1929-06-17 — Page 5

CONCUBINES AND MUI TSAL

HEAVY TAXATION

PROPOSED.

CANTON'S SCHEME TO "RAISE THE WIND."

FROM OUR CHINESE CORRESPOSTENT.)

MR. T. V. SOONG AT WUCHOW.

TO SET KWANGSI'S FINANCES STRAIGHT.

[FROM OUR CHINESE 'CORRESPONDENT]

CANTON, June 18-

Mr. T. V. Soong left Canton lant night for Wuchów where he will attend a Kwangsi Government con- ference on financial matters. He went to Surashal by train, and the rest of the way to Wuchow by the gunboat Chung Shar

Mr. Soong was given a rousing send-off, a large number of high officials and a company of picked soldiers from the Military Head- quarters escorting him to the train.

Mr. Soong's trip to Wuchów was. made at the invitation of General Yu Tsok Pak, Chairman of the Kwangsi Government, who wants the Finance Minister's help and advice in reorganising of the finances of the Province. Mr.. Soong will remain in Wuchow for three or four days only and then return to Canton.

AMERICAN CONSULAR

DINNER

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1929.

PEAK AND CITY WATER SUPPLIES

FURTHER CURTAILED.

非

FOUR HOURS PER DAY FOR UPPER LEVELS.

NEW GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY REGULATIONS.

NO CHANCE

YET TO USE AEROPLANES.

Further restrictions in the hours during which water will be supplied to the City of Victoria and to the Peak District are detailed below and in our advertisement columns. This comes into operation to-morrow..

псел.

Saturday's rainfall, as measured at the Royal Observatory, was only half an inch, and it was probably less at the Island reservoir So far the signs and the seasons have not been propitions for any rain making by the Royal Air Force. We understand, however, that machines are standing by, awaiting the ortlers of the Royal Observatory and that parties have been, conveyed outside the harbour for cloud gauging operations.

Z

In addition the Government, under Emergency Regulations, published below, has taken to itself powers to commandeer any. shipping it may need, either lighters, launches, or "other steam- ships,"

PEAK AND CITY RESTRIC

TIONS.

"TO START TO-MORROW.

CANTON, June 16. The Canton "Government in con- sidering the imposition of a heavy tax on owners" of mui trai and concubines in the hope of eliminat. ing or at least minimizing these practices." According to Chinese law no one is entitled to more than one wife, and concubinnge has never been legally recognized. No concubina has therefore any legal protection, but her children have the same privileges, and rights as those of the first wife, the reason being that they were born that way and had therefore no choice." The keeping of mui trai has long "been prohibited by the Government, In 90 cases out of a hundred these slave girls are ill treated and made to work unfairly hard, and cases have occurred in which they have been killed for some trivial offence, Despite the prohibitions of the General and Mrs. Chen Ming Shu Government, little or no real effort were the guests of honour at a has been directed towards the luncheon given on Saturday at the abolition of the Jui trai system. American Consulate-General, Sha- force.. But when a mui tani wishes, to re-meen, by the Consul General and gain freedom, she can always do Mra. Dougins Jenkins. The occasion so by going to the Government. was quite informal. and no speeches The Canton Government is now were delivered. Among other guests trying to solve this problem by present were Mr. and Mrs. Chu imposing "B heavy tax on all Chan Nien, Mr. and Mrs. Leung "' Qwners

of concubines and mui Tsic Wai, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Tyson, teke. The Government is of the Dr. and Mrs. James M. Henry opinion that these people are all Consul James E. McKenna, and well-to-do and can afford to pay. Capt, Skinner, U.S.S. Guam Mr. High taxation will therefore at Chu Chan Nien is the newly ap least tend to prohibit, the traffic pointed Chinese Minister to Norway and at the same time bring the and Sweden and will shortly pro- Government more 'revenue) The ceed to his new post. He is now details of the taxation have not yet been Announced, but the writer was told that the tax for the second concubine or mai tani will he several times as heavy as that for the first one.

SWATOW CAPTURED?

BIG SUCCESS FOR KWANG. TUNG ARMY.

the political Advisor to the Pro- vincial Government of Kwangtung. Mrs. Chu is a daughter of Mr. Tang Shao Yi, who is well-known in diplo- matic circles.

BATHER DROWNED AT REPULSE BAY.

(FROM OUR CHINESE "CORRESPONDENT.] ¡A. WELL-KNOWN INDIAN

CANTON, June 16..

Reports have come to hand that)

GENTLEMAN.

Swatow was captured by Kwang- MANY WITNESSES OF SAD tung troops under Divisional Com- mander Chiang Kwang Nai on June

1. The rebels under Hsu King Tong

INCIDENT.

A sad drowning fatality occurred fled into Fukien by the Han River at Repulse Bay yesterday after and are being hotly pursued. The Roon, at 4.45 p.m., when an Indian administration of the city is being gentleman named Fatoomal Khub reorganized, all the rebel officials

WATER PIPES TAPPED.

TENANTS "RIGHT TO AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY.”

The Public Works Department as SMALL FINE AND A WARNING, announced in our advertisement columns, state that beginning on Tuesday, June 18, the following added restrictions will come into

Five Chinese, tenants of flats in Wai Ching Street, Taumati, the property of the Hong Kong Estate Agency, were before Mr. T. 5.

CORRESPONDENCE.

HONG KONG'S WATER

RESOURCES. ·

(TO THE EDITOR OF THE "HONG KONG DAILY FUESS."]

Sra,-I am glad that the Govern- ment has decided to open wells and has already sanctioned the opening of a number of wells in different parts of the Colony for the purpose of relieving the present water short" |

age.

I also note that the Military Authorities have opened nine wells in the cantoaments on the Island and four wells in Kowloon, which shows their commendable prompti tude and foresight.

It will not be accèssary to explore the Island and tap all the perennial streams and springs, and open new spring wells.

The water from such sources ahould be collected and conducted or pumped into reinforced concrete. tanks, as they are cheap, sanitary. and easy to construct.".

...

When all these sources of supply have been properly harnessed and, controlled. the supplies from the different tanks could be system. atically conducted to various points. in the City and elsewhere by pipe. lines or pumped into the reservoirs to augment the city supply.

This scheme should be more

.

The principal mains in the City Whyte-Smith at Kowloon Magis-economical than importing water: of Victoria will be closed daily ex-tracy on Saturday for damaging ten

"

cept during the following periods-water pipes in the scavenging lane behind their Ants, and wasting and allowing water to run from the pipes.

6 am to 9.0. 3.30 p.m. top.m.

12

The supply to the Peak will be turned on dally" as follows. com- mencing Tuesday:

"

Severn Road. (Eastern Section only), Barker Road, Magazine Gap and Wanchal Gap Districts: 6 to 8 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The remainder of the Peak:

6 to 10 a.m,

+

'+

More Tanks,

An increased number of tanks on

the water front will be in operation before the above restrictions tame into force.

GOVERNMENT POWERS.

FOR COMMANDEERING

SHIPPING, &c.

A representative of the Hong Kong Estate Agency explained that the defendants had pipes laid on to their premises but the pressure was so poor that not even the ground Hoor tenants could get any water, The defendants had opened up the earth in the back yard and cut a hole in the pipe, but even then the water did not flow. Then they used kerosene suction pumps with which they managed to draw the water from the pipe.

The pipes had since been mended by the agency and the tenants warn ed not to do it again. The Agency also intended to approach the Water Authority to see if the pres- sure could be increased "They The following regulations have were entitled to a supply of water,' been made by the Governor-in said the witness," and had the Council under the Emergency Re-pressure in the pipes been sufficien®, gulations Order of 1929, and came the defendants would not have into force last week :-

taken that drastic method of ob- taining it."..

1. It shall be lawful for the Dizee tor of Public Works, or any person, authorised by him, to take posses chand Daswani. years of age:sion of, use and control, and to number of bathers,

Alleged Selling of Water.

وا

A police officer informed his Wor-

having left with the "retreating lost his life in the sight of a large adapt it necessary; any water boar ship that when he went to the flats!

soldiers. A large number of civil officials hve heen sent from Canton

to put things in order. Mr. Haur Sik Ching has been appointed Mayor of Swatow and has already left for his new post.

EXTRADITION CASE

CLOSED.

MAGISTRATE'S DECISION

DEFERRED.

'CROWN WITNESS DIES IN HOSPITAL.

on

The deceased in

FA

found a large number of tins full of water stacked in the back

nephew of or lighter, or any other vessel he Mr. G. P. Daswani, President of which he may think suitable for the the Sindi-Hindu Merchants' Club

of Hong Kong, and head of the arm purpose of conveying or storing

of Messrs. Lalchand and Gagandas. water, and any launch

From the accounts Daily Press

which representative was

or other steamship which he may require

yards of three houses.

Magistrate: What did you infer from that!

The officer replied that he thought

offered for sale,

le to gather from eye-witnesses, for towing any such water bost, it probable that the water was being appears that Mr. Daswati awam lighter or other vessel from the bench to one of the rafts, and on his return from the raft be suddenly disappeared..

ces.

If the Director of Public Works takes possession of pay water boat,

The representative of the Estate said he considered that that sus.

selves.

Magistrate's View.

Many volunteers searched near lighter or other vessel, or any the vicinity where he disappeared. launch or other steamship, under picion might be dismissed, as the and in a short time his body was recovered and taken to the raft, the powers conferred on him by flats were four storeys high and where artificial respiration was im Regulation 1 of these regulations, there was no more water than would mediately applied but without suc- the owner of such water boat, be needed by the tenants them

Mr. Daswani was removed in a lighter or other vessel, or of such dinghy to the beach, where further launch or other steamship, shall be At Central Magistracy

attempts at revival were resorted entitled to be paid a reasonable His Worship said that although Saturday, Mr. Hin Shing Lo con- to, without success, Several medi amount by way of hire in respect the Agency did not consider the tinued his speech for the defence men were at the beach at the of each day during which the offence very serious because the in the extradition proceedings time, and although they lent ready water boat, lighter or other vessel, tenants were entitled to a supply against Ip Tim, who is wanted by and willing assistance, the unfor or lunch or other steamship, re of water, that also might be said the Chinese authorities for alleged tunate swimmer was not brought maine in the possession of the in defence of persons unlawfully ob unbbery and kidnapping in The round. He was later conveyed to Director of Public Works, and taining supplies from fire hydrante Kam District in 1928.

the Government Civil Hospital, but shall be entitled to be paid They, too, were entitled to a supply Referring to. the conflict of life was extinct upon arrival. a reasonable amount by way of of water. He would, however, take -evidence Mr. Lo said that, there Mr. Daswani, who was a strong compensation in respect of any into consideration that this was the appeared to be no doubt that a swimmer, appears to have gone to reconditioning necessary any such first case of its kind, but he would blood fend existed between the de-swim hy, himself, and had apparent amount to be determined in case of point out that a further case would fendant's clan and that of the wit-ly eaten a heavy meal prior to disagreement by the tribunal re- be treated more seriously. A fine nesses for the Crown. Referring taking the water. to the delay of the requisitos: tity of ice cream.

It is reported lerred to in Regulation 5 of these of $5 or five days imprisonment that he had taken a large quan regulations.

was imposed on the first defendant, Mr. Lo said that the crime

Death is said 3. It shall also he lawful for the while the others were fined $3 each. ing taken place three years pre- to be due to heart failure,... viously all documents relating to The deceased had been in Hong person authorised by him to take

Director of Public Works, or any més barrunā jaudaszkiemā it would have been on file in Kong for two and a half years and possession of, and to use and con- in respect of such loss, such com- Canton long ago and it should not helped his uncle it Messrs. Latrol, for such period as he may persation to be determined in case take more than a week for the chand and Ougandas. The funeral think fit, noy source of water sup- of disagreement by the tribunal authorities there to send down the takes place this morning, the re- necessary papers. As it was, the mains being due for cremation at Diy, and any land, reservoirs, piers, referred to in Regulations of these requisition did not arrive until the 11.30 am at the Sikh temple. All other things, held or used for or

works, pipe lines, machinery, or regulations close of the case for the prosecu- Indian shops will be closed this in connection with such source of tion.

noruing as a mark of respect, to Mr. L. R. Andrewes, for the Mr. Daswani, who was very popular

water supply. Crown, announced that the prin along his countrymen. cipal witness for the prosecution had died in the Kwong Wah Hos- pital that morning. Referring to ovidence of two witnesses who stated that they had been kidnap: pedhavsubmitted that dzyware not likely to make a mistake as to the fugitive's identity,

The Magistrate's decision will be given on Buturday.

The deceased's parents are in

Compensation Tribunal.

India, and telegrams bearing the 4. If the Director of Public

5. The 'tribunal referred to in Regulations 2 and 4 of these regulations" shall consist of such one of the Judges of the Supreme Court as the said Judges may mutually agree, and two assessora, one appointed by the claimant to

sad news were despatched yester. Works exercises any of the powers one appointed by the Governor and day afternoon from Hong Kong. conferred on him by Regulation 3

The incident cast a gloom over of these regulations, any person hire or compensation. The said the large and wow guide who tho sbancers to delicioso said usually visit Repulse Bay during by reason of interference with his Judge with information and advice the summer months and the drown property or business shall he en as he may require, but the decision ing was a topio of general con-

titled to reasonable compensation of any claim thall rest solely and versation last night.

(Continued on next Column).. finally with the said Judge.

SHARK IN THE HARBOUR?

GIANT FISH SEEN AT CAUSEWAY BAY.

People who were near Cause- way Bay Typhoon Shelter had Cause for great excitement shortly after 2. p.m. on Satur- day.

About 50 yards from the sea- wall. A fish about 6 feet in length was seen to come to the surface several times at inter vals of a few minutes.

The boat people tried to net it but their efforts were unsuc cessful. At a distance the fish looked like a porpoise but old sed hands shook their heads wisely, saying it was a sur ye (a shark). Yet another sage expressed an opinion for the benefit of the general public. He said it was a jue pre-a Apig fish. This species is supposed to frequent deep seas and only when it is disturbed

by unusual heat near the bed of the sea does it come to the surface.

from outside sources and less dan-- gerous, and it will mean a per-

the daily consumption of the Colony manent supply of pure fresh water' throughout the year. At present,

(Island) amounts to 4,000,000 gallons.

The quantity of water collected from the streams during the past week Wha 17.24 million gallons, which works out at 2.48 million gallons per day or over one half of the daily consumption of the Colony! This means a shortage of 1.54 milion gallons.

When the water from all the perennial streams and springs and newly opened spring wells of the Island has been harnessed and con served in tanks, it will not be dif- ficult to remedy this shortage of 1.84 million gallons and provide the requisite supply of 4,000,000 gallons per day from all sources.

In any case it will not be neces sary for the Colony to go to the expense of importing water from distant Shanghai and other places; and the next downfall of rain will the streams and wells. greatly increase the supply from

Besides we shall be relieved from the dangers of drinking stale con- taminated water, which is a most important point to be considered by the Government, the Health Autho rities and the inhabitants of this important and growing Colony... getting critical, and we

Time is precious, the situation is cannot and lives of the inhabitanta brin afford to jeopardize the health sorting water of doubtfur unity ind quality.Yours, etc.,

TSE THAN TAL.

Hong Kong, June 13.

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