1929-05-16 — Page 5

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REINFORCEMENTS FOR CANTON.

FUKIEN IN THE FIELD.

NORTHERN TROOPS ON THE WAY.

DECISIVE VICTORY AT SAMSHUI,

MOTOR CAR TAXATION.

QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED TO-DAY.

AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.

[FROM OUR CHINESE CORRESPONDENT.] | Braga will,ask:—

-CANTON, May 15, Canton spent a

most perturbed and apprehensive night. Rumours about the coming of the Kwanga

sad the withdrawal ot the Cantonew foreca. towards the

troops

1-In view of the weight of public opinion against the recom- mendations of the Committee ap- pointed to advise on the taxation of motor-cars (S.P. 3/1920), is it the intention of Government to pro- ceed with legislation on the lines of the Committee's recommenda tions?

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1929.

THE KAI TACK AIR

TRAGEDY.

IS THE FLYING FIELD TOO SMALL?

EYE-WITNESSES' EVIDENCE.

At Kowloon Magistracy yester- At to-day's meeting of the Legis. Į day the 'inquiry into the death of lative Council, the Hon. Mr. J. P. three Chinese who were killed on April 27 just outside Kal Tack Aerodrome following the crash of one of the aeroplaces while land- ing after escorting H.M.S. Suffolk out of barbour was continued.`

was recalled by Mr. T. S. Whyte

· Flight Lieutenant Pearce, R.AF.,

Saith, the Coroner, who said that he understood the witness to my in his previous evidence that cer- cain parts of the dying held were. unsuitable for landing. Witness replied that he had referred to certain a portion of the Aerodrome which is at present being repaired. Coroner: Is the part used for landing adequate It is not a good aerodrome but it is adequate

2-If so, wil; the Government East River were rife, and a general delay any legislation until it has feeling of non-confidence and in-had time to receive representations security permeated the air. Night which the recommendations in ques tion are likely to call forth from Business was practically at a stand. the Automobile Association, the atill. Every vehicle and pedestrian motoring and oil trades and trans- was stopped and searched.

port companies operating in Hong Kong and Kowloon, and other in terests affected !·

SPOILS FROM SAMSHUI. Over 20 water craft containing large quantities of stores and sup ples have been captured in the fighting at Samshui, and are now being brought back to Canton. Two Kwangai gunboats, the Tsing Kiang and the Yang Kiang, flew the white Bag and aurrendered to Kwangtung. Of the 3,000 Kwaagri invaders, about 2,000 were taken prisoners.

This was the first real battle of) the Kwangtung Kwangsi war and General Chen Taai Tong attached. considerable signifcance to the victory.

NORTH RIVER RETREAT

While the Krangai troops on the West River were being repulsed, the Kwangsi troops on the North River are reported to have been gaining ground. All the Kwangtung troops have left Shikwan for Yuen Tam and Sun Kai on the Canten-Hankow Railway. This retreat we neces

sary, as otherwise the aurarcing Kwangsi troops might cut the Kwangtung line. This unauthorised withdrawal of Colonel Yu Han Mow has incurred the wrath of General Chen Tsai Tong who had insisted that Shiukwau and the whole per manent way should be guarded "as all costs. General Chen Tsai Tong had his hitherto able and trusted aubordinate haght to Canton and detained at the Military Headquar. teta. Chui Wei Lim, another of General Chen Tsai Tong's subordi- nates implicated in this unauthor- ised retreat, is also detained.

BANDITS BUSY.

The evacuation of Shiukwan was a serious matter for the towäs people, as the city was left unpro-

3. In the consideration of the aforesaid recommendations will the Government keep in view:

..

() a very generally expressed opinion, to which prominence was given in a leading article of the South China Morning Post of May 2, that the primary needs of the one of Colony is decentralization-

for the purpose.

Speed on Landing. Witness was asked the speed with involved in the crash would land, which an aeroplane of the typo

TREASURY AND BANK CASE.

MR. JENKIN'S FOUR-HOUR ADDRESS.

CRITICISM OF TREASURY. OFFICIALS.

ARE THE SIGNATURES GENUINE?

An address lasting four hours was given yesterday before the Chiel Justice and special jury in the Supreme Court by Mr. F. C. Jenkis, counsel for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in the action brought against them by the Government for re-crediting of $60,000 connected with the Carvalho Teo frauds. The sum re- presents the total of three Treasury cheques purporting to bear the signatures of Mr. C. Mcl. Messer, Colonial Treasurer, and Mr. T. Black: Cashier.

"NO PERSONAL FEELINGS INVOLVED."

Analysing points in Mr Messer's Counsel spoke at length on the signature, counsel used this phrase: alterations in the numbers appear.

M

put it to you that there is no ing on the cheque book cover. The man born of woman who could have book was received from the Bank written this signature except Mr. with 600 cheques, checked and ac. Messer himself."

knowledged. It was taken out of

later Tsang claims to have noticed the safe on December 20. Two days

the alterations on the cover, and he was silent.

Tang's Assistant. Mr. Jenkin asked if the jury

ture, Mr. Jenkin asked the jury to With regard to Mr. Black's signa-

observe its freedom and beauty." A point had been made by Mr. Black that the signatures on the

similar, but they had only to look could believe that, having discover- Katz and Man Lee cheques were

development of suburban real. Witness replied that it would as-into them closely to find they were ed the alterations on the covers, it dential areas particularlyproach the aerodrome at about 70 as different as they could possibly and for this cheap transport miles per hour and

would be be. To flastrate this, counsel gave is essential";

travelling at about 55-50 m.p.h.blackboard. demonstrations" concern- (b) the possibility of an increase

'bus fares affecting the just before touching the ground. ing eight points of dissimilarity. masses on whom the proposed If there was a moderate wind taxation may fall

most against the plane it would come to' heavily and who are least cap-

a stop a little over 100 yards, but able of bearing it;

in

Position of Signature.

The position of Mr. Black's signa- ture was a point which might weigh

sent 30 cheques short. The entire was assumed that the Bank had

custody of cheque books had been entrusted to Tsang, and he was guilty of this inexplicable patch of mental inertia."

(c) the further rise in the high if there was no wind at all the very heavily. The previously known; Kun whose name

cost of living in the Colony:

and

(4) the indirect blow at the free trade policy of the Colony, on which its development and prosperity were founded, by

penalizing one class of motor. ear manufacturers in favour of another 1

4-Does the Government realise that adoption of the recommenda thous of the Committee would be tantamount to increase the taxation on the average car in the Colony hy over 200 per cent., thus tending to reduce the efficiency and excellence of the public service of motor-cars at present conducted by owner- drivers and discouraging through enormously

increased operating

costs, private ownership!

5.-What was the actual quantity of petrol imported in Hong Kong in 1928 and what is the estimated quantity for 1999 and the value thereofi

for a distance of 300 or 400 yards

instance of Mr. Black's signature

"1"

B witness

Counsel referred to Cheung Man machine would taxi over the field

asociated with these proceedings, was frequently before coming to a halt. On landing in the left position was in not being called as

before these happenings, and the who could have explained matters. April, 1927, roughly eight months Cheung was the man next to Tsang cheque had been with the Bank Mr. Jenkin said he would put it until a few months ago. There that both Tang and Cheung knew were plenty of other cheques for that the alterations were made after

ing a pilot would have to make up his mind within one or two seconds

upon a possible change of fight.

Sergeant W. Kent, R.A.F.

said he occupied the forward end of the observer's cockpit of the plane. On landing, the machine touched the ground about 200 yards from the boundary fence. The machine made a very fast landing at about 20-35 knots, owing to the absence of wind.

Squadron Leader Keeble inform- ed the Coroner that this would be

about 40-45 m.p.h."

the current period lying about so the cheque book came from the that a man could see the position Baak. There was a fraud afoot," of the signature, but there were and they knew it, at least on De- none-titten in the extreme left cember 29 if not earlier, position.

from

Dealing with Treasury routine, Dealing with Tsing's On Wing's Mr. Jenkin asked if Mr. Messer writing, Kr: Jenkin said that be- and Mr. Black bad discharged their fore mentioning anything about the duties in an ordinary diligent way. C.S.P. cheque, he had obtained Public money and public servants this" witness variations of were concerned. One would expect capital "h" and small "p" which that there would be shown that the jury would observe occurred in degree of cafe from those entrusted that particular cheque and nowhere with the confidence of the public, else. Tang On Wing had anticipat Instead, cheque books were left ed questions on these unprecedent- lying about at tiffin time and were

tected and at the mercy of bandit LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND machine was on the point of land-ed variations and, therefore, set the put among other books in a safe.

Communists" These desperadoes immediately captured the city, dis arming the few Police and the people's militia. The city is said to have been systematically ran- sacked. General Choa Tsai Tong has ordered Colonel Chen Chang Po to dislodge the Kwangsi troops from the North River within thres days, and then proceed to Shiukwan to help the people, there.

towards Waichow.

FIRE BRIGADE.

MR. J. P. BRAGA'S QUESTIONS.

TO BE ANSWERED. TO-DAY,

The 'plane no sooner touched the ground than the pilot opened up the throttle again, witness on tinued. He could not say that he was surprised by that action. The

ing when it struck the fence and it carried on and struck the mat- shed. Witness was dazed by a blow" which he received of his chest but inpediately jumped clear of the machine as soon as it came to rest.

over the

letters down. The only answer that This procedure was not checked for Tsang could give for using that ur-eight years. It was not compatible precedented form was that was with efficiency to turn

writing unconsciously."

custody and management to a sub- There was also a form of ""ordinate and never exercise the found only in this cheque which slightest supervision. Taang had said he used in writing |--. the word "sixty. It had been stated by the prosecution that

Treasury Methods,

At to-day's meeting of the Legis theory as to the cause of the ac-Tsang might have been a fool, but like locking the stable door," ex-| lative Council, Mr. J. P. Braga

will ask:

Foreman's Questions, Mr. L. Yates, the foreman of the jury asked witness if he had any sident, considering that the speed not a kave. Counsel would prove on landing was normal compared that Tsang was no fool. The put- to the figures given by Flt.-Lieut. Pearce. He replied that he con- ting forward of the unprecedented

mental activity.

"Look what they are doing now

book on receipt from, the Bank is claimed Mr. Jenkin. "The cheque

vertified by two separate officials.

HELP FROM FUKIEN.

The Kwangtung troops are gaine ing ground in the East River dis- tricts, driving the regiments under Has the Captain Superintendent the command of Li Mo Tze back of Police had his attention drawnsidered that there was nothing variations showed a great degree of it is sent to the gaol and checked

to the leading article in the Hong

again on retura. The cheque book! Should Canton fall, the Kwang Kong Daily Press of May 7, alleg. wrong at all." The pilot simply

is examined every day, The re- tung troops will endeavour to joining that the standard of efficiency found himself overshooting the

Trick Hypothesis. hands with the Kiangai and Fukien among the rank and file of the fire-mark and decided to take of"

serve cheque book is locked in Mr. leaders, both of whom are still is brigade is low because nearly 30 per again.

Squadron Leader Keeble remark- Turning to the hypothesis that Messer's safe. The current cheque alliance with Marshal Chiang Kai cent. of the force leave the service Shek. General Chen Tsai Tong has every year by dismissal, resignationed that a 'plane couldn't stay in the signatures were obtained by a book is locked up at tiffin time!"

the air under 55 mp.h already cabled to General Chang or desertion, and is that statement

Coroner: Did it strike you as

trick, Mr. Jenkin dwelt on the state Meeting the officials half way, Ching of Fukies, requesting him to accurate?

quite a

of despatch an expedition into Kwong-

feasible thing for the

indecision in the minds of and assuming that only two or three Is it considered that the wages machine to take off again 1-Yea Treasury.officials, and a number of of these steps had been in vogua tung to drive out General Hau King offered to firemen are such as to Lieut. A C. Watson, who piloted Tong's old army. Latest reports to attract suitable recruits to the the crashed machine, questioned by people engaged on behalf of the on December 20 or during that band state that the Fukien General service, and have any complaints Mir. Yates said he had not received Government, for some considerable month, Mr. Jenkin said that nothing has complied with the request and regarding the wages paid been any instructions to make a quick time after the discovery, as to whe-would have happened. ir leading an expedition into brought to the notice of the author landing owing to the late hour. Kwangtung from Changchow, a city ities? not far to the south of Amny..

Besides the question of salaries, TROOPS FROM THE NORTH, for dissatisfaction with the condi- what other grounds, if any, exist

Sub-department of the Police

Mr. F. W. Lawrence, of thether the signatures were genuine or He continued that, according to P.W.D. said he took up a position forgeries. The Treasury did not Mr. Messer, for 23 years there had the first plane landed. He noticed known that the signatures were foz-Treasury and the Bank by which on the boundary feace just before disclose their hands. If it was been an arrangement between the

It is reported thet a portion of tions of service in the Fire Brigade that the second machine was goingeries, why was it that everything advice passed between each other

HO CHIEN ADVANCES.

SERIOUS THREAT TO KWANGSI,

(THROUGH ZEVIER'S AGENCY.)

to land and suddenly heard the

engine accelerate. It ran into the points the two hypotheses being regarding anything unusual about: boundary fence and crashed across the road. He helped to remove two entertained?

cheques, in order to avoid possibility

Chinese who werd hit by the plane On the evidence as a whole,

as it flew across the road Wit-counsel would pat it that Mr.

or probability of fraud..

The alterations in the cheque.

ness moved out of the way when he Messer, signature was not repudiat-book covers were discovered on heard the engine accelerate, but

the Chinese took no notice and kept ed until eight days after the dis- on walking along the road.

covery on January 18.

December 24 by Trang, who made

the troops sert to Canten by Mar- shal Chiang Kai Shek will arrive here either to-morrow or the next day. It has been pointed out that unless outside help is forthcoming. Kwangtung, is doomed to defent. Practically the whole of Ewangtung is controlled at the moment either directly by Kwangsi troops or by Kwangtung

s misleading report to Mr. Messer. Loops proclaiming

Mr. A F. Bailey, of the allegiance to Kwangsi. It appears

On the afternoon of January 18, Tiang had fro opportunities to re- Sanitary Department said he was that the only portion of the Fro

standing next to last witness. He the Treasury officials considered post this important discgery to his vince still strong for General Chea

SHANGHAI, May 15,

immediately moved away and the that Tung was "in it." Teal Tong aid his men is Canton

This superiors, Changsha reports are that the machine crashed into the feace and vicinity, aside from isolated vanguards of the Human troops where he had stood. The tail-acid trusted servant of the Treasury It was only on January 18 that territory in southern Kwangtung arrived in the vicinity of Kwelin of the machine caught one of the was arruted together with Cheung Mr. Black returned from the Bank which cannot render effective help. yesterday. Pinglo is now complete Chinese, who was apparently an- Man Kun and beid for 20 days, and Mr. Messer made the astound

surrounded by Government

aware of the machines approach which showed the state of indecisioning discovery that 30 cheques were WAICHOW CAPTURED?

and vas knocked down. Witress in the minds of those investigating the thres disputed cheques came. short from the book out of which ran to him immediately and found the matter. that he was badly injured. The Regarding Mr. Binck's signature, It was then for the first time that R.A.F. ambulance came up a few it was clear that it was not re- Tuang said that he knew that 30 seconds later and took the man to pudiated until some time afterward. cheques were sent abort by the hospital.

Bank. It was certainly not repudiated at the Bank interview. Mr. Messer In closing his address, Mr. Jenkin had asked Mr. Black not to say thanked the jury for their patience. anything it the Bank, and he would. Mr. Potter will commence his ad- therefore remain silent.

dress at 10.30 this morning.

(Wah Tu Fat Pao.)

It is reported that Colonel Thai Ting Kai, of the Kwangtung 3rd Division, captured Waichow this afternoon (May 15). Colonel Li Mo Taza's mec się retreating towards

Ho Yuen.

troops,

Ho Chica, commanding the Hunan troops, is proceeding from Yung chow to Chuanchow, to where his field beadquarters is being removed. Hankow says that by order of Chiang Kai Shek two divisions of Evidence of the identification of Hupeh troops are preparing to the three victims was given and participate in the anti-Kwangu the Coroner adjourned the bearing campaign.'

until this afternoon...

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