and J. Mitchell, who, next to Mr. and Mrs. Grimshaw and Dr. O'Brumsky, are the two oldest residents of Quarry and second half of the proceedings Bay, occupied the chair for the first respectively.

Mr. Wotherspoon's Tribute. Mr. Wotherspoon said that Mrs. Grimshaw had been a resident of Quarry Bay for 31 years while Mr. Grimshaw had been employed at Taikoo Dockyard for 39 years, being for about 5 years on the Dockyard staff, and prior to this was, for about 11 years, on the Taikoo Sugar Refinery staff.

life of Quarry Bay when they left A blank would be formed in the which would be felt by the older residents for some time to come. Mr. and Mrs. Grimshaw bad now arrived at a point where a happy change had taken place in the course of their lives, from the workaday life in the beat of the semi-tropical climate of Hong Kong to a life of ease, and retirement in the temperate climate of the dear old Homeland.

tp

The speaker said he was sure that Mr. and Mrs. Grimshaw would carry away with them the very best wishes of all residents of Quarry Bay and their many friends in Hong Kong for a future of long and happy years.

Mrs. Grimshaw told me she enough, and she didn't want jewel- didn't want silver as she had Tory, as it was too much of a responsibility, but her good friends, the ladies of Quarry Bay, ask ber to make an exception in their cake, and accept from them this token of esteem, hoping you ill.be Tong spared to wear it and value its usefulness, particularly when you have those late suppers to get ready-on time-in the Homeland. (Loud applause),

In response, Mrs. Grimshaw said she could not tell how pleased she was with the gifta. She thanked, them very much. She felt sorry to be leaving all her good friends but everybody had to go some time. At any rate, she would think of Quarry Bay a great deal.

I cannot say any more," she concluded, obviously much moved.

She took her seat to the accom- paniment of musical honours.

Mr. G. McLeod sang an adapta tion of Will ye no come back again," the words of which werć specially written for the occasion.

Mr. K. E. Greig then made the presentation to Mr. Grimshaw of an inscribed gold half-hunter watch and a suitcase. Mr. Greig said be as extremely pleased that he had

been asked to make the presenta-

tion. The Grimshaws were among the first people he met when he came to the Taikoo Dockyard

He always had the years ago.. greatest respect for them:

Whatever Mr. Grimshaw had done in connection with his work the architectural department had seen the embodiment of all his

in

zeal and skill to the satisfaction

of the company and his own credit. (Applause). The management al ways held him and his department in the highest esteem.

Mr. Grimshaw, the speaker con who really counted. tinued, was one of the community He led the social life of Quarry Bay and was a well-known. bowler, a good shot, and a splendid all-round sports man.

*Curtain I

BIAS BAY PIRATES.

RENEWED ACTIVITIES,

After a spell of peacefulness in the vicinity of Bias Bay, there it reason to believe that piratica! activities will be resumed as soon

as opportunity offers. This state of affairs ja probably due to the withdrawal of troops from that district owing to the recent crisis in Canton

has been received by the police Accordingto information which

authorities in Hong Kong, a former military commander" has established himself at Bina Bay with about 500. men, weapons, for the purpose of piracy and robbery.

all armed with modern

A large quantity of cloth, stolen from an unknown pirated ship, was recently sold openly,

A pirate leader named Lam Tsoi, aged about 43, and a native of Fan Lo Kong, has established relations with the bandit gang mentioned above and, it is feared these men will probably attempt a piracy in the immediate future.

NEW BATH HOUSE AT KOWLOON.

TO BE OPENED AFTER DROUGHT.

The new bath house built at the corner of Laichikok Road and Bound iry Street at Shumahuipo was handed over to the Sanitary Department by the P.W.D. on Tues- day afternoon.

The new building has two storeys. The ground floor being a lavatory and the upper storey is arranged with about 40 cubicle shower bath-

rooms. Both "hot and cold water connections have been installed with a boiler in the basement to supply the hot water. Quarters for the bath house attendants and boiler engineer are at the rear of the building.

One Million Galtons Per Month.

It is estimated "that the bith In the old days, when they held house will consume at least 1,000,000 children's parties at the Club, Mrs. gallons of water per month. For Grimshaw could be relied upon to this reason, it has not been decided dress the little girls and push them when the bath house will be opened on to the stage at the right moment for public use it will certainly not and Mr. Grimshaw could be debe during the present water short-

pended upon to raise the curtain nge. at the wrong moment! (Laughter). It is hoped to build similar bath

That was in the good old days.

house af other points on the Penin- in Quarry Bay was with Mrs. Lane, Hinghom, and at Kowloon The first dance the speaker bad guls, and already sites at Dock Grimshaw in 1909. He had one with her the other day and the only City have been reserved for this thing he could say was that her purpose.

step" was more modern, (Laugh- The building at Shamshuipo cost ter). The same sentiment could be about $30,000, and Messrs. Lim Yeu applied to Mr. Grimshaw who, as& Co. were the contractors. a sportsman, usually finished 29. good as when he started.

He was glad to see such a large attendance of Quarry Bay residents and other friends present to make the unique occasion, a súeceras in every way, and in the name of the assembled company, be wished Mr. Hong Kong to-day was a much and Mra Grimshaw long life, dearer place in which to live them bealth and prosperity.

in the old days when there were no Continuing, the speaker said he motor-cars and ΠΟ electricity. had personally known Mr. and Mrs. Then, they had to provide their Grimshaw for about 27 years and own amusements and the Grim- he had practically been in daily shaws were invaluable to the com contact with Mr. Grimshaw.during munity.

sad

ان

"THE BEST PEOPLE.”

ANOTHER SUCCESS FOR ENGLISH COMEDY CO.

1

The English Comedy Company that time. Personally, he would In conclusion, the speaker asked

presented The Best People." to s miss Mr. Mr. Grimshaw's cheery Mr. Grimshaw to accept the pre-crowded house at the Star Theatre presence conversation very sentation on behalf of the Taikoo much

Dockyard, the Sugar Refinery, and last night and judging from the Mr. Wotherspoon concluded his the residents of Quarry Bay. (Ap-reception it received, the play was remarks by wishing Mr. and Mrs. plause). Grimshaw every happiness in their

Kerosene Lamys.

a distinct success.

"The Best People" comes from

the Lyric Theatre, London, and

was perhaps one of the most talked of plays of 1978, when it enjoyed a. run of three hundred nights.

The audience is introduced to Mrs, Lennox, a woman whose out- look is bounded by social success, Mrs. Lennox wants her children, Marion and Bartie, to marry into "the best people,but the young couple think otherwise and choose a chauffeur and 4.chorus girl respec- tively. This is in itself a fruitful background for witty dialogues, but

well-earned and well-deserved-In-reply-r-Grimeha said that The Waterworks have had dif-

tirement, and expressed the hope on an occasion like this he should ficulty for some days now and the

that they would be long spared to be excused from saying anything enjoy it. (Applause.)

at all He felt entirely at a loss authorities state, in * circular

"My Old and Dear Friend," to thank them adequately for what issued to-day, that they will not be In his evidence, plaintiff said that

Mrs. J. Mitchell was to have they had done. Thirty-nine years in a man's life in a community like able to give their usual supply until he had a shop at 30, Nathan Road,

made the presentation of a hand- and he went to Canton on February April 21. They explain that they 2, leaving the defendant, the way some leather suit case, and a gold that of Quarry Bay or Hong Kong was a long time. Many changes cannot clean their filter beds and a sleeping partner, in charge of the wrist watch to Mrs. Grimshaw but had occurred during that time. get the broken-down engine re-business. He left on the premises as unable to be present owing to In the early days, with no me

Mr. Mitchell dechanical indiaposition. boxes containing two

means of transport, paired before them. Meanwhilö articles.

putined for her and read her Quarry Bay was a long way from they are supplying" each section of On his return four days later, speech the city in turn. Thus from 9 a.m.

I can't tell you how honoured Hong Kong. There were no trama when in addition to the children, plaintiff went to the shop, opened to 4 p.m. to-day the Old City and one

I feel at being asked to make this and very few rickshaws and the the audience is presented with a his boxes, and changed his

homes of the residente were husband for Mrs. Lennox the Eastern district will have the clothes. While he was doing this

presentation to my old and dear illumininated by kerosene lamps. wants peace at any price" the supply. From 4 p.m. to 0 a.m. the defendnut hit him on the now, and friend Mrs. Grimshaw," she had The community were kind to one situation becomes thoroughly amus- next morning, will be the turn of took away a "bunch of keys, some written. I say honoured, not be- Sai Kwan. People are told to store papers, and 83,20 in money. Plain-

cause she happens to be the oldest another because they never knew in what they will want but in actual tiff was then detained until half lady resident in Quarry Bay, but who was going to be sick or dieiss Valentine Clemow distin- fact many of the houses never get past eight at night with the defen

is what one might say a pioneer next (laughter). They bad to make guished herself in the role of Mra.

their own amusements.

Lennox, and made her a living and a drop of water. The pipes in the dant's wife keeping guard at the

of Quarry Bay.

With the assistance of Mr. and most amusing character. Mr. Len- Canton Offes of the Daily Press, door. Plaintiff added that he lost It is over thirty years since my Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Dickson, and nox, was played by Reginald Tippett for example, have been dry for the various articles left in the boxes

good friend landed, here, and at other old friends, the Taikoo Club who gave such a splendid per- past three days.

In eross-examination plaintif folks in the place, and I have been

that time there were few women was started. (Applause.)

formance as Maurice Meister in The medical

But there was an old resident The Ringer." Miss Kathleen authorities denied allegations of not keeping told that those few had many hard-

are

than the speaker in the Colony in Vaughan makes the books properly." He admitted

Fard appealing fear the consequences of the general that all he had put into the business ships to put up with, but MTB the person of Dr. O'Bremaky. He Marion while Josephine Kiljorle use of water, from questionable was his well-known and valuable Grimshaw's unfailing good antare was there five years before the

and kindness very much helped to Questioned regarding a

stole Bertie (Thomas Sleigh) from theBest People." Mr. Ormiston letter written in Sinhalese in which make things possible. She has seen speaker and was a perfect mine of play the charming chords girl who it was stated that the whole stock many changes in our remote part In conclusion, the speaker thank Miller plays the part of the chauf- of Williams & Company belonged of the colony, and with each change ed all present most heartily for feur who won Marion's heart. to the defendant, plaintiff said he she made her own special niche."

Every seat was booked, for to was forced to sign that letter. Fur-

"She has also seen many people their kind tokens of esteem and said come and go, and to all of them he would always carry with him night's performance of "The Fans- ther denials were made of sugges she extended a helping hand, if not happy memories of the old days, tics" at an early hour yesterday tions by the defence that the story always in material aid, in giving

(Applause.) of being lacked in the room was

Mr. Mitchell, who presided over tissue of lies and that the reason a word of cheer and encouragement the second half of the proceedings, why he went to Canton was because when it was most needed.

said he first met Mr. Grimshaw in his business wis not sucieisful..

Liverpool in 1897. Five years later, Defendant said he was not in It's not every lady, if any, who he met him again in Quarry Bay possession of plaintiff's keys. He has the shoeing of a regiment to and greatly appreciated the hand admitted that the plaintif left two her credit, but, during the war, of friendship which Mr. Grimshaw boxes in the shop, but denied taking our old friend made no fewer than held out to him. They had been anything out of them.

300 pairs of bedroom slippers for friends ever since and the speaker Holding that the case had not soldiers in the hospitals (ap wished him many years of health been proved, his Lordabin gave plause) "I think myself that de- and happiness in his retirement. judgment for the defendant with served the V.C. dever 'mind "an | (Applause.). costa.

O.B.E. 1" (more "applause).

(Continued at foot of next column).

anxious about the situation and

sources. They are urging the need of improving the City's supply upon the Government

LI TSAI HSIN'S. ADVICE.

PEACEFUL MEASURES:

URGED.

The Nam Chung Pao learns that Marshal Li Tsai Hein, who is still living comfortably at Tangshan, together with Wu Taz Hui, has addressed a letter to Wong Shiu Hung asking him to place himself under the orders of the Central Government, and not to carry on his military activities,

Jame:"

Slippers for Soldiers.

anecdotes,

morning.

11

Musical items were rendered artistically by: Mesdames G. M. McLeod, J. Mitchell, C. Stewart, Miss M. Russell, Messrs. J. Whyte, C. McLeod, R MeA. Keown, W Johnston, and G. Stewart, Miss MgNollie was an ideal becom paoset,

The proceedings terminated with "Auld Lang Syne.”

POWELLS

10, Ice House Street.

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