1929-12-12 — Page 5

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'IRONSIDES" HEAVILY REPULSED.

GALLANT DEFENCE BY GENERAL CHEN TSAI TONG'S TROOPS.'

INVADERS GET WITHIN FIVE MILES OF CANTON SUBURBS.

KWANGTUNG TROOPS' NEW CONFIDENCE.

A gallant resistance-by-Canton_troups_appears to have been completely successful and a big offensive launched against Canton on Tuesday by "the"" Ironsides" has been repulsed.

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1929.

An initial success carried the invaders as far as San Yuen, five miles from the suburbs of Canton, but the sudden arrival of'. two fresh regiments, of troops in lorries and motor buses tumed the scales and the wearied attackers were driven back. Our own correspondent gives the following full account of the struggle.

"IRONSIDES" SHORT OF SUPPLIES.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

The

CANTON, December 11 Canton is breathing more freely to lay than for weeks past. crack "Ironsides "brigade under General Ng "Kei Wei was driven Back towards Chung Fa, with heavy Josses. on Tunsday night, at

offlock, after it had fought is way to Sap Yuen Li, only five miles from

minent.

the outskirts of Canton.

D

"IRONSIDES "

AMMUNITION

EXHAUSTED2.

It is generally believed that the issue will be decided in the course of the next two or three days. The "Ironsides" and the Kwangsi troops are short of fuod, stores and am- munition. Unless they can win a decisive battle, they will be forced

EXODUS TO HONG KONG. But in spite of this military surerss hundreds of prople are leav.

AN OFFICER'S LAPSE.

PORTCURNO'S 2nd ENGINEER REPRIMANDED.

MARINE COURT OF INQUIRY.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE HAICHING HEROES.

There has never been any inten- tion to advise keeping" quiet when' one is kicked in the shins by a bally" but one should be clear who that bully is, and not get muddled like the hurt small boy who, whet asked the identity of his aggressor,

· [TO THE EDITOR OF THE HONG KONG points with unsteady grubby hand

DAILY PRESS.']

Sta. As an interested reader of your valuable paper, I join with others in deploring the recent at- Before, a Marine Court of tempted piracy on the Haishing. Enquiry brid at the Harbour There are many things the public Offer yesterday, Mr. A. J. Cordia-and, no doubt, the Press, would like er, second engineer of the Porteurno was reprimanded for having been drunk and incapable of performing his duties.

3.5.

The Hon. Comunquder G. F. Hole, Rt.N., (retired) presided, the other incinters Court being Lieut. Commander L. G. Addington, D.S.O., R.N., (H.M.S. Tamar), Capt. D. C. L. Evans (master, s.3. Teurer), Mr. A. L. Miller (Chief Engineer, s.s. Chak Sang) and Mr. W. Niblock (Chief Engineer, 5.3. Kwong Chow).

Part-

The Captain's Evidence. Giving evidener, Captain J. Niblett, master of the 8.5. curno, said that he had found the defendant drunk on two occasions. The first incident was whilst the ship was passing through the Suez cand.

The President of the Court point out, however, that as no entry was made in the log book, the Court could not accept this evidence.

effect.

to know.

to some din figure in the distance whom he through vision obstructed by heavy salt tears and another' equally grubby hand could but faint- ly sce. The figure in the distance- the unfortunate landlord-is not the bully, Trade depression is, go for the bully by all means!

Perhaps one may be permitted to reiterate that the rent of a house is dependent on the number of people desiring, that house, which explains Firstly, according to reliable in-why rents in the central district are formation, the wireless operator re- higher than in other parts of the mained at his post from the begin town. People find it more profit. ning. As far as the public ean able to carry on business as pawn- gather, the pirates attacked the brokers of boarding-house keepers nearer the seafront in preference to bridge at 1.10 am.. It is said that, when the first shots were fired, the May Road, and are consequently operator endeavoured to send out prepared to pay more for the an "S.O.S." but, to quote a Daily privilege of installing themselves Preas statement, his messages were

where they hope to gain the highest jambed by Swatow

return. Further, in vying with one To my mind. this statement is another to obtain that privilege. more than ordinarily significant, they each offer the highest amount particularly in view of the fact that they think they could spare out of the pirates were believed to have their estimated profits, and the offer which is nccepted would be- boarded the ship at Swatout.

Further, according to another come the rent of the premises." Is statement in a report which appear-it not clear; then, that the specula- ed in your columns, upon the work tor's role in fixing rents is a neglig done by the destroyers Sterling and ible one, and that what a merchant Sirdar, the latter ship rounded Days in rents is dependent on the up a large number of junks which number of his competitors who de- were in the vicinity of the burning sire the premises he necupies 1 Hniching, searched them, and male a number of arrest. -

Why were the junks so handy" Many members of the Chinese community in Hong Kong see a special significance in these two points, and possibly may be excused for thinking, even if their supposi Lions are wrong, that a fairly power. ful organisation with headquarters at Swatow inust Have had a hand in the piracy.

Supporter of the Rent Problem Committer must have reason for stating that there are matters which could not see the light of day.'' il investigations were made regarding the assessment of rates, The least he could do, as a public-spirited citizen, is to bring the matter to the attention of the authorities con- cerned, although it is doubtful whe Witness said that, the chief en-

ther his allegations could hear the light of day Hier reported to him whilst the

if they are similar ship was in Hong Kong harbour

This belief may have gained more to the statement he makes regard on December 5, that the defendant was drunk whilst on duty in the credence in view of the referenceing the payment of rates by Chi-

He accordingly madeed by Swatow

to the radio messages being "jamb nese landlords, who are accused of and. it is thought collecting rent according to the engine room.

catry in the log book to this in many quarters, could not have lunar system and paying rates on been entirely free, if not from the solar reckoning. He is doubt- official cognisance there, at any rate

less not conversant with the manner in which assessment forms have to from the knowledge of some in- farmer employed in ли officialbe Alled. If he would only look capacity.

at one and read the questions, he would find that emphasis is laid on whether rent is paid by the lunar or solar month. His reference to the sale clause in a lease is perhaps the best possible way out of a tight

urner. He must have heard of lese, which continues to run in spite of a change of owners.-- Yours, etc.,

COMMON SENSE. Hong Kong, December 11,

"THE GEISHA.”

Yet another point arises in connec tion with the wireless side of the afinir.

retreat, for their ammunition will sean be exhausted. In respect of Severe fighting hail been going on supplies Canton is in a far more all day on the north-east sector favourable position. Barring "as-

from

Canton within. between the Ironsides" and the chests Nanking tropy.

The latter were should be able to bent off the and the Kwangsi driven back towards Canton, the "Ironsides" "Ironsides" successively capturing troops. Their successes have given Chung Fa, Fahsien and other in a new cmndence to the troops, who portant points. By o'clock in the fad they can hold their own against

The Chief Engineer's Story, evening the advance" columns of tha

the dreaded "Ironsides." enemy were aiready in San Yuch

Mr. Harry Trevor, chief engineer L and Canton was greatly alarm

said, on the afternoon of December 1. The Central Bank of China

3, accused was supposed to be on was reported to be moving ita coins

duty in the engineercom. Witness and valuables as it did last May when the fall of Canton to Rei

went below at 3 p.nl, and found the accused drunk. He was not in a

It took an extremely long time Chung Hsi was thought to be iming for Hong Kong... Yesterday fit state to attend to his duties so for a message to reach Hong Kong niternoon all the Hong Kong night witness ordered him away from the at the time of the Hsin Wah hants were parked with passengers, engine-roour Accused, however, re-disaster aff Waglan Island. Ainost "IN THE NICK OF TIME."

tostly, well-dressed women and fused to leave.

a parallel was created in the Hai- Witness them went on deck and rhing affair, for news of the out- But fortunately for Canton in children. The crush of baggage was general and, the present Govern- so great and their owners in such told the fourth engineer to bring rage was received here shortly after ment in particular, reinforcements hurry that the Custones inspectors the accused to him. When Mr. 5.30am, over four hours after the eame from the north sector in thefid not have the time to open and Curdiner was brought up to hispiracy was attempted. Why nick of time. Late in the after-start them as usual. This mora-cabin, witness again ordered him to mo, the Canton Higher Commanding the s.s. Kinshan was also crowd-keep away from the engine roommunity here are rather disgrunted

es with passengers

and at "the same time drew the at- by the fact that no European police (TO THE EDITOR OF THE "HONG EDNO rushed out two regiments from Tsoi

olheer or Government official was Tung Kai's force on the north Canton continues to be without tention of the chief officer to ac seutnr. Thanks to the Canton its hus services to-ding, na alleused's condition. He made a represent at the funeral of the Indian Hankor Railway and the excellent "highway, which was crowded with hundrets of commandeered buses, lorries a antomobiles, this was possible.

The Cantonese troops passed through the city and were soon in the firing line, stiffening the retreating Nanking troops. With the timely arrived of reinforcements, a dvice was at once launched. The Ironsitles" who had been fighting and marebing all day long could not resist the fresh Cantonese troops. They retreated towards Chung Fa, after heavy losses, and were hotly puraned by General Chen Thai All the lost ground Tong's men. was recovered, and the danger to Canton was averted at least for the time being.

THE OFFICIAL REPORT. The Canton Government claim decisive victory on all the front. An official report states: The caemy suddenly emerged from Ngan Chaan Au resterday on the north sector and launched an attack on Kwan Tin and Kwok Thi, two heavily fortified strongholds. The enemy thrust was met and driven back with heavy loss. Three or four hundred enemy troops, an equal number of rifles and several field guns were captured.

GUNBOATS AND AERO-

PLANES AGAIN.

vehicles commanderred for military purposes are still at the front. The manager of one private 'bus cum- any told the writer this morning that hundreds of buses, including all of his automobiles and trucks are laying idle in Sun Kai to the north and Lang Ngan Tung to the east. The drivers having been pressed into military service against their wills have absconded into nearby villages, leaving their vehicles on

the rond!

GOVERNMENT 'TROOPS

WINNING.

[NAVAL WIRELESS

CANTON, December 10. It is reported that a battle is in progress in a position between 20 and 30 miles north-east of Canton. Government troops are apparently gaining ground, although they met with a reverse in the first instance.

A CHINESE REPORT.

"IRONSIDES ADVANCE

HELD.

port to the explain after the latter had returned to the ship. Later wites went down to the engine- room where he again found the ae cured, but ignored him.

Other Officers.

Also, I believe the Indian com

DAILY PREAS."]

into or

S-I was much interested to guard.

We all, whatever our nationality, read in your to-day's issue the nc- raise our hats in respect and neuent of "A Correspondent's" inter- miration to the late Mr. Woodward, view with the producer. Though it who upheld all those traditions may perhaps pat ne which we Chinese have been led to perilously near the class of old expect from Britishers in times of fogies, I must confess that "The danger and stress. He died, as your | Geishn was one of my boyhood's paper has said, like a gallant gen-brightest memories. I well remem- ber that everyone was whistling or singing mostly incorrectly-the sparkling meledies from that ex- cellent inusieni comedy, on that night one remembers so well, one's first as a public school. Since then I for one have been very fond of The Geisha, and am rejoiced that I can see it again.

Further evidence was given by Mr. W. C. M. Lippdat who said he saw the defendant in the engine-tleman, room oliviously under the influence But what about the Indian guard ? of drink. Mr. A. J. Stone, the According to the Captain and other third engineer also saw the defen- Officers of the Haiching, the Indian dunt in the engine room in the guards fought valiantly. Was not same condition, while Mr. R. W. the guard who was killed, then, Roberts said that he saw the defen-worthy of some little respect on the dant on the bridge deck the same lines shown to Mr. Woodward! afternuon. The defendant could hardly stand up and smelt of drink.

Accepts Engineer's Statement. Defendant in answer to the Fresident of the Court, said that he would accept the statement made by the Chief Engineer.

The Presiden: And you don't deny the charge!

Acensed: No, eir.

He also said in answer to the Court that he did not wish to say anything in his defence.

5.5.

Court's Finding.

In conclusion, I should like to ro.

There is, however,, one point that mind the public and the authorities, concerned of the fact that, had the should be made very clear to those wireless operator, Chung Yau Tak of the public to whom the play is left his post of duty to attend to new. That is, that it is a musical his own safety, even though the comedy and, as such, more farcical pirates were repulsed by the Euro- than a farce. The Japanese repre- pean officers, the ship may have seated on the stage are not in- burned down to the waterline, proh- tended to be real Japanese, but ably with even more terrible loss quite a different nation the Japan- of life, before help eventually ares of the stage. Similarly, Wun Hi is a stage Chinese (or rein.

rived.

In these circumstances, surely it carnation of Huntley Wright, one would not be amiss for the Govern-might say) rather than a study from ment to make an independent award life.

Yours,

to the young Chinese operator, both People seem so easily hurt now-a- in recognition of his bravery and as days that it would perhaps be as The Court adjourned and reture-an encouragement to others of his well to stress this point, and to ing gave the following finding: profession to put duty and honour add that the English characters are enricatures also. For instance, Mr. We find that Mr. Alexander before personal safety?"

Youra, etc..

Parker is an excellent juvenile lead, James Cardiner, certificate of com-

FEE LO. but I do not suppose he is intended Serious fighting occurred at tency as first engineer No. 31051

to be Hong Kong, December 11.

a faithful reproduction of Kwan Tin on the Canton-Hankow of Southampton, whilst on the

one of our gallant friends in the Articles as second engiacer of the

Senior Sorvind. I have heard many The Canton authorities further Railway earlson Tuesday morning

Porteurno,

M7. of which

THE RENT PROBLEM. songs in the Wardroom, but rarely claimed that they had completely when six thousand Ironsides

light baritone. sob stuff. severed the line of communications attacked the 50th and the 63rd Edward John Niblett, certificate of competency No. 632177; of Cardiff. of the Ironsidce" on the east Divisions. The attack was so des

EHEU AB ANGULO. sector near Chung Fu. Aeropiane perate that the defences of the Canas master, did conunit an act of To THE EDITOR OF THE "HONG KONG

gross misconduct in that on Decem- troops were nearly broken

Hong Kong, December 11. reconnoissance revealed the position ton of several regiments of "Ironsides' through. The struggle lasted until her 5. 1929, whilst the 8.s. Porteurno when the Independent was discharging in Hong Kong and an offensive was at once launch- 10 am. ed from Sun Kai, in which some Brigade under Chang Sai Tak ar- Harbour, he was under the in-

GIRL'S BODY MUTILATED. forty bombing airplanes took part.rived and the invaders were forced fluence of liquor when on duty. We

OLD SUPERSTITION These airmen were incessantly drop to withdraw. Chang has been order-therefore adjudge the aforesaid Mr.

RECALLED. Alexander James Cordiner to be ping heavy bomba on the enemy ed to form his brigade into a with telling effect, and after several division with himself as its com reprimanded." Hours fighting the "Ironsides" mander. began to retreat in confusion. The

The same morning, another body

merchants

to

ete..

DAILY PRESS.

SIR,-The advice to suffering from both trade depres- sion and merciless landlords put up their shutters, is far from being of a passive nature. Indeed,. it is the most effective weapon that tenants have; and of its effective- An old superstitution among the ness, Supporter of the Rent Chinese people of the poorer classes Problem Committee" must have is recalled by the finding yesterday, part of his letter he darkly hints Yaumati, of the body of a Chinese that unless landlords show more girl, aged about six, both of whose sympathy, they may be likened to leza had been severed from the taking plunge over the pre-body.

The child it is ascertained, died which can mean nothing cipice,"

Government troops, it is claimed, of Ironsides" attacking Enyuen HEALTH OF THE COLONY. been well aware; as in the latter in a lane behind Pilkem Street, succeeded in disarming two regi-and Tan Tao Yuen's 50th Division ments of the "Ironsides."

Sharp fighting is also in progress

was badly benten. General Ho Ying Chien then dispatched two brigades on the west sector near Samahui.of the 8th Division to Fayuan.

Kwangsi troops under General Li Tsung Jen here are bombarding the

12 SMALL-POX-CASES ON TUESDAY.

A later report states that 15,000' "Ironsides are now holding Nine more cases of small-pox Cantonese at Mu Min and Shang Fayuen city. They marched down were reported last week, all from but that landlords will have cause from natural causes and one theory to regret when they find themselves is that the mutilation had been Pei Tasp and trying to cross the

Other over-burdened with houses rendered done, so that the dead body could River to take Samahui. Up to the to Yan Wo Hs: where General Chen Victoria, and 8 deaths.

cases of notifiable disease men vacant through the closing of con- be made up in a smaller parcel for time of writing they have not been Tani Tong was directing operations.

the purpose of dumping. successful. Admiral Chen Cha's battle took place there on Tuestioned on the MO.H.'s weekly cerns which have become too un

It is probable however that the gunboats and long range guns at day afternoon and after two hours return are as follows: Typhoid 2 profitable to continue. The recom

ceane business was parents of the dead girl were mere Samshui have kept the invaders fighting, the Ironsides" suffered (Europeans) and 1 death; diph-mendation to

and proffered as one means of bringing ly superstitious and, cut off the legs: back. Reports of gunfire could be and were driven back to Fayuen. theria

down rents and to show where the of the corpse so that is could distinctly heard in Samahui and Sai There, were heavy casualties on both

sider.

Deatha from non-notifiable dis-real influence of rents is to be found. ΠΟΙ !!! walk

back to the family. Nam and the wealthier citizens of

An attack by the "Ironsides" cases were: Influenza malarin and also to dispel the false concepLater in the day, a pair of human these two places have left.

tion that immediately on the an fect, were found by the Police in the The Kwangsi troops have looted at Tai Wo Shih; some 15 miles 12, tuberculosis 59 (1 European).

On Tuesday 12 Chinese cases of quisition of a piece of property by back garden of the Station Hotel. asks that of Canton City in plan on Thu

smallpox were reported from Vietu spécurator 16 18 TFCE 1hr West River, and merchants havó reported to have been beaten off on

toria. Tuesday afternoon..

rents to any level he wishes. the mutilated girl.. Buffered very much indeed.

deaths.

(Europeans)

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