1930-03-13 — Page 7

-THE TANDA-ANKING COLLISION.

INCIDENT OFF HONG KONG IN A DENSE FOG.

ANKING OFFICER'S TRIBUTE TO HIS

CAPTAIN.

THE HONG KONG DAILY PIESS, THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1930.

The Second Omear.

The inquiry into the collision. Witness replied that he was in aiher away. The Adking altered his between the 8.9. Tands and sa Anking on the morning of February 20, just outside Hong Kong harbour was opened at the Harbour Once yesterday.

་

The Court was composed as fol lows: The Hon. Coinmander G. F. Hole, RN, retired (Harbour Master), Lieut.-Commander L. G. Addington, R.N. (H.M.S. Tamar), Capt. Stewart (8.8. Haining), Capt. D. Lefevre (a.s. Benreoch) and Capt. A 31 Frame (1.8. Taiping).

Mr. F. C. Jenkin and Mr. H. G. Sheldon, instructed by Mr. G. G.

Tinson, of Messrs. Johnson, Stokes and Master, appeared on behalf of Capt. Pilcher, of the Tanda and Mr. E. Davidson, of

Messrs. Hastings, Dennys and Bowley, was for Capt. R. Ritchie, of the Anking.

Owing to serious indisposition, was allowed to leave the Court and the evidence of the as. Anking's officers and crew was taken first.

+

Mr. Jenkin: I see some-one was in a fog because the figures are incorrect.

Mr. Edward John Hankin, second officer of the, 2.s. Anking, said that he held a master's certificate. He went on watch at midnight of February 23/26 and called the mas tar at 1.90 because dense fog was developing The master came to the bridge and rang to the engine room to stand by. At 1.39 witness heard a steamers whistle about a point on the port bow. It was im possible to tell the distance of the ship and the second appeared fur- hurry and that the information had course one point to starboard and been given to him by the second gave one prolonged blast every two

minutes. Witness next hoarda" officer, on watch.

signal at 1.33 3.m. "from the other Mr. Jenkin: Explain your hurrydship. He heard four blasts in all Witness: We were still in the from the other ship and it was fog.

after the second one that the Ant hearing the fourth blast he gave king's engines were stopped. After two short blasts in succession to show that the ship was stationary, and judging from a glanes over the side there was apparently no movement. At 1.39 the other ship came into sight, and he saw her must lights and then the starboard light. Wit get thres short piasts. The colli nest rang engines and sion occurred about one minute be fore the engines were stopped at 141 a.m., when the Anking's stem came into contact with the star- Answering further questions, wit.board side of the Tanda just about ness said that the vessel could the fore bridge. Immediately after the Anking touched the Tanda appeared rather quickly in the fog. The next signal heard from the Tanda was a prolonged blast. WIE ness wrote down his entries in the deck log at i am the times being taken from the engine room ing.

Witness replied that he didn't think that the official log book had to contain the exact facts of 13 incident, but merely a record...

Mr. Jenkin: You say that at 132: 30 sees or 1.34 you heard the fog signals. Where did you get these gurta, they are not in the log book!

Witness replied that they were ascertained later when writing up the log book.

PRESENTATION TO THE WATER SUPPLY.

MR. C. HYNES.

SIR ROERT HO TUNG'S RIBUTE.

THIRTY X YEARS IN THE AR EAST,

IN

872 MILLION GALLONS

ON ISLAND.

The total storage in the island reservoirs on the morning of Mon- day, March 10, amounted to 97288 -million gallon, shewing a decrease of 42.24 million gallons during the past week: the amount collected from strains being 4.47 million

The week's consumption amount- ed to 40.71 million gallons.

4

KOWLOON SUPPLY..

The total storage in the main- land reservoirs. on the morning of Monday, March 10, amounted tö 389.88 million gallons showing a decrease of 376million gallons dur- ing the past week.

There waqa large gathering of members of the Chinese and Euro- pean communities at the "At | gallons. Home" give by the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Hynes at St. John's Place, Gara Road, yesterday afternoon. mong those present were Sir Hety Pollock, K.C., Hon. and Mrs. H.wen Hughes, Dr. and Mrs. A. R. Vellington, Sir." Shou- sen Chow, th Hon: Dr. R. H, Kote: wall, C.M.C LL.D., Sir Robert The week's consumption amonat- and Lady B Tung Mr. and Mrs. ed to 24.88 million gallons, not in- Ho Kom Tog, O.B.E., Mr. Ewoked to Water Boats at Lai Chi Kok. cluding 216 million gallons suppli.

Shu Lau, Irs. Hallifax, Mrs.

The yield from the Shing. Mun Creamy, the fon. and Mrs. W.. E.

River and streams during the week was 23.28 million gallons L. Shenton, Dr. S W. Tao, Mr. and Mrs. H Wing, Mr. and Mrs. Ho Leang, r. and Mr. Ho Iu

Kwong, Mr.Fung Keng Un, Mr. and Mrs. Graburn, My Fung Pins Shan, Mr. S.M. Churd, Mr. T. N. Chaa, Mr. Kn Tung Po, Mr. Li Tai Fong, MKwok Sing Ha, Mr. K. F. Lay, . T. K. Wong, Mr. J. D. Bash, Ir. T. P Tong, Mr. Kan Tat Choy Mr. Yuen Yuk Chi, Mr. Y. L. Ip, dr. Au Jiu Cho, Mr.

Captain Pilcher, of the s.s. Tanda, gather steraway from a dead stop she came astern and the Tanda dis. Ir, and M. Ho Ki, Mr. Ho In my own case this feeling is t

A Dense Fog.

Captain Robert Ritchie of the 5.5. Anking said that he held an extra master's certificate.

The

Anking left Hong Kong for Swat at 5 pm on February 25, and until 1.90 am on the 26th the weather was clear. Later a dense fog en veloped the ship" and he was sum- moned to the bridge by the officer on watch.

The fog grew st

A

thicker at about 1.32. p.m. and the engines were rung to slow, minute and a half later be heard

the first fog signal. The vessel was then proceeding at about 4 or. 3 Enots. Hearing the second fog signal about two minutes inter from about a point on the port bow, he altered his scurse a point to star board. The next blast was more distinct but still appeared to be a point on his bow and closing in. Three minutes later the Anking's forward speed stopped, and the quartermaster reported that he had o steering way, and that the ship's head was drifting to starboard. The Anking gave two long blasts indicating that she had stopped and received similar signal is reply from the other ship.

ship, amongst those whom I am intensified by suck proote of friend- leaving, as have been given by your presence here to-day and by your farewell gift of n Blackwood screen, I can assure you that I appreciate very highly these marks of kindness from my Chinese fellow bankers and friends, and, if I may rightly regard furely to myself but partly also to it as a compliment, addressed not the Bank which I am. proud to re- present, my gratitude to you is," does not feel the greatest satisfac. if possible, greater, for who of us tion in any honour paid to an in- stitution which we have spent the

within half a minute if the engi peers were smart in responding to the telegraph signal. In witness's opinion a collision under the cir. cumstances, the Anking not making any headway and the Tanda going at about two or thres knots with a swing to starboard.

The Propellor Wash, could not have resulted in any more Cross-examining witness, Mr. Jen- strious damage to the Tanda thankin asked how far along the ship's

bent plate.

side the propellor wash reached, Mr. Jenkin suggested to witness Witness said that he noticed that the Anking stationary and that under the circumstances, with it was half along the ship's side-Tang Sin Kin, Mr. Li Yau Chuen, the about to the bridge. He could not Mr. Li Yick fui, Mr Fung. Wan Tanda bearing down on his port say whether the wash would reach bow heading S.S.W., there would as per mrward as the funnel if Chi, Mr. Chang CH Hon, Mr. not have been a collision unless there were no sternway, but it Kwan Wai Cbw, Mr. Kwok, Pak something else had been done.-I would come a certain distance if Chau," Mr. Leing Ching Sau, Mr. greater part of cur lives in serving t

A

agree.

14

Then you suggest that at the last minute the Tanda changed her mind and did something 1-Yea.

The President pointed out that vessels in turning usually pivot an the forebridge although in this cate there was no swing.

the ship were motorless.

of the engine room telegraph and The interval between the ringing the ship's going astern would be half a minute or less. He had only had one voyage on the Anking. He thought the orders given by the Captain were correct and splendid.

In answer to further questions, witness said that it was quite likely that the Tands would have cleared then had she remained on the course on which witness first saw her.

A Theory of the Collision. Witness was asked his explona-

Wireless, and Fog. Mr. Jenkis: From 144 to 9,15, no less than five messages were sent out by the Tanda to find out the name of the other ship in collision. At 2.16 am., a Japanese ship called the Sungshan Maru answered, say- ing that she thought she had beention as to why the Tanda's head Immediately after he saw two in collision at 2.16 and between that swung to starboard. Witness re- mast lights looming out from the time and 2.68 many messages pass-plied that possibly the Tanda did fog and also a green starboarded between the Sungshan Maru and not know whether the Anking was light. He thought that the lights the Tands, each inquiring about the wore about 30 to 60 feet away, and plight of the other. that the other must be at ship an A 8.43 a.m. the Tanda happened ohtuse angle and on, S.W. course, to intercept a message from the travelling at about two or three owner to the Anking. At 8.33, the knots. He could not see the huil, Tanda sent out a message to the of the other ship. On sighting her Anking" Were you in collision at he immediately rang the engines Pedro Blancho?" but received the astern at the same time giving amazing reply "Sorry. Know no- three short blasts. The ship had thing about it." powerful turbine engines, and could go astern immediately. The effect of going astern swung the ship even more to the starboard.

The collision occurred at 140 p.m. the stem of the Anking com- ing into contact with the other ship's hull.

President: You struik her then? -No, it came into contact.

Continuing, witness said that im mediately after the Anking went astern, and in fact was going astern

Repeated attempts were then again made by the Tanda to com- municate with the Anking, but

without result,

Fung Lai Tong Mr. Fong Chi Sau. Mr. Chu Chek fan and Mr. 'T. K. Lim.

SIR ROBERT HO (UNG'S

SPIECH.

The

Chinese commercial and banking circles tok the opportunity of making a resentation of a beautiful blackod screen to the Hon. Mr. A. CHyfes on his ap-" proaching depurare!

their

Old Days and To-da

.

I may fairly use this expassion in regard to my connection with my own Bank, for it is 38 years since I entered its service. All my ser- vice since I came East in 1887 has heen in places where I have been in close association with Chinese- bankers, merekants and friends, as I have all my time been stationed in Malaya, Siam, China and Hong Kong.

I shall always remember with the greatest of pleasure the Chinese friends we have met in these places, and trust that my wife Sir Robert H Tung in naking and myself may, in the not very Mr. Hynes to acct the gift said distant fature, revisit our old haunts Mr. Hynes, It indeed a great in the Far East and renew our

I will resist the; pleasure to me tohave been asked acquaintances. stationary or going astern Witby members of he. Chinese com temptation to let loose a flood of ness suggested that the Tanda's mercial communly to be

reminiscences which sa often fatally. port engias was put ahead. He spokesman on this occasion, and to attack persons in my position-on had in fact learnt a few days ago,resent to you tas souvenir as a the point that is of retirement-but from a copy of the Tanda's log-look, token of their gard and good these recollections belong to a past which had accompanied the sum mons, that her port engine was put parture on retirejent.

wishes upon you approaching de-age. Still, I must confess to a touch of the usual failing of ad- ahead, which would have made her

vancing years, of seeing the past to swing to starboard,

bright in contrast to the present. If I had to live my life over again and had the choice of living it in the same conditions or in the con-

place, I frankly admit that I should ditions which have now taken their stick to the good old past as a matter of personal predilection. I suppose I ought to be ashamed to my that I preferred the Hong Kong of the days when there were no motor roads and Repulse, Buy was a beautiful lonely beach, but auch is the case. It is probably out of place for me to deplore the motor roads, as I personally was respon. sible for bringing the first of those noisy contraptions called bicycles into the Colony. It was early in 1004 and the only other. motor vehicle" in the Colony was a

Mr. Jenkin: Can you say whether the log book mentioned this fact before or after the collision -I cannot. Then if it was after the collision it would not help your theory much.

What measures did you take to find out what ship you collided with Witness replied that this was a matter for the Captain to answer, nor could he say anything about wireless messages being received or transmitted whilst he was on duty,

the

Mr. Davidson asked witness if it was not a fact that although a ship had signalled "going astern, master was quite justified in chang-

said that a signal was only for the moment.

Damage to the Two Ships. Mr. John R. Kinghorn. Assistant Marine Superintendent of Messrs. Butterfield Swire, said that he examined the s.a. Tanda on Febru- ary 20, and the s.. Anking on March 4. The stem of the 3.5. An king was damaged bring twisted at the time of the impact. A from starboard to pon. The as. moment after the ships touched he Tanda was damaged on the star- saw the stern wash of his own board side opposite No. 2 hatch, vessel.

Had the Anting been going seven sheets of plating being daming his mind. Witness agreed and ahead at the time the other ship'e aged and the damage extending be hall would have been cut right low the waterline. Thirteen ships through and the Anking's etem frames were buckled and distorted. In answer to another question by would have been bent from port to Witness said that had the s.s. An. Mr. Davidson witness said that all starboard. Actually the stem was king been travelling at any speed traffic at that spot off the coast best the opposite way. He was both. ships would have suffered a was either up down and he port not aware of the identity of the great deal more. The stem of the ed his helm to keep clear. Having other ship at the time,

8.8. Anking was not very strong and ported the ship's helm once, it would be futile to do it again if Tanda Disappears."

could i bent one way or the other.

In answer to Mr. Davidson, wit-there was no effect, and the only Witness said that immediately after the collision the other saip ness agreed that the damage wasthing to do would be to stop. disappeared on the starboard bow. consistent with the theory that the He heard two long blasts in succes. Anking was almost stationary at sion from her and after that a the time. Witness added that to re- series of single blasts. The other pair the damage to the Topda ahip did not send out any wireless would involve considerable expendi- messages to find out what ship she ture, but the foriee of the impact had struck, and he drew the con- clusion that she was not in danger herself.

message

Later they received a from the s.8. Tanda after she had picked up a message which he had; sent to his owners.

The Ship'i Log.

4

:

was not gress.

1.39.

In the Engine Room, Mr. T. Armstrong, Third En- ginter of the s.s. Anking, stated that he was on duty in the engine

which he immediately carried out, room and received certain orders, and recorded on the slate. The or The Wireless Operator,

ders were 1.20 a.m. stand by, 1.32 slow ahead, 1.25 stop, 1.30 full as Lem Cho Yan, the wireless operatern, 1.41 stop, and half a minute tor of the ss. Anking, said that he

later to go slow ahead. Witness was awakened by a shock at 1.39 added that he felt a shudder on a.m. on February 26. He got up the ship between the full astern and and went on watch for five minutes, stop signals, or proximately. at during which time be sent out a Mr Jenkin in cross-examination message Q (all Stations) in case Cross-examined by Mr Sheldon. asked when the official ship's Jog assistance was required. Heceiving witness said that he had been "in was written up. Captain Ritchie no reply he returned to his bed. the Anking for four months. After said that it was written up that He made another call-a safety one receiving the order to go full as- day but at what hour he could not at 3 a.m. but did not send out or tern, the engines would gain füll remember. The fog continued all receive any other messages until 8 revolations in about half a minute, day and he was busy on the bridge. a.m. that thorning

but witness could not say if the Cross-examined by Mr. Jenkinship was actually going astern, as Witness agreed, in answer to Mr. Jenkin, that it was a matter of witness said that he forgot to enter he could not judge from the engine minutes between the time he heard the "QC" call in his log book on the first signal and the time of the this occasion. On returning to bed

room if the ship was moving.

collision.

he closed down his set and therefore Witness agreed that the official could not hear any signals being log book was written up from the made. He did not know of any deck log.

message being sent to his ship at A Discrepency.

8.25 4.m. that morning by the sa Mr. Jenkin pointed out to wit-Tanda, but picked up a message ness that in the log book it was which he could not make out at stated that the other ship's blasta 9.50 from the .. Tanda to Hong were heard at 1.32 a.m. and that, Kong. the engines were rung slow. Ae- Mr. Jenkins Did you at any cording to his evidence, witness time between 8 and am, on the had said that the engines were morning of February 26, get any slowed at 1:32 a.m. and the binets messages from the Tanda asking from the other ship heard a few you if you were in collision off minutes later.

Pedro Blanco 1--I did not.

In answer to the Court, witness said the engines had been put a tern about ten seconds before he felt the impact. The order to stop was carried out in about ten se- conds after its receipt.

I have had, if he past, necision to refer, with ense of perkonal pride, to my long, association with the Hong King and Shanghai Banking Corpordon. I have re- each of the form occasions when cently been rennded that upon presentations we made to your Predeccasors by Chinese, namely to Sir Thomas Jakson, Sir Newton Stabb, and Mr, AH. Barlow, I had the honour of beig the spokesman. (Applause.)

A gathering sch as this must necessarily accasm in as a sense of regret and sness, because it means saying "podbye" to one whom we have cae to know and respect, and who retirement con- stitutes a persona loss to many of us. This is partiularly so in my case, na. I ve received no- thing but kindnesand consideration irom you.

owa

your

The commercie community will remember with gratitude. potent assistance regard to the Trade Loan Jurig such a dark period of the Colof's history. (Ap plause.) For the st, I feel I need not say anything more than this: that under your de guidance and administration th fine tradition and the proud pasion of the Hong Kong and Shangi Banking Cor poration as the femier Bank in the Far East, had been maintain ed.

On behalf of you Chinese frienda express the since hope that you and Mrs. Hynes wilpave a pleasant voyage and many para of health, happiness and proserity in which to enjoy your retirefent, and I now ask you, Sir, to neeet this souvenir with our best wishes (Applause.)

MR. HYNES REPLY.

The Hon. Mr. C.

said:-

motor

motor car belonging to Dr. Noble (Applause.)

Changes For the Better.

But this does not at all mean that' I am blinded to the many changes for the better, and the greater promise for the future which the years have brought. I could casily enlarge on the marked improve meats,

material and otherwise, which have come to Hong Kong in the interval since my first arrival in the Colony, but I am speaking to many who know of those as well, or better, than myself, and it is enough to say that we all agree in a thankful recognition of the benefits which peaceful development and good Government have brought. If only we could speak with equal confidence of Chinal It is with only less anxiety and concern than your selves, that we English are watch ing events there. At present one is forced to confess that the position is confusing, although we plainly Hynesee the slow working of really pro- gressive forces which, I am sure, are bound to take charge in the end and bring about order and advancement.

Sir Robert Ho Tog, Ladies and Gentlemen, I do ot think it ia possible for anyone who has spent any important partof his working life in Hong Kongto pack up for his final departure without very keen feelings of reget and sorrow. (Continued on riji Golumn.).

The Chincze quartermaster of the Questioned by M, Sheldon, wit vessel stated that about 1.25 a.m. ness said that from his position at he heard a fog signal from a vessel the wheel he coul judge if the A on the port bow. He was then or-ship were going tern. As soon dered by the Captain to alter as they saw the lht of the other course one point to starboard. vessel the Anking bramenced to go Later he heard other signals from astern."

the other vessel. The Anking had This closed the Inking case and stopped before the collision. the Court adjoured until 10 a.m. (Continued at fool of next column). | to-day,

ing you for all your kind wishes and I will close by once more thank-

for your beautiful gift, which my wife and I will always treasure as an outward and visible reminder of this day. (Applause.).

I would also like to add that our pleasure is greatly increased by the fact that it has fallen to your lot, Sir Robert, to act as apokesman on the occasion of this presentation, since, besides being a very old personal friend of mine, you took the lead- ing part in similar functions when my predecessors, Sir Thomas Jack- son, Bir Newton Stabb and Mr. A. H. Barlow, left the Colony, (Ap- plause.)

POWELL'S

10, Ice House Street

SPECIAL CLEARANCE

of

WINTER SUITINGS.

Many are marked $65.00

They are worth $85.00 to $95.00

This is a Unique Opportunity for those going on leave to secure a High-class Suit for below. Home Prices.

INSPECTION INVITED.

YOU'LL ENJOY THESE

FAMOUS MUSICAL COMEDY

Columbia

AIRS OF THIRTY YEARS AGO,

RECORDS

9891-LIONEL MONCKTON'S MEMORIES”.

DEBROY SOMERSTM BAND

9883–LIONEL MONOKTON'S MEMORIES VOCAL GEMS

9882-PAUL BUBEN'S MEMORIES

DEBROY SOMERS BAND

The Anderson Music Co., L

AG

GOLF CLUBS

A large selection of IHONS and WOUDS just

"

arrived all made in the workshops' of

Geo. E. Smith

A professional who understands the local. conditions of play.

SPECIAL

FANCY PUTTERS

ALUMINIUM SPOONS

RUNNER UPS.

Also

SPALDINGS MATCHED SETS OF “KROFLITE " IRONS & WOODS

“RANGEFINDER "

STEEL SHAFTED BUSTLESS IRONS.

SPORTS DEPT.

LANE, ORAWFORD, LTD.