1930-01-30 — Page 7

HAICHING PIRACY TRIAL.

OFFICERS' PRIVATE SIGNAL IN EVENT OF PIRACY,

INDIAN GUARD'S STORY.

The proceedings against the three Chinese charged with being concerned in the piracy of the Haiching an the night of December 8, wna continued at the Central Magistracy yesterday, before Mr. E. W. Hamilton.

At yesterday's sitting, the European officers of the ship com pleted their evidence, in the course of which it was revealed that there was an understanding between them that, in the event of the ship's whistle sounding four blasts, they were' to understand " that a piracy had occurred, and wore to make for the bridge,

An Indian guard also gave evidence, telling how the pirates first appeared.

Mr. Robert Perry, Chief, officer of | the vessel, was the first witness called when the hearing was resum ed in the forenoon. He said he was awakened from sleep at about 1.10 .. by shouts and the firing of shots outside his room. On looking nut he saw a crowd of Chinese, one of whom was brandishing a revolver over his head.

Batches Olosed or Open?.

Mr. Woodward was seen on the bridge, badly wounded. Witness took part in the defence of the ship. He thought the pirates gained access to the deck through the bunkers. The bunker, hatch opened 0311 the foreward 'tween · decks. There were grilles and locks ever the bunker hatches, and the keys Witness immediately proceeded to 'were generally kept in the engine the bridge, having armed himself | rooms There was no routine order with his revolver. On reaching the about keeping those hatches closed. port ladder leading to the boat deck he was confronted by an armed then halfway Chinese, who was down the ladder, and fired at wit nesa, wounding him in the left side. Witness retaliated by shooting his assistant, who collapsed on the

main deck.

When witness got on the bridge he saw Capt. Farrar, Mr. Johnston, and an Indian guard. Within the next ten minutes Mr. Duxon arriv d. and after bim Mr. Woodward, who stumbled on the bridge severely wounded, and then Mr. de Mello and Mr. Rewell At this time the engines had been stopped and the ship's lights were out.

At this point Captain Farrar in- tervened to say that he had given standing orders in writing that all entrances to the bunkers be locked.

Witness, in answer to the Beach, said he did not regard it as his duty, when on watch, to satisfy him self that the bunker hatch grilles were closed and locked.

.

Contiming witness said that the chief engineer had told him to see that the bunker hatches were lock ed in a general sort of way. It was not unusual, added" the witness, to see the grilles off the bunker batches. Witness said he had never seen the written order mentioned by Captain Farrar

་་

THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY,

POLICE OFFICER'S

DEPARTURE.

MR. E. J. FIELD INVALIDED FROM THE FORCE.

RECORD OF GOOD SERVICE.

THE BRAALAND AGROUND.

HARD AND FAST NEAR PARACELS.

HENRY KESWICK TO THE RESCUE.

JANUARY 30, 1930.

CHASE ON A FERRY

BOAT!

il

ALLEGED ROBBERS

CAPTURED.

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

At the District Court yesterday, A naval wireless message states the Assistant District Officer for that thu Norwegian stounier the New Territories, Mr. J. S. Maclaren committed Chan Man Braaland ran around between Bombay. Reef and Paracel Islands, Ying, Lam Yik Kwong, Li Ling A position approximately 373 miles Yop and Lam Kat Cheong for trial south west of Hong Kong. Another at the next Criminal Sessions. The wireless message from the P. & 0. accused are alleged to have attack- 8.8. Macedonia is to the effect thated L Chan at his shop at 411, the stranded vessel is leaking Chung Hing Street, Cheung Chau. badly and that immediate assist- ance was required.

Enquiries from the local agents, Messrs. Karisen Larsen, & Co.. Ltd., elicited the news

that the vessel was proceeding from Shang hai to Rangoon (in ballast) at the time of the mishap. The vessel is reported to be hard aground and anxiety is being felt that the heavy breakers"srill damage her bottom.

The Macedonia went to her as

her at noon yesterday. Meanwhile the Kowloon Dock salvage tag, Henry Keswick left at 10 1.m. yesterday and will probably reach the Branland at daylight on Fri day (to-morron).

Invalided from the Hong Kong Police after eighteen years' service, Sub-Inspector E. J. Field will be sailing for Home with his family by the Mastun on Saturday.

Mr. Field has been a very nealous officer, earning many distinctions during his period of service. He frst arrived in the Colony in Octo ber 1909, being then attached to the 8th Company, Royal Garrison Artillery, and joined the Hong Kong Police on July 24, 1921. In March, 1917, he became Lance-Ser goat, and in January, 1020, was given the full rank of Sergeant. Promotion to the rank of Sub-In-sistance and was expected to reach spector was gained in June, 1923. In September, 1910, Mr Field was commended by the Captain Superintendent of Police for dili gence in securing the arrest of tour cobbers who had kifled or wounded several persous on board a junk at Tai Tam Tuk Bay. Two of the arrested men were sentenced death. The Executive Council also commended him for his prompt ac tion in connection with this case. In April, 1918, he was again com- munded by his chief for zeal and intelligence in effecting the arrest of a woman on charges of receiving stalen property.

Award of Medais.

to

The Police Medal (4th Class) was awarded to Mr. Field in July, 1919, for zeal and diligence display. ed in, the arrest of two Chinese for the attempted murder of two Parse gentlemen at 22, Peel Street. at the The men were sentenced Criminal Sessions to seven years' hard labour and 15 strokes of the

at.

In November of the same year the Royal Huntine Society award- ed him a testimonial for having gone to the rescue of an American named F. T. James. who was in inninent danger of drowning in the harbour and whose life hë gal lantly saved.

With his promotion to the full rank of Sergeant in January, 1920, the 3rd Class Police Medal wis awarded for his services in connec tion with an arrest in the West- Point ruolor baudit Case. The C. S. P. again commended Jr. Field in Otober, 1999, for gond work done in Yannati and district during that year.

The Alarm Sounded. A desperate attempt was being made by the pirates, continued Mr. MF. A. F. Johnson, second oflicer Perry, to gut

the main deck, and ļot 'the Haiching, said he went on firing continued until about 2 o'clock the bridge at midnight on the night when he heard that the pirates had ¦ of December 7-8 - Shortly after 1 Net fire Lo his room.

The firean, he heard a commotion, and he spread rapidly, and twenty minutes shouted What is the matter? later the defenders decided to re- He then heard two shots fired. treat to the boat-leek, taking Mr. The ship was then four miles past Woodward with them. On reaching Chalang Paint. Witness, blow, the the port side of the boat-deek they whistle (four short blasts) which had a skirmish with three pirates, was a private signal the icers had one of whom was killed. The other arranged. He then got the bridge two men probably retreated, as they revolver, and sent one of the quar- were not seen again.

termaster to calf the Captain. Wit-right years with the detective niss kept look-out on the star- board alleyway to prevent anybody Trum coming out.

Taking to the Boats.

At 230 p.m. the crew arrived in the boat-deck. having been driven out by the fire. Instructions were then given to get the lifeboats rendy and witness was placed in charge of No. lifeboat! Mr. Woodward was played in the boat j and others who got into it were Mr. de Mello, Mr. Kewell, and various

→

members of the crew!

The boat pulled away from the ship and stood by for some time, when the lights of several fishing junks were observed about 300 yards away. They rowed in that direction and transferred about

¦

The-Captain and Chief Officer came on the bridge. Just then the third engineer asked, through the speaking-tube from below, what was the matter. and witness replied "Pirates." Then the lights wont out and the engines stopped.

The pirates were at least half an hour in the starboard alleyway, during which tinie shots were ex- changed. After that they set fire to the bridge. Witness gave further evidence confirming the Captain's story as to what followed.

On board H.M.S, Stirling witness eight or nine members of the crew identified all the crew that were on to the junk. On their return to the ship. "The women and the the steamer four passengers were wounded were separated, and over found clinging to wreckage, and the remainder an armed guard was were taken into the boat. At 4.30 pm. Capt. Farrar ordered the wire- less operator to return on board, he

being at that time in the boat,

Shortly after a.m. witness, on looking at Mr. Woodward, discover- ed that he was dead.

placed.

.."

The Standing Orders. Witness said that there were standing orders from the Captain as to what they should do in the event of a piracy, but he could not remember any orders about the Mr Perry added that at 6 a.m.grilles and hatchways. H.M.S. Stirling arrived. All the Bhag Singh, Indian guard, stated people in the boat were taken on that while he was patrolling the board, and a naval party took the starboard alleyway he saw 15 or 20 lifeboat back to the Haiching. From men come out from the stokehold. the time winen got into the boat They appeared from behind and his wound had been giving trouble, soure of them arized him, while but he was still able to carry on. others demanded witness' revolver. On board the Stirling he was taken Witness would not give up his wes- to the ward-room to have his wound pon, so the pirates 'wrenched it off dressed, and did not see what hap- bis belt. Witness then shouted in pened afterwards.

Hindustani, "The pirates have

Mr. E. Kewell, accond engineer cized me," and noticed the light of the Haiching, gave evidence in in the guards' cabin switched on.

He heard the Indian guarda say the afternoon, He said he was awakened shortly after 1 a.m. by

"Shoot, shoot" and this was fol- the noise of shots and the ship's lowed by four or five shots. When sirca. He went to Mr. Wooward's the pirates heard the shots they cabin and found it empty. He then released witness and went to the made his way to the bridge. He guards' room. Witness then went was not armed, and was not in any on the bridge and helped in the defence of the ship. Witness was way molested. In answer to the handed a rifle for the purpose. Bench witness said he had a re

At this stage the proceedings volver in his cabin.

were again adjourned,

During his service, of nearly eigh - tven years. Mr. Field served for

staff, ending in, July, 1921. Dar, ing the period when crime was at its worst in Yaumati in 1922, he was Detective-Inspector in charge, Ile was once shot through the thigh while attempting the arrest of an armed man suspected of robbery.

Mob of Strikeri Held Up, An incident during the 1929 strike is recalled by the part played by this officer, who was responsible for the control of over 9,000 Chinese who attempted to leave the Colony. They were held up at the water. works for two hours by Sub-In- spector Field and four Indians. The mou finally broke through, but were stopped at Shatin by an arm- ed party.

Mr. Field was awarded the Royal Life Saving Certificate and Bronze Medallion in September last year, and on the eve of his departure from the Belilios Society for BBV- has received a monetary award

ing the life of a coolie at Chancery Lane in October last year. The in a trench.. man was rescued after being gassed

Giving evidence, the complainant said that he was alone in his shop on the night of January 19. Bo tween eight and nine o'clock, some one camo to the shop saying that he had been sent by a man named Wai Yuen. As he knew the last named, he opened the door when he saw three man who entered the shop and held him up with a re- volver, demanding money.

Continuing, complainant said he shouted for assistance and another man, living above him blew a po- fice whistle, The accused then ran away but they were pursued by a. crowd of villagers until they reach- a place enlled Tai Shek Hau, There they boarded a junk which The Braaland is a steamer of was waiting for them. "Evidence 1,545 tons nett, and was built, in ¦ was given that the 'junk had em: 1021. Her port of registry is Oslo,nt and one sail.

On the matter being reported to the Police, Sub-Inspector Hopkins with a arty of police com- mandeereed the ferry boat. Chan. They put out to the open sea where they sighted a junk which

Latest News,

A mesange from the master of the vessel received by the agents yester day afternoon brings news to the effect that all hands are safe. It

has been further ascertained that there were no passengers board, but no further information is given as to the damage done to the ship.

WEST RIVER NAVAL.

OPERATIONS."

ADMIRAL CHEN TO TAKE COMMAND).

Sun

tallied with the description given

by the villagers.

Revolver Shots Fired.

The police then overtook the junk and gave orders for it to stop. This was ignored so the offi- cers fired several revolver shots The Reross the bow of the junk. men immediately put the junk about and it was not till more! shuts had been fired that they stop. ped. No arms were found on board. Since Kiangchow was captured by the junk the men were scen

but when the launch get alongside Admiral Chen Chak's forces, the throw something overboard. Noth surgents on Hainan Island have fleding has been recovered since. On to Ting-an. Their number has been the junk a letter was found address- reduced to about 3,000, while thed to Wai Chuen-by Li Chan. naval forces have also suffered heavy

lossus.

P

to

further evidence was given by several villagers who said they saw the men boarding the junk.

Accused denied the charge and said they were on their way Macao, saying that they had set sail a few days previously.

LO

RIVAL FIRMS IN CONFLICT.

INTIMIDATION CHARGES

PROVED.

Admiral Chen pending the arrival of Fighting has been suspended" by reinforcements, but he has ordered the Canton gunboats to set up a blockade of the insurgents with view to cutting off their supplies.

In an interview with Press repre sentatives at Boihow, Admiral Chen said the insurgents who have fled to the mountains are no longer able to create disturbances, but will be comes bandits, and action has been taken for their extermination.

The two Chinese who were recent. Admiral Chen is leaving Hoihowly charged before Mr. T. S. Whyte for Canton in accordance with in- Smith at Kowloon Magistracy with structions from the Canton Higher using threats with the view of pre- Coramand, and will leave for the venting a vegetable dealer. and West River to direct the. Cantor others from unloading cargo from flotilla co-operating with the Can tonese troops against the Kwangsi Ironsides." Canton Naval Head quarters have received a telegram from the Admiral that be is expect el in Canton, by the end of the pre- sent month, bringing with him Wu Tao Nau, the leader of the Hainar

insurgents, who was captured week ago.

14

DEFENDING WUCHOW. LIVE-WIRE ENTANGLEMENSTS.

vernacular

According 10 the Press, there was no change in the military situation at Wuchow on Tuesday. A brief report from that city states that preparations are being made by the fronside " Kwangsi forces to attack Wuchow, where rumours are current that the Cantonese troops are ready to evacuate the city and fall back to Takhing. It is, however, consider ed unlikely that they will retire from the city without serious fight ing, as preparations are being ear- ried out for the defence of the city.

junk, were found guilty yester. day and fined $50 or one month's imprisonment.

Detective-Sergeant Fitches pro. secuted, and Mr. F. X. D'Almada, Jnr., appeared for the defence.

It was stated in evidence that the

complainant's wife had been asked to join an unlawful society. She refused and later her brother-in- law was assaulted. The complain. ant was about to unload Bome vegetables from his junk when the two defendants threatened that the junk-master and any others would be killed if they attempted to un- load the cargo.

A report was inade to the police nd later the two defendants were arrested in a tea-house where they found with the junk-master. After the defendants had been arrested it is alleged the junk-master Lad been warned not to give evidence, and for this reason he left the Colony.

A station coolie of the Kowloon Fire Brigade, who inter- forred with the police when the de fendants were arrested, was also taken to the police station but was subsequently discharged..

Since 1928, Mr. Field has been officer in charge of the Hawkers" Department. A fluent Chinese scholar, Mr. Field is in possession of Cantonese and Hakka certifi Live-wire entanglements have been The defence alleged that the cates, and is also acquainted with erected on the north-western out-ffair was a business quarrel, and Hindustani. The rounding-up of skirts of the city, and a number of that rivalry existed between the two mendicants also came within his pontoon-bridges thrown across the parties because they were in the range of duties, and last year he river to facilitate communication same line of business. sent away no less than 1,142 beg-between the troops in the city and gars from the Colony."

on the Fire Hill. There will be many who will re- On Tuesday the Cantonese troops gret the departure of Mr. Field, retired from Yunghui to Wuchow, who has been a very keen lawn and a number of Canton gunboats bowle player. He won many prizes are at anchor above the city to at the Police Recreation Club and cheek the advance of enemy troops. also won the championship of that | Severe fighting is expected within a institution in 1926.

few days.

EARLY MORNING FIRE.

PUT OUT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.

What might have been a serious fire was averted by the quick ar- rival of the Fire Brigade when the fire-cracker warehouse at 312, Des coux Road West caught alight early yesterday.

4 call was received at the Cen tral Fire Station at 3.30 a.m. One appliance from Kennedy Town and three from Central were soon da the scene and the combined efforts of the fire-fighters met with imme- diate success, and at 5.44 m.in. the "atop" signal was given.

THE CHEUNG CHAU

· MURDER CASE. -

HEARING FIXED FOR

WEDNESDAY,

Owing to the absence of a wit- ness, the case in which Yu Bang, Li Sze and Ip Sui Wan are charg- ed with the murder of a woman named Kwok Ching Chau, was again adjourned when it came for hearing before the Assistant District Officer, New Territories, Mr. J. S, MacLaren, at the Post Office Building yesterday.

J

CANTON, TREASURY

DEPLETED.

MERCHANTS DECLINE TO MAKE LOANS.

to

According the vernacular Press, the Kwangtung Provincial Treasury has become so depleted recently as a result of heavy mili tary

expenses that the Canton tried financial authorities have every means to raise money.

During the past fortnight, the Commissioner of Finance has been negotiating with various commercial guilds for loans on the security of Government taxes, but merchants have refused to lend money on the plea that funds are tight on the eve of the Chinese New Year.

the

The Commissioner naked Tobacco Merchants' Guild for a loan of $100,000, and a meeting was held this week by the Guild to con sider the matter. It was decided It is alleged that the accused not to comply with the request, as pushed the woman overboard, business has been so bad since last causing her to meet her death by year that most merchants have out- drowning, Henring has been fixed. fered losses, and therefore have no for Wednesday morning next. money to spare.

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